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

[collider]

NI should be a lot more explicit about what processors have AVX.

https://support.native-instruments.com/ ... -Processor

Even with that list, I don't know if my processor has AVX. I'm a stupid Mac user.

Which Mac model do you have?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15', Mid 2015)
2,2 GHz Intel Core i7
16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB

Skylake, you're fine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_( ... 93present)

Thanks! That's a sexy name

[realtrance]

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.

I realized earlier that there's no MIDI learn and had what I assume was a classic look of incredulity going on. Seems like such a basic functionality to have just left out. And, of course, I'm having issues getting Reaper's MIDI learn to work. I'd never tried to use it before - never needed to, since every synth I've wanted to do that with in the past had built-in MIDI learn. Ah well, I'll figure it out.

The other thing that surprised me is that there's only one filter, so none of the parallel/serial filter action of the original Massive. How peculiar for that aspect of its voice architecture to take a step backwards...one would have expected it to at least equal everything the OG could do and go beyond.

These things being said, it still sounds great and is an appealing package on the whole which will hopefully get more refined with near-future updates. A second filter being added is probably unlikely, but some of the other things being addressed would be cool.

I’d settle for a single dual peak filter with offset.

Come to think of it, I was forgetting that there were some filters (State Variable I think) that have some sort of split going on...I don't recall the specifics without the synth in front of me. So I guess it's not strictly true that you can't get at least some of the sound of split filtering going on, even if it's not as flexible as having two truly separate filters with all their own controls.

After I wrote that I found those filter modes. They’re really useful. What I like the most is that I can route signal past the filter. Very flexible. I wish all my synths had that.

It’s a bit more expensive (!), but the Waldorf Quantum lets you do that.

Start saving!

[ghettosynth]

I would guess this wouldn’t be as optimizable in Reaktor.

For sure, it wouldn't. But it would be quite a bit further along.

[realtrance]

I would guess this wouldn’t be as optimizable in Reaktor.

For sure, it wouldn't. But it would be quite a bit further along.

Reaktor does give one a foundation that provides a number of the things people are finding missing in this 1.0 release, true.

OTOH I trust and respect the developers' and company's prioritization of how things should be done here, so I don't feel informed enough to judge.

Certainly there have been great synths in Reaktor; I continue to use Razor, and Super 8 is just out and shares the goal of interface simplicity/elegance with MX.

[ghettosynth]

Sure, but, for me it's more than that. I really like Reaktor releases, I tear bits out of them and use them in my own ensembles. Obviously, whatever they do is there business, I was just wishing out loud.

[vurt]

so, is it a reaktor synth?

[vurt]

their business btw.

[EvilDragon]

I would guess this wouldn’t be as optimizable in Reaktor.

Yeah no way.

[realtrance]

Sure, but, for me it's more than that. I really like Reaktor releases, I tear bits out of them and use them in my own ensembles. Obviously, whatever they do is there business, I was just wishing out loud.

Me, too! Every Reaktor synth release is a master class in synth software design.... And also makes clear how mind-bogglingly complex things are behind stuff that looks simple on the surface.

Just as an aside, I can remember when Rob Hordijk did his work on warming up a 24db ladder filter emulation on the Nord Modular (the info is still online, I believe), to make it sound more Moog-like.

That seemingly simple task involved quite a bit of ingenuity and knowledge on his part! Was both humbling and inspirational.

I keep wanting to click on an Edit button on MX to look at the pieces under the surface.

[collider]

Maybe contact support?
I downloaded and installed the synth and the presets pack together. Then on first lauch, the synth scanned all the resources et voila, all set to go. No problems here.
Did you add the presets pack later on?

Tried to install it again. Not working.
Whatever. I bought WAY too much stuff this month. Bye MX.

[ghettosynth]

so, is it a reaktor synth?

I suspect that the next release probably will be. I also think that Reaktor is getting AVX optimization soon and so these two things will dovetail together nicely.

[zerocrossing]

Dissapointed with Massive X. Nothing to see here having Hive 2 and DUNE 3.

I don’t have Hive 2, but I have and love Dune 3 and there’s actually quite a lot in Massive X to see. I wouldn’t sweat it, if you’re low on cash, but if it wouldn’t hurt your wallet I’d get it. There are lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore that yield gems.

[realtrance]

Oh, no! My poor Mac Laptop, oh well.

At least it will look pretty hung on a wall.

[tapiodmitriyevich]

And is there a law somewhere that a "flagship synthesizer" should have animated ADSR graphs?

Yes. My law. Serum showed how it can be done. Controls ON the curves and moving dots in order to see where we are at. Also, Avenger, shamelessly and rightfully copied some Serum UI decisions (or who was first?) A static picture just as an explanation what is what... so 80s. Especially for analyzing other peoples patches, looking at knobs is not fun.

Also, I think I have seen it not displaying frequencies on LFOs in unsynced mode? Not sure. So first people can dream of getting that (which would elevate the synth into the 90s), but still they cannot dream to be able to enter values via keyboard (which would elevate it into post 2000s)?

The synth is probably awesome and good looking. But guys. UX. And is patches in submenus? Rob Papen facepalm style almost (EDIT: OK admittedly, EVEN RP has patch browser AFAIK)

[chk071]

Dissapointed with Massive X. Nothing to see here having Hive 2 and DUNE 3.

It's funny. You always seem to dislike what i like, and to like what i dislike.

On the other hand, that just shows that we both have a defined taste, and that you can't argue about taste.