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CNET Editors' review
If you consider yourself even mildly musical, a good piece of audio production software is a worthy addition to your arsenal. One such tool is Magix's Music Maker, a digital mixing tool with a slick interface and plenty of features for serious musicians. First time users will need to spend considerable time learning the ins and outs of the program, but don't let that stop you; Magix provides plenty of interactive tutorials and online forums for guidance.
This version of Music Maker adds plenty of new tools to an already robust feature set. You can still access preloaded instrument loops as well as pull up BeatBox, the built-in drum machine. The Infobox feature teaches you about music as you're producing it, and Sound Vision reorganizes your sounds into a visual scheme. And there's the option to publish directly to MySpace or YouTube. The program also offers extended sound effects, authentic guitar and amp sounds, and a Microscope Mode for even more detailed editing on the sound wave of objects.
If you've used other music production software that employs looping and sound effects, chances are you'll be able to catch on to Music Maker pretty easily, but there are definitely differences that will take some figuring out. The online tutorials are useful for everyone, not just novice users. You'll definitely want to check those out if you really want to dive into the program for all its worth. Also, if you're itching for more virtual instruments, consider upgrading to the premium version.
Publisher's Description
From Magix:
MAGIX Music Maker 2013--create your own hit single. Want to make your own songs? With the new MAGIX Music Maker 2013 it's easier than ever to make great songs quickly and easily on your computer. More than 3000 professionally produced sounds and loops from a range of musical genres provide everything you need to make great songs. Simply combine loops and play around to produce cool new tracks. Give your song an edge by using the Vita Instruments to create your own melodies. Make your song even more unique with your own vocal recordings, awesome guitar riffs or your own keyboard melodies. With just one click your hit can make its world premier on SoundCloud, YouTube or Facebook.
What's new in this version: Latest sound archive with loads of loops & samples; Vita Solo instruments; Realistic instruments for your own songs; Loop Designer; VST support: for extra instruments and effects.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 142 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 15 votes
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My rating:
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"stupid program.."
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
I am a DEveloper/Code writer..and most of the Programs are done with my again Programmed Artificial Knowledge.
But this one acts a little different..Cons
I made a Guitar record..seemed Fine. But on The Vocals The Program; altough doesn't mention the Limitations for Trial, recorded only 1/4 of the sounds..?
Summary
can be differed with the other programs..
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"Best audio/video program for the rest of us"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Don't play an instrument? No problem. With Music Maker, you can create a symphonic sound track on your grandkid's birthday video. This program is excellent, and once you change it from "Easy Display" mode to "Expert Display" mode, you can actually find the things you need to make great music.
Don't get me wrong, even a professional music could use MM to produce great music. It's powerful, especially for the price. Download the free trial, but remember, you get a lot more add-ons and functions when you register it.Cons
Any powerful software program has a frustrating learning curve. Music Maker MX is a bit intimidating when you first open it, but hang in there and use the available user forums for help.
Summary
Installation - ease & subsequent installs with download manager
Goya burnR is a free CD/DVD burner program.
Easy to install new sound pools
Ability to import a movie and put music to it
Program falls between MEP and Samplitude Sound Studio
* MEP edits movies, but not so good for recording songs (good for simple voice overs, not complex mixes)
* Sound Studio, great for recording music live and supports sound pools, but no video editing (has more of a professional recording layout, more control on each track).
* To get the functionality of Music Maker, you would have to purchase both MEP and Samplitude Sound Studio.
PC must be as powerful as you can afford. Get 3 Gigs of RAM, absolutely. A lot of people have problems because their Windows PC has 1 GB of RAM. Any audio/video processing program needs RAM (as much as you can reasonably install) and get a graphics adapter (1 GM RAM version). This will also allow you to go to dual-monitors, which makes working with MM even more enjoyable.
If you can't sing or play an instrument, but want to make great music, Music Maker is for you! -
"Best amateur synthesizer program I've yet to see."
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Easy to use for a person with little musical knowledge.
Cons
Non that I've found yet.
Summary
Perfect for those needing short royalty free music sound bites to use in documentaries etc.
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"Excellent tool for composers!"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Easy to find what you need. The layout is simple to grasp, easy on the eyes, and doesn't chew up processor power. The powerful editing, EQ, pitchshifting, and resampling features make it easy to work with loops, waves, live audio, and Mp3's.
Cons
It would be nice to be able to change the color scheme of the arranger window as well as the objects within it.
Summary
Fantastic addition to the Magix product line.
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"Great For Filmmakers Too!"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
> Intuitive user interface.
> Powerful audio tools
> Pro-sound
> Company committed to improving softwareCons
None based on my use of the program
Summary
I am a digital filmmaker not a musician; but music is a major component in my films, so I use Magix's MusicMaker to arrange music tracks provided by musician collaborators, adjust volume, EQ and adjust the stereo depth of the arrangement. Then I mix-down the music by exporting as a single .WAV file for use in my digital film project. If one prefers, a video file can be added to the arrangement so you can build a musical soundtrack that matches the video action.
Rather than give a general description of the program which you will find from other reviewers and the company's website (www.magix.com), I would like to discuss how I personally use the program and hopefully this will spark ideas and inspiration for your own music, sound and multimedia creations.
My first task using Magix MusicMaker MX was to prepare a voice file for use in a film I'm developing. I first located my file from the file manager tab in the 'Media Pool' and dragged-and-dropped into the arranger. Then I had to trim the .WAV recording to only the words required for the film. This was easily accomplished by grabbing handles at the beginning and end of the track and sliding until I was at the proper point in the recording. The Arranger can expand both horizontally for precise editing and vertically to better see the waveform.
Next, by pressing "M" on the keyboard I was able to bring up a professional style 'Mixer' and by selecting FX, bring up a classic audio effect rack with a 10-band Equalizer, Reverb, distortion a compressor and time processor. I used the compressor to limit the overall dynamics of the sound - maintaining the elevated voice passages while at the same time raising the presence of lower audible sounds.
I then wanted to create a stereo effect for the voice, so I duplicated the track (using 'Ctrl-D' on the keyboard). By right-clicking on the track I brought up the Audio Effects menu, then I selected Stereo Processor - adjusting the stereo depth and spatial location of the sound for each track.
To increase the 'spatial' quality of the track, I opened the "Reverb" effect rack under Audio Effects on the menu. I added a preset for 'Warm Room', which provided a dreamy texture to the voice.
Once I was satisfied with the voice track(s), I added a haunting background ambient music track in the arranger. Finally, I adjusted the volume for the voice and music tracks so that the voice was, yet allowing the ambient music to be present, but not overwhelming the voice.
In this example as a filmmaker, I used Magix MusicMaker MX for sound design. So you don't have to be a musician to do cool things with this program. That shows the range of utility for this software.
Magix has professional versions of its audio software line and incorporates these 'pro' features and technology into the consumer versions of their software like MusicMaker MX. So buy with confidence if this product fits your needs. -
"Installed FOUR programs I didn't want!"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
It didn't do what I was looking for.
Cons
Installed multiple programs on my computer that I didn't want. Took me a long time to uninstall everything once I realized it wouldn't work for me.
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"Nice but buggy"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Wonderfully simple user interface.
Easy to make decent music.Cons
My trial version is buggy. Some loop items appear multiple times. The sound tends to be rife with crackles & distortion irregardless of how I tweak the ASIO buffers. Music Maker has crashed my Vista-64 system a few times in the first week. And my system never crashes.
Summary
I like this product but would/will wait for it to mature/stabilize before purchasing.
This is the 4th time I've tried this demo s/w and each time never got my USB keyboard to make a sound. It is frustrating as I like the built in library sounds and otherwise ease of use.
Updated on May 16, 2012
I have evaluated many music creation s/w's mostly with success -- Reason, Avid, MixCraft, etc.
I have tried using DirectSound, ASIO, and Wave Driver. Each without success.
If anyone has a suggestion, I am all ears.
Cheers -
"Great creation tool for the inexperienced music lover!"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Intuitive and easy to use. No prior knowledge or experience neccessary. Create your own music or songs in a matter of minutes.
Lots of music loops to choose from. Create your own sound loops with the loop designer! Plug-in and play(record) with your favorite music instruments! Even create your own music videos.
Upload your finished songs to your favorite social sites with ease. And much much more.....Cons
For the price, none! A great value!
Summary
To sum it up, it's a perfect introduction for the music enthusiast with little experience in the creation proccess. I've tried most of the other music creation programs and Magix Music Maker MX is, by far, the easiest to use. I highly reccommend it!
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"This is more than a one hit wonder"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Simple to use, FUN to use, features... more features
Cons
It is hard to find in a store, so you have to get it online
Summary
With all the choices available, from portable apps that leave you wanting to PC programs that leave you broke, its nice to see something that is not dry or expensive.
I have used the software for many years, this is the latest edition to a long line of music makers. I am still completely blown away by the capability of the product. Not only can you create the music, but you can burn it to disc, share it through Facebook, or for the musically inclined, on your Soundcloud network.
The program comes with a selection of samples for those who want to do loop based music creation, but unlike other programs, the Music Maker does not limit you to just their samples. The have others you can purchase, of you can download others from online sites for loop or sample creation. The thing that gets me fired up is the virtual instruments.
These virtual instruments are MIDI based so you can build your own structure and choose the instrument sound you want... but then also affect how that sound should be controlled. Amazing!
You can also add in photos or video if you wanted to make a simple music video or slide show. This software should be in your hands. seriously. -
"Great product from Magix as always"
Version: Magix Music Maker 2013
Pros
Not really a big fan of downloading the program
Cons
Magix MX is a really good music making program. I've been a fan of the products since version 5. I'm always surprised with the things you can do with their programs and MX is no different. I love the fact that from program version to version, most if not all of the components are in the same place, this takes away a lot of the need for a learning curve. I also love the fact that you can integrate audio and video from other programs into the same program. There is a lot of help both embedded in the program as well as an on line community for those who have questions. But if you are a weekend or a professional musician or even recording engineer Magix opens a world of possibilities. And speaking of recording engineering, all of the Magix programs have come with a wide range of on board recording suites from sound enhancment to filtering and other great editing tools. One real plus with this version is the ability to upload your work to social networks like Facebook, Youtube and others.
Summary
As I said I have been using Magix since version 5, and still using it so that in itself says a lot.
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