Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today released MASCHINE 1.6, a major free update for its acclaimed groove production studio. With the addition of plug-in hosting for instruments and effects, the new version significantly expands the scope and functionality of the system. MASCHINE 1.6 also includes a free download of the new KOMPLETE ELEMENTS bundle, and adds a multitude of other new features for studio production and live performance.

With added support for VST and AU plug-ins, MASCHINE 1.6 profoundly widens its creative possibilities, turning the system into a full-featured instrument host. Both the whole range of KOMPLETE INSTRUMENTS as well as all third-party instruments and effects can now be used directly in MASCHINE, complementing its integrated sampler and FX features. Due to an “Auto-Mapping” function, plug-in parameters are conveniently pre-assigned to the high-resolution knobs on the MASCHINE controller, allowing for intuitive sound tweaking directly from the hardware.

To give producers an even more comprehensive sound arsenal on top of the sample-based factory library of MASCHINE, the 1.6 update also includes a free download of the new KOMPLETE ELEMENTS instruments and effects collection. Based on the powerful engines of KONTAKT, REAKTOR and GUITAR RIG, it contains over 1,000 production-ready sounds selected from the studio-standard KOMPLETE 7 bundle, including Abbey Road vintage drums, Vienna Symphonic Library orchestral sounds, an assortment of sampled band instruments, various REAKTOR-based synthesizers, a versatile assortment of amp emulations and effect pedals from GUITAR RIG and more.

Further enhancements in MASCHINE 1.6 include an increased number of effect slots, a new “Pad Link” feature, individual swing per sound, clip and sample renaming, expanded Drag & Drop functionality, support for up to 32 audio I/O channels, full Mac OS X 64bit support, and a wide range of detail optimizations.

The 1.6 update and the KOMPLETE ELEMENTS bundle are available as free download for all owners of MASCHINE.