Komplete Kontrol and Maschine SW Workflow Guide

Fulfill the promise of NI's tightly-integrated keyboard controller by learning the ins and outs of the hardware and its production capabilities.  Maybe you've got a new Komplete Kontrol MK2 on your desk or maybe you're curious what it would do if you bought one?  Either way, this course will walk you through a number of everyday production concepts, illuminating the possibilities and demystifying many of the Komplete Kontrol MK2's workflow features.

This course is organized into 5 main sections - each one designed to show you exactly how to use your Komplete Kontrol MK2 with the bundled Maschine software (SW) as a foundation for your home studio.  Each main section contains tips, demos and projects designed to inform and challenge you... not only to learn about Komplete Kontrol, but also to motivate you to actually use it!

Arranging and Composing

Watch and learn how groups, scenes, patterns and sounds (in Maschine SW) are integrated into the hardware buttons and hardware interface of your Komplete Kontrol MK2.  From FX to quantizing, the first main section of this course will get you up and running by understanding the way Maschine captures and structures your musical ideas.  This section explains and demonstrates an optimized workflow for getting your ideas down quickly and efficiently - straight from the hardware itself.

Groove, Swing and Rhythm

As your instructor, I'll tackle some of the most common real-world problems in music production - achieving rhythmic perfection!  This 2nd main section dives a bit deeper than other tutorials into the precise applications (and implications) of using swing to manipulate and perfect your beats.  You'll learn how to 'repair' a week groove and gain confidence with Maschine SW's essential groove-oriented features.

Audio and MIDI Routing

Of course, music production requires mixing, sends and various types of routing for audio and MIDI.  So, this 3rd section provides a clear set of 6 video lessons that explain these functions.  For example, you'll learn how to mix from the MK2 without looking at your computer screen.  You'll learn how and why to use sends and configure your Cue and Master for both studio and performance situations.

Maschine Workflow Tips

Komplete Kontrol hardware controllers integrate very nicely with Maschine software (SW), whether you are also using the Maschine hardware or not.  To become efficient with your MK2-based studio, you'll need to understand how presets and Komplete libraries are organized, scanned and accessed.  You'll learn how to move patterns around more easily for added creative freedom.  You'll even learn some keyboard shortcuts and tips for using Komplete Kontrol in your live performances.

I Wish I Knew First...

As your instructor, I've used Komplete Kontrol MK2 with Maschine (both SW and MK3 Hardware) to perform and produce music for commercial licensing.  My workflow has evolved in response to discoveries that I've made along the way.  In this section of the course, I've made an effort to organize some of my most valuable discoveries and share them with students of this course.

By the end of this course, you'll know the features of your Komplete Kontrol and feel confident in your workflow.  You'll gain insights into how and why Maschine SW and Komplete Kontrol MK2 work together in the way that they do (which is quite different than Maschine hardware...).  You can learn at your own pace from a passionate and curious instructor who is using this gear to make music every single day.  As a student of this course, I can promise that I'll be responsive and helpful with both technical and creative questions that you may have.