Maschine has fast become one of the most desirable bits of kit, not just for creating beats like its MPC predecessor, but in fact entire arrangements, for performing or in the studio. In this comprehensive set of tutorials, senior tutor Rob Jones takes you through every detail of the Jam hardware, explaining the many techniques and different approaches to creating music.

After showing the main functionality of the software, so anyone new to Maschine is up to speed, Rob dives into the hardware, beginning with a detailed look at the dedicated Browser for Jam, and how the d-pad and encoder are employed to navigate it. Then, there are thorough explanations of each of the main button modes, including 1-, 4- and 8- sound step modes, pad and keyboard modes, and the piano roll. Rob also shows how to use the touchstrips to mix, edit and automate devices, change step parameters, play notes and control the recently released Perform FX! The course ends with a detailed look at how Maschine Jam works in DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro.

As well as over 3 hours of streamed tutorials, the course comes with the Maschine projects made in the lessons and 4 free Maschine kits from Niche Audio. Before signing up, check out the sample modules for an example of the course content and delivery.

Sample Module

Module 1: Course Introduction and Jam Overview

Rob explains what will be covered on the course and then provides a brief overview of some of the main features of Maschine Jam.

Module 2: Maschine Software Introduction

A guide to some of the main software functionality, for those who are new to Maschine.

Module 3: The Browser

Some tutorials that explain how Jam’s dedicated Browser works, including a way of quickly stepping through instrument presets, swapping out sounds and browsing internal effects.

Module 4: Creating Drums in Step Mode

An introduction to the various Step Modes, showing how to construct beats and edit step parameters from the hardware.

Module 5: Creating Melodies and Basslines in Step Mode

Melodic Parts are added to the beats, including an arpeggiated-style lead hook and bassline, using Jam’s buttons in Piano Roll/Melodic Step Sequence Mode.

Module 6: Playing in Drums in Pad Mode

Shows how to play in drum parts, using different degrees of quantisation and completely freely, as well as various techniques for working with Note Repeat.

Module 7: Mixing with the Touchstrips

An introduction to the main Touchstrip modes, including Level and Control, showing how to balance the mix and tweak instruments and effects.

Module 8: Playing in an Arpeggiated Bassline in Pad Mode

A lesson that shows how to use Jam’s Arpeggiator to play in a rhythmic bassline in Keyboard Mode and then adjust the sound’s amplitude envelope.

Module 9: Playing in an Arpeggiated Chords Sequence

A guide to creating an arpeggiated sequence of chords, and some different techniques for adding variation in level and timing.

Module 10: Creating Strummed Parts with the Touchstrips in Notes Mode/strong>

A series of lessons that focus on Notes Mode for the Touchstrips, which allows MIDI notes to be played for numerous cool and unique ways of making melodic parts.

Module 11: Playing with Scenes

Techniques for jamming or performing, showing how to make and trigger scenes and Lock mode, which allows morphing between different project states.

Module 12: Performance FX

An explanation of how Jam’s Performance FX plugin works, showing the different modes and how to control them from Jam.

Module 13: Using Maschine in a DAW

Some examples of working with Jam inside a DAW, including Ableton Live and Logic Pro.

Bonus Module 1: Ableton Live Controller Editor Template

A walkthrough Jam's extensive Controller Template for Ableton Live.