Native Instruments Massive X Synth - Sequel to Massive (Out Now!)

[pdxindy]

No MIDI learn as of yet, but you could probably convert EXP and BC to host automation in Bitwig to move certain macros?

That's a bummer. There should be Pitch, Modwheel, AT, Breath, Expression and a CC option right there on the GUI.

[EvilDragon]

Maybe if they introduce MPE support in an update (it's not decided if or when), but until then, it is what it is.

[Audio Voltage]

Well turns out my computer isn't compatible. Damn
Guess I'll just have to pretend Massive X is a shitty synth until I get a new computer

Fortunately, the blow is softened by Hive 2 being really good. I'd have loved to run them side by side though.

Interesting. What are your computer specs If I may ask?

It isn't AVX compatible, that's the specific issue. Other Intel models in the same line (released in the same year and quarter) were, just apparently not the specific one I have . To be fair, it wasn't an issue even on my radar until now, and the computer has otherwise been fine. But it's a few years old now, so maybe it's a sign to start saving up...

Got it, thanks.
I think it is a good time to invest in a new machine or cpu.

[Forgotten]

Some new sinthesiser eh?

Not available in fiesta red unfortunately

[Noumena]

I would pay hundreds for this if it supported MPE. I am very happy with it, but it is begging for more expressive controls.

Going through the presets with the 8 macros assigned to my motor-fader control and tweaking is heaven. I want to assign things to poly aftertouch SOOOOO BAAAAD.

Cynical me says that it would be supported if NI made MPE controllers. Grrr.

[Functional]

Wait, is there a keytrack assignment? Because I can't find any and holy moly if that doesn't exist

[realtrance]

Well turns out my computer isn't compatible. Damn
Guess I'll just have to pretend Massive X is a shitty synth until I get a new computer

Fortunately, the blow is softened by Hive 2 being really good. I'd have loved to run them side by side though.

Interesting. What are your computer specs If I may ask?

It isn't AVX compatible, that's the specific issue. Other Intel models in the same line (released in the same year and quarter) were, just apparently not the specific one I have . To be fair, it wasn't an issue even on my radar until now, and the computer has otherwise been fine. But it's a few years old now, so maybe it's a sign to start saving up...

Got it, thanks.
I think it is a good time to invest in a new machine or cpu.

Just looked, and at least in Windows (where you can still buy parts that aren’t all permanently soldered together, ahem), you can upgrade to a top of the line Z390 ASUS ROG Hero motherboard, I9 series Intel CPU (8cores, Turbos up to 5GHz), 16GB DDR4 RAM for about $800. Not bad, if you have a good ATX case and power supply to put it in.

I’ve noticed SSDs are going for peanuts now, too. Buy 3!

[midi_transmission]

I have mixed feelings.

I like...
- it sounds nice
- I like the layout from the knobs and modules, envelop editors, all makes sense for me
- great fx and filters

I don't not like...
- no ADSR visualisation in the graphics, why?
- when you assign modulation all knobs and fields gets white which is barely visible on the bright background
- very high cpu load and no quality option

I hate...
- how most knobs and slider feel with the mouse, I have to move my mouse so much for 0-100% parameter range. The sensitivity feels absolute wrong and is painful to use. I don't think that I will use it much when it stays like this.

[pdxindy]

Wait, is there a keytrack assignment? Because I can't find any and holy moly if that doesn't exist

I didn't see it either. How do you assigned velocity to a parameter?

[McLilith]

I have mixed feelings.

I like...
- it sounds nice
- I like the layout from the knobs and modules, envelop editors, all makes sense for me
- great fx and filters

I don't not like...
- no ADSR visualisation in the graphics, why?
- when you assign modulation all knobs and fields gets white which is barely visible on the bright background
- very high cpu load and no quality option

I hate...
- How knobs and slider feel with the mouse, I have to move my mouse so much for 0-100% parameter range. The sensitivity feels absolute wrong and is painful to use. I don't think that I will use it much when it stays like this.

Native Instruments has already said updates and improvements will be coming. It's still a bit of a work in progress, but I think it's already very impressive. I look forward to seeing what they add next. In the meantime, I plan to have a blast with it, just as it is.

[Caine123]

I like it. But im not blown away yet. I still Think NI sleeps on being up to date with design and functionality. Why cant i scroll theough wavetables, waves etc with the mouse wheel optionally instead of always having to click on a option and get a list.... annoying.

Otherwise i think the presets so far are mixed. For a 2019 vst and massive sequel i expected harder basses and leads. Some sound very weak where i think why i should use massive x for them. But then you got some presets which are ao lovely and a whole songworthy!

Oh and you can feel how it feels unfinished. I think they rushed it too early and i would have waited more time instead.

[midi_transmission]

Also...

I don't like the orange coloured modulator numbers on bright background, they are not nice to read. Why does everyone make so fancy looking bad bad readable ui designs at the moment?

[Audio Voltage]

Well turns out my computer isn't compatible. Damn
Guess I'll just have to pretend Massive X is a shitty synth until I get a new computer

Fortunately, the blow is softened by Hive 2 being really good. I'd have loved to run them side by side though.

Interesting. What are your computer specs If I may ask?

It isn't AVX compatible, that's the specific issue. Other Intel models in the same line (released in the same year and quarter) were, just apparently not the specific one I have . To be fair, it wasn't an issue even on my radar until now, and the computer has otherwise been fine. But it's a few years old now, so maybe it's a sign to start saving up...

Got it, thanks.
I think it is a good time to invest in a new machine or cpu.

Just looked, and at least in Windows (where you can still buy parts that aren’t all permanently soldered together, ahem), you can upgrade to a top of the line Z390 ASUS ROG Hero motherboard, I9 series Intel CPU (8cores, Turbos up to 5GHz), 16GB DDR4 RAM for about $800. Not bad, if you have a good ATX case and power supply to put it in.

I’ve noticed SSDs are going for peanuts now, too. Buy 3!

The price is very good, thanks for this setup example.
I also prefer windows machines or workstations, just for the sake of power and customization.

[Functional]

Wait, is there a keytrack assignment? Because I can't find any and holy moly if that doesn't exist

I didn't see it either. How do you assigned velocity to a parameter?

That also doesn't seem to exist. That I can sort-of get because you can simply do it through envelopes and there's almost no case where you'd use velocity that isn't tied to an envelope (and even if there would be, you can dedicate one envelope just for this singular purpose, it's very unlike you'd ever run out of envelopes / lfo's here).

But with keytrack, you can't really do it any other way. What I want to achieve can somewhat be achieved because at least the LFO's have an "osc mode" but it also means I can't really multiply the keytracking in itself which is an issue.

[midi_transmission]

I have mixed feelings.

I like...
- it sounds nice
- I like the layout from the knobs and modules, envelop editors, all makes sense for me
- great fx and filters

I don't not like...
- no ADSR visualisation in the graphics, why?
- when you assign modulation all knobs and fields gets white which is barely visible on the bright background
- very high cpu load and no quality option

I hate...
- How knobs and slider feel with the mouse, I have to move my mouse so much for 0-100% parameter range. The sensitivity feels absolute wrong and is painful to use. I don't think that I will use it much when it stays like this.

Native Instruments has already said updates and improvements will be coming. It's still a bit of a work in progress, but I think it's already very impressive. I look forward to seeing what they add next. In the meantime, I plan to have a blast with it, just as it is.

with this low knob sensitivity (my mouse hand starts to to feel uncomfortable quickly, this is the only plugin were I have this ) and partly not well readable ui I doubt that I will have fun with it. the layout and sound is impressive you're right


it feels also funny when you tweak 10 min on massive x and than switch to another synth or fx plugin. all knob mouse tweaking feels way to fast after that. I think the knob sensitivity starts to be the thing I dislike the most about massive x at the moment.

in contrast, I like the layout better with every minute using massive x. it's really good.