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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
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krzakson8

Massive is legendary synth

This one was workhorse for a lot of music producers in industry and still is. Known for its sound design capabilities and drag and drop modulation. Its a great overall synthesizer to make any kind of sound. The only thing that i slightly dislike is user interface but once you get used to it then its not really a problem anymore.

juniorprimate

Great synth for bass work and leads

It's a pretty diverse synth. It wasn't easy to pick up and run with. I feel you need to spend some time with Massive to get in with it. I suggest watching tutorials and copying some preset creation tutorials online first. It can be great for bass work and leads. Also the noise filter makes some great risers and downers. I personally appreciate Serum a little more as a wavetable synth but Massive is where it is for a reason. There's a lot of flexibility and modulation that you can do. Deserves respect fo sho!

lilythewolf

A neat synth

I know everyone and their grandmother uses Massive, but honestly, it's a pretty good synth. I like how routing all the envelopes and LFOs works, and it's got some pretty good effects. I know a lot of people use it for dubstep basses and the like, but as someone who doesn't make much dubstep, it still works really well.

D

Extremely useful and great for learning.

Massive is a highly versatile and useful synth that is almost a standard if you're making electronic music. It has over a dozen wavetables and tons of settings to customize your sounds to perfection. It works with pretty much every major DAW and it's great for learning how to make sounds, since the techniques you can learn with it apply in some way to almost every other synth. A definite must-buy.

S

A must-have plugin for dance music production

Massive is just a MASSIVE plugin in my tracks. Every single wobble bass I've made was in Massive. If I would know the owner of Native Instruments I would say thanks to him and the developers for bringing the best, if not, one of the best plugins in the world in terms of Dance music production.

gchiaren

...but is it massive?? ;)

S

Haha in my opinion it is because if you compare how many waves you can do in massive compared to any other synth alone you get so much more for your money though all the sounds are pre-made which is sad because since its an wavetable synth it would have been better if it had the capability of making its own waves.

ibizzet

Best in some cases.

Best in certain cases.

It can't do everything other soft-synths can do, but it does very well what it is meant for, being a clean-sounding subtractive synthesizer. Massive is where I learned sound design and it helped me understand basic techniques including Filters, FM Modulation, LFO's, and Wavetables.

Would reccomend to anyone looking for a user-friendly way to create crazy sounds without overloading your CPU.

savethewrld

Use it everytime.

You can never go wrong with Massive. This synth can be used from everything from Bass Growls, deeps basses, fluttery future bass saws, to bells, and pads.

spike_burton

The synth I learned on

I spent countless hours reading the manual, reverse engineering presets and making my own sounds from init. From using Massive I learned all the basics of subtractive synthesis, got more curious about FM, and started figuring out what the f*ck wavetables are and how they work (try making some simple PPG/Waldorf-type sounds as an exercise, it's fun ;)

williamheadings

Classic synth

This is a classic but over the years you realize how many features it lacks.

pkennethk

Lacks compared to what? Serum?

axvard

Native Instruments Massive Synth

Massive is a commercial wavetable software synthesizer plugin manufactured by Native Instruments for use in professional audio production. It utilizes several wavetables and oscillators in the creation of synthetic timbres. The software can be used as a VST plugin within a digital audio workstation, or as a standalone program. Released in 2007, the plugin has gained widespread popularity in the electronic music field, and is one of the most popular synthesizer plugins for modern dance music production.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martin Garrix uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Martin Garrix

Music Producer

AREA21

...
Verified via Twitter

From Twitter: "@marvinpoo true, I started like that (everybody does) but now I've bought FL, Logic, Nexus, Sylenth1, Massive and Gross Beat! haha"

See how Skrillex uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via Vine

In this Vine video clip, Skrillex is making some sounds using Ableton and Native Instrument's Massive Synth. He says, "Just makin/demoing some new fun soundz #ableton #massive" (clip is dated March 2013).

In a November 2011 interview with Music Radar, he says, "My two personal favourites are NI's Massive and FM8... I haven't really expanded too far off FM8 and Massive because I know them so well and can pretty much make any sound I want with them - especially with FM synthesis, which is so basic." The original source article can be found here.

See how Deadmau5 uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:34, Joel can be seen using Massive.

See how Avicii uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via Emusician

"I use [Native Instruments] Massive a lot, too. I do enjoy tweaking Massive; that’s fun, you can do a lot with that synth."

See how Hardwell uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Hardwell

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:52 in this video, Hardwell can be seen browsing through presets in Massive.

See how Matthew Bellamy uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : "The synths on the album are mostly hardware, though we did keep some of the soft synths from pre–production, during which Matt likes to use Native Instrument’s Massive, Rob Papen’s Predator and Air Music’s Vacuum Pro."

See how David Guetta uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Guitarcenter

MASSIVE ranks highly on Guetta's list of favorite software synths.

See how Diplo uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Diplo

Music Producer

Major Lazer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Diplo about Native Instruments KOMPLETE," Diplo discusses his appreciation for the versatility of the Native Instruments Massive Synth, highlighting its role in his music production.

See how Porter Robinson uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Porter Robinson

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Flushthefashion

Another one of Porter's indispensable soft synths.

See how Steve Aoki uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Steve Aoki

Music Producer, DJ

Rifoki

...
Verified via YouTube

Steve Aoki: "For the most part I really focus on a plugin I use called Massive. All around, amazing plugin, you can do so many different things with the sound."

See how Axwell uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Axwell

Music Producer

Swedish House Mafia

...
Verified via YouTube

you can hear on the drop "sq power stab" which is a preset from massive.

See how Knife Party uses Native Instruments Massive Synth

Knife Party

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Swire "Leads generally comes from Reaktor, Massive, Sylenth1"

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

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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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