Massive X
by Native Instruments · Synth · Wavetable
vst3s Score 8.2/10 · rated #9 of 10 synths
The successor to Massive, the synth behind early dubstep and bass music. Massive X pairs wavetable oscillators with phase modulation, a flexible routing matrix and deep modulation.
It is strongest on evolving basses and pads.
Best for: Bass, Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: wavetable, basses, cinematic, evolving, pads, aggressive, deep, drag-and-drop routing, drones, macro controls, original design, preset-driven, sound design.
What it does
Massive X is Native Instruments' 2019 successor to Massive. It was redesigned from scratch rather than updated.
- Oscillators: two wavetable oscillators with over 170 wavetables and 10 ways of reading them, including the aggressive Gorilla modes, plus phase-modulation oscillators.
- Routing: send any output to any input, including feedback loops.
- Modulation: nine envelope/LFO slots with drag-and-drop, Performers for drawn modulation patterns, and a Tracker for note-dependent modulation.
- Filters and effects: several filter types with sub-modes, three insert effects placeable anywhere in the chain, and stereo output effects.
- Play page: 16 macros for quick sound morphing.
780 presets. Available on its own or included in Komplete; version 1.7.1.
Source: Native Instruments product page
When to use it
Massive X is the modern version of the bass-music workhorse. It sounds smoother than the original Massive and its routing is very flexible, but users find it slower to program than Serum 2 or Vital, and it has seen fewer improvements since launch. It makes most sense if you already own it through Komplete.
- Best for: evolving basses, growls and wubs, cinematic pads and drones.
- Genres: dubstep, bass music, drum and bass, cinematic.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a strong wavetable editor (Serum 2, Vital, Phase Plant), a fast workflow, or a light CPU load.
What producers say
Admired for its sound, criticised for its workflow.
- Sound On Sound (Simon Sherbourne, 2019) said it "isn't just an update, it's a whole new synth", praising the filters and effects, but felt the release was rushed and noted there was no wavetable or sample import.
- KVR users (4/5) praise the sound and routing.
- Gripes: a click-heavy interface, weak preset management, much higher CPU than the original Massive, and few improvements over the years.
Where to buy
- Native Instruments: $149
- Best Service: $187.09
- Sweetwater: $199
- PluginFox: $199
- AudioDeluxe: $199
- Plugin Boutique: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- How to Use Everything in Massive X (Native Instruments)
- MASSIVE X Walkthrough (Native Instruments)
- Advanced MASSIVE X - Bass Sound Design [Tutorial]
- Introducing MASSIVE X
- Massive X Sound Demo
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