synthNative Instruments
Massive X
NI's next-generation wavetable synth. Phase modulation, a dual-filter path, and a modulation system built for complex, evolving textures and hard-hitting bass.
At a glance
Genres
Artists who use it
Massive X vs Pigments 7
Native Instruments' deep, routing-heavy bass machine versus Arturia's visual multi-engine synth that makes complex patches feel easy.
Written and reviewed by Kasper Nods. Updated July 2026. How PlugPick reviews
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synth
synthArturia
Pigments 7
A flagship hybrid synth with six engines, wavetable, virtual analog, granular, sampling and more, and a colour-coded, drag-and-drop modulation workflow. The most-cited modern Serum alternative.
At a glance
Genres
Artists who use it
Why Massive X
Massive X is Native Instruments' ground-up successor to the synth that defined early dubstep, and it doubles down on depth: two phase-modulation oscillators with unusual wavetable behaviour, a semi-modular routing page and a dark, textured character that rewards producers who like to patch and experiment. It goes to grittier, stranger places than most wavetable synths, but it makes you work for them. NI's own artist features show producers like Darin Epsilon putting it to work in melodic techno.
Why Pigments 7
Pigments is the accessible powerhouse. Five engine types, excellent filters and effects, and the most readable modulation system in soft synths mean complex, evolving patches come together quickly, and its clean, pristine sound takes well to any genre. Where Massive X asks you to learn its routing philosophy, Pigments shows you everything at once. Arturia features artists like Flosstradamus producing with it.
The verdict
For most producers Pigments is the easier recommendation: it is friendlier to learn, broader in engine types, and its visual modulation makes advanced sound design feel approachable rather than intimidating.
Massive X justifies itself for bass-focused sound designers who enjoy routing-level experimentation and want its specific dark, textured character, the lineage that made the original Massive a genre-defining synth. If that describes you, nothing in Pigments quite replaces it; if it does not, Pigments does more, faster.
Pick Massive X if you design bass and experimental textures and enjoy deep, semi-modular routing.
Pick Pigments 7 if you want broad, modern sound design with the clearest workflow in its class.
Frequently asked questions
Is Massive X harder to learn than Pigments?
Yes. Massive X's semi-modular routing and less visual interface reward experimentation but take longer to master. Pigments shows its whole modulation system at a glance and is much faster to be productive in.
Which is better for bass music, Massive X or Pigments?
Massive X has the darker, more textured character and the dubstep lineage, and sound designers who patch deeply can pull sounds from it that are hard to replicate. Pigments gets aggressive modern bass results faster.
Does Pigments have more synthesis types than Massive X?
Yes. Pigments offers wavetable, virtual-analog, granular, sample and harmonic engines in one instrument, where Massive X focuses on its wavetable and phase-modulation architecture.