Discchord sent word about this video, which demonstrates how you can use a $600 Native Instruments Maschine controller to play Rock Band 3, using free software and gear.

“Not only is this a lot of fun, but it is great practice!”

Using a $600 MIDI controller to play Rock Band is sort of a stupidtacular abuse of overwhelming power – but hey – if you got it, you might as well use it.

If anybody else has abused their MIDI gear to play Rock Band 3, we want to know about it. Leave a comment with your misguided tale.

See below for the details on how to setup up Maschine with Rock Band 3. 

Hardware used:
Native Instruments Maschine
M-Audio UNO USB-MIDI Adapter (any one will do)
Madcatz MIDI Pro-Adapter (set velocity to max)

Software:
MIDI-OX – http://www.midiox.com/
Maschine Config – http://www.mediafire.com/?as5o0uqaj6kj14g

Instructions:
First connect your PC’s USB-MIDI interface and the Maschine. Launch Native Instruments’ Controller Editor and load up the Config file. Download and install MIDI-OX, it’s free for non-commercial use. Launch MIDI-OX.

Go to Options – MIDI Devices…
From the MIDI Inputs menu select the Maschine
From the MIDI Outputs menu select your USB-MIDI interface.
Up at the top type something like RB3 into the Preset name and then hit the disk icon to save. Now all you’ll ever have to do is launch MIDI-OX when your interface and Maschine are plugged in and it’ll do its thing.

With MIDI-OX set, plug your “To In” MIDI Cable into the Madcatz MIDI In. That’s it, you’re ready to rock. After your initial setup it only takes about 20 seconds to get going. It’s much faster than dragging the old drum kit out!