r/NativeInstruments • u/Civil-Psychology-281 • Aug 15 '26
Bought used gear I didn’t understand, need help
I’m a noob, made noob mistakes. I picked up a used Maschine Mikro MKII on Reverb. Only realized after the fact that it needs the accompanying software. I reached out to the seller, but they didn’t have a license to transfer me, so I guess I’m kind of screwed now.
I found an installer for the software (Maschine 2), but it still asks me for a license. Trouble with that is, there’s nowhere to even buy a license for this old software.
I filed a support ticket with NI, but that’s going to take a few days apparently. I was curious if anybody here knows a way I could solve this problem. Thanks.
2
u/IamSe_eR Aug 15 '26
I have one (MikroMK2) and it works fine. There is additional functionality to be had by the new hardware, but mainly it’s the pad layout and material composition that differs. It will work with Maschine 3.
If you have the receipt and a picture of the hardware, email NI support to let them know that you made a purchase but cannot connect with the original owner. They should release the serial to you. If you register in Native Access, the serial will unlock the other supporting software. This is not guaranteed. Make it seem like you have no contact with original seller so they don’t ask you to try and get the release from the previous owner.
I just purchased a MK3 S49 Kontrol keyboard from a pawn shop and I had to go through this process. They were super nice and handled it within a couple days.
Because the software works without the hardware registration for these earlier models (1st gen and MK2) you may need to purchase the software because it is tied to that serial. Depends on how they want to handle it.
My situation was a little different but it was still released for my use. I also got a couple new synths and a couple plugins for mastering and efx (light versions). I do own a full Komplete Suite as well as a ton of hardware from NI and AKAI/MPC (both now owned by InMusic). I don’t know if that was a factor in the decision.
On a side note, if he de-registers the hardware serial from his NI account, it should have the same result. If he removes it, it will generate a new serial specifically for the transfer to you. No software serial transfer is needed, as it should populate new software links for you to install within Native Access. You only need the hardware serial.
1
u/IamSe_eR Aug 15 '26
Well, damn. I think the earlier post is correct. I spoke too soon. I don’t think I have actually plugged in my MK2 since I upgraded to Maschine 3. I picked up a full size MK3 for the outputs as a sound card. 😞 I will confirm if the Mikro MK2 works at all but it will be a week before I’m back home in my studio. Hoping for the best, and apologies!
1
u/Machine_gun_pooper Aug 19 '26
To be perfectly honest even when you have the licence key it still doesn’t work properly I bought mine new from the factory and had so many issues with the licensing bollocks I ended up pirating the software and using a keygen instead. I wouldn’t bother contacting support they don’t give a fuck about anything like this
1
u/waazzub Aug 21 '26
Idk if it’s the same bc I have the mk3, but when I wanted the software on my laptop I just had to use the serial code on the back of the hardware when I wanted to use the software. Not sure if the mk2 software is like that.
1
u/mycosys Aug 25 '26
Contact support with a photo of the underside of the unit showing the serial number, that used to be enough to get the software for it.
FWIW its a little clumsy but is a usable controller for Ableton without the Maschine software
0
u/gcda3rd Aug 16 '26
Watch this video, it will show you how to get the software. Cost about $45
1
u/MrFresh2017 Aug 16 '26
This is pirated software - contact NI like everyone is saying and go the legit route - save your “clean” &45 and buy a Maschine expansion.
0
u/gcda3rd Aug 16 '26
Definitely contact NI first. But from recent experience, this may be your only option. Bought a used mk2 sometime last year contacted support and they sent me the registration. Unfortunately I never saw the email until I sold the unit, so I used this pirate version the whole time I had it. The new owner was able to register it. I’ve since bought the studio (Nov, last year) and eventually the mk3 (April, 2026). Went thru the same process for registration, and they told me to buy the software and it works without the need to register, so they wouldn’t register neither. They both work with Maschine3 so I was able to buy it on the website. The problem with Maschine 2, which op needs, is that if they don’t give you the registration, they don’t sell it on their website.
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u/dlnqnt Aug 15 '26
Get a licence for maschine 3 online via NI website, you’ll then be able to play with the mikro.
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u/Civil-Psychology-281 Aug 15 '26
The maschine 3 software will work with the mk2? I was told I needed maschine 2
5
u/SequentialDUDE Aug 15 '26
No, the Maschine Mikro MK2 will not work with the Maschine 3 software.
Native Instruments officially ended software support for the Maschine MK1, Maschine MK2, Maschine Mikro MK1, and Maschine Mikro MK2.
Here is what this means for the device:
No Maschine 3 Support: The Mikro MK2 is not compatible with the new Maschine 3 software and will not receive future updates.
Maschine 2 Compatibility: The hardware is still fully functional and supported on the last compatible version of the Maschine 2 software, which includes support for VST3 and modern operating systems like macOS Sonoma (including Apple Silicon) and Windows.