Utilizing the Step Sequencer in NI Massive

Massive by Native Instruments is a popular soft synth on the market. A lot of dubstep producers use it to make killer sounding drops. It is used frequently but it’s step sequencer is one thing that is under-utilized.

In this tutorial, I will take you through the step-by-step creation of a killer sounding intro using the built-in step sequencer within NI Massive. Of course, we will use SoundBridge as our primary DAW.

Step-by-step guide

The process involves two steps:

1. Getting the right tone.

1. Editing the step sequencer.

Getting the right tone

1. Open Soundbridge and create a MIDI track by clicking on ‘+’ button as shown in the picture below. Please choose Massive as the software instrument.

PS: Since we are using the step sequencer, set the tempo to 95 and program one long note ‘A0’.

2. Start manipulating the parameters of the following OSC, Filters etc. as shown in the pictures below.

PS: Only activate the modules given below; all other modules should be deactivated

• OSC 1

• Set the knobs as shown.
• Drag the step sequencer 8 and the macro controls ‘1’ & ‘2’ to the positions as shown.

• Modulation OSC

• Filter 1 & 2

 Set the knobs and mix as shown in the picture above.

• Drag LFO ‘5’ & ‘6’ to the positions shown.
• Drag Macro controls ‘3’ & ‘4’ to the positions as shown.

• Feedback

• Set the knobs as shown.
• Drag macro control ‘6’ to the position as shown.

• Insert 1

• Set the knobs as shown in the image above.
• Drag macro control ‘5’ to the position as shown.

• Amp and Bypass

• Set the knobs as shown in the image above.
• Drag macro control ‘4’ to the positions as shown.

 FX 1

• FX 2

• Set the knobs as shown in the image above.
• Drag macro control ‘5’ to the position as shown.

• ENV 4

• LFO 5

• LFO 6

Editing the step sequencer

• Open step sequencer 8

• Click on ‘sync’ and set the ratio to 1:16

• Drag macro control ‘8’ and turn the amp all the way down.

• Set amp modulation to ‘6.05’

• Drag macro control ‘7’ into glide mode and drag it all the way down.

• Place the notes on the step sequencer as shown below.

The programmed note ‘A0’ should sound something like this:

Now if we add a strong beat, then the intro sounds like this:

The final patch should look like this:

You can also download the patch from here.