Native Instruments Massive X synthesizer: features and spec-based rating

Native Instruments’ Massive X is a synthesizer centered on wavetable (a method that makes sound by switching between waveforms of different shapes), and its strength is free routing (how the sound is connected). The easy-to-use Play page has Morpher and Animator, which change a sound, and Randomize, which changes it at random, and 16 macro knobs move the important parts together. It has 780 presets (ready-made settings).

A synthesizer is an instrument that makes sound electronically. You use it for the melodies, accompaniment and sound effects of a song.

In this article we compare Massive X with 13 synthesizers and rate how well it serves its purpose on three criteria. The basis is official manufacturer information.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, SoundBounty may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and sale information are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Summary

Among the 13 synthesizers, Massive X is rank A. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and A is second from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5, with the one criterion that matters most for the purpose counted double) gives 4.0.

Strengths

• Ready-to-use sounds (4 points): it comes with many sounds, so you can use them just by choosing.
• Help with sound design (5 points): you can change a sound with simple controls even without detailed knowledge.

Who it suits: people who want to change a sound just by choosing a preset and moving a few knobs.

Main features of Massive X

A Play page that makes sounds easy to change

The Play page is a screen for choosing a sound and quickly changing it. Morpher changes a sound smoothly, Animator adds movement and Randomize lets you search for unexpected sounds. Even if you do not know synthesizers well, it is easy to make your own sound from a preset.

16 macros

You can assign the parameters you move most often to 16 macro knobs. Even in DAW automation, you can move just the important parts easily by using these macros. Pitch bend, the mod wheel and aftertouch can also be assigned to any parameter.

170+ wavetables and 10 ways of reading them

The core is two wavetable oscillators, with more than 170 wavetables and 10 modes that change how they are read. Each mode gives a sound of a different character, such as the aggressive Gorilla type. There are also two noise sources that use sounds such as rain and voices.

Routing that connects anywhere

On the Routing page, any output can be connected to any input in a few clicks. You can build complex flows that feed sound back or skip stages. The manufacturer presents this as the part for experimental sound design.

Video: “MASSIVE X Walkthrough | Native Instruments” (official Native Instruments YouTube channel; narration in English) Watch on YouTube

Where it is useful

• Choosing a thick bass for EDM or hip-hop from the presets
• Using the randomization on the Play page to look for new sounds that fit a song
• Moving a macro with automation to change the sound during a build-up

Rating by criterion

Ready-to-use sounds: 4 / 5

We look at the number of presets (ready-made sounds) included from the start.

It includes 780 presets.

Range of sound design: 3 / 5

We look at how many sound-generation methods (ways of making sound) you can use.

It is centered on wavetable, but its free routing lets you connect any output to any input.

Help with sound design: 5 / 5

We look at whether there are features (big knobs, randomization and so on) that let you change a sound without detailed knowledge.

The Play page has Morpher, Animator and Randomize to change sounds, plus 16 macro knobs.

How we score (Synthesizers)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Ready-to-use sounds	Number of presets (ready-made sounds) stated on the official page	Thousands or more	700 or more	400 or more	Fewer than 400, or no number stated	—
Range of sound design	Number of sound-generation methods (ways of making sound) you can use	5 or more methods	3 to 4 methods	1 to 2 methods, with highly flexible routing and modulation	One method, such as analog-style	—
Help with sound design	Features that let you change a sound without detailed knowledge	Both a feature that changes sounds automatically and knobs that adjust many things at once	One of them, plus another aid	Either one, or a simplified screen	Not mentioned on the official page	—

Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on how well the product serves one goal: quickly preparing sounds that suit your own songs or cover-song backing tracks in a home studio. Scores follow the conditions in the table above, and the rank is based on an average in which "Ready-to-use sounds" counts double. The basis is official manufacturer information, and the number of presets is the number written on the official page (products that do not state it get a lower score). Sound quality and CPU load are not measured, so they are not scored; reviews from trade magazines are introduced in the articles for reference. Price is not part of the score. Features that cannot be confirmed from the manufacturer's or a retailer's description are scored as if absent.

Massive X screens and images

Massive X system requirements and getting started

Operating system	Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) / Mac (macOS 13 or later)
Plug-in formats	Windows: VST, VST3, AAX / Mac: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Standalone	No (plug-in only)
Other	An Intel CPU that supports AVX, or Apple Silicon
Trial	Free trial available (all features, up to 60 minutes at a time)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Compared with other synthesizers

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Read next

• Serum 2: features and rating (rank A)
• Hive 2: features and rating (rank A)
• Omnisphere 3: features and rating (rank S)
• Pigments: features and rating (rank S)