MIKRO MK3 is no compromise when it comes to pad size, quality or sensitivity and the same goes for the Smart Strip.MIKRO MK3’s reduced price and portability make for an easier entry into the MASCHINE ecosystem and its bundled software is both fantastic and something that can be expanded upon. It would seem that kind of functionality can be added in a future firmware update, but it’s not there as of now (September 2018) and I didn’t see the word “MIDI” printed anywhere on the panel, so if that’s important to you, check again before you buy.So that’s what’s gone, let’s look at some improvements: first, as I mentioned above, the price – MIKRO MK3 is now $50 cheaper, which makes it easier to enter into the MASCHINE ecosystem.Two other noteworthy additions are the Smart Strip and Pad Mode shortcuts. I was very happy with the improvements and added features in the new model when I switched.MK2 + Software is 150 € cost with second hand version.I also use my mk1. I have found the LCD screens can die on the mk2 (have seen a few returns where I wk). The screens definitely help a lot. In NOTES mode, the Smart Strip lets you strum notes like a guitar. It would be nice if Native Instruments implemented some sort of UI where the chord names could be seen on screen.One more thing that was not available at the time of this review, was the ability to use MIKRO MK3 as a MIDI controller with other software. If you have no experience I would recommend the mk2, as it would probably be cheaper.As far as capabilities, the same things can be accomplished with both. ?, the only difference were the transport knob and colors.i prefer my old school mk1 to a mk2, but i may switch to MK3 for screens and improved shortcutsNew comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be castA place for discussion of the various Maschine controllers, Maschine software, MPCs, and anything else with tappy pad triggers. I guess I should have said improvements inst as of difference. MIKRO sells for $250 and MASCHINE MK3 for $600. Currently the chord names don’t appear on the software either, though you can see which notes are in a chord on the piano roll. level 1 Most noticeably, the screen is much smaller. As far as capabilities, the same things can be accomplished with both. That has advantages and disadvantages – the advantages being powerful software and an immense content library, the virtually unlimited storage of computers, the flexibility of software and support for third party plugins. So in light of all the above you need to decide if the screens and extra hardware control, and the audio interface are worth it for you.MIKRO obviously also beats MASCHINE out on size. The MASCHINE MK3 is designed to give you access to almost all the features of the software in hardware form, so that you don’t need to look at your computer.The MIKRO MK3 doesn’t aspire to do that, it’s more of a hardware form companion for the things that are more difficult to do in software, with the pads, smart strip and encoder being the obvious hardware advantages. MIKRO MK3 is based on a workflow philosophy of controller-computer-screen-mouse rather than trying to go for the controller-only workflow of the bigger MASCHINE MK3 and MASCHINE STUDIO.Funny as it may sound, where I miss the screen the most is when playing the MIKRO pads in CHORD mode – where it would be nice to see the chord names on a screen. It's better than a Studio (but not by enough that I feel bitter about getting locked into a rental on one 3 days before MK3 was announced) and it's a significant upgrade on the MK2. Whether or not using a computer for this impedes on your workflow or not is obviously an issue of personal preference.Browsing functionality on MIKRO was described above so I won’t repeat it, but of course on the bigger MASCHINE MK3 – everything is accessible directly using the hardware controller. Also you get awesome screens that really enable you to not look up at the computer screen.

MIKRO MK3 vs MK2 – what’s gone Usually when a new product version comes out, improvements are expected – and that was certainly the case with the move from the bigger MASCHINE MK3 from its MK2 version.

With the MIKRO MK3 you can start and stop sampling, but that’s pretty much it. The mk3 would have fewer button clicks, and menu levels. MIKRO MK2 didn’t have a hardware only workflow regardless of its screen, so if you don’t mind using a mouse and computer, MIKRO MK3 will fit very nicely in your setup doing things a mouse and keyboard can’t. The mk3 would have fewer button clicks, and menu levels. I accept that my given data and my IP address is sent to a server in the USA only for the purpose of spam prevention through the 4 Easy Setups for Quadraphonic Music Making: Ableton, Eurorack, VCV Rack and DAWlessDouble Synth Review: Bastl SoftPop and Gecho Loopsynth – two odd travel companions That said, you can of course edit your arrangement using the SCENE and PATTERN buttons on the hardware – you only need the computer screen for things like the overall visual graphic view and labels.Another big difference between the two is that the MASCHINE MK3 also has a built in audio interface with a good amount of outputs and inputs including 5 pin MIDI out and in. I’ve looked at videos of the mk2 and it looks like arranging is very dependent on the computer UI whereas the mk3 can do all of it in the box with the enhanced screens.The MK2 and MK3 are the same price. Those are welcome additions also previously appearing on the bigger MASCHINE MK3.The Smart Strip is a four function touch sensitive controller.