Giant X Player: A Fresh, Complimentary Synth Plugin Allows Customization and Alteration of Presets from Native Instruments' Mighty Wavetable Synthesizer
Native Instruments has announced a significant upgrade for their popular Massive synth, which was released in 2019 as Massive X, and a new free version named Massive X Player. This move aims to expand the appeal of the Massive X synth by offering a more accessible, preset-driven version that makes the powerful Massive X sound engine accessible to a broader audience.
Unique Features of Massive X Player
Massive X Player comes with a set of unique features that have the potential to turn the plugin into a bountiful source of sonic inspiration.
Morpher Control
One of the key unique features is the Morpher control, an XY pad that enables users to blend and morph between multiple assigned presets in real-time. This intuitive interface allows for expressive sound animation by shifting between up to four macro settings positioned in the corners of the pad, encouraging musical experimentation and "happy accidents."
Animator
Another unique feature is the Animator, a pattern-based modulation tool that automates movement across the Morpher XY pad with rhythmic curves synced to project tempo. It adds dynamic modulation (such as pulsing textures, filter sweeps, or shifting tonalities) without requiring manual programming of LFOs or envelopes.
Preset Library
Massive X Player offers access to a library of 60 ready-to-go presets covering a wide sonic range, including aggressive basses, ethereal pads, and polished leads. All these presets are adjustable through eight macro controls for quick sound shaping.
Streamlined Interface
The interface of Massive X Player is streamlined and performance-oriented, reducing the complexity found in the full Massive X synth. This focus on real-time playability and inspiration rather than deep synthesis parameters makes it a more approachable synth experience.
Availability and Accessibility
Massive X Player is available to download as part of NI's free Komplete Start bundle for macOS and Windows. It is also accessible to current owners of Massive X and those with access to the full plugin.
In conclusion, Massive X Player bridges the gap between in-depth sound design and immediate musical creativity by providing a powerful yet approachable synth experience. This makes the Massive X sound engine more accessible and musically expressive for producers and performers alike.
The Massive X Player, a free version of Native Instruments' Massive X synth, includes the Morpher control, an XY pad that enables the blending and morphing of multiple presets in real-time for expressive sound animation. Additionally, it features the Animator, a pattern-based modulation tool that adds dynamic modulation to the sound without requiring manual programming.
