Native Instruments (http://www.native-instruments.com) has released Maschine 1.5, a free update of its computer-based music production system. The upgrade has more classic drum machine features, improved host integration, new sampling functions, an extended sound library, and a more efficient workflow.

Maschine 1.5 introduces two new "vintage sampler" modes designed to emulate the gritty sonic signatures of the popular MPC-60 and SP-1200 models through omponent modeling. The 1.5 version also loads the programs of nearly all MPC models ever built, opening up a vast resource of existing sound and sample material within Maschine.

Maschine 1.5 also enables a new level of DAW integration with host automation through new macro controls, MIDI pattern drag and drop export, direct DAW recording of Maschine events, MIDI pitch bend and CC support, and more. The real-time sampling features of Maschine benefit from extended slicing and mapping options. The 1.5 version also introduces a full arsenal of destructive audio editing functions for sample manipulation.

The Maschine 1.5 update includes an assortment of additional instrument and drum sounds, based on a gigabyte of high-quality sample material. The library has been expanded with special versions of Abbey Road 60s & 70s Drums, electric pianos and bass guitars from Scarbee, contemporary acoustic strings taken from the upcoming Session Strings instrument, sampled vintage analog synths, and resampled MPC-60 hip hop kits from sample expert Goldbaby.

Further enhancements in Maschine 1.5 include a new "Grain Stretch" effect algorithm, a "16 Velocity Levels" pad mode, MIDI file export, extended polyphony options, improved event editing and navigation on the controller, project default templates, sample consolidation for improved song portability, and a wide range of minor optimizations. The 1.5 update is available as a free download for all owners of Maschine; for new users the cost is US$699.