Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Native Instruments Massive Synth". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
SoundsAndGear
Massive Sounds from Native Instruments Massive Synth
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
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
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 315 Reviews and 1348 Ratings
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.
281
Best free from NI
So fast and sound good, but graphics is lack of font, sumary still good to used and easy to have.
410
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.
1709
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.
260
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.
815
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
303
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.
68
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.
456
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?
290
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
From Twitter: "@marvinpoo true, I started like that (everybody does) but now I've bought FL, Logic, Nexus, Sylenth1, Massive and Gross Beat! haha"
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.
"I use [Native Instruments] Massive a lot, too. I do enjoy tweaking Massive; that’s fun, you can do a lot with that synth."
At 4:52 in this video, Hardwell can be seen browsing through presets in Massive.
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."
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.
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."
Album Usage
The Native Instruments Massive Synth has been featured on the following albums:
Avatar: Fire and Ash (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Simon Franglen (2025)
Wallsocket
underscores (2023)
We Will Forgive Ourselves (Remixes)
Marc Kinchen (2022)
Selecta
Danny Byrd & D Double E (2021)
Over My Head
Ray Volpe (2020)
Better When You're Gone
David Guetta & Brooks (2019)
search result
umru (2018)
Out With The Old
Gammer (2018)
Limbo
Robotaki (2018)
Lots to Say
Mark Villa & Keanu Silva (2017)
Sober
Cat Dealers (2017)
Emptiness
Slushii (2016)
The Prophecy
Shurk (2015)
Drones
Muse (2015)
London Road
Modestep & Modestep (2015)
Grabbitz - Friends EP
Grabbitz (2015)
DREI
Emika (2015)
Art Angels
Grimes (2015)
Riptide
Wrechiski (2015)
Roses
The Chainsmokers (2015)
Arkham (Michael Brun Remix)
Michael Brun (2015)
Scream
Henry Fong & J-Trick (2014)
Here With You Now
Grabbitz (2014)
Anything Goes
Klaypex (2014)
This Is All We Have
The Thrillseekers (2014)
The 1975
The 1975 (2013)
Wayfarer
Audien (2013)
Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind)
Gary Numan (2013)
Wolf
Tyler, The Creator (2013)
English Electric
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (2013)
II
Moderat & Moderat (2013)
Daybreak
Rogue (2012)
James Blake
James Blake (2011)
Ninur
Savant (2011)
Barking
Underworld (2010)
Compass
Assemblage 23 (2009)
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
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Native Instruments Massive Synth, curated by the Equipboard community.
More Native Instruments Synth Plugins
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synth Plugins
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-