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MixPad Audio Mixer from NCH Software is a digital multitrack mixing suite that is easy to use yet capable of producing professional-quality mixes. It can mix and process more than 100 tracks at once in most audio formats, and it can also extract audio from video files as well as rip CDs. It works as a standalone app but integrates seamlessly with NCH's other media production and editing tools via the Toolbox utility.
Media-player-like buttons and time indicators give MixPad's interface a familiar feel. The main window displays each track horizontally, each with its own control console. The setup options basically involve selecting a recording device and output folder, while the Audio options included sample rate and other specifications. Selecting the optional Clip Manager on the View menu opened a right-hand panel displaying open clips. Since each track can hold multiple clips, and MixPad can manage dozens of tracks, this is a handy feature, and you can toggle it closed when you don't need it. We clicked Load Clip, browsed to a selection of tunes ripped from a CD, and loaded two, one clip each in the first two of the five default tracks. MixPad quickly scanned each clip and displayed its audio spectrum and title in the selected track and its data in the Clip Manager. Clicking the Play button started both clips playing at once, though we could also start either clip playing at a specific time. The extensive zoom and expand controls let us view entire audio clips or individual passages in tiny fractions, while the Pan slider shifted the sound of the particular track from the right channel to the left. Pressing the Fx button called up a dialog that we could use to string together a chain of effects to apply in sequence. We were also able to change tracks' playback speed to synchronize pitch. With just some brief and aimless fiddling, we were able to turn a sonic mish-mash into an improvised mash-up that didn't sound half bad. With some effort and direction, a Top 40 hit would surely emerge.
MixPad replaces the table-sized mixing panels and multitrack recorders that only pro studios could afford not so long ago. But MixPad does more than make it easy to mix and record high-quality audio productions, though; it makes it fun, too.
Editors' note: This is a review of the full version of MixPad Audio Mixer 2.2. The trial version is limited to 14 days.
Publisher's Description
From NCH Software:
MixPad Audio Mixer is multi-track mixing software designed for professional audio production. It lets you load or record audio clips and mix them together. You can place them at different times, adjust volume, pan the audio, or fade in or out. It is the digital replacement of using a multitrack recorder and mixing desk.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 24 votes
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Current version:
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"It needs much work"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 3.06
Pros
1 A very nice interface
2 Everything is easy to find
3 It has a good amount of effects
4 Volume can be adjusted for individual clips
5 Other than WaveEditor, it has a record buttonCons
1 Speeding up a clip will automatically speed up everything in the file.
2 There is no option for creating a new file in the File menu. I have to keep closing the program and re-open it.
3 The Undo option will not undo effects that were put in.
4 When I right click on the program pinned on my task bar and click on the file that I was working on previously, it just adds a clip from that file to my current one that I have open. It doesn't open that file in a freshly new window.Summary
I do love the way the editor looks and is easy to understand, and that's why I tried it out, but it needs much work I'm sorry to say. It is still enjoyable however.
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"Works, but tests your stamina."
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 3.06
Pros
Affordable, sensibly simple in concept. Does the job well... if you can spare the time to work around persistent glitches.
Cons
Crashed in a very simple track mix, on a good iMac. Not for the first time either. Message came up saying 'file was made on an older version of Mixpad. It can be recovered but will only play on newer versions' In other words - I'm stuffed. My mix has gone. No recovery. And I'm fed up with being expected to pay for nearly every bug fix that comes out.
The level-setting handles go unstable if you have more than four tracks up and you have to click your mouse around the screen to settle them. It's been like this through several versions ever since Mixpad's pc days. And why is it so clunky to do a minor edit or EQ? You have to buy the separate Wavepad for that.Summary
Glad to add that a new customer support guy at NCH did sort my problem with the older version of Mixpad crashing. Encouraging. I would like to add two stars for that, but probably the Cnet system won't let me!
Updated on Jun 9, 2012 -
"Aese of use"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.42
Pros
I found that the mixer was simple to use yet did a multitude of tasks that I needed one with step by step help available. I also downloaded the Switch Sound File Converter and the WavePad Sound Editor, again they're both realllllly easy to navigate
Cons
I didn't find any 'cons' althought I've only worked on them for 2 projects, about 8hrs
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"CRASH AND BURN WITH THIS SOFTWARE!!!!"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.42
Pros
The select a fade point feature is cool.
Cons
The program crashed right in the middle of a very intense project and i lost ALL of my work. no auto recovery feature. The controls are a pain in the you-know-what. when you try to click and drag it arbitrarily jumps to another part of the page. ***.
Summary
The lock button is in a bad spot, so when you try to move your audio around, you end up locking the clip and are unable to move it around. When you make a selection, you can't just click of of the selection to deselect, you have to hit CTRL-D or go through the toolbar on the top. This program is a total pain in the A.
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"30% DISCOUNT COUPON found today"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.42
Pros
Powerful software, really powerful mixing. I have made a lot of great songs with it. This software is really the best in this category! I bought it with discount found here www.********.com/mixpad.htm
Cons
None negative.
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"love this software"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.20
Pros
Best on the market i,Purchase the whole packet.Great for mixing,mashups,recording my voice and putting them with songs,acapella's with instrumental i;am making some funky CD'S
Cons
There's nothing to say here
Summary
Just play around with it get the free download from Cnet and then when you learn it buy it,when make your music ,then click Convert to audio file.But you much use thier CD buner
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"Great product, easy to use"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.20
Pros
Integration with other NCH suite programs, very advanced features
Cons
None that I caught
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"bad program,download didn't work"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.20
Pros
seemed good at the start
Cons
Paid for the extra download and it won't work,very disapointed !
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"30% DISCOUNT COUPON found today"
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.20
Pros
Powerful application: really easy mixing. I have made a lot of great songs with it. This software is really the best in this category! Plus I found 30% discount on it:
www.********.com/mixpad.htmCons
None negative.
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"The best and most highly capable audio mixer ever."
Version: MixPad Audio Mixer 2.20
Pros
All details about this product are positive. I love the flanger and reverberation audio effect you can do with this. I have made several techno songs woth only the sound of my voice. With the awesome effects, I can make my voice sound like anything.
Cons
This product falls short in this area. Perfection is upon it.
Summary
All of the effects and different sound combinations I can make with this product are priceless. It is literally the best audio mixing product ever. Who could ask for more than a 100+ tracks at a time sound capability? Who could ask for a more wide range of sounds? Who could possibly create any complaint about this at all? It is flat out perfect, and I think this will make a great help to me and any others who try this great product. I myself am an iPhone Developer, and will be using the sounds made from this product for my iPhone Application. Good Luck to NCH Software!
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