Native Instruments MASCHINE MK3 Groove Production Studio (Black) - Manual (Page 120)

The 16 pads representing the full Pattern (the Pattern is one bar long).
The 16 pads representing the second quarter of the Pattern (the Pattern is four bars long).
8.1.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode
It is also possible to record modulation in Step mode. This allows you to precisely define value
changes for parameters at specific moments.
The procedure is straightforward:
Creating Beats with the Step Sequencer
Building Up a Beat in Step Mode
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 120