Massive X vs Zebra 3

[audiouser720]

Hi I’ve been messing about with the Zebra 3 demo for a good while now, and I’m curious what people who genuinely rate MX think.
I’m not talking features or workflow just core sound, odd bit of audio-rate modulation abuse. Zebra 3 gets endless praise, especially for the filters, and I can absolutely hear why. but I keep coming back to MX. Its core tone just feels a bit more… you know the usual scientific and professional description of a synthesiser’s sound like, warm, creamy, moist, lush, electric, alive, vintage, chewy, velvety, silky, buttery, crispy, gooey, woody, glassy, multi dimensional, organic, free range, grass fed, liquid, juicy, muscular, hairy, expensive. been comparing the svf and ladder filters particularly and I don’t know. I even prefer the MX effects. I don’t intend to turn this into a one must win debate as they are capable of different things but i am genuinely interested in opinions and am also bored.
Don’t hesitate to chime in and explain why I’m objectively wrong in the calm and measured way this community is famous for

[whassup]

Its core tone just feels a bit more… you know the usual scientific and professional description of a synthesiser’s sound like, warm, creamy, moist, lush, electric, alive, vintage, chewy, velvety, silky, buttery, crispy, gooey, woody, glassy, multi dimensional, organic, free range, grass fed, liquid, juicy, muscular, hairy, expensive.

Just this! Grass fed.

but i am genuinely interested in opinions and am also bored.

Then it is option C. Does it sound like a Virus?

Don’t hesitate to chime in and explain why I’m objectively wrong in the calm and measured way this community is famous for

Sorry, no. You are objectively right. That is my subjective opinion.

And if that -would- be the choice I would always go with Z3.

[Teksonik]

One thing a "this versus that" thread is guaranteed to do is make those who like "this" get into a fist fight with those who prefer "that".




I think the two complement each other quite well so "this and that" is a viable third option.

[Examigan]

I have Massive X, but have barely used it. Not sure why.

With Zebra 3, I spent many days and nights on my OSC entry using just that one synth.
I wonder why? Maybe I like it more?

[digitalboytn]

Don’t hesitate to chime in and explain why I’m objectively wrong in the calm and measured way this community is famous for

[exmatproton]

I have Massive X, but have barely used it. Not sure why.

With Zebra 3, I spent many days and nights on my OSC entry using just that one synth.
I wonder why? Maybe I like it more?

yeah..same..For me it's mostly an UX thing i guess.

[Vortifex]

Massive X for me. Straightforward UI with lots of parameters easily accessible. The best sounding VST synth ever made IMO. Some of the best effects on any synth. Easy to make great sounds with.

[pdxindy]

I’m not talking features or workflow just core sound

NI does some top quality DSP...

I'd say Massive X and Zebra 3 are roughly comparable in terms of raw sound quality. I prefer the sonic character of Z3 more and imo, it's more consistently pleasing. Plus Z3 has a significantly wider sonic range and is more controllable. I'm also a fan of physical modeling and Zebra 3 is exceptional in that area.

[Alexander_D]

Zebra 3 is an amazing synth. You can create your blocks and sound as you want. Sounds warm with some analog character. For me Z3 for sure!

[ksandvik]

Lucky me has both. MassiveX via the NI yearly Komplete upgrades. Zebra2 to 3 upgrade price was excellent (low). I like both.

[machinesworking]

I've been getting in to Massive X a bit lately, but I have to say like pretty much everyone has said. the interface is godawful. I can work with it, but of the two Zebra is so much more straight linear. I don't think they sound the same at all, dumb description wise, Zebra tries to sound organic whereas MX is about clean.

Zebra will always be a favorite, since v1, but there's a certain glass polish to NI synths that sometimes just works in a way others do not.

[Almondo]

mx.jpg

Glorious!

[Matt67]

My personal opinion: With internal effects, Zebra. Without internal effects, Massive X.

[aMUSEd]

I like them both but Zebra 3 is a work of art and hugely inspiring, whereas Massive X is technically powerful but just doesn't have the same kind of genius.

[Vortifex]

What's the issue people have with Massive X's UI? I find it very clear and straightforward.