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Description

Experience the seismic power of the Native Instruments Massive Synth, a titan in the world of synthesizers designed to elevate bass music and electro production to new heights. This synth plugin is not just a tool but a creative powerhouse, renowned for its virtual-analog architecture that delivers cutting-edge sound while remaining intuitively accessible. Massive's interface is a masterclass in simplicity and functionality, allowing you to craft everything from thunderous basses to razor-sharp leads with ease.

Unleash your creativity with Massive's expansive library of over 1,300 presets, meticulously crafted by top-tier artists and sound designers. These presets cover a diverse range of styles, ensuring you find the perfect sound to fit your project. The synth's unique Wave Scanning algorithm boasts three parallel oscillator modules, offering unparalleled sonic flexibility and control. Each oscillator can blend seamlessly between waveforms, providing an expansive palette of sound design possibilities.

Massive's macro controls are a game-changer, offering instant, in-depth adjustments that transform each preset into a dynamic soundscape of potential. Whether you're in the studio or performing live, these controls provide powerful customization without the need for technical expertise. Add to this a versatile modulation system with advanced envelopes, LFOs, and step sequencers, and you have a synth that not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern music production.

Key Features:

  • Virtual-analog architecture for cutting-edge sound
  • Over 1,300 presets designed by leading artists
  • Three parallel oscillators with unique Wave Scanning algorithm
  • Extensive modulation options including advanced envelopes and LFOs
  • Macro controls for easy and profound sound customization
  • Suited for both studio and live performance environments

Product specs

Software Type Instrument and Effects library
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i5 / Apple Silicon or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What type of synthesis does Native Instruments Massive use?

Native Instruments Massive is a wavetable synthesizer, which uses multiple wavetables and oscillators to create complex synthetic sounds suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Is Native Instruments Massive compatible with my DAW?

Native Instruments Massive is compatible with most major DAWs, supporting AAX, AU, and VST formats. Ensure your DAW supports one of these formats for seamless integration.

Can I run Native Instruments Massive on my computer?

Native Instruments Massive requires a 64-bit system. For Mac, it needs macOS 11 or later with an Intel Core i5/Apple Silicon or higher. For PC, it requires Windows 10 or later with an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 or higher and at least 4GB RAM.

What makes Native Instruments Massive popular among producers?

Native Instruments Massive is renowned for its powerful sound engine and versatile modulation capabilities, making it a staple for creating dynamic, evolving sounds in electronic music production.

Does Native Instruments Massive come as a download or physical product?

Native Instruments Massive is available as a digital download, allowing for immediate access and installation on your computer.

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Massive Sounds from Native Instruments Massive Synth

Video thumbnail for Massive Sounds from Native Instruments Massive Synth by SoundsAndGear

Massive Sounds from Native Instruments Massive Synth

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for PROJECT PRESET - Native Instruments Massive by TORLEY

PROJECT PRESET - Native Instruments Massive

TORLEY

TORLEY

Video thumbnail for How to use everything in MASSIVE | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

How to use everything in MASSIVE | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear is MASSIVE by AudioPilz

Bad Gear is MASSIVE

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for KOMPLETE TruTorials: Create 808 Basslines with MASSIVE | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

KOMPLETE TruTorials: Create 808 Basslines with MASSIVE | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Massive Beginner Tutorial - Part 1 (The Basics) by Shamshir Sound

Native Instruments Massive Beginner Tutorial - Part 1 (The Basics)

Shamshir Sound

Shamshir Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive interface with extensive modulation routing, praised for its flexibility

  • Massive library of wavetables and presets, ideal for diverse sound creation

  • Known for creating iconic bass sounds, especially in dubstep and EDM

  • Versatile synth, suitable for bass, pads, leads, and more

  • Highly regarded for its educational value in sound design

  • Excellent sound quality, often described as clean and powerful

  • CPU-friendly compared to newer plugins like Serum

  • Comprehensive tutorial resources available online

  • Easy-to-use drag and drop modulation system

  • Compatible with most major DAWs, enhancing workflow integration

CONS

  • Outdated interface and graphics, lacks modern visual appeal

  • Commonly used in EDM, making it challenging to create unique sounds

  • Limited by fixed wavetables, lacks custom wave editing capabilities

  • Can sound overly digital, requiring post-processing for warmth

  • Higher learning curve for mastering complex patch creation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Massive Synth.

Features and functionality

  • Massive's interface is loved for its old-school charm, providing a straightforward layout that's effective for quick understanding and sound shaping.

    Source
  • Massive excels in creating classic mid-2000s drum and bass reeses and neurobasses, attributed to its distinct filters, distortion, and oscillators.

    Source
  • Massive's distinct "Scream" filter offers a unique sound not replicated in other synths like Serum, providing a grittier, more aggressive tone ideal for specific genres.

    Source
  • The "Randomize" button in Massive is highlighted as a useful tool for quickly generating new sound ideas, particularly for effects.

    Source
  • Massive allows routing of insert effects at various points in the signal chain, offering flexibility in sound design not available in Serum or Vital.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Despite newer synths, Massive remains relevant due to consistent updates by Native Instruments, ensuring continued DAW and OS compatibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Massive is versatile beyond its dubstep fame, being notably used in soundtracks like Hyper Light Drifter and Fez for its rich, cohesive soundscapes.

    Source
  • Massive is highly regarded for EDM, specifically for crafting drum kits, big basslines, and synth leads, reinforcing its versatility in electronic music production.

    Source
  • Massive is praised for its ability to handle high voice counts without taxing the CPU, making it suitable for complex soundscapes in electronic music.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate Massive for its intuitive design, allowing easy modulation and sound exploration with a clear, single-window interface.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer Massive for its warmer, analog-like sounds, contrasting with Serum’s more digital tonality, especially in bass production.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While Serum offers newer features, Massive's sound quality remains high, and it continues to offer unique sonic possibilities in synthesis.

    Source
  • Massive X is noted for creating more complex sounds compared to the original Massive, which is favored for learning due to its simpler interface and abundance of tutorials.

    Source
  • Users note that Massive’s "Dimension Expander" effect offers a superior stereo effect compared to Serum’s version, contributing to its unique sound character.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Massive is frequently available on sale, with offers like 1300 presets for 19 euros, making it an affordable option for expanding sound libraries.

    Source
  • At $20, Massive is considered a worthwhile purchase for its unique presets, even for those who already own more modern synths like Serum.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Native Instruments Massive review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Massive by Native Instruments lives up to its name with a powerhouse of features and potential, making it a top choice for synth enthusiasts. Its user-friendly interface, clever modulation system, and rich oscillator and filter options make sound creation a breeze. However, the presets are underwhelming, lacking the punch you might expect from such a sophisticated tool, and it comes with a hefty price tag. Despite these drawbacks, Massive's versatility and ease of use keep it at the forefront for both novice and experienced sound designers.

positive

Native Instruments Massive

soundonsound.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 315 Reviews and 1348 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
tymofii_androshchuk

Great universal purpose synth

It’s almost perfect. It has great and intuitive interface, nice sound, huge collection of presets, a lot pf additional settings and elements to be more versatile. The only problem with it is a very archaic layout, which doesn’t really work for its functions.

cutoi

Best free from NI

So fast and sound good, but graphics is lack of font, sumary still good to used and easy to have.

modulate

One of the best

Absolute solid performer, it did things nothing else could and comes stacked with a huge selection of wavetables and filters, great modulation, great interface, it's a modern (talking) classic.

Until Serum, this was absolutely the Daddy of VSTs. Spawned a thousand dubstep and neuro tracks, but it's much broader than that, covering everything from FX heavy ambient drones to supersaw trance leads, solid basses, gorgeous pads, if you had to chose one synth, for a long time, this would be it.

odysseyeurobeat

So much more than bass!

If you produce electronic music of any flavor, chances are good that you’ve heard of this almost entirely ubiquitous plugin from an equally ubiquitous developer. Massive bills itself as “the ultimate synth for bass and leads”, but it’s capable of so much more, including lush pads, meticulous arpeggios, piercing plucks, and even noise effects.

I actually use Massive a bit TOO much in my own work— need a pad? I'll open an instance of Massive. Need bass? There's Massive. Making a piercing eurobeat brass? "Square-Saw II" in Massive. It handles bass and leads fantastically, sure, but it handles everything else quite wonderfully as well.

riverjordannn

A Legend

I got Massive early in my production years, shortly after realizing that Sylenth1 was not going to satisfy all my production desires. Massive is a popular, easy to learn, difficult to master soft synth with tons of tutorials and presets available. While my production style has started to lean away from electronic sounds, I still find myself using Massive in most of my projects, as it can sneak its way into many different styles.

john_withers

One of the classics

Once one of the best programs around. Now , early 2019, a little bit dated but due for an upgrade that will likely push this back into the elite. I actually never used it much...not sure why...maybe found the interface a bit challenging, maybe just was used to using other sources. But I really never gave it a great try as it was just part of Komplete that I bought mainly for Kontakt and samples. When updated maybe it will catch my fancy! hehe

djfriendzone

Flexible and Inspirational

As a wise man on YouTube once said "And here, ladies and gentlemen, is the best software synthesizer in the world." This is probably due to the excellent modulation routing, the creator of which deserves a nobel prize because it's a lot of fun to try out new combinations of modulation. It can steer toward a colder, more edgy sound, however, so if you're looking for "warmth", additional post processing may be required. But if you're into EDM, you almost need this in order to follow the current trends. A lot of great resources and tutorials out there for this, too.

julienrelive

Old but gold.

I've always had that synth laying around in my plugin list but actually never used it as much as I do now days. Great options, amazing sound quality and a unique interface makes working with this VST super great. Definitely my No.1 and Go-To Synth when it comes to House and Electronic music.

Genres:
erynn

Great for making beefy basses, plucks, synths, just literally great for everything.

Refer to title.

I've worked with massive for a long time. its one of those plugins that just, grow on you, ya'know?

seethru

There is a reason everyone uses it

This is an all around great synth. The wavetables are great, the filters are great, the envelopes are great, and just about every other feature is better than most soft synths on the market. Of course, because it is so great, it is used by just about everyone in EDM, so you have to attempt to avoid the rut of sounding like everyone else, but Massive is versatile enough to set yourself apart from the pack with a bit of effort.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Datsik uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Datsik

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"I use massive a lot and I use the Performer a lot, the Performer is genius. If I run out of ideas I'll just hit randomize, maximize all the values and just bounce out whatever I have over like an 8 bar period, and then you get some really interesting things. And then you take the parts that sound the coolest, you sample it, then you start arranging. Then once you arrange it, then you throw the fx over top of it."

See how Audien uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Audien

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In an Interview with Sonic Academy, Audien explains that he used Massive as one of the layers for the lead in Wayfarer @ 13:49

See how Noisia uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Noisia

Music Producer

Noisia & Pacific

...
Verified via YouTube

At 23:55, Martijn of Noisia states that they use Massive for bass sounds.

See how James Blake uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

James Blake

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the minute 4:39 James Talks about how he used the massive plugin in his first album

See how Firebeatz uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Firebeatz

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

NI's Massive is one of Firebeatz's go-to synth plugins.

See how Seven Lions uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Seven Lions

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

When asked on Twitter "What programs/equipment do you recommend?" Seven Lions includes NI's Massive in the list, which is one of his few soft synths he relies on.

See how DVBBS uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

DVBBS

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram photo of DVBBS producing on the go (appears to be an airport lobby), you can see the Native Instruments Massive synth open on the MacBook.

See how Borgore uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Borgore

Music Producer, DJ

Alphamale Primates

...
Verified via Talkindubz

"... I use Native Instrument's Massive mostly as a synth VST..."

See how Kill The Noise uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Kill The Noise

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via Vine

Native Instruments' Massive virtual synthesiser can be seen on a computer monitor in this video captioned "Batting". This photo was uploaded by Kill The Noise to his Vine page on 19 August 2013.

See how Excision uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Excision

Music Producer, DJ

Destroid

...
Verified via Reddit

"Massive is the go-to but also Albino, predator, gladiator, I have a Virus TI2 now which is badass"

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Jean-Michel Jarre on the evolution of music technology: Part 1" by Native Instruments, Jean-Michel Jarre uses the Native Instruments Massive Synth at the 0:07 mark.

See how Mat Zo uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Mat Zo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Ibiza Nights: Protecting the Sanctity and Libido Of Dance Music

From an interview with Mat Zo: "A lot of the synths I like to use are Zeta Plus, and Massive, and you know, all kinds of different things that I can find to get different mix sounds."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Massive Synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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canaral

canaral

Gear IQ 78

2 alternative and related items for Native Instruments Massive Synth, curated by the Equipboard community.

Xfer Serum Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer

 

high-end alternative

Very similar to Massive in a lot of ways but it's got enough of it's own features to stand out...sound quality is absolutely top level.

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