Massive X 1.6.1 update (September 2025)!

[digitalboytn]

I think that Massive X is a top shelf synth that has had a troubled upbringing...

It was born at a time when NI had a number of issues, but I feel that now it is starting to find its feet..

There are some design choices that NI made that could be attributed to their desire to have Komplete Kontrol and promote the sale of their own keyboards, but hopefully they can include direct parameter automation,a better browser and other sensible shit in future updates...

After all,NI are not the leaders anymore and in many ways they are playing catch-up in the soft synth world, so they need to get with the program instead of thinking that they have the power to make unilateral decisions with little regard to the consequences ..

One thing that can't really be disputed,is that Massive X has a lot of very smart technology and power under the hood and it sounds very nice indeed

[chk071]

After all,NI are not the leaders anymore and in many ways they are playing catch-up in the soft synth world

Who is NI though? As far as I can see, there are a lot of names on the credits list on any of their plugins, and, it's mostly different people, seemingly even some hired guns.

I agree that they had some absolutely top notch and groundbreaking stuff released in the past, and I also can see how some are a bit "meh" about their newer plugins, but, frankly, now much ground can you break, with almost everything made twice or multiple times? The innovative times are long over. Just take a look at how many developers opt to just make "boring" emulations now, simply because they're sure to sell. Didn't hear too many complaints about Softube doing the gazllionth Minimoog or Juno emulation. If they're well done, people will buy. Don't ask for innovation.

I don't think Massive X is top notch in terms of architecture and operation. It not only seems half baked in some places, but also not very well thought through in some spots. I would have hoped that at least automation would get addressed, but, there's quite a long radio silence now. Maybe there'll be something for the release of Komplete 14.

[zzz00m]

I guess Massive X is a great synth with some cool ideas, but unfortunately not playing in the top league. I regard it as a kind of "niche boutique synth" with some special ideas. But it's also not my goto...

I have Massive X, but it's not my go-to either. Vital is much better!

[SamDi]

I guess Massive X is a great synth with some cool ideas, but unfortunately not playing in the top league. I regard it as a kind of "niche boutique synth" with some special ideas. But it's also not my goto...

I have Massive X, but it's not my go-to either. Vital is much better!

Not to mention Phase Plant!

[SLiC]

Yup- Phase Plant V2 is about £80 at the moment as well, one of the best bargains for a long time if you don't already own it, one of thje4 best VSTS available for any cost.

[zzz00m]

I guess Massive X is a great synth with some cool ideas, but unfortunately not playing in the top league. I regard it as a kind of "niche boutique synth" with some special ideas. But it's also not my goto...

I have Massive X, but it's not my go-to either. Vital is much better!

Not to mention Phase Plant!

Yep!!! I did not mention Phase Plant, as I also have it, and IMO it's probably the best all-around power synth out there right now! A must have!

But the free Vital synth came to mind first, as anyone can use it for free! However, Phase Plant is actually my favorite go-to synth now.

[Rastkovic]

Bought Massive X in the last BF sale. I made also a handful of sounds with it, but unfortunately I'm still not in love with it. I can't really say why. The sound quality is great, possibilities are big. Strange....

I changed my opinion about Massive X, since I discovered the filter feedback option (chapter 10.4 in the manual). Yes, a literally stupid simple thing, but it really beefs up the sound.

[gentleclockdivider]

Bought Massive X in the last BF sale. I made also a handful of sounds with it, but unfortunately I'm still not in love with it. I can't really say why. The sound quality is great, possibilities are big. Strange....

I changed my opinion about Massive X, since I discovered the filter feedback option (chapter 10.4 in the manual). Yes, a literally stupid simple thing, but it really beefs up the sound.

Feedback can be placed anwhere in the signal chain , but yeah the filter feedback really ads some serious beef .
The nice thing about the feedback is that you can create feedback around 1,2 or all 3 Phase mod operators at once , like on the dx 7

[gentleclockdivider]

I have been playing wih massive X demo for about a week now and I must say I am utterly impressed .
The filters are gorgeous , Love the svf ( sounds so close the gforce sem ) , monark filter etc..
The routing options are amazing , can't believe it doesn't get more love .
What an incredible tour de force

[chk071]

can't believe it doesn't get more love .

KVR is pretty hopeless in that regard. No taste, a lot of ideologist, lots of "golden" ears.

[Lbdunequest]

I have been playing wih massive X demo for about a week now and I must say I am utterly impressed .
The filters are gorgeous , Love the svf ( sounds so close the gforce sem ) , monark filter etc..
The routing options are amazing , can't believe it doesn't get more love .
What an incredible tour de force

Its an amazing synth, just its browser is convoluted and GUI is a bit slugish. Its sound is amazing one of the best sounding synth. If i had to choose one synth that would sound like it would probably be massive x.

[SLiC]

I have been playing wih massive X demo for about a week now and I must say I am utterly impressed .
The filters are gorgeous , Love the svf ( sounds so close the gforce sem ) , monark filter etc..
The routing options are amazing , can't believe it doesn't get more love .
What an incredible tour de force

It was somewhat tarnished by a late and unfinished release and then very few updates since.

[perpetual3]

I said it upon release. It’s one of if not the best sounding soft synth to me.

Bought Massive X in the last BF sale. I made also a handful of sounds with it, but unfortunately I'm still not in love with it. I can't really say why. The sound quality is great, possibilities are big. Strange....

I changed my opinion about Massive X, since I discovered the filter feedback option (chapter 10.4 in the manual). Yes, a literally stupid simple thing, but it really beefs up the sound.

Feedback can be placed anwhere in the signal chain , but yeah the filter feedback really ads some serious beef .
The nice thing about the feedback is that you can create feedback around 1,2 or all 3 Phase mod operators at once , like on the dx 7

[Sinisterbr]

I always thought Massive X' routing was very underrated.

[Tj Shredder]

can't believe it doesn't get more love .

KVR is pretty hopeless in that regard. No taste, a lot of ideologist, lots of "golden" ears.

Not to mention those with golden taste and no ears, and the fan boys and girls. It seems its full of hopeless humans, like on no other forum… (Love it for exactly that…)