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| Above: Drum Engine and Power Guitar are two very exciting instruments of many! |
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| Above: The Mastering Suite 4 making your final mix sound awesome! |
SYNAPSE
CIRCUIT REVIEWS:
MAGIX MUSIC MAKER 2014 PREMIUM
PRICE, £89.99
#Magix #MusicMaker2014Premium
Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! How was your day? I trust that it was good, no? Well this review of Magix Music Maker 2014 Premium just might cheer you up!
Once upon a time to make music one would have to invest some serious time and effort in learning an instrument. My, how things have changed... Now’s your chance to shine in the musical limelight!
A MAJOR DEAL!
Where do I begin? Ah! Yes... The trouble with a majority of good music software is that they are primarily aimed at musicians and therefore it helps if you have a bit of all round knowledge on composition and production. Then there are the music making software of a bygone era where they were very, very simplistic and relied predominately on sample loops in the key of C Major / A minor; such music making software proved to be somewhat limited – even the non-musician would eventually throw in the towel on the idea of music composition. It wasn’t all that bad because the dedicated pushed such software to the point where they were able to become digital DJs, remixers, producers and even composers! But we are talking about the rare dedicated few!
Standing very high above the simplistic sample loop re-composition software was the groundbreaking Music Maker software by Magix. Music Maker was so advanced back then for a myriad of reasons:
1. In addition to sample loops Music Maker had a set of musical instruments that had interfaces to enable the non-musician to create original music patterns.
2. The ability to add image files such as JPEG and video on to a track.
3. The interface as a whole replicated the physical studio with an excellent mixing desk and effects.
4. Music Maker was competitively priced.
5. Music Maker not only took on the form of an advanced interface before Steinberg’s Virtual Studio Technology (VST) and Propellerhead’s Reason, it was quick to utilize VST thus making it supremely powerful by adding a vast range of free and commercial instruments and effects.
All of the above is why Music Maker has stood the test of time whereas as the others are gone - disappeared.
A COMPLETE STUDIO
In essence Music Maker 2014 Premium is a complete audio / visual studio and this latest version remains cutting edge.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
More than 6000 Sounds & Loops
MAGIX MUSIC MAKER 2014 PREMIUM
PRICE, £89.99
#Magix #MusicMaker2014Premium
Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! How was your day? I trust that it was good, no? Well this review of Magix Music Maker 2014 Premium just might cheer you up!
Once upon a time to make music one would have to invest some serious time and effort in learning an instrument. My, how things have changed... Now’s your chance to shine in the musical limelight!
A MAJOR DEAL!
Where do I begin? Ah! Yes... The trouble with a majority of good music software is that they are primarily aimed at musicians and therefore it helps if you have a bit of all round knowledge on composition and production. Then there are the music making software of a bygone era where they were very, very simplistic and relied predominately on sample loops in the key of C Major / A minor; such music making software proved to be somewhat limited – even the non-musician would eventually throw in the towel on the idea of music composition. It wasn’t all that bad because the dedicated pushed such software to the point where they were able to become digital DJs, remixers, producers and even composers! But we are talking about the rare dedicated few!
Standing very high above the simplistic sample loop re-composition software was the groundbreaking Music Maker software by Magix. Music Maker was so advanced back then for a myriad of reasons:
1. In addition to sample loops Music Maker had a set of musical instruments that had interfaces to enable the non-musician to create original music patterns.
2. The ability to add image files such as JPEG and video on to a track.
3. The interface as a whole replicated the physical studio with an excellent mixing desk and effects.
4. Music Maker was competitively priced.
5. Music Maker not only took on the form of an advanced interface before Steinberg’s Virtual Studio Technology (VST) and Propellerhead’s Reason, it was quick to utilize VST thus making it supremely powerful by adding a vast range of free and commercial instruments and effects.
All of the above is why Music Maker has stood the test of time whereas as the others are gone - disappeared.
A COMPLETE STUDIO
In essence Music Maker 2014 Premium is a complete audio / visual studio and this latest version remains cutting edge.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
More than 6000 Sounds & Loops
10 different
Soundpools (sound loop collection)
Unlimited tracks
Vocal Tune
Power Guitar – can be
downloaded once the software has been installed.
Electric Piano
DN-e1 Synthesizer
Drum Engine
Vita 2 Sample Player
BeatBox 2
Loop Designer
Vandal SE guitar
amplifier
Share tracks online
VST support
Full version of MAGIX
Music Studio 2 included
Additional Premium
Advantages
Pop Brass
Vintage Organ
Jazz Drums
Mastering Suite 4,
incl. Auto Mastering
Analog Compressor
Revolta 2 Synthesizer
5.1 Surround Mixing
Live Performer
Music Editor 3
Let’s take a look at the some of the new additions...
POWER GUITAR
The Power Guitar does what it says on the tin and adds realistic guitar instruments to the mix as it were. I like it very much in that it is useful for chord riffs; it’s basic but definitely useful. It has a set of brilliant sounding effects to with it. Also, there are a range of guitar sounds based mainly on Rock and there is one Reggae guitar instrument which is not bad.
BASS MACHINE
As you have guessed, the Bass Machine is a synthesizer for making bass patterns. And yes, it has the (in)famous ‘Wobble’ bass that’s all the rage with Dubsteppers! The Bass Machine sounds great! It’s a wonderful synth!
DN-E1
The DN-e1 synth is very unique and contains 256 fantastic sounding instruments (programs) ranging from bass, lead, pad and percussive. You have a further 128 programs to store your own sound programming which is easier than you’d imagine.
The rest of the advantages on that list are pretty much self-explanatory so I will cut to the...
BASS MACHINE
As you have guessed, the Bass Machine is a synthesizer for making bass patterns. And yes, it has the (in)famous ‘Wobble’ bass that’s all the rage with Dubsteppers! The Bass Machine sounds great! It’s a wonderful synth!
MASTERING SUITE 4
Mastering Suite 4; what is “mastering”? Ok, this is potentially a vast area that I will attempt to simplify as much as I can... Here goes...
When you lay down musical tracks i.e. bass, drums, guitar, etc it is ideal to bring out the best possible sound where you can hear all the individual components working together in a sonic harmony. Of course some musicians / DJs like to accentuate the bass in Dance music. Rock / Metal musicians have a tendency to pay attention to the guitar and other music genres / styles have a certain sound that is desired. Music Maker 2014 allows you to achieve any sound you desire at the mixing stage.
After you feel that the mix is right you will want to add some extra polish to the overall sound of the finalized mix. Does that make any sense? Good! You might want to finalize your track for the purpose of creating an audio CD. Music Maker 2014 Premium can help you achieve this. These days it is common for the finalized track to be as loud as possible without distorting and this type of processing is known as a “Master”. Naturally, the whole procedure is known as “Mastering”.
Arguably – and I say that with relish – Music Maker 2014 Premium makes the subject of mastering very, very easy! The argument element comes into play when listening / reading the ranting of “professionals” who will insist that mastering is a craft not too dissimilar to turning lead into gold - what with the argument being that physical gear (effects) can’t be replaced by software (effects) and therefore is not as good. In any event it’ll take you less time to produce a high quality professional sounding track than to argue about it. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding and Music Maker 2014 Premium is very tasty indeed! Magix has an automated mastering option that senses the nature of the composition and imposes an optimal overall sound; it’s not bad. I personally prefer to tweak the Mastering Suite based on some of the presets.
THE EVOLUTION
As Music Maker (Premium) evolves it leans towards the more experienced computer musician which is largely because faithful users of previous versions have evolved with each incarnation. Therefore, Music Maker is now on par with music software that can cost considerably more! At the same time there are elements that allow the novice or non-musician to create original music; there’s great scope for the non-musician.
You can do so, so much with this remarkable music / visual program that it is only limited to your imagination. Great music compositions can be had from cutting up sample loops, for example, to sound like something completely different!
VERDICT
Magix Music Maker 2014 Premium is an inspirational music / multimedia composition tool that is unparalleled in its price range. The support for VST (virtual instruments and effects) is even better than the previous version (as you’d expect).
I think the price, £89.99, is right for what it is: phenomenal! It contains fine balance between musicians and non-musicians thus it can be used by just about anybody with a mind to make musical compositions! Once again, it is not limited to music as it does image files and video too! It is feasible to record a track and add a video to accompany it!
Music Maker 2014 Premium would make an ideal gift for a teenager expressing an interest in music and music production.
It’ll certainly make a great gift to yourself if you are a musician or are serious about music composition on the PC.
On the other hand there’s a standard version of Music Maker that costs only £59.99 and may be more suited to your needs. This is what you’re getting:
More than 3000 Sounds & Loops
Let’s take a look at the some of the new additions...
POWER GUITAR
The Power Guitar does what it says on the tin and adds realistic guitar instruments to the mix as it were. I like it very much in that it is useful for chord riffs; it’s basic but definitely useful. It has a set of brilliant sounding effects to with it. Also, there are a range of guitar sounds based mainly on Rock and there is one Reggae guitar instrument which is not bad.
BASS MACHINE
As you have guessed, the Bass Machine is a synthesizer for making bass patterns. And yes, it has the (in)famous ‘Wobble’ bass that’s all the rage with Dubsteppers! The Bass Machine sounds great! It’s a wonderful synth!
DN-E1
The DN-e1 synth is very unique and contains 256 fantastic sounding instruments (programs) ranging from bass, lead, pad and percussive. You have a further 128 programs to store your own sound programming which is easier than you’d imagine.
The rest of the advantages on that list are pretty much self-explanatory so I will cut to the...
BASS MACHINE
As you have guessed, the Bass Machine is a synthesizer for making bass patterns. And yes, it has the (in)famous ‘Wobble’ bass that’s all the rage with Dubsteppers! The Bass Machine sounds great! It’s a wonderful synth!
MASTERING SUITE 4
Mastering Suite 4; what is “mastering”? Ok, this is potentially a vast area that I will attempt to simplify as much as I can... Here goes...
When you lay down musical tracks i.e. bass, drums, guitar, etc it is ideal to bring out the best possible sound where you can hear all the individual components working together in a sonic harmony. Of course some musicians / DJs like to accentuate the bass in Dance music. Rock / Metal musicians have a tendency to pay attention to the guitar and other music genres / styles have a certain sound that is desired. Music Maker 2014 allows you to achieve any sound you desire at the mixing stage.
After you feel that the mix is right you will want to add some extra polish to the overall sound of the finalized mix. Does that make any sense? Good! You might want to finalize your track for the purpose of creating an audio CD. Music Maker 2014 Premium can help you achieve this. These days it is common for the finalized track to be as loud as possible without distorting and this type of processing is known as a “Master”. Naturally, the whole procedure is known as “Mastering”.
Arguably – and I say that with relish – Music Maker 2014 Premium makes the subject of mastering very, very easy! The argument element comes into play when listening / reading the ranting of “professionals” who will insist that mastering is a craft not too dissimilar to turning lead into gold - what with the argument being that physical gear (effects) can’t be replaced by software (effects) and therefore is not as good. In any event it’ll take you less time to produce a high quality professional sounding track than to argue about it. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding and Music Maker 2014 Premium is very tasty indeed! Magix has an automated mastering option that senses the nature of the composition and imposes an optimal overall sound; it’s not bad. I personally prefer to tweak the Mastering Suite based on some of the presets.
THE EVOLUTION
As Music Maker (Premium) evolves it leans towards the more experienced computer musician which is largely because faithful users of previous versions have evolved with each incarnation. Therefore, Music Maker is now on par with music software that can cost considerably more! At the same time there are elements that allow the novice or non-musician to create original music; there’s great scope for the non-musician.
You can do so, so much with this remarkable music / visual program that it is only limited to your imagination. Great music compositions can be had from cutting up sample loops, for example, to sound like something completely different!
VERDICT
Magix Music Maker 2014 Premium is an inspirational music / multimedia composition tool that is unparalleled in its price range. The support for VST (virtual instruments and effects) is even better than the previous version (as you’d expect).
I think the price, £89.99, is right for what it is: phenomenal! It contains fine balance between musicians and non-musicians thus it can be used by just about anybody with a mind to make musical compositions! Once again, it is not limited to music as it does image files and video too! It is feasible to record a track and add a video to accompany it!
Music Maker 2014 Premium would make an ideal gift for a teenager expressing an interest in music and music production.
It’ll certainly make a great gift to yourself if you are a musician or are serious about music composition on the PC.
On the other hand there’s a standard version of Music Maker that costs only £59.99 and may be more suited to your needs. This is what you’re getting:
More than 3000 Sounds & Loops
6 different
Soundpools
Up to 99 tracks
Vocal Tune
Power Guitar - can be
downloaded once the software has been installed.
Electric Piano
DN-e1 Synthesizer
Drum Engine
Vita 2 Sample Player
BeatBox 2
Loop Designer
Vandal SE guitar
amplifier
Share tracks online
VST support
Full version of MAGIX
Music Studio 2 included
It’s pretty powerful but I do recommend the Premium version as it gives you the Mastering Suite (4) to make the final mix sound indistinguishable from today’s music CDs.
SCORE OUT OF 5
4 .5 / 5
EXCELLENT VALUE!
Both Music Maker 2014 Standard and Premium come with Music Studio 2 Standard with a value of £49.99.
I hope you enjoyed this review. Stay tuned for more reviews to come.
Watch this space!
Take good care!
Please enjoy the video below! Feel free to leave some comments and subscribe!
It’s pretty powerful but I do recommend the Premium version as it gives you the Mastering Suite (4) to make the final mix sound indistinguishable from today’s music CDs.
SCORE OUT OF 5
4 .5 / 5
EXCELLENT VALUE!
Both Music Maker 2014 Standard and Premium come with Music Studio 2 Standard with a value of £49.99.
I hope you enjoyed this review. Stay tuned for more reviews to come.
Watch this space!
Take good care!
Please enjoy the video below! Feel free to leave some comments and subscribe!
Thank
you for watching and reading!
Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more!
Synapse Circuit Dot Com
Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more!
Synapse Circuit Dot Com
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