Xara Music Maker - 16.0 Owners Manual

2 Copyright

Copyright

This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right
of duplication, circulation, and translation, are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in the form of copies,
microfilms or other processes, or transmitted into a language used
for machines, especially data processing machines, without the
express written consent of the publisher.

All copyrights reserved.

All other product names are trademarks of the corresponding
manufacturers. Errors in and changes to the contents as well as
program modifications reserved.

MAGIX Music Maker and Goya are registered trademarks of MAGIX
AG.

ASIO is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.

This product uses MAGIX patented technology (USP 6,518,492; USP
6,888,999) and MAGIX patent pending technology.

Other named product names may be registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

Copyright © MAGIX AG, 1994-2009. All rights reserved.

www.magix.com

Preface 3

Preface

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium offers both an easy start and also
lets you experience what it's like to dive deeper into the depths of
music production. A giant, high-quality sound archive, an especially
intuitive approach to creating original music, plus many useful
functions result in an unbeatable complete package for making your
own songs.

Handling is especially easy and consistent. The included sounds and
video files can be combined with the software synthesizers in
seconds; MP3s with audio CD tracks, your own music recordings
with videos, photos or graphics, and even VST/DirectX plug-ins or
MIDI files can be perfectly integrated with one another.

These features will transform your computer into a universal
production studio for music and all other kinds of multimedia files.
The included CD-quality musical building blocks can all be easily
combined since they are all categorized according to tempo and
harmony. The video clips, photos, and graphics provide the perfect
basis for image production. And for those of you who want to start
making songs effortlessly and straight away, "Song Maker" will take
care of almost everything for you.

The print manual explains all of the basic functions of the program. In
addition, you get a PDF manual which describes each function in
detail. If you prefer to discover the many possibilities of the program
by yourself, you can also use the PDF manual simply as a reference.
An alphabetical index is included at the end. Simply click on an item
of interest to jump to that particular section in the manual.

Have fun with MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium,

The MAGIX team

www.magix.com

4 Preface

Table of Contents

Copyright 2

Preface 3

Support 11

Before you start 13

Package contents 13
System requirements 13
Installation 14

Serial number 15

More about MAGIX 16

MAGIX Online World 16
magix.info 17
MAGIX Sound Essentials 17

Introduction 19

What is MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium? 19
What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium? 19
The features 21
Additional features of the Premium version 25

Overview of the program interface 28

Quick start 30

Play demo project 30
Song Maker 31
Preview and load audio files 32
Position audio objects 33
Add videos and synthesizers 34
Editing objects 35
Effects 36
Export arrangement 36
Create audio CD 37

Arranger 38

Normal mode/Easy mode 38
Tracks 38
Trackboxes and Instrument icons 39
Zooming 40

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Preface 5

Grid 41
Playback area: Start and end markers 42
Moving the playback marker 43
Transport Bar (playback functions) 44
Arranger, Video Monitor, and Media Pool 46
Arranger buttons 47

Media Pool 48

Preview function 48
Positioning the Media Pool 48
File manager settings 49
Soundpool settings 52
Synthesizer 54
Template setting 55
Object inspector settings 55
Setting Catooh 56

Videoscreen 57

Peak meter 57
Overview 58
Infobox 58

Mouse modes 59

Move selection 59
Move to track 59
Move all 60
Automation 60
Draw 60
Split 61
Stretch 61
Preview audio 61
Scrubbing 61
Replace 62
Context help 62

Arranging Objects 63

Save and load arrangements 63
Multimedia files and objects 63
Select objects 64
Mute objects 64
Build or split object groups 64
Split objects 65
Exact object positioning 65
Duplicate objects 65
Object handles 66
"Draw in" loops 67

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6 Preface

Takes 68
Object properties 68
Mixdown tracks 69

Audio Objects 70

Audio formats 70
Load and process audio files 70
Smart Preview for the incorporated samples 70
Audio recording 71
Import audio CD 74
Change the playback tempo or pitch 79
Remix agent: Tempo and beat assignment 81
Remix Maker 87
Harmony Agent 89
Text to Speech 90
MAGIX Music Editor 91

MIDI Objects 92

What is MIDI? 92
Arrange MIDI objects 92
Transpose MIDI 93
MIDI interface and external sound generator 93
Convert MIDI objects into audio files 93
Connect external equipment 94
MIDI Editor 95
Drum Editor 112

Synthesizer objects 117

Opening the synthesizers 117
Note for users of older Music Maker versions 118
Synth objects 118
BeatBox 2 plus 119
Drum & Bass machine 2.0 132
LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer 135
Robota 136
Atmos 146
Synthesizer plug-ins 147
Revolta 2 147
MAGIX Vita 150

VST and DirectX plug-ins 152

What are VST and DirectX plug-ins? 152
Use VST instruments 152
VST Plug-in Editor 153
Deploying VST/DirectX Effects 154

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Preface 7

Live Performer 156

Define ranges 156
Play with Live Performer 157
Sequencer 158
Live Pads 160
MIDI assignment Live Performer 163
Arranging with Live Performer 164
Record audio output 164

Audio effects 165

Effects 165
Using audio effects 166
Object and master effects rack 168
Equalizer 170
Sketchable filter 171
Compressor 172
Invert phase 172
Reverb 173
Sound Warper 177
Elastic Audio easy 178
Vocoder 188
Gater 190
Backwards 191
Timestretch and pitchshift 192
MAGIX Mastering Suite 193
Essential FX 199
Vintage Effects Suite 203
Vandal 217

Video and Bitmap Objects 224

Video and bitmap formats 224
Adjusting the video screen 224
Loading and editing videos and bitmaps 224
Simplify object presentation 225
Visualizer objects 225
Video scrubbing 226
Extract sound from videos 226
Video effects 226
Title editor 227
Video capturings 229
Video recording dialog 230
Video Compression 232
Choppy or uneven playback 233
General notes on AVI videos 233
Create a video project for the Internet 234

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8 Preface

Video export via TV-out 234

Automation curves 236

"Dynamic Effects Editor" dialog 236
Dynamic effects 237
Rhythmic envelope 238
Curve Generator - Options 238
Editing the effect curve in the dialog 239
Editing the effect curve in the arrangement 239

Mixer 240

Fader 240
Control groups 241
Track effects 241
VST and DirectX audio plugins 242
FX tracks 243
Live monitoring 243
Master track 244

5.1 Surround 245

Requirements 245
Import and export of surround audio files 246
The Mixer in surround mode 247

5.1 Surround Editor 248
Automation 249

Integrating other programs - Synchronizing and ReWire 250

Synchronization 250
ReWire 254

Reprocess arrangement 256

Export assistant 256
Export as email attachment 258
Export as ringtone 258
Podcasting 261
Export to YouTube 264
Add songs to your MySpace profile 265
Upload song to DJ Tunes 267
Create Audio CD 267

File menu 269

New arrangement 269
Load arrangement 269
Save arrangement 269
Save arrangement as... 269
Export 270

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Preface 9

Import 278
Backup 279
Settings 280
Exit 288

Edit menu 289

Undo 289
Redo 289
Object 289
Range 292
Track 293
Navigation 294

Effects (FX) 296

Song Maker 296
Audio 296
Video 302
Title 303
Automation 303
Media Pool views / template folders 304

View menu 305

Easy mode 305
Arranger 305
Media Pool 306
Video monitor 306
Mix 307
Standard layout 308

Online menu 309

Catooh – the Online Content Library 309
MAGIX Online Album 310
magix.info 312
MAGIX News Center 313
More online services 313
Manage login details 317

Tasks menu 317

Help menu 317

Show welcome dialog 317
Documentation 317
Help from other users 318
Update program / Upgrade functions 320
MAGIX Creation Logo 323
About MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium 323

www.magix.com

10 Preface

Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 324

Toolbar 324
Keyboard shortcuts 324

Index 333

www.magix.com

Support 11

Support

If you experience any problems with your software, please contact
our support team:

Support website: http://support.magix.net/contact/us

This website takes you to the MAGIX user service page; the following
free offers are also featured there:

• FAQs (frequently asked questions) and general tricks and tips. In
most cases, you’ll find the solution to your problem here. If not, use
the email support form.

• Email support form: Use the special form to inform our support
staff about your system. This information is used to solve your
problems quickly and competently. Simply fill it out and send it with a
mouse click!

• Support forum: You are not alone... Perhaps other users had a
similar problem and can help you solve yours. Our support staff are
also regular contributors.

• Download section: Updates, improvements, and patches are
likewise offered free of charge via download. Many problems you
may experience are already familiar to us, and they can often be
solved by downloading the latest patch. Besides patches, there are
also wizards for checking and optimizing your system.

• Links: The links list contains the contact addresses for all of the
most important hardware manufacturers.

Please note: To be able to use the support, you have to register your
product using the serial number provided. This number can be found
on the CD case of your installation CD or on the inside of the DVD
box.

You can also reach our support team by telephone:

UK:

USA/Canada
Denmark:
Finland (Suomi):
Norway:

Sweden:

www.magix.com

0203 3183666 (Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00
GMT)
1-775-562-0527 (9 am to 5 pm EST Mon-Fri)
699 18763 (Mon.- Fri. 10:00 - 17:00)
09 42419023 (Mon.- Fri. 11:00 - 18:00)
210 35843 (Mon.- Fri. 10:00 - 17:00)

0852500713 (Mon.- Fri. 10:00 - 17:00)

12 Support

You can request a free access code to the phone support hotline by
clicking on this link: http://support.magix.net/phone

Please have the following information at hand:

• Program version

• Configuration details (operating system, processor, memory, hard

drive, etc.), sound card configuration (type, driver)

• Information regarding other audio software installed

You can also contact our support team by mail:

UK/Skandinavia: MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14,
01194 Dresden, Germany

US/Canada: MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302,
Reno, NV 89502, USA

Customer service & upgrades (US only)
Periodically, MAGIX offers users who purchased their software an
upgrade from a previous product to the current version. For details
about an upgrade, please call us your request using the following
numbers:

Sales Department 1-305-722-5810

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm (EST)

www.magix.com

Before you start 13

Before you start

Package contents

DVD

On this DVD you will find the installation manager for MAGIX Music
Maker 16 Premium, as well as the multimedia library with sound and
video files in various genres.

The Terms and Conditions for usage of MAGIX sound and video files
when releasing your works to the public can be found in the "MAGIX
Creation Logo.pdf" file in the installation folder.

Manual

The printed manual only contains the basic functions of both program
versions MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium and MAGIX Music Maker
16 Premium. Additional features of the Premium version are marked
accordingly.

In addition to the printed manual, there is also more detailed
documentation which is copied to your hard drive during installation.
This electronic PDF manual describes all program functions of the
program packet in detail.

System requirements

Computer:

• PC with 1 Ghz, or higher;

• Min. 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)

• Free hard drive space: 3 GB;

• Graphics card with min.resolution 1024 x 768 at 16-bit-high-color;

• 16-bit sound card;

• DVD-ROM drive;

• Microsoft

• Operating system: Microsoft

Optional:

• Burn CDs/DVDs with CD/DVD±R(W) recorder & software

• MP3 export with Windows Media Player 10, or higher

www.magix.com

®

-compatible mouse (mouse wheel recommended)

®

Windows® XP | Vista™

14 Before you start

• Access to and publication on www.magix.com and in MAGIX Online
World only with Internet connection and an up-to-date browser

• Emails can be sent with standard email software Microsoft
Outlook

TM

or Microsoft® Outlook ExpressTM

Installation

Step 1: Insert the program disc into the drive. The installation

program starts up automatically. If the disc doesn't run automatically,

• open Windows Explorer and click the letter of the CD-ROM drive,

• or double click on "Start.exe" to start the installer.

Step 2: To begin the installation of MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium,
click on "Install". The MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium installation
program will appear.

Hint: During installation, you will be asked (in case there are multiple
users on your computer) if you would like to set up for the
administrator. The option "Administrator only" restricts use of the
program to the specified administrator. The "All users" option allows
all users of the computer to use the program.

®

Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
process, and then click "Continue". All files are now copied onto the
hard drive.

Step 3: Once the installation is complete, confirm the message by
pressing "Finish". Now you can start the program at any time from
the Windows "Start" menu.

www.magix.com

Serial number 15

Serial number

A serial number is included with each product, and although it is not
required for the installation of the software, it does enable access to
additional bonus services. Please store this number in a safe place.

What can a serial number do?

A serial number ensures that your copy of MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium is clearly assigned to you and only you, and it makes
improved and more targeted customer service possible. Abuse of the
software can be prevented with a serial number, since it ensures that
the optimum price/performance ratio continues to be offered by
MAGIX.

Where can the serial number be found?

The serial number can be found on the reverse side of your CD/DVD
case. If your product, for example, is packed in a DVD box, then
you'll find the serial number on the inside.

For versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet
(download versions), you'll receive your serial number for activating
the software directly after purchasing the product via email.

When will you need the serial number?

The serial number is required when you start or register MAGIX Music
Maker 16 Premium for the first time.

Note: We explicitly recommend registering your product, since only
then are you entitled to get program updates and contact MAGIX
Support. Entering the serial number is also required for activating
codecs.

www.magix.com

16 More about MAGIX

More about MAGIX

MAGIX Online World

MAGIX Online World from MAGIX offers you a range of new services
for your photos, videos, and music that are accessible directly from
the "Online" menu in MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium:

MAGIX Online Album

MAGIX Online Album (see page 309) is your personal multimedia
album on the Internet. If you want to present slideshows or videos
online, then MAGIX Online Album is the perfect service.

MAGIX Blog Service

With MAGIX Blog Service, YOU make the news! Share your thoughts,
experiences, and news with a worldwide audience in no time using
your own interactive online multimedia journal. Invite family, friends,
and acquaintances to join in and enter their comments! A free MAGIX
Online Album belongs to the MAGIX Blog Service so that you always
have full control over your contributions. You can also read the FAQ
(frequently asked questions) on the Internet at:
http://rdir.magix.net/?page=GRF14Q24VIRN

MAGIX Website Maker

MAGIX Website Maker helps you create a personal Internet
showcase with a professional design in just a few mouse clicks –
without prior knowledge, including your own chosen domain and
email address. Publish slideshows and videos and accessorize your
site with music and various effects – anything from a simple business
card to a fireworks display of effects, professional or private – show
your best side!

More about this topic can be found under MAGIX Website Maker.
(see page 315)

MAGIX Online Print Service

MAGIX Online Print Service is perfect for getting your pictures
processed online or printed as photo gifts on mugs, t-shirts, or
calendars.

www.magix.com

Catooh – the Online Content Library

If your project is missing pictures, videos, DVD menus, sounds, or
samples, then you should have a look at the huge selection available
at Catooh. There you'll be able to buy media in excellent quality for
low prices: DVD menus, MovieShow Maker styles, decorative
elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition series, MAGIX Soundpools,
songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX photo, video, and
music projects.

More about MAGIX 17

magix.info

Help and get help - Directly from within the program, you'll be able to

access magix.info, the new MAGIX Multimedia Knowledge
Community (see page 312). In the Multimedia Knowledge
Community, you'll find answers to all of the most frequently asked
questions about MAGIX products and multimedia in general. Couldn't
find an answer to your particular question? No problem, just ask the
question yourself.

You can go to magix.info in the "Online" menu, or via this
button.

MAGIX Sound Essentials

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium includes thousands of sound and
video samples, but additional media can also be ordered later. The
MAGIX Sound Essentials provides you with professionally produced
loops and samples in impressive quality – the ideal enhancement for
the most varying of music styles, including:

• Ambient

• Big Beat

• Easy Listening

• Dance / Electro

• Disco / House

• Soundtrack

• Hip Hop

• Rock / Pop

• Techno / Trance

• Special effects

In the upper menu bar under "Tasks -> Discover more", you can

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18 More about MAGIX

order the MAGIX Sound Essentials directly.

Tip: At www.magix.com you'll always find the latest Soundpool
offers.

www.magix.com

Introduction 19

Introduction

What is MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium?

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium is the new generation of multimedia
software. From your private collection of love songs to entirely
homemade video clips – everything's possible! For your songs, music
videos, video emails, karaoke shows, funny clips, and much more.

Lots of professionally produced sound and video samples come
supplied. In the arranger, samples and videos can simply be dragged
onto the track, looped, enhanced with effects, and modified for
export – done!

There are also various synthesizer plug-ins for creating your own
sounds. Audio CDs and MP3s can be integrated, remixed, or used as
sound material. Even DirectX or VST plug-ins as well as MIDI files for
remote control of the sound card or external synthesizers can be
integrated into the arrangement perfectly. All multimedia formats can
be combined with one another in any way on any track.

In case your sounds & samples requirements are still not met, the
Internet is just a click away. It can be used as a worldwide Media
Pool with an unlimited supply of sounds and pictures. MAGIX Music
Maker 16 Premium has a direct connection to the Internet for
publishing straight to your personal MAGIX Online Album or for
directly sending via email. Your own works can also be published
directly from within the program to the MAGIX Community. Or you
can always be your own radio DJ and publish your beats and
grooves as a podcast.

What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium?

New loops

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium is the original for loop-based music
production on the PC; no other software can boast as much
experience. In the new version, the sound library that comes included
has been completely revised with plenty of new audio and MIDI
loops.

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20 Introduction

Essential FX

Thanks to Essential FX, you get the newest effects modules to
guarantee the best sound results. Essential FX may be accessed via
the mixer's plug-in slots (shortcut: M) or in the object context menu.

Vandal SE

The new guitar and bass amplifier from MAGIX. Sound fidelity never
available before even satisfies professional demands. Vandal SE may
be used directly in a track by selecting the point "MAGIX plug-ins ->
VANDAL_SE" in the mixer (shortcut: M) under "FX". The Vandal SE
interface will open for you to make numerous adjustments, just like
you would to the settings on genuine amplifier.

For a more detailed description of the options Vandal SE presents,
read the corresponding chapter in the program's help file.

Object inspector

With the help of the practical object inspector, you can work on your
arrangement even faster to avoid lost time searching for specific
effects. As soon as you have selected an audio object, this will show
you the most important editing effects. For MIDI objects, you will see
a virtually integrated keyboard for quickly inputting your melodies.
The inspector is available via the corresponding button in the Media
Pool.

Microscope mode

Activate this mode and click on an object to zoom in for detailed
editing. This allows individual drum hits in a loop to be edited in a
very detailed way, cut with the separation function, and then
processed with individual effects. In the lower right section of the
arranger, you will see a button with four arrows pointing outwards on
it. Click this button again to reset the view to the original settings.

Upload songs to MySpace

The number of relevant artists without their own MySpace site is
becoming smaller and smaller, since this is a great platform for
introducing songs. That's why MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium
features a function for uploading arrangement directly to this Internet
community. This function is available via "File -> Export -> Upload
audio to MySpace/DJ Tunes...".

www.magix.com

Introduction 21

Interactive workshop

Learn about MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium via the interactive
tutorial and find out about the important features quickly. This
function is presented in the welcome dialog.

Additional features in the Premium version:

• Larger sound archive: Over 3,500 new sounds and MIDI loops from
all genres can be accessed via the "Soundpools" button in the Media
Pool.

• Essential FX: Even more effects modules

• More sounds for Revolta 2 and Vita

• 4-band equalizer: 4-band EQ directly integrated in every mixer

channel

The features

64/96-track arranger

MAGIX Music Maker 16 provides 64 tracks (96 in the Premium
version) for multimedia arrangements – enough space to create
multiple polyphonic pieces, but most importantly, so that you don't
lose track of your project at any point.

Formats and interfaces

Import: WAV, MP3, OGG Vorbis, WMA, QuickTime

TM

, MIDI, CD-A,

BMP, JPG, AVI, MXV, WMV

Export: WAV, MP3 (optional), OGG Vorbis, WMA, AIFF, AVI, MAGIX
Video, QuickTime

TM

, WMV, RealTM Media Helix, BMP, JPG (all via "File

-> Export arrangement"), MIDI

Interfaces: DirectX, VSTi, and ReWire (host) support (Premium
version only, one instrument per track), ASIO.

Multimedia Library

The multimedia library provides audio and video building blocks
("samples") for combining on the arranger tracks. Loads of melodies,
effect templates, and graphical animations also come supplied for
you to use in new songs & video clips.

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22 Introduction

Software synthesizer

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium provides the following synthesizers:

• The "Beat Box" is a drum machine with the latest drum sounds –
playable live with the PC keyboard or a MIDI keyboard.

• The "Drum & Bass machine" creates phat beats and booming
basslines.

• "Robota" is a complete drum computer with four independent
instruments which can be played live. Several faders enable all kinds
of sound experimentation.

• MAGIX Vita. Enhance your arrangement with amazingly realistic
natural instruments from the sample specialists Yellow Tools.

• "LiViD", our "little virtual drummer" for realistic acoustic drum tracks.
Just a few instructions are enough for "LiviD" to play a complete
drum track with introduction, chorus, bridge, fill-ins, etc.

• "Atmos" for nature sounds or atmospheres like rain, thunder, or
wind.

BeatBox 2

BeatBox 2, the new groove synthesizer, lets you make great beats
with ease. It can be accessed in the Media Pool via the
"Synthesizers" button. Easy mode must be switched off to access it.

Media database

Find your recordings, sounds, pictures, and videos quicker and faster
with the MAGIX media database. An existing MAGIX database from
the MAGIX Photo Manager or MAGIX Media Manager is integrated in
the Media Pool and can be updated directly from MAGIX Music
Maker 16 Premium. Use the simple search function to find suitable
pictures or MP3 files for your arrangement.

Audio effects

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium provides lots of different audio
effects. A few examples:

• You can correct tempo and pitch in real time using "Resampling",
"Timestretching" or "Pitchshifting".

• The "Audio Effect Rack" supplies "Reverb", "Echo", "Equalizer",
"Compressor", "Time Processor", "Distortion", "Filter", and many
classic effects with which almost every sound can be made. MAGIX
Music Maker 16 Premium provides these sounds in amazingly high
quality. The reverb effect, for example, provides lots of realistic
reverb algorithms to add depth and spaciousness to your material.

www.magix.com

Design your "Favorite reverb" using the many presets as a base with
their various reverb rooms which were designed for specific
instruments and applications.

• The "Gater" enables rhythmic splitting of surface sounds

• The "Vintage Effects Suite" covers "good old" guitar effects that were

activated using a foot pedal in Jimi Hendrix's era: more warmth and
fullness with "Chorus", jet-like special effects with the "Flanger" or
ping-pong effects like "Delay". The filter enables beat-matched
frequency filtering, the "BitMachine" is a distorting Lo-Fi effect for
friends of those who like it a bit rougher.

High-end 32-bit floating point

All sound changes are executed using 32-bit floating point calculation
for especially differentiated and high-quality sounds. This technology
is also used in professional studios. This way, an audio picture with
especially high dynamics can be created. Digital overmodulation and
clipping become virtually impossible.

Audio CD support

Audio CDs can be imported directly into MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium. Just insert them into the drive and press "CD/DVD". All
tracks can then be dragged into the arranger and edited with
different features or effects. Whether for remixes or as sound material
for your own compositions – a new touch will be added to your
personal CD collection.

Introduction 23

Own recordings

Use this recording function from MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium to
record vocals, noises, or instruments and integrate them into the
arrangement.

MIDI integration

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium helps you arrange, load, record,
edit, and play MIDI data just as easily as audio data. You can
combine wave sound files with MIDI files for controlling the sound
chip on your sound card or VST instrument plug-ins or external
synthesizers, and then arrange everything together.

For MIDI recordings and editing you can use the extensive MIDI editor
with piano roll, drum editor, velocity/controller editor, and event list.

MIDI object recording can be started directly from the arranger by
setting the recording mode in the track box to MIDI.

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24 Introduction

Mixer

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium includes a professional real-time
mixer with effects rack and two insert effects for each channel, two
additional effect tracks, two insert effects for the master as well as
additional mastering effects. The mixer's size can be adjusted so that
more than eight tracks fit on the screen at a time. You can also group
a number of faders of a specific type (for example, volume or
panorama) and use them all together.

Harmony Agent

The Harmony Agent provides harmony recognition automatically and
determines the key and chord of any music title. See the guitar
tablature of your favorite song in real time for the arrangement!

Song Maker

The Song Maker lets you create new arrangements quickly and easily
and complement existing arrangements by automating the
complicated steps such as sample selection and combination. The
Song Maker takes over arranging whole sections such as intro and
refrain. Therefore, you do not have to do everything yourself – you
can omit the arranging and process your selection from the
suggestions.

Easy mode

The new Easy mode makes creating radio-ready hits possible even
for beginners – no time is required for breaking in, and no previous
knowledge is necessary! Extended functions for advanced users
which are confusing to beginners are hidden. Easy mode can be
switched on and off via the buttons to the top left.

InfoBox

Thanks to the new info box, all important functions can be easily
understood as they are applied. Just hold the mouse over a button
that you would like to learn about and read the info text in the
preview monitor.

Live Sessions

While the virtual instruments and sounds are played on the available
tracks, a new track can be recorded simultaneously in realtime.
What's more, you can also add realtime effects.

www.magix.com

SoundVision

SoundVision is a new way of visualizing music which shows audio
material at a glance in the form of a musical galaxy. Similar sounds
are clustered close together; different sounds are organized further
apart. SoundVision be activated in the Media Pool via the
corresponding button. Easy mode must be switched off to access it.

Introduction 25

Additional features of the Premium version

Additional audio effects

• "Elastic Audio" for total control over vocals. Voice samples or
melodies you sing yourself can be "tuned" to match automatically.
With the "Harmonizer" in the Elastic Audio Editor, you can add a
suitable second vocal or a whole choir to a specified melody.

• The "Vocoder" produces vocal and robot sounds that have been
altered mechanically.

• The "MAGIX Mastering Suite" with important mastering effects (see
below).

Additional styles

The Premium version includes additional styles in genres like
MovieScore, Minimal Electro, Hardstyle, Ambient and 60s Soul.

Additional Vital Instruments

Grand Piano, Soundtrack Percussions 2, Electric Guitar

Additional tracks

The Premium edition has 96 tracks (instead of 64) – even more space
for your most complex arrangements.

Object and track curve automation

Effect and volume progressions can be controlled using freely
drawable curves – for individual objects as well as for complete
tracks. In addition, you can fade in or out an echo at a specific
position in the song by drawing in a curve peak at the corresponding
position.

Video recording

In addition to audio recording, MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium
provides a recording function for video from analog video sources for

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26 Introduction

your own video clips.

DirectX and VST plug-ins

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium enables the direct use of DirectX
and VST plug-ins, a large variety of which is available in retail stores
or directly online. Such plug-ins (audio effects or synthesizers from
third party manufacturers) can significantly increase the functionality
of MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium.

MAGIX Mastering Suite 2.0

Impressive studio sound just like you hear on store-bought CDs!
MAGIX Mastering Suite is a special effects rack for use with the mixer
master channel. The included effects help you with so-called
"mastering"; put the final touch on your completed and mixed music
piece using parametric equalizers, MultiMax, limiter, and stereo
enhancers.

5.1 Surround-Sound

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium provides real 5.1 Surround Sound.

5.1 Surround is the preferred home cinema sound format which is
also supported when importing, editing, and exporting your work.
The 5.1 Surround Editor enables you to move your music around the
room. The finished 5.1 arrangement can even be exported in the new
MP3 surround format (developed by the Fraunhofer Institute, the
inventors of MP3).

MAGIX Music Editor

Extensive real-time audio processing, also featuring CD burning,
sound restoration, sampling, and audio editing.

Revolta 2

Revolta 2 is a powerful-sounding, varied 12-voice analog synthesizer
with highly advanced functions, sound matrix, noise generator, and a
complete effects section featuring nine effect types.

This synthesizer can create any electronic music you can imagine.
The sound presets were created by sound designers for Access Virus
and Rob Papens Albino, which makes Revolta 2 the number 1 choice
for beginners and professionals alike.

Also in the Premium version

• BeatBox 2 plus: The ultimate groove tool with even more drum kits,
automations, and an integrated powerful effects section can be

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accessed via the "Synthesizers" button in the Media Pool.

• Am-Track SE: This analog vintage compressor produces an
especially warm, pumping sound. Launch it via the effects menu for
selected audio objects.

• Timecode sync: This feature makes it possible to write songs with a
friend – simply connect two PCs via MIDI and jam together!

• MIDI step recording: Provided for composers unsure of their
keyboard playing skills who want to play perfect melodies. The MIDI
editor can be opened by double clicking on a MIDI object.

• ReWire: This function allows you to embed MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium in other music programs.

Introduction 27

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28 Overview of the program interface

Overview of the program interface

Menu bar

Toolbar

Easy mode

Track boxes

Arranger

Zoom functions

Media Pool

This list provides the most important
editing commands.
This contains the buttons for quick editing
and the different mouse modes.
This turns the clearly laid-out beginner
mode on or off.
Complete tracks can be turned on or off
(muted) or played separately (solo). Use
the FX buttons to apply track effects.
You can freely position any multimedia
material on all of the arranger's tracks.

Enlarges or reduces the view. The
horizontal scrollbar can be stretched and
compressed for zooming.
All files listed here can be added to the
arranger via drag & drop.

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Overview of the program interface 29

Monitor

Previews for graphics or video files can be
selected in the Media Pool are displayed
here. All visual material for the
arrangement is also shown here on
playback. Alternatively, a peak meter, the
arrangement overview, or the InfoBox can
be shown.

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30 Quick start

Quick start

This chapter explains the basic functions of MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium with a step-by-step introduction. A systematic description
of the program functions can be found in the PDF manual.

Tip: Open the tutorial video and the "Quick start" tutorial by clicking
on the "Help" menu. A good introduction to the program is also
available via the interactive tutorial that may be opened via the
welcome dialog.

Play demo project

The large area with the horizontal tracks is the arranger. Here you
can make all changes to the positions and multimedia objects.

You can find the Media Pool in the lower section of the program
interface. Here you can load multimedia files with various formats into
the arrangement by pressing the left mouse button and keeping it
held or by double clicking on the object. The Media Pool works
similarly to Windows
professionally produced sounds can be downloaded from the Catooh
and incorporated into your project

®

Explorer with some additional features, and

In the Media Pool, you will find some demo songs in the "My
projects" folder. Double click on a demo and find the individual tracks
of the song in the arranger: In MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium you
can create a complete song simply by compiling objects. Click on the
vertical scroll bar on the right-hand side of the screen and drag them
down (hold down the left mouse button) in order to be able to see
each track.

To play the demo, click the "Play" button or press the space bar on
your keyboard. A vertical red line (the playback marker) runs across
the screen and music will play from the speakers.

Note: If you do not hear anything, check that the correct sound card
is active for playback in the "Setup" window ("Y" key). Of course, the
output of the sound card has to be connected to the speakers.

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Quick start 31

Song Maker

To quickly create a first arrangement, you should let the Song Maker
run by itself and sit back and listen. Make sure a new, empty
arrangement is loaded by going to the "File" menu and selecting
"New arrangement".

• Activate the Song Maker

Open Wizard...

Select music style...

with the button in the upper
section of the toolbar.

• Select a music style.

• Deactivate the instruments

you do not wish to use in the
selection box.

• Enter the desired length of
the song or portion of a song
in seconds (ten seconds
should be enough to start
with).

• Click on "Create new
arrangement". Song Maker
automatically compiles an
arrangement. This is only a
suggestion.

• The suggested melody will
start playing automatically.
The play and stop buttons
beside the "Song Maker's

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32 Quick start

Specify instruments and song length.

Your first musical arrangement is complete! Song Maker can also be
used to add more individual samples or whole song parts or to lay
down a bass or drum sound. This can then be expanded into a more
complex arrangement or refined using your own video and audio files.

Preview and load audio files

In this step you can load sound files into the Arranger for positioning
and editing.

Create another new, empty arrangement. To do so click on "File" and
select the "New arrangement" option.

Now click on "Soundpools" in the Media Pool. Various "Styles" are
shown on the left hand side of the Media Pool. Click on one of the
styles to open a sub-folder. Here you can select and preview sounds.
Some instruments are categorized according to pitch. Click on any
entry here to have the sound play automatically. Each file in the
Media Pool can be previewed this way. Use the arrow keys of your
keyboard to select the various pitches. Other instruments, like drums,
are not categorized according to pitch.

To load a file into the Arranger, simply press "Enter". You can also
drag the file from a table onto a track in the Arranger. Once you let
go of the mouse button, the file will appear as an audio object at that
position.

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Quick start 33

Position audio objects

Each object can be moved in any way in the arranger with the
mouse, horizontally on a track as well as vertically between tracks.

Add new instruments to your first song in the arranger. For example,
take a drum sample and drag it underneath the object in a lower
track which was added beforehand.

This way, any number of files can be dragged from any folder into the
arranger and placed on top of one another, on multiple tracks, or
behind one another.

Play the arrangement in the meantime. Take note of the two markers
at the top of the bar ruler – they represent the start and end points of
the range to be played. If you wish to change the playback range, the
start and end markers can be dragged (while holding down the
mouse button) to any position on the bar ruler.

Tip: You can also move the playback marker independently of the left
start marker by clicking on the lower section of the bar ruler.

You do not need to interrupt playback to load new samples into the
arranger. MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium has a "Smart Preview"
function: You can simultaneously preview new samples in the Media
Pool – they always run synchronous to the song in the arranger. This
function considerably simplifies the search for suitable samples for a
song you wish to create.

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34 Quick start

Add videos and synthesizers

The next step shows you how to add a video. Access the video folder
in the Media Pool and select a video file. On the video monitor to the
right, a preview of the selected video file can be shown.

Once you have found a matching video, use the mouse button to
drag it onto any track (like previously with the audio files).

To open the folder with the software synthesizers from MAGIX Music
Maker 16 Premium, you have to switch to the "File Manager" from the
Media Pool and then to the "Synthesizers" folder.

Each synthesizer can be dragged, like any other file, with the left
mouse button into the arranger tracks. The control console opens to
program the synthesizer. Object synthesizers become independent
objects after they are programmed, and then they can be moved
around just like other objects on the arranger. Track synthesizers, on

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the other hand, remain attached to the track where they have been
added.

Experiment with the various synthesizers in MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium and take advantage of each of their individual strengths.

Quick start 35

Editing objects

To get an impression of the object-based work method of MAGIX
Music Maker 16 Premium, you should become more familiar with the
"Objects" on the tracks of the arranger.

All objects can be shortened or looped by moving the mouse to one
of the lower corners of the object until it turns into a stretch symbol.
You can now stretch or compress the object length as much as you
like. This way you can create rhythm tracks from short drum samples
simply by stretching them.

At the top corners
of every object
there are two fade
handles that can
be adjusted to fade
an object in or out.

The handle at the top center can be used to adjust the volume of
audio objects and the brightness of video objects.

All objects can be split into multiple objects. To do so, select "Split
objects" from the "Edit" menu. The selected object will be split at the
position of the playback marker. It goes even faster with the special
cutting mouse mode.

Right clicking on an object opens the context menu with the options
available for that specific object in "Timeline" mode. The context
menu can also be opened by clicking on the button with the small
triangle in the lower section of an object.

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36 Quick start

Effects

You should take time to experiment around with the effects. In the
context menu you can select the effects for the objects. Effects
modules are opened with which each effect can be set up to meet
your exact requirements.

Effects can also be dragged onto objects by holding the left mouse
button or double clicking. Simply open the "Templates" folder in the
Media Pool and try each of the effects listed one after the other with
a mouse click. Like with all other entries in the Media Pool, effects in
this folder always have a preview as well. If you like an effect and
wish to apply it to an object in the arranger, simply click on it, drag it
onto the object, and release the mouse button.

This works in the same way for
video effects as well. Here, a
video file must be loaded from the
Media Pool first. Lots of video
effects are mix effects which mix
two videos together.

Fundamentally, the following
applies: The video on the lower
track makes up the background,
a video on the track above it,
makes up the foreground.

Export arrangement

The purpose of arranging and editing is usually to have a good quality
audio or video file at the end. MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium
supplies various export formats for this purpose.

To export your arrangement, click on "File" and select the "Export
arrangement" option. You can then select an export format. The
arrangement will then be exported in the chosen format.

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Note: The export calculations are independent of the playback
performance. Even if playback no longer runs so fluidly as a result of
too much processing power being required, the export file is still
generated correctly. We recommend placing already finished
passages of complex arrangements via the export or mixdown
function in to a single file to free up some processing power (and
tracks). This kind of file can be reloaded into the arrangement and
edited further with the other parts.

Quick start 37

Create audio CD

To burn an audio CD, first export your arrangement as a WAV file:

Click "File" and select the "Export arrangement -> Audio as wave..."
option. The WAV file created can be burned as an audio CD with the
included burn program MAGIX Speed burnR.

Tip: You can use an integrated CD mastering tool in the Premium
version and a burn program to do this. Click on "File" and select the
option "Export arrangement -> Burn audio CD-R(W)" option to export
your arrangement. The arrangement will be loaded into the CD
mastering program MAGIX Music Editor and can be burned straight
to disc from there.

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38 Arranger

Arranger

Normal mode/Easy mode

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium can be operated in two different
views, and these can be activated by clicking on the button in the top
right. If the MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium interface confuses you
at first, then switch the program to "Easy" mode!

Easy mode active

Normal mode active

In the beginner mode, the program presents a clearly laid-out version
which only displays the most important buttons and switches.
Functional elements for advanced users are hidden.

This documentation describes MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium in
normal mode. If you can't find one of the functions while reading,
make sure that you don't have "Easy" mode turned on.

Tracks

The arranger offers tracks for positioning and editing multimedia
material. Additional tracks can be added by selecting the "Add track"
option in "Edit" menu. In total, 96 tracks can be used for an
arrangement.

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Fundamentally, all object types can be placed on all tracks. You can
also combine videos with MIDI and audio objects one track.

If the tracks in the arranger are not long enough, you can increase
the length by pressing the minus button (-) to the right. The size of
the arrangement adapts itself automatically when objects exceed the
space for them on the right-hand side or when new objects are
loaded.

Mute a single audio track by clicking on the “Mute” button or play
individual tracks separately (“Solo”) to emphasize a particular scene.

Arranger 39

Trackboxes and Instrument icons

Each track box contains an
instrument icon box. If you drag
a MAGIX Soundpool sample
onto an empty track, a suitable
icon is automatically displayed.
You can also exchange the icon
by clicking on it an select
another one.

At the start of each track there is a track box where you can switch
each track to "mute" or "solo". In the lower half of the arranger below
the track boxes are two buttons, "Reset" and "Solo/Mute", which you
can use to reset all track solo/mute settings.

The peak meter can be seen beside the icons. This allows you to
control the volume of the track and to see if the track produces any
audio sound at all.

Beside the track number to the top, you'll find the track name field.
You can rename the track by double clicking this field.

The small arrow beside the name of the track opens a
menu with which you can load a software instrument (VSTi
plug-in) into the track. This will then be used by all MIDI
objects of the track. Here you also have access to the
individual sounds of the VST instruments VITA and
REVOLTA which come supplied.

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40 Arranger

With REC you can activate the track for an audio or MIDI
recording.

A simple click puts the track into "Audio recording" mode.
Furthermore, monitoring is now activated, i.e you can hear
the input signal of your sound card on playback (learn more
in the "Mixer" chapter, "Recording/Live Monitoring" (see
page 243))
If you start recording now ("R"), the audio recording dialog
will open. The recorded audio material is added to this
track. If there is already an object on the same position of
the track, the next empty track will be used.
Clicking this button again puts the track into "MIDI
recording" mode. If a software instrument is loaded, you
can play it with a hooked-up MIDI keyboard (monitoring). If
you start recording now, a new MIDI object will be created
in the track and the MIDI editor will open. From there you
will be able to start the MIDI recording (see page 98).
Here you can open the "Track effects" menu where you will
find presets for track effects (see page 167) sorted
according to the instrument type.
With the "Move track up/down" commands you can sort
your tracks.

Zooming

The vertical zoom function sets the number of visible tracks in the
window. For a lot of tracks, enlarging the view (zooming) is sensible
for editing a single track or object.

Use the horizontal zoom function to set up the visible section of the
arrangement on the timeline.

Move/Zoom with the scroll bar

If you move the mouse to the edge of the scroll bar, the cursor will
turn into a double-arrow symbol which can be used to select and
compress/stretch the scroll bar. This way, you can zoom in and out
quickly. Dragging the middle of the scroll bar moves the visible
section.

You can tell which part of the entire arrangement is being played by
the size and position of the scroll bar. If the whole arrangement is
displayed, then the scroll bar will fill out the bar. Complete view may

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Arranger 41

be set by doublke clicking the scroll bar.

A track may not be diminished without any limit, and the number of
maximum displayable tracks is also limited, meaning not all tracks
may be able to be viewed at once.

Zoom buttons

Zoom menu: Certain zoom levels may be selected on the

horizontal scroll bar or by clicking the zoom menu. You can
also jump to certain positions in the arrangement here.
Enlarge objects: Vertical and horizontal zoom stages are
enlarged such that all of the selected objects are able to be
displayed at maximum size. If the function is switched off,
the zoom stage will be restored.

Optimize view (see page 305)

Zoom buttons: These buttons zoom in and out

Move/Zoom with the mouse wheel

The visible section can be moved, reduced, and increased in size by
using the scroll bars. These functions can also be executed without
having to click anywhere by using the mouse to move the scroll bars
or zoom buttons or by using the mouse wheel.

Grid

Timestretching in the arrangement is displayed by the vertical
progress of the tracks. To structure this progression, a timeline
displaying time units has been positioned at the top of the first track.

Two consecutive objects will seamlessly snap together even if they
are on different tracks. This avoids undesired gaps or overlaps.

The bar grid makes sure that the objects and the start, end & play
markers only snap into place at specific positions so that they can be
positioned precisely according to the beat.

The grid width can be set using the button

,

to the top left.

If, for example, "1/2 beat" has been set, then the objects and
markers snap into position at all half beat positions when moved. This
way there won't be any gaps between the objects and precisely

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42 Arranger

beat-matched cuts are possible. The selection ranges from full beats
to 1/16 grid sizes. Triplet values are also possible.

The "Frame" setting allows fine positioning using the time code. The
time display in the timeline and transport control automatically
changes from bars:beats:ticks to hours:minutes:seconds:frames.

"Objects" deactivates the beat grid and the grid will now only affect
the object edges. You can also deactivate the grind entirely by
selecting "No grid" or by pressing "F4".

"Select beat type" switches the timeline to irregular bars like ¾ beat.

Playback area: Start and end markers

In the upper area of the timeline, there are two markers between
which playback area is displayed, and this area can be played back
as a loop (endless).

The length of the playback area is shown in blue. The number before
the point indicates the number of bars, the number following it
indicates the number of fragments corresponding to the selected
grid, e.g. 3.3 on a 1/16 grid = 3 bars and 3/16. A tilde (~) in the
display means that the playback area doesn’t have the exact raster
length and the loop is therefore "non-circular". Double clicking on the
playback area sets it to cover the whole arrangement; double clicking
again sets it between the start of the arrangement and the last
object.

This area also determines which positions are copied or inserted into
the clipboard’s memory by the the edit menu commands "Edit range"
or the keyboard shortcuts "Ctrl + Alt + C" for "copy", "Ctrl + Alt + V"
for "paste" or "Ctrl + Alt + X" for "cut".

The right end marker is always moved together with the start marker
so that the length of the looped playback area remains constant as
the start marker is moved. So always move the start marker first and
then the end marker.

The start and end markers can be moved in different ways with the
mouse. You can move them to any position via drag & drop or

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directly with a mouse click: a left mouse click in the timeline moves
the start marker; right clicking moves the end marker.

It’s even easier with the keyboard: The cursor keys move the
playback area forward or backward by a whole playback area’s
length. Press "Ctrl" as well to move the playback area by a quarter of
its length. "Shift" + cursor keys halves or doubles the playback area’s
length.

"Ctrl + Shift" +cursor keys enables you to lengthen or shorten the
playback area by a bar. Use this function as well to quickly move the
playback area onto a smooth bar length.

When you move the playback area while a playback is running, the
old area is always played to the end and smoothly changed into the
new one after. In this way you can remix your tracks in real-time with
the keyboard!

Note: If the starting marker does not move to the right with a left click
or via the keyboard, it is because the end marker would then have to
be shifted beyond the end of the arrangement. In this case, move the
start marker via drag & drop or position the end marker!

Arranger 43

Moving the playback marker

The playback marker can be moved independent of the start marker.
To do this, click on the lower part of the timeline. If you hold "Ctrl",
the playback marker and start marker are moved simultaneously.

Once the playback marker reaches the end marker, playback is
continued at the position of the start marker. If the playback marker
was positioned outside of the playback range, the arrangement is
played to the end. The selected play area is then played as a loop.

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44 Arranger

Transport Bar (playback functions)

With the playback functions of the transport bar you can control the
playback behavior of the arrangement using the mouse.

Tip: You can start and stop playback much more easily by pressing
the space bar on your computer's keyboard. You will also find an
overview of all keyboard shortcuts at the end of this manual.

Back to start: This button quickly moves the start marker to
the beginning of the arrangement. By clicking on "Back to
start" the start marker and play range are both displayed at
the beginning of the arrangement.
Rewind: This function can be used to rewind to the start of
the arrangement. This means that the play marker in the
timeline is reset.

Stop: Stops playback. The playback marker is reset to its
initial position.

Play/pause: This button starts continuous playback of the
arrangement: If the playback marker reaches the end
marker, the range between the start and end marker will be
played back as a loop. Another click on "Play" stops at the
current position of the playback marker (pause).
Fast-forward: Use this to move along the arrangement at a
faster speed. This means that the start marker in the
timeline is moved forward.

Record: You can create a recording with this button.
Depending on whether a track in the Trackbox has been
activated for MIDI or audio recording, the MIDI editor with a
new MIDI object or the audio recording dialog (see page

73) will open.
Looped playback can be deactivated. The playback stops
when the end marker is reached.

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Time display

The time display is
beside the transport
controller.

The current playback position is displayed here. The unit can be
switched between beats, hours:minutes:seconds, or frames by right
clicking on the time format. Switching to remaining time display
(distance to project end) is possible.

Display harmonies

If this symbol is activated, harmony symbols will be displayed during
playback. Harmonies can be detected with the Harmony Agent (see
page 89).

Volume regulation

Arranger 45

The volume control is to the left of the transport controller. Use it to
quickly control the overall volume of your arrangement. To regulate
the volume of individual tracks, use the mixer (see page 240).

Tempo

The song's tempo is displayed here in BPM (Beats Per Minute). The
arrangement tempo is set automatically by the first sample used in
the arrangement. One click on the small arrow shows the tempo
fader. You can use this to smoothly change the master tempo during
playback. The objects in the arrangement are adapted using
timestretching.

By clicking "Tap", you can open the tap tempo dialog to "tap" in the
tempo. Simply click the "Tap" button at the desired tempo or press
the "T" key; the tempo is measured and displayed in the dialog.
Pressing "OK" accepts the tempo.

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46 Arranger

Track position slider

The position slider quickly moves the play cursor within the visible
range.

Arranger, Video Monitor, and Media Pool

If the video screen is re-opened and the Media Pool is closed, the
video screen can be freely repositioned.

The "View" menu allows a standard setting to be switched on. If the
option "Standard layout" is deactivated, the entire screen can be
filled by the arranger in order to simplify positioning and editing
objects.

In case of very large arrangements, the video monitor can be used as
an overview display ("Menu -> Video monitor -> Arrangement
overview (see page 306)").

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Arranger 47

Arranger buttons

The arranger buttons for quickly opening and closing all the most
important windows can be found underneath the last track in the
arranger.

Mixer

This button opens the real-time mixer.

You can modify the tracks relating to volume and the position in the
stereo panorama here, and this is also where both master effects and
plug-ins can be integrated.

Video

Opens/Closes the video monitor in "Peak meter" mode.

Live Mode

This option opens the Live Performer (see page 155).

Please refer to the "Arranging objects" chapter, section "Live
Performer" (see page 155)!

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48 Media Pool

Media Pool

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium's Media Pool lets you access,
preview, and load all supported media types, online and offline, e.g.
with included sound and video loops, audio CDs, MP3 songs,
synthesizers, or effects.

All media types are loaded from a local drive or directly from the
Internet into the arranger; just drag & drop them.

The upper edge of the Media Pool contains five buttons which
operate the Media Pool in different ways:

The setting Soundpools offers a database view of all Soundpools.
The File manager is very similar to Windows Explorer. It controls and
loads media files of all types on the hard drive. The Synthesizer
setting displays a list of available synthesizers. Under Templates, you
will find effects presets for all kinds of audio, video, and titling effects.

Catooh connects directly to Catooh (see page 309).

Preview function

There is a preview function for all files: By simply clicking an audio
object, the pre-listening function starts via the sound card. Video,
graphics and text objects are shown on the video screen.

As the arrangement plays on, you can experiment with sounds from
the Media Pool (see Smart Preview (see page 70)).

Note: Even while previewing, audio files are adapted to the current
tempo using timestretching (you can deactivate this in the
"Audio/Video options" menu).

Positioning the Media Pool

The Media Pool appears after the program is launched for the first
time in the left lower third of the screen. It can, however, be
positioned freely as a window anywhere on the screen or even
switched off. The view menu offers different options. e.g. arranger full
view displays as many tracks simultaneously as possible.

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Media Pool 49

File manager settings

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium's file manager works very similarly
to Windows Explorer. It can be used to access and load media files
of all kinds, e.g. videos, bitmaps, MP3 audio files, audio CD tracks,
RTF text files for titles.

The Media Pool consists of a file list to the right (the actual “Media
Pool”), in which all loadable media types (and, if required, further
subfolders) are listed, and the navigation area on the left-hand side.

In the file list, all supported multimedia files and subdirectories of the
currently chosen directory are displayed. All entries can be loaded
into the arranger tracks by double clicking or via drag & drop.

In the navigation area, you can find different buttons for directly
accessing preset subfolders.

You can right click in the file list to define further buttons ("links").
Switch to the folder which you would like to create a link to and
select the option "Link to folder" from the context menu.

Navigation buttons

Forwards/Back

These buttons always return
you to the folder where you
were previously.

Up

Drive menu

This button brings you to the
next highest folder level.

You can access all available
drives via the drive menu
button.

Browse history
list and path
details

The current folder's path is
displayed in the top center.
Use the arrow button to open
the menu to find the folders
you previously visited.

View

These buttons switch the file
view list between icons, lists,
or details.

Various file list view modes

The file list displays all supported multimedia files and subfolders of
the currently selected folder. Three different views (list, detail, large

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50 Media Pool

symbols) can be set by right clicking on the options or Media Pool's
context menu.

Deleting, copying, and moving files

List: Only file names

are listed. This view
mode displays the
most files
simultaneously.

Details: The details
section displays the
type, size, and date
of modification for
every media file
beside the name. The
list can be sorted by
clicking on any of
these details.

Large symbols:
These can be quite
useful, since they
show a preview
frame for each movie
and picture file. This
allows you to sort
through the material
quicker. The
disadvantage is that
it takes longer for the
file list to be
displayed.

All files listed in the media window can be selected, deleted, or
moved into other folders via drag & drop, just like via Windows
Explorer. This way, all objects desired for placement in an
arrangement can be collected in a separate folder beforehand.

Additional functions can be accessed via the context menu, i.e. by
right clicking an entry.

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CD/DVD

Clicking this button once reads the CD that is currently in the CD­ROM drive. In the case of data CDs, all directory and file formats
supported by MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium are displayed in the
file manager. In the case of audio CDs, all tracks appear in the file list.

Own Projects

This button opens the "My Audio/Video" directory, which is
automatically created on program installation. By default,
arrangements are exported to and saved in this directory unless
changed by the user.

Database

This button displays the media files on your computer in a
well-structured database view.

This means the files are no longer displayed according to where they
are stored in the different folders but are grouped according to
general characteristics. The top "folder level" is the difference in
audio, video or image files; subfolders would be, for instance, the
date for photos or the artist for MP3 files.

Media Pool 51

In order to present media data on your PC in a database view, you
first have to add them to the MAGIX database. To do this, click on
the database button to the right and select the option Start media
manager for photos and music.

This opens the corresponding MAGIX program and the database
scan function of the program.

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium comes with the free photo and
music management programs MAGIX Photo Manager and MAGIX
Music Manager. If you have the corresponding free versions, MAGIX
MP3 Maker or MAGIX Digital Photo Maker, they will be used instead.

By right clicking on "Database" and clicking on "Database search",
you can open a special search dialog in which you can carry out a
targeted search for media.

Search the database

Quick search: Simply enter a keyword and highlight the data type

(photo, audio, video). All available Database columns are searched
for the keyword.

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52 Media Pool

Expert search: Here you can restrict your search by stating search

criteria in the following way:

e.g. dimensions greater than 800

You can search up to three database columns that are connected via
"and" or "or" simultaneously.

"AND" means only those files will be listed that match all criteria.

"OR" means only those files will be listed that match at least one of
the criteria.

Database column Condition Comparison item

Soundpool settings

This setting can be used to access Soundpool media. Access to the
supplied Soundpools is via a new, more clearly laid out database
overview that enables the display of loops, multiple styles and
instrument categories, e.g. all bass loops of every installed style or
every loop of a style.

During installation, if you no longer have the Soundpools on your hard
disk, then insert the MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium installation
DVD into the drive. The contents of the Soundpool media will now be
imported into the database. Other Soundpool media is automatically
recognized and added to the media database.

Note: Under "Program settings -> General (see page 281)", you will
find several options for maintaining and displaying the Soundpool
database.

Soundpools already present on the hard disk
can be imported via "Add styles" into the
database.

A Soundpool consists of one or more styles. Styles are sound
libraries that belong together and cover a certain musical style. The
sounds (sample or MIDI loops) of one style all have a certain tempo.
You can mix loops from different styles, and the tempos will be
adjusted accordingly. Within a style, loops are ordered according to
instruments, and one instrument folder contains different sounds.

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Media Pool 53

Each sound can have a different pitch (except for drums and sound
effects).

The Soundpool display consists of several columns: First, all styles
available in the database are shown. The second column lists loaded
instruments. The third column, "Name", contains the list of the
sounds found. These are displayed according to the length of the
beats (1,2, or 4 beats).

Sample loop

MIDI loop

The different pitches are also displayed (if available). An entry field for
full text search is located under the match list.

The list of samples found is created after entry selection in the first
two columns. "Ctrl" + mouse click reduces or expands a selection.
No selection ("Ctrl" + click on a single selected element) shows all
entries from this category.

If you select an instrument (e.g. "Drums" and "Percussion") and no
style, all drums and percussion samples in the whole database will be
displayed.

In the search field, you can search the list of
the samples found according to a certain
sound file name.

Sound Vision view: This button displays all
Soundpools as galaxies.

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54 Media Pool

SoundVision

This alternative display of the Soundpool library shows all available
sounds graphically. No matter how large the Soundpool collection is,
you can view the entire library using this 2-dimensional display. This
"galaxy" can now be accessed via the mouse to collect all of the
sounds you want.

The large clusters of "stars" are the styles, and these are arranged
from inside to outside with increasing tempo. Eventually they form a
center - the styles furthest out have the highest tempo.

Within a style are the individual instruments (e.g. keys, pads,
sequence) formed in a circle, and the drums are in the middle. Every
instrument group has a certain color assigned to it which is the same
in every style. The individual sounds are points encircled by the
individual pitches, if available.

You navigate throughout the Sound Vision view by moving the
selection displayed with the mouse; the mouse wheel enlarges or
diminishes the view. The points (which symbolize the sound loops)
can be manipulated exactly as in the Media Pool list view, i.e. select
by double clicking and load by double clicking or via drag & drop.

Synthesizer

This button opens the folder containing your synthesizers. Read more
on this in the Software synthesizers (see page 116) chapter.

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Media Pool 55

Template setting

The folders for installed effects presets will be opened. Even saved
audio and video effects presets as well as title templates land in
these folders, so that over time a complete library of your own
presets will develop. Folder for audio effects ("Audio FX"), presets for
the Vintage Effects Suite ("Vintage FX"), video effects ("Video FX",
"Video mix FX"), automatic animations ("Visuals"), and title templates
("Title") can be opened using these buttons.

You can also add effects via drag & drop. They can simply be
dragged onto the corresponding object using the mouse.

You can also precisely set up the video and audio effects via the
realistic effects rack (see page 165) or video controller via the context
menu.

Object inspector settings

The object inspector offers quick access to properties of objects, e.g.
audio effects for audio objects. For MIDI objects, the synthesizer
controlled by a MIDI object may be played directly via an on-screen
keyboard.

Audio objects

If an audio object is selected the object inspector will open featuring
the audio object view

This displays the available object effects (see page 166) in a clearly

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56 Media Pool

T

laid out list.

This button switches effects on
and off.

MIDI objects

If a MIDI object (see page 91) is selected the object inspector will
feature the MIDI objects view.

The keyboard may be used to play a software synthesizer (see page

146) that is controlled by the selected MIDI object.

he settings dialog for an effect is

opened via this button.

A sound program for the synthesizer may be
selected from this list.

This button opens the editor window for the
synthesizer for fine tuning the sound.

This button opens the MIDI editor (see page

95) for the selected MIDI object.

Setting Catooh

You can preview multimedia files from the Online Content Library
Catooh, load them into the arrangement, and edit them further .

Please read the chapter entitled Catooh (see page 309)!

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Videoscreen 57

Videoscreen

The video monitor can
be positioned anywhere
on the screen. The size
is variable. To set the
size, right click on the
video monitor and select
the desired size from the
context menu or adjust it
yourself ("user-defined").
Please note that larger
video screens require
more CPU power.

To detach the video monitor from the arranger and Media Pool,
deactivate the default layout in the "Window" menu. You can then
position the screen anywhere you like.

The video monitor can be increased to full size by double clicking on
it or pressing "Alt + Enter". Press "Esc" to leave maximized screen
mode.

You can also include a large time display in the video monitor.
"Display play time" shows the current play marker position in the
video monitor. You can choose the screen & background colors and
transparency.

The video monitor is transformed into an analyzer which displays the
sound as a graphic.

"Overview" mode enables you to view the whole arrangement and
access the object you are looking for in a split second - you can
zoom in directly to the video monitor or move around the clip
displayed in the arranger.

Peak meter

The video monitor is transformed into an analyzer which
displays the sound as a graphic.

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58 Videoscreen

Overview

In "Overview" mode, you can view the whole
arrangement and you are also able to access any object
you want in a split second; zoom in directly to the video
monitor or move around the clip displayed in the
arranger.

Infobox

"Infobox" mode shows help text in the preview monitor if
you hold the mouse pointer over a button on the screen.

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Mouse modes 59

Mouse modes

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium offers special mouse modes for
arranging and editing objects.

A small arrow next to the mouse pointer symbol allows different
modes to be set.

Move selection

This is the preset mouse mode in which most changes are
made.

Select objects by left clicking them. When the "Shift" or "Control"
keys are pressed, multiple objects can be selected.

Hold down the mouse button to move selected objects.

In this mode the objects can be faded in or out or their lengths can
be changed using any of the five handles. Please refer to the
"Arranging objects" (see page 62) section. Right clicking on an object
opens the context menu with the most important effects and settings
available for that specific object.

If an effect curve is active, the curve handles can be selected and
moved. Double clicking on the curve creates new handles.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 1

Move to track

This mouse mode behaves basically like the mouse mode for
individual objects, but moving objects

results in all other objects behind the object moving in sync on the
track. This is practical if space is needed at the start of a track, since
all objects can be moved together without moving them underneath
each other.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 2

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60 Mouse modes

Move all

This mouse mode behaves in principal just like the "Single
object mouse mode",

but during moving, all objects on all tracks will be moved together
from the mouse position.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 3

Automation

This mouse mode is used for drawing the volume and effect
curves (see page 235).

When active, a new curve can be drawn on an object or track using
the left mouse button. The corresponding effects curve can be
activated in the dialog "Dynamic effects editor" (see page 236). This
can be opened with the command "Object automation" or "Track
automation" from the menu "Effects -> Automation" (shortcut: "Ctrl +
H" / "Ctrl + J").

Note: You will be able to edit the object curves or the track curves
depending on whether you have opened the curve editor for the
object or the track. If the editor is closed, then the object curves will
always be edited, even if a track curve is displayed.

Clicking on an object without an activated effect curve activates the
volume object curve for this object. One click on a track without an
active effect curve deactivates this mouse mode again.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 4

Draw

In this mode you can insert further similar objects behind an
already loaded object.

Starting from the first object, the following objects are always inserted
synchronously so that you can also think of this mode as the insertion
of a "Mute" automation from a continuous loop. You can read more
about this in the section "Drawing in loops (see page 67)" in the

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chapter "Arranging objects".

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 5

Mouse modes 61

Split

You can split objects quickly with this mouse mode in order to
remove unwanted parts or attach various effects to parts

of objects.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 6

Stretch

This special mode is for customizing the length of objects.

Objects can be stretched and warped using the lower object handles.
The duration of the audio material is therefore lengthened via
timestretching without changing the pitch. The middle object handles
allow the object's pitch to be changed using pitchshifting in the range
of -7... +7.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 6

Preview audio

This mode allows you to preview audio objects (as long as the
mouse button is held down)

for the entire duration and independent of the start and end markers
in the timeline. Other object types are protected against unwanted
moving.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 8

Scrubbing

By holding down the mouse button, the arrangement can be
previewed at the point where the cursor is positioned.

The playback marker follows the mouse movements. This mode is

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62 Mouse modes

especially suited to searching for specific parts of an arrangement.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 9

Replace

This mouse mode simplifies searching for suitable samples: Left
mouse click on a MAGIX

Soundpool object to switch the object automatically with another
from the same instrument category. "Shift" + left mouse click keeps
the object but changes the pitch. Ideal for quick experimentation!

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + 0

Context help

This mouse mode allows you to open the corresponding "Help"
section by clicking on any area of the MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium screen.

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Arranging Objects 63

Arranging Objects

In MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium you can jointly and uniformly
load, arrange, edit, and export different multimedia file formats. This
chapter describes the basic way of working with multimedia objects.
This includes audio objects, video objects, graphics, midi objects,
and synth objects. Later chapters will describe the particulars of the
respective formats.

All object editing is virtual, non-destructive, and is calculated in real
time during play. The multimedia material is thus not destroyed (non­destructive editing) and any change can be cancelled with the multi­stage undo function ("Ctrl + Z"). You can experiment to your heart’s
content without having to fear that you will change or damage the
original material.

Save and load arrangements

An "arrangement" is what we describe as any object (audio, video,
MIDI, graphics, synthesizers) together with their positions, fades,
length, volume, and brightness settings, and effects that can be
found in the arranger.

Arrangements can be saved and reloaded as MMM files via the "File"
menu. When loading arrangements, you should make sure that all
objects being used are available in their respective folders. It’s often
recommended to use the function "Backup arrangement…" ("File ->
Backup copy").

Then the whole arrangement, with all its objects and effects, will be
saved to a definable folder on the hard disk and can easily be loaded
from there.

Multimedia files and objects

All multimedia files supported by MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium
can be previewed or listened to in the File Manager by clicking and
dragging into the arranger via drag & drop. The files are displayed as
objects in the tracks after the mouse is released.

Using the "Tab" button, you can switch between two object display

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64 Arranging Objects

views.

In alternative display modes, the objects are not represented frame
by frame, but simplified. This is useful for quicker representations of
video objects: RAM is saved and the overall performance improved.
Audio objects will be shown using one or two (for stereo) waveform
representations.

Right clicking on an object opens the context menu with the most
important editing options available for that specific object.

Select objects

To edit or delete objects using the menus, you must first select them.
To do so, simply click on the object you wish to select. When the
"Shift" key is pressed, multiple objects are selected. Object
modifications like cutting, moving, effects assignment and so on,
apply to all selected objects together.

The handles of selected objects light up to show that the
accompanying object has been selected and can be edited using the
menu functions.

Several objects can be selected quickly by clicking on the first object
in the first track with the mouse and dragging out a square for
selection. All objects entirely or partially within the square will be
selected (rubberband selection).

Mute objects

Each object can be muted individually. To do so, select the objects
you wish to mute and press "F6" (or use the corresponding
command from the context menu).

Build or split object groups

Several objects can be combined to make up a group, to avoid the
objects being unintentionally moved out of relation to each other.

Once they are combined, clicking on one object of a group will select
the entire group.

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To group or separate groups, use the buttons in the toolbar or the
corresponding commands in the "edit" menu.

Arranging Objects 65

Split objects

Any object can be split up. Every one of these object parts becomes
an independent object in itself. To cut an object, select the object,
move the start marker to the edit point, and select the "Split object"
command from the "Edit" menu or press the "T" key. It’s even easier
with the "Split objects (see page 61)" mouse mode.

To rejoin the separate objects afterwards, select each of the objects
and choose "Group". This command joins all of the selected objects
into a single object group.

Exact object positioning

It is often necessary to position objects very exactly in order to
maintain the beat or avoid creating clicking during transitions or small
pauses between objects.

In MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium every object is snapped to the
edges of other objects, resulting in cleaner transitions. In addition,
objects are placed on defined positions on the grid of the arranger
track. You can read more about the grid in the arranger chapter "Grid
(see page 41)".

Duplicate objects

Objects can be duplicated very easily in order to create larger
arrangements. First, the objects that need to be duplicated must be
selected.

Then select the command "Edit menu -> Duplicate objects"

A copy of the object appears right beside the original which can be
moved to any position with the mouse.

It’s even faster if you click on the object that has to be copied and
hold down "Ctrl" at the same time. An object is then created which
can be dragged to the desired position. Furthermore, object copies

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66 Arranging Objects

require virtually no additional memory!

Another way to duplicate is by using the copy/edit commands from
the "Edit" menu.

Object handles

With the help of the object handles, fine positioning, volume and
brightness settings, fading in and fading out as well as loops can be
carried out directly in the arranger.

All editing is carried out in real time and is already calculated during
playing. The multimedia material is not destroyed in the process (non­destructive editing); any change can be cancelled with the multi­stage undo function ("Ctrl + Z").

Object fades

Use the handles on the top left and right to fade an object in or out.
By fading objects in and out onto different tracks, it is possible to
produce crossfades between different objects. The length of the
crossfading can be directly regulated with the handles.

Shortening or looping objects

Objects are "cut" virtually by "compressing" them with the mouse.
"Pulling" them to the right will stretch them, which results in the
object being played as a loop until the play cursor reaches the end of
the object representation. In this way it is possible to very quickly
create an entire drum track from one single drum loop or to create a
long video from a short video sequence.

Guide the mouse to one of the bottom corners of the object until the
mouse pointer turns into a stretch symbol. Now you can stretch or
compress the object until it has reached the desired length.

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Normally an object is always looped over the full length of the
underlying data material (audio or video file). To set a clip from a file
as a loop, shorten the object at the front and the back with the
handles and choose the command "Edit menu -> Insert user-defined
loop". This function is very useful for setting your own recording as a
loop, as the silence at the beginning of a recording can be cut away.

Adjusting volume/brightness

With the volume/brightness handle in the top center of the object,
you can change the volume of audio and MIDI objects or adjust the
brightness of video and bitmap objects.

If several objects are played in parallel, it is possible to individually
adjust the volume or brightness ratios between objects in this
manner.

The volume and brightness ratios between tracks are adjusted in the
mixer.

Arranging Objects 67

"Draw in" loops

Audio loops can be drawn into the arranger tracks with the mouse.

For this you have to set the mouse mode to "Draw objects" by
clicking on the corresponding icon in the mouse modes menu.
Now an audio sample has to be loaded which will serve as a
template and which will then be drawn into the following area
of the track as a loop in the track.

This works as follows:

1. Load any loop from the Media Pool into the arranger.

2. Click on an area further back on the same track and hold down the
mouse button to draw in the loop.

Starting from the first object, the drawn-in loop area is always
synchronous with the beat. This means that the drawn-in loop is not
played from the beginning, but rather starts from the position where
the original loop would be if you had continued to this position. Or, to
put it differently, a running loop can be found on the track and you
can draw in at which position you can hear it ("Mute automation").

The synchronous start of the object in this mode has another
consequence: If an object is moved, then only object borders are

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68 Arranging Objects

moved, but the underlying loop, however, always remains intact.

Takes

Every object can be saves as a "take". Takes save all editing done on
an object like object length, fade settings, and all object effects. MIDI
takes save the instrument controlled by them (MIDI output or VST
instrument).

Takes are saved as "TAK" (*.tak) files and take up virtually no space
on the hard disk. So you can cut a sample, add various effects to it,
and save it as various takes in order to use these together with all
their editing in other MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium arrangements.

The original sample will not be changed, only object and effect
settings will be saved.

You can also save Synth objects (see page 146) as takes to create
your own preset libraries for the synthesizer.

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium supplies many takes on content
CDs.

Takes can be identified by their symbol in the Media Pool.

Warning! On loading the takes, the audio or video file, for which the
take was added, must be in the original folder.

Object properties

This function displays all the information about the currently selected
objects, such as file name, position on the hard disk, tempo, etc. The
object editor also defines the foreground and background color of
every object in the arrangement.

In the "Tempo/Pitch" tab, information on the patched/determined
tempo and pitch of the audio object is shown. Furthermore, there is
an overview of how the various timestretching/pitchshifting
operations affect the entire audio object. The tempo/pitch adjustment
when loading the sample, the effect of the master tempo fader, and
the time processor as object effect tracks are offset against one
another, but they may not mesh properly. For this reason, there are

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two buttons which can be used to double/halve the object speed. Try
using these buttons if the tempo of some loops is incorrectly
interpreted as twice or half the speed.

Arranging Objects 69

Mixdown tracks

If the arranger becomes too full to manage, the system is out of
RAM, or you just want to ”summarize” your production, use the mix
down function to convert the entire audio arrangement into a single
audio and/or video file.

To do so, choose the "Mixdown" function from the "Edit" menu. You
can choose a name and a destination for storing the mix down
object. The default directory is ”My Projects”. If only audio objects are
in the tracks, a wave file will be created. If audio and video objects
are combined, you can choose whether an audio or a video file will
be created.

The objects of the arranger or the area will be replaced by the new
object.

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium automatically normalizes the audio
file, i.e. the loudest part of the wave audio object is identical with the
highest figure of the 16-bit resolution ceiling. This guarantees the
same sound quality, even if you repeat the mix down procedure or
you combine the mix down file with other wave audio objects again
and again.

Tip: The mix down function is very helpful if you want to go on using
the mix down object. To create the finished end version of the song
or video it is recommended to select the "Export arrangement"
function in the "File" menu instead of the "Mixdown" function.

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70 Audio Objects

Audio Objects

Audio formats

MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium loads and edits audio files in the
formats Wave (.wav), OGG Vorbis (.ogg), Windows Media Audio
(.wma), MPEG (.mpg), MP3 (.mp3) and CDA (audio CD tracks). The
stereo or mono data of a file are displayed as an object in the
arranger of the MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium. The material will be
displayed as a waveform, optically representing the sound to make
editing easier.

Along with wave files, MP3 files, OGG Vorbis (.ogg), and ringtones
can also be exported.

In addition, the Premium version can load and export the Surround
formats (after activating the encoder (see page 320)) MP3 Surround,
Surround WMA and wave (6-channel interleaved).

Load and process audio files

All importable audio files can be accessed via the File Manager and
previewed (audio) by clicking the file name. Tracks from audio CDs
can also be integrated by dragging & dropping them into the
arrangement.

Editing, fine positioning, volume adjustment, fading in and out, is all
processed using the "Object" tab directly in the arranger.

Please see the chapter "Arranging objects"

Smart Preview for the incorporated samples

The incorporated samples can be listened to while the arrangement is
playing. They always run synchronized to the current song that is
playing.

You can load samples while putting together a song in real time and
search for appropriate new "building blocks" simultaneously.

You can add the loop to the arrangement by simply clicking with the

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mouse or pressing "Enter" or remove it by pressing "Del". The
subsequent loop can also be selected quickly by pressing a key
(arrow down) or you can switch to the next instrument ("1"..."0") or
the next bar ("Num +"), or by clicking on the button.

Audio Objects 71

Audio recording

Your own sounds like vocals, speech, noises, or instruments can be
easily recorded in MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium using the audio
recording function.

Connecting the source for recording

First of all, the source of the audio material must be connected to the
sound card input. Again, there are several possibilities which primarily
depend on the type of equipment you have.

If you want to record material from a stereo system, then you can use
the line-out or AUX out jacks on the back of your amplifier or tape
deck. This involves connecting them to the sound card input (usually
red).

If your amplifier has no separate output (other than for the speakers),
then you can use the connection intended for headphones for your
recordings. In most cases, you will need a cable with two mini-stereo
jacks. This type of connection has the advantage of being able to set
the headphone input signal level with a separate volume. As
headphone connections generally are not the best, it is advised that
you use the line outputs if possible.

When recording cassettes from a tape deck, you can connect the
tape deck's line out directly to the sound card input.

When recording from vinyl records, you should not connect the
record player's output directly with the sound card because the
phono signal needs to be pre-amplified. A more suitable method
would be to use the headphone connection or an external pre-amp.

If you are recording from a microphone, then please connect the
microphone to the microphone jack on your sound card (usually red).

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72 Audio Objects

Adjusting the signal level

Adjusting the signal level to the sound card is also recommend to get
the best sound quality during digital recording.

Once a recording source is connected to the sound card, the
"Record" button opens the recording dialog and starts the recording
source.

You can now adjust the recording level with the help of the LED
display in the recording dialog. For this, you must first check off
"Show levels".

If the adjustment is set too high, distortion occurs and the incoming
signal must be reduced. If you have connected the source through
either an amplifier or tape deck output to the sound card, you can
only reduce the signal level in your sound card’s software mixer
interface. You can access the mixer directly from within the recording
dialog via the “Recording level” button.

If you reduce input sensitivity by using the input fader, the resolution
at which the analog signal is digitized is also reduced. Try to set
these automatic controllers to the loudest sound level possible!

The maximum setting for an optimal level is the loudest part of the
material. The loudest part should be adjusted to be the maximum.
The actual recording begins when you press the "Record" button. At
the end of the the recording you will be asked if you want to use the
recording. Upon confirmation, the newly-recorded material will be
placed in the next free track at the position of the start maker in the
arrangement.

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"Audio record" dialog

Audio Objects 73

Audio driver: Selects the sound card for the recording.

Save audio file as/ save in the following folder: Here you can select

the title of the audio file you wish to record. You can also select the
folder where you wish to store the file.

Recording quality: Sets the sound quality of the recording. In the
preset menu you can choose between medium wave radio ("AM
tuner"), UKW ("FM Radio"), DAT (Digital Audio Tape) and CD quality.

Peakmeter (Monitor): Using the peakmeter, you can monitor the level
of the incoming signal. Please read more on this in the chapter

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74 Audio Objects

"Adjusting levels" (see page 71)

Recording: This button starts the actual recording.

Stop: Click this button to stop recording

Normalize after recording: With this option activated, your material's

volume is raised to a proper level after recording is completed. In
order to achieve good results, you should try to record the source as
loud as possible without overmodulating it. To do so, refer to the
peak meter reader in the recording dialog.

Playback while recording: This option is particularly important for
spoken commentary, etc. If activated, the selected movie (or selected
scene if recorded in the "Edit" screen) is played while recording. This
acts as orientation for the movie.

Advanced: Use this button to open a window where you can select
from special features:

Advanced options

• "Mono" creates a mono recording and requires half of the hard drive
space required for stereo.

• "Real-time sample rate adjustment" automatically matches the
sample rate of a new file to be recorded with the sample rate of the
selected movie sound track.

• "Ducking" (reducing the sound volume): To add narration or other
sound material to a video that already has sound volume levels set,
activate the option "Automatic reduction of sound volume of
remaining audio tracks". This automatically reduces the volume of
audio objects in the arranger during the recording session
("ducking"). A volume curve controls the whole process, produces
the fading in and out of effects automatically and guarantees
consistent overall volume.

Import audio CD

The steps are similar to transferring wave files into an arrangement:

• Insert an audio CD into the CD/DVD drive of the PC.

• Go to your CD/DVD drive in the Media Pool. The individual CD titles

appear in the file list.

• A single mouse click starts the playback of the CD title for
prelistening.

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• Drag & drop the CD title into a track in the current arrangement and
the song will be grabbed and copied to the hard drive. The files will
be saved in the "Import" directory ("Program settings -> Folders")

• The audio object appears in the track and can be played back or
edited immediately.

A special program is used for digitally importing the audio data from
the CD/DVD drive. Some drives do not support this mode (an error
message will be displayed) or support will only be of low quality (the
audio objects will contain crackling).

If this method does not yield a satisfactory result, you can open the
CD manager via the menu command "File -> Read tracks from audio
CD". This option opens the CD manager where you can select tracks
from audio CDs and import them into the arrangement. You can also
select the drive if you have more than one and adjust the import
settings.

If this is also unsuccessful, you can also play the CDs using the drive
and record them with the sound card. More can be found in the
"Recording audio CDs" (see page 78) section.

CD Manager

Audio Objects 75

This option opens the CD manager to select tracks from audio CDs
and partially or fully import them into the arrangement. You can also
select and configure the used drive if you have more than one drive.

The CD manager lets you import audio data using most CD and DVD
drives. You may have to contact your technical support to find out
which drive is suitable. The data is imported digitally, thus eliminating
loss in sound quality. Audio tracks are imported into the arrangement
as Wave files. The files are saved in the import folder ("File ->
Properties > Program settings -> System -> Path settings").

To import audio tracks via the CD manager you should proceed as
follows:

1. Insert an audio CD into the drive and select "Import audio CD

track(s)" from the "File" menu. A dialog with a list of the CD tracks
will open. If you have more than one drive, you may have to first
select the drive containing the CD. You can do this in CD drive
options.

2. Select the desired tracks (multiple selection by "Ctrl" + mouse-

click).

3. Click on "Copy selected track(s)...".

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76 Audio Objects

4. The "Import project" dialog will now appear. Here you can enter
the file name and select the target directory.

5. The audio material is then copied from the drive onto the hard
disk. A progress bar is displayed.

6. Once copying is complete, the dialog will be closed and the tracks
are inserted into the arrangement as individual objects.

The track list dialog

On the left-hand side in the list you can choose which track(s)/title(s)
you wish to import from the CD. Several subsequent tracks can also
be selected by holding "Shift" and left-clicking; "Ctrl" + clicking
selects several tracks; "Copy selected track(s)" starts the audio
copying process. A new object is created for every track in the
arrangement and the corresponding track marker is created.

Transport control: This lets you start
and stop playback just like on a real
CD player and skip forward and
backward in the playlist.

Use the small faders to control the preview volume. With the faders at
the bottom you can go to a specific position in a track. To import just
one section of a CD track, choose "Start selection" at the beginning
of the section and "End selection" at the end.

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Below the transport control details on the total length and the
memory capacity of the selected track/section are displayed.

Select all tracks: All tracks are selected, for instance, to copy the
entire CD.

In the right selection box you can select the read speed, and in the
left one you can select the export mode (see Configuring the CD­ROM).

CD drive options: Here you can change the settings and select the
drive for grabbing the CD if you have installed several CD drives (see
also CD-ROM drive dialog).

"Import project" dialog: The "Import project" dialog appears after
you have selected the option "Copy selected tracks". Here you can
specify name and target address of the audio files. The audio files are
subsequently numbered (name -> name_1.wav, name_1.wav).

Copy-protected audio CDs
According to the copyright act, it is forbidden to copy a CD with copy
protection. However, an owner of a CD may create a backup copy
for himself. The problem is, however, that you cannot create a copy
from copy-protected CDs because they cannot be read using a
conventional PC drive. In order to create a backup of such a copy­protected CD, you have to play it on an audio CD player and record it
as a regular analog recording via the sound card.

Audio Objects 77

Drive list dialog

Tracklist: This button opens the track list dialog for copying one or

multiple tracks.

Configuration: This button opens the configuration dialog where you
can make various special settings, SCSI IDs, etc.

Reset: Restores the default settings of the drive.

Add drive: Creates a new drive entry in the list, which you may wish

to adjust.

Delete drive: Deletes a selected drive from the list.

Save setup: Saves the current drive list and all configuration data in a

*.cfg file.

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78 Audio Objects

Load setup: Loads the current drive list and all configuration data

from a *.cfg file.

The CD-ROM configuration dialog

Drive name: Lets you edit the name of the drive in the list. This is

useful if you create more than one entry accessing the same physical
drive.

Host adapter number: Lets you specify the number of your SCSI
adapter - normally "0".

SCSI-ID: Lets you set the ID of your CD-ROM drive. Be sure to set
the correct ID; there is no error checking!

SCSI-LUN: Select the SCSI-LUN parameter, normally "0".

Alias: Lets you select the manufacturer type of your CD-ROM drive.

Normal copy mode: Copies the audio data without any software

correction.

Sector synchronization copy mode: Copies the audio data using a
correction algorithm. This is especially useful, since many CD drives
have problems finding an exact position again and gaps can occur.

Burst copy mode: Optimizes the speed of the copy process; no
software corrections made.

Sectors per cycle: Defines the number of audio sectors that should
be read from the audio CD in a read cycle. The higher the number of
sectors, the faster the copying process. Many SCSI systems have
problems with more than 27 sectors.

Sync sectors: Sets the number of audio sectors that will be used for
software correction. A higher number results in a better
synchronization but also in a slower copying process.

Recording Audio CDs

In some cases the CD can be copied during recording. The CD track
is simply played on the CD/DVD-ROM drive and recorded by the
sound card. You should note that the digital track data from the
digital analog converters of the CD-ROM drive have to be converted
into analog signals and then into digital data by the analog/digital
converters. Depending on the quality of the converter used, this can
lead to losses in quality.

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Before beginning this, the "Load tracks via record dialog" option
under "File -> Properties -> Program settings -> Audio" has to be
activated. The audio output of the CD-R drive must also be
connected with the input of the sound card. This is already the case
with most multimedia PCs (if not, then it can be accomplished with a
small cable inside the computer).

When "Load CD tracks via record dialog" is active, song parts can
also be added to the arrangement without having to load the entire
track.

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Change the playback tempo or pitch

If you want to combine audio material you have recorded yourself
from different sources, samples from Soundpools, or songs from CD
with each other, then you will often need to adjust the tempo or pitch
of audio objects to match each other. There's an automatic function
which automatically adjusts the tempo of audio objects when they are
loaded to the arrangement's tempo, plus advanced tools like the
Remix Agent and the Loop Finder (see page 299).

Automatic tempo adjustment when loading

In general, MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium automatically adjusts
audio files to the arrangement tempo. In normal cases, you won't
need to worry about the different tempo of audio files and Soundpool
samples, since these are automatically matched. But since automatic
processes can fail too, the following process explains when you may
need to "manually" adjust things.

In the new arrangement (empty), the tempo will be determined by the
first samples loaded into it. All additional audio files will then be
automatically adjusted to this tempo. If you are planning a remix
which is composed of different samples with different tempo, then try
to add the most important sample first. This minimizes sound
distortions compared to the other samples via timestretching.

In order to be able to correctly adjust an audio object to the tempo,
its output tempo must first be detected. If the sound is a Soundpool
sample, then the tempo saved therein ("patched") will be used, and
the tempo adjustment will always work.

For all other (short) samples, an attempt will be made to automatically
provide the tempo. If the sample is not cut exactly, i.e. it does not
contain an exact number of beats or is incorrectly interpreted by the

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80 Audio Objects

automatic detection process, then this may not work. The sample will
then be incorrectly stretched or an incorrect arrangement tempo will
be set.

In this case, use the Loop Finder to specify the tempo semi­automatically (more about this under the chapter "Menu effects ->
Audio -> Loop Finder (see page 299)"). This allows the sample to be
cut to an even loop and the arrangement will adjust to the detected
tempo or vice versa.

The Remix Agent launches optionally for longer samples ( >15
seconds), e.g. entire songs from CD or MP3s. This also gives you the
option of either adjusting the sample to match the arrangement or the
arrangement to the sample.

MIDI objects for controlling synth objects always have the correct
tempo because they are always aligned with the arrangement tempo.

In the dialog "Program settings (see page 283) -> Import" ("Y" key),
you can deactivate the automatic tempo adjustment or limit it to
patched samples.

Change tempo or pitch of individual objects manually

"Resampling", "timestretching", and "pitchshifting" provide high­quality effects for you to change the pitch and tempo of selected
audio objects dependent on or independent from each other. You
can access these tools via the "Effects" menu or the object FX effects
tracks.

These functions can be used for all audio files, i.e. for the included
samples as well as your own recordings, CD tracks, CD tracks, or
sounds from the Internet.

The playback tempo can be quickly changed via "Timestrech" mouse
mode, i.e. by compressing/stretching the audio object's lower
handles, in which case the tempo will change but the pitch will not be
influenced (compare with chapter "Mouse mode"). The middle
handles can also be used to change the pitch.

Detailed access can be accessed via the time processor effect (see
chapter "Audio effects -> Timestretch/Resample"). This allows you to
specify different timestretch algorithms for the corresponding object,
since the best results often depend on the respective audio material
and the different algorithms.

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The tempo setting on the transport controller allow the arrangement's
tempo to be changed retroactively. This affects all objects contained
in the arrangement, and in some circumstances this can lead to an
increased demand on the system and dropping out during playback.
If this occurs, use Apply function in the effects rack (see page 169) or
the Combine audio (see page 293) function.

Audio Objects 81

Remix agent: Tempo and beat assignment

The Auto Remix Assistant is a powerful tool that determines the
tempo (measured in beats per minute, or BPM) as well as the timing
of the beats for a song’s quarter notes. This is important if an audio
CD title is imported into MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium, and you
want to mix in sounds like drum loops, effects, or synthesizer voices.

When to use the Auto Remix Assistant:

• When the tempo of the arrangement must be adapted to the tempo
of the song.

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82 Audio Objects

• When the tempo of the song must be adapted to the tempo of an
existing arrangement.

• When the song is to be cut up precisely to create a remix object
which can then be rearranged as desired.

Requirements for using the Remix Agent

• Songs must be longer than 15 seconds

• Songs must be "rhythmic" (i.e. they can be danced to)

Songs must be in stereo format Note: For analysis, it is presumed
that the song is recorded in 4/4 time. If one of the above
requirements is not fulfilled, the Loop Finder can be used.

If songs longer than 15 seconds are dragged into the arrangement,
the Remix Agent is started automatically. When loading short
samples (< 15 sec) the tempo is specified automatically and some
loops are similarly automatically customized to the tempo of the
arrangement. This also applies to previewing in the Media Pool
(Smart Preview).

This method can be deactivated individually in the audio/video
options ("A" key). You can find out more in the "File -> Properties ->
Program settings" section.

Preparation - Setting the start marker and object end

Before opening the Auto Remix Assistant, you should set the start
marker at the position in the song object in the arranger where you
want detection to start. If the song contains a long intro without
beats, set the start marker after the intro. As a rule of thumb, the
Auto Remix Assistant should always be "fed" dance music.

• The start marker should be set before a quarter note beat or, better
still, briefly before a beat at the start of a bar.

• If the start marker lies before the song object, the object is examined
from the beginning.

• If detection is not performed by the end of the song, the object can
be shortened accordingly with the object handle at the end of the
object.

Automatic Tempo Recognition

When the Auto Remix Assistant is launched, the selected song object
is analyzed and played back. A metronome begins to click according
to the result and lines visualize the positions of the quarter notes

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found in the wave-shaped display.

The following cases are differentiated:

• Position of the start of a measure (the one): red line.

• Position of the other quarter notes (the two, three, and four): green

lines.

• Reliably recognized positions: thick lines.

• Unreliably recognized positions: thin lines.

• When tapped, blue lines appear.

If the tact and tempo information is already present, points are
indicated above the display at the appropriate positions. The
metronome volume can be regulated below and to the left of the
wave-shaped display. To the right, the BPM value is indicated. If a
valid BPM value was found, it is displayed in green.

If the metronome clicks in time with the music, the measure start is
correct. If not, you can correct the tempo manually.

Setting the manual and and Onbeat/Offbeat

If the result is incorrect, you can help the Auto Remix Assistant with a
few mouse clicks on the correction buttons.

Audio Objects 83

There are two possibilities:

On the one hand, the "Tempo correction" list offers alternative BPM
numbers which could also fit with the music. The adjustable BPM
values are detected automatically – the total BPM can therefore
deviate from song to song.

For more difficult audio material, we recommend using the "Tapping
input" mode. Either the "T" key must be pressed or the "Tap tempo"
button must be clicked with the mouse in time with the music. With
repeated tapping of the tempo correction button, one should keep an
eye on the color in the BPM display. In the "unlocked" condition (red),
the tapping is not in time with the music. One should tap until the
"locked" condition is displayed. After a short time, you will hear if the
result is correct via the metronome.

Subsequently, offbeat correction takes place as required. If the
detected quarter note beats lie around the length of an eighth note
(transferred behind the real positions of the quarter note beats), one
or more alternatives can be selected from the onbeat/offbeat

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84 Audio Objects

correction list.

Determining the start of a measure

Next, the starting point of the measure is corrected. The beat at the
start of the measure must always agree with the high tone of the
metronome and/or the red line in the wave-shaped display.

Corrections can be made by tapping; If the start of the measure can
be be heard, tap with the mouse or press the "T" key. Alternatively,
you can also select how many quarter notes the "one" is to be
pushed to back.

If the starting marker was set briefly before the first beat of a
measure, this correction is not necessary.

Note: With all corrections, the metronome and visualization react to
the lines in the wave-shaped display only after a short delay.

Using BPM and beat detection

Now you may select one of the actions to be adapted to the
arrangement song (or vice versa) or cut up the songs at the ends of a
measure.

Save only Tempo & Beat information

Only wave file data is stored. This makes sense if some manual post­correction is required for determining beat/tempo.

When the data is stored, tempo & beat regulation can be released for
future tempo adjustments or to create object remixes.

Tempo adjustment

Setting the object tempo to the arrangement tempo

This fits the object length to the existing arrangement. Three different
procedures are possible: timestretching, resampling, or audio
quantization.

• Timestretching keeps the pitch of the song constant, but sometimes
the sound quality can suffer.

• Resampling changes the pitch (similar to changing the speed of a
record player), and retains the sound quality of the song as much as
is possible.

• During audio quantization, the audio file takes the tempo

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adjustments into consideration as if the first remix object (see below)
were created and combined immediately into a new audio file. If the
recognition is uncertain, extreme tempo fluctuation may result. It is
particularly important to set the starting marker so that the tempo is
recognized definitely. The advantage of audio quantization is that
small tempo fluctuations in the music balance out. The start of the
measure always agrees with the start of the arrangement measure
and never plays out of time.

Setting the arrangement tempo to the object tempo

The arrangement adopts the detected BPM value. If you would like to
use the cut-up song as the basis for a new composition (e.g. for
remixes), then this option should be active.

Creating remix objects

The song is cut by beat into individual objects. Some applications
may include:

• To produce loops from complete songs which can then be used with
other material. Most importantly, not all remix objects are suitable as
loops. Ideally, less complex material should be used, e.g. drums
from an intro.

• To remix songs, thus changing the sequence of the objects, cutting
or doubling beats or to enrich the song with other loops or synth
objects.

• To mix two songs: If percussion and tempo fit perfectly, can you
blend the songs without "side effects"?

Audio Objects 85

This option can be activated later from the "Object" menu, provided
that the tempo data is stored.

The "Audio quantization" option: Audio quantization fits new objects
exactly in time with the arrangement.

With homemade music, tempo fluctuations are common, and
therefore different measure lengths may result. Nevertheless, so that
the objects fit into the rigid timing pattern of the VIPs, the time
processor is activated automatically and object timestretching is used
to correct the different lengths.

Setting resampling for small corrections: If the necessary
corrections are very small, better quality resampling can be used
instead of timestretching. Afterwards, you should not change the
master tempo any longer, since definite pitch changes may arise.

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86 Audio Objects

Remix objects in "Loop" mode: New objects are set in "Loop" mode.

When extending the object with the right object mouse handle, the
original length of the object is played again and again.

Setting the arrangement tempo to the object tempo: (see above)

Note: Time correction assigned to objects can be subsequently

cancelled if the time processor is called up and edited
("Timestretch/Resample object", or double click on the object to
open the FX racks associated with the time processor).

Cancel: The dialog is closed.

Problems and Remedies regarding the Auto Remix Assistant

Problem: The playback stutters, the metronome is suspended, the

computer is overloaded... (on older computers.)

Remedy: We recommend changing to wave drivers ("P" key,
"Playback parameter" dialog) instead of DirectSound.

Problem: The metronome does not work and there are no lines on
the the wave-shaped display.

Probable cause: The material does not contain beats or the song
contains a passage without beats.

Remedy: The song should be limited in such a way that only rhythmic
passages are contained.

Possible 2nd reason: Inaccurate tapping or a false BPM value has
been entered.

Remedy: Try the tempo correction buttons or tap until the "locked"
condition is attained.

Problem: The metronome sounds inaccurately or is jerky, the lines in
the wave-shaped display are irregular and thinly drawn.

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Audio Objects 87

Remix Maker

The Remix Maker is connected directly to the Remix Agent.

Use it to automatically generate remixes. The loop objects sliced by
the Remix Agent are regrouped according to defined criteria. Simply
choose one of the four "virtual DJs", each of which represents a
different remix style, and set the remix length and structure.

Opening the Remix Maker

1. New song

• Load the new song you want to remix. This should contain clearly
defined rhythms.

• When the song is loaded, the Remix Agent pops up to give you the
option of dividing the song into its structural segments (see "Remix
Agent" above).

• Select the option "Open Remix Maker" from the Remix Agent dialog
box.

• Once the Remix Agent has sliced your song, the Remix Maker is
started automatically.

2. Existing, edited song (in the arranger)

• Load a song arrangement that is made up of loop objects.

• Select one of the loop objects.

• Select "Remix Maker" from the shortcut menu (right mouse click).

3. Long, unedited audio object (in the arranger)

• Load an arrangement containing a long, unedited audio object.

• Select "Remix Maker" from the shortcut menu (right mouse click).

• You are then given the option of generating remix objects.

Presets

Choose one of four virtual DJs with different remix characteristics. We
recommend you try them all out and see which results you like best!

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88 Audio Objects

Remix length

Very short: around 20 seconds

Short: half the length of the original song

Normal: regular length of the original song

Double: twice the length of the original song

Shuffle mode

This determines the selection and order of the objects.

Do not change: The order of the objects are not changed.

Change slightly: A "pattern" (sequence of objects) is either repeated

or the next pattern inserted.

Distant: Objects that are far apart in the original song are placed
close to each other.

Random: The objects are ordered randomly.

Fill mode

A "fill" or "fill-in" is created when the loop object sliced by the Remix
Agent again to produce very short objects that are looped or played
in rapid succession. Fills are used to liven up the regular beat.

None: No fills are included.

Use slightly: A few simple fills are included.

Strong accentuation: Many complex fills are included.

Use randomly: Different kinds of fills are used in a random order.

Loop Finder

The Loop Finder has been developed to find the BPM in short
rhythmic passages, to integrate short loops in an existing
arrangement, or to yield drum loops from short rhythmic passages.
Otherwise, the BPM Finder helps in this regard.

More information under “Effects” menu.

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Harmony Agent

Audio Objects 89

The Harmony Agent is designed to analyze harmonies.

The music track is analyzed first when you open the Harmony Agent.
The Harmony Agent tries to automatically identify the harmonies for
each beat of the music. Thus the right beat information is an
important prerequisite for a properly-functioning Harmony Agent.

During subsequent playback, the detected harmony is played by an
internal generator for verification purposes. You can adjust the
volume with "Volume Generator". "Mute" deactivates the generator.

The transport control controls playback of the music track. The
position slider below lets you quickly move to a certain passage.

Check and correct the automatic harmony recognition

After the analysis, you can manually correct harmonies which were
not correctly identified. Note that major chords are written with

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90 Audio Objects

capital letters and minor chords with lower-case letters.

Left click on the respective harmony symbol in the wave display. Hold
the key if you want to mark several subsequent harmonies. If you
right-click on selected harmony symbols, a menu containing
alternatives will be displayed. The initially recognized harmony is
marked with an *.

If there are no alternatives, you can select the correct "Keytone" or
"Chord" from the "Correction" section of the menus. Use the option
"Replace selected harmony in the entire song" if you are sure that
the incorrectly recognized harmony is not included in the entire song.
A mix-up between major and minor is typical in this case.

Once you are sure that all harmonies are set correctly, click on
"Continue".

Use harmony recognition

Here you can use the information from the Harmony Agent. There are
different possibilities to output harmonies.

• You can create picture objects in the arrangement that display
harmonies graphically in the video monitor and in sync with the
music.

• You can save the information in the audio file. This also ensures that
the harmonies are available later. For instance, if you want to display
the harmony information in the timeline ("Edit -> Display Object
Marker -> Harmony Marker").

• You can choose between different displays of the harmony symbols.
You can use German, English or Roman symbols to name the tones.
Furthermore, you can set the "preceding symbol" to force single
harmony interpretation. With #, all notes are shown as "sharps" (C#,
D#, F#), with B they are displayed as flats.

Text to Speech

This allows you to type in a certain text and have the computer
“speak” the words. Different types of voices are available and the
volume and speed of the speech can be altered. When you are
pleased with the result, you can create a WAV file that can be utilized
like any other audio object in the arranger.

Load text: Here, texts in *.txt or *.rtf formats can be loaded.

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Save text: A text can be saved.

Test: You can hear the result of the text that has been entered.

Voice: Choose from a variety of voice types.

Tempo: This regulates the speed at which the voice “speaks”.

Volume: This regulator controls the output volume.

Format: The quality of the WAV file generated is controlled with this

function.

File: Choose the file path for the generated WAV file.

Audio Objects 91

MAGIX Music Editor

During MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium installation the audio
recording and audio editing program MAGIX Music Editor will also be
installed.

The MAGIX Music Editor comes with a professional recording
function, lots of additional effects as well as various forms of noise
suppression and editing functions for all kinds of audio material.

To edit an object in MAGIX Music Editor, right click on the object and
select the option "Edit wave externally" in the context menu (or you
can select the object with a left mouse click and select the same
option in the "Effects" menu).

Read more about MAGIX Music Editor in the PDF manual. You will
find it in the MAGIX program group.

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92 MIDI Objects

MIDI Objects

What is MIDI?

MIDI files do not contain the actual sounds like audio files, but only
the note control information played by the synthesizer chip of the
sound card. This has several advantages:

1. MIDI files need a lot less memory than wave files.

2. MIDI files can be adapted to any beat (BPM) without affecting the

sound; only the playback tempo is changed.

3. Transposition of MIDI files to other pitches is also easy. When

doing so, a section in a song does not have to be saved in several
different keys. The version in C major is perfectly sufficient. It can
then be transposed to any key by simply clicking the right mouse
button.

4. In MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium you can use VST instruments

which play the notes contained in the MIDI files.

The disadvantage of MIDI files: The actual sound is not yet set. Only
during playback by the synthesizer chip of the sound card from
external MIDI synthesizers/virtual instruments (VST instruments) will it
be produced. High-quality sound cards or external synthesizers will
sound completely different and better than standard sound cards.

Arrange MIDI objects

Integrating MIDI files in an arrangement:

1. Open a directory containing MIDI files using the Media Pool.

2. Click on a MIDI file – it will be played immediately so that you

don't have to guess which file you want to load.

3. Now drag the desired file into the arrangement – and that's it!

4. An object will appear in which the MIDI notes are shown by dots –

The high notes are dots in the upper section; the lower notes are
the dots further down in the lower section. You can even see the
velocity of the notes. The louder the note is played, the darker it
appears on the screen.

MIDI objects may be arranged, the volume may be modified (middle
handle) or fades (in or out) may be added (top right and left handles)
in the same way as audio, video, or synthesizer objects. Use the

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lower handles to "stretch out" a single MIDI loop to fit it onto a whole
track.

If you do not hear anything on the MIDI file, check the MIDI device in
the "Playback parameters" window ("P" key or "File -> Settings ->
Playback parameters"). Your sound card driver or your MIDI interface
should be set here.

MIDI Objects 93

Transpose MIDI

This function in the the context-menu is used to change the pitch of a
MIDI object. Simply enter the number of half tone steps by which the
playback is to be transposed up or down! The transposition is shown
in the MIDI Object in the arranger with "+n" and "-n" (n is the number
of halftones).

MIDI interface and external sound generator

Naturally, MIDI objects can also be played back over a MIDI interface
onto external synthesizers, sound modules, etc.

The MIDI drivers can be set in the playback parameter window ("P"
key or menu "File -> Settings -> Playback parameters").

Convert MIDI objects into audio files

If you use VST instruments, then you won't have to convert these
MIDI objects into audio data before exporting your entire
arrangement, since the sound is created on your computer and can
be processed there.

If you still wish to do so (to free up processing power on your PC, for
example), then switch the desired MIDI track to "Solo" and export the
arrangement. Then add the exported file back into your arrangement
and delete the MIDI objects in the exported track.

All MIDI objects which open external synthesizers via a MIDI interface
(see page 93) will have to be converted into audio objects if you want
them to be exported as well. They only contain control information for
sound reproduction.

For this to happen, the output of the MIDI synthesizer (e.g. the sound

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94 MIDI Objects

card) must be connected to the input of the sound card. The MIDI
data can then be played and recorded simultaneously via the record
function. The result is an audio file that can be edited and exported
together with the multimedia files.

Connect external equipment

Interface connection

Please consult your sound card or MIDI interface manual for
information about the correct connection. The most common ways to
add MIDI functionality to computers are:

• Multi-port MIDI interfaces, including separate devices.

• Sound card with built-in MIDI interface.

• General MIDI module or keyboard-integrated interface, usually

labeled “To host”.

MIDI cabling

MIDI inputs/outputs: If your computer has an internal or external

MIDI port, or has a MIDI-capable sound card installed, connect your
MIDI keyboard’s “MIDI out” to the computer’s “MIDI in” (on the
interface, sound card, and so on).

If your MIDI keyboard can generate its own sounds, connect the
computer’s “MIDI out” to the keyboard’s “MIDI in”. If your computer
(or the MIDI device) offers more than one MIDI output, connect any
other sound synthesizers to these. If the computer only has one MIDI
output, you need to connect the second sound synthesizer’s "MIDI
in" to the keyboard’s "MIDI thru" port. A third device can be
connected to the second’s "MIDI thru", and so on. The "MIDI thru"
port always delivers a copy of the signals coming into the device’s
"MIDI in". It is preferable, however, to use a direct connection from a
computer’s "MIDI out" to a device, rather than chaining too many
devices one after the other. Timing problems may occur in the chain
if a lot of MIDI commands are sent in a short space of time. This is
due to the slight delays introduced by each "MIDI in" to "MIDI thru"
transaction. If your computer also features several MIDI inputs, they
can be used for the connection of MIDI expanders.

MIDI local off: If your keyboard features an internal sound source, it
is important that you stop the keyboard from generating sounds
directly from its own keyboard. If you buy a new keyboard that is to
be used without a sequencer and connect it straight to an amplifier,

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you would expect the device to make a sound when you press its
keys. In other words, the keyboard is internally connected to the
sound synthesizer. This behavior, however, is not what you want to
happen when using your keyboard with MAGIX Music Maker 16
Premium. In this scenario, the keyboard is used as the computer’s
input device, and MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium is sending (i.e.
playing) MIDI information to any connected sound synthesizer, be
they the keyboard’s own sound generator, a sound card, or any other
connected sound module.

If you wanted to control and record another sound module using your
keyboard as the input device, its own sounds would play alongside
those of the other sound synthesizer, which is why the keyboard
must be separated from its own internal synthesizer. This function is
known as “Local OFF”, and is set directly on your keyboard. Refer to
your keyboard’s manual for information on how to do this. Don’t
worry about “breaking” the link between the keyboard and its internal
sound generator – MAGIX Music Maker 16 Premium will act as the
“missing link” in this scenario.

MIDI Objects 95

MIDI Editor

In the MIDI editor you can edit MIDI objects. The MIDI editor has
many sub editors, views, sections and tools.

Open MIDI Editor

Double clicking on a MIDI file opens the MIDI piano roll editor for MIDI
recording/editing MIDI objects.

In the center you'll find the piano roll editor (see page 100)in which
the notes are displayed as bars and from which they can be edited
using the mouse. There are various buttons located just above the
piano roll.

Clicking on this button opens the event list (see page 105).
In this list you will find the entire MIDI data of a MIDI object,
even data which cannot be edited in the piano roll section
or the controller editor. You can use the event list, e.g. if
you wish to remove unwanted program switch commands
from imported MIDI files.
Use this button to switch to the "Drum editor" mode (see
page 112).

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96 MIDI Objects

You can use this to leave the drum editor and return to the
piano roll section.

A simple click on this button opens the controller editor
(see page 103) at the bottom. There you can edit the note
velocity, pitch wheel, and controller data.
Deletes all MIDI data from the object. Now you can begin
from the start again...

Undo/Redo is, of course, also available for all changes you
make in the MIDI editor.

At the top border, you will also find the buttons for selecting the
editing tools (see page 100), quantization (More Informationen can be
found in the section "Quantization settings" on page 107), as well as
the output (see page 96) used by the MIDI object (MIDI out or VST
instrument).

Select sounds

The sound is produced by the sound card's synthesizer chip, external
MIDI synthesizers, or virtual instruments (VST plug-ins). Each MIDI
object can produce as many sounds as the corresponding
synthesizer offers. The sounds themselves can be specified via the
instrument – regardless of whether it's a virtual VST instrument or a
hardware device.

If there is no VST instrument loaded, the MIDI object uses the MIDI
output for the external synthesizer or for the Microsoft™ Windows®
supplied synthesizer. The MIDI output can be set up in the playback
parameters ("File -> Settings/Information -> Playback parameters").

Select the desired VST instrument from the menu. You can test the
same MIDI object with various VST synthesizers. You can set the
sound of VST instruments in the VST instrument editor (see page

153). You can open the instrument editor at any time by right clicking

on the name of the VSTi.

You can set up the MIDI output channel under MIDI channel. This is
important for VST instruments which can receive MIDI notes on
multiple channels and play several different sounds simultaneously
(multi-timbral).

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Play/ PlaySolo

Play solo only plays the MIDI object for which the MIDI editor is

opened (corresponding with the filter settings of the options menu).

Play all plays the entire arrangement.

Playing instruments with the keyboard

Open the MIDI editor to be able to play software instruments directly
via the computer keyboard. The assignment of the notes to the
computer keyboard is displayed in the following graphic.

MIDI Objects 97

"Page up" and "Page down" move the octave up or down.

Step recording via keyboard or controller keyboard

In the MIDI editor, you can also enter notes via so-called "Step input"
using the computer keyboard or MIDI fingerboard. First, activate the
respective button or select the option "Step input" from the MIDI
editor's options menu.

The playback marker shows the scope of the current range where the
entry takes place. Now you can enter MIDI notes step-by-step via
your keyboard. Note length and step length can be specified using
the length quantization value, and the steps via the grid quantization

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98 MIDI Objects

values. The most important keyboard shortcut for entering MIDI notes
using step recording:

Tab One step forwards (set pause)
Shift + Tab One step backwards
Ctrl + Arrow up/down Entry range upwards/downwards
Letters and number keys, see
Playing instruments with the
keyboard (see page 97)

You can enter different notes simultaneously (polyphonic) without
making the playback marker jump. This way you can play chords.

Of course, you can also enter notes in "Step recording" mode using
your MIDI keyboard.

MIDI recording

To record music from a MIDI keyboard, simply activate the "Record"
function by pressing the "REC" button, and start playing. All of the
recorded notes are displayed in the note field. There are several
recording options that you can set using the buttons next to "REC".

Entering notes in the current entry
range

Overdub
Normally, new recordings simply replace the existing data. In
"Overdub" mode, the MIDI notes are merged with the existing MIDI
information. You can use the "Overdub" mode to construct a
complete MIDI song take by take.

Cycle
This function loops the MIDI object during recording. For example,
you can listen to the object once or twice before adding your new
material.

Metronome
A MIDI metronome is available to count you in and guide your timing
with metronome clicks. The metronome only serves as a timing
reference; it is not recorded.

Play the arrangement while recording

When this function is activated, the arrangement is played
back during recording.

Notation display, movement, zoom

MIDI data can be edited in three main areas in the MIDI editor.

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• Piano roll (see page 102)

• Velocity editor (see page 103)

• Lists editor (see page 105)

Here various tools are available, e.g. pencil or eraser.

Fundamentally, changes, e.g. moving or deleting notes, always refer
to all selected MIDI events (red) with just a few exceptions. Changes
to the selection in a range always apply to every other range as well.
For example, you can select a group of notes in the piano roll and
then change the velocity of these note groups which modifies all
selected notes simultaneously.

Note display in the piano roll and the controller editor (with velocity
curves)

All of the unselected notes are highlighted in blue. The intensity of
the color indicates the velocity of the note; the darker/stronger the
color, the higher the velocity.

Selected notes are highlighted in red. Again, higher velocity notes are
brighter than lower velocity ones.

MIDI Objects 99

Note: You can also customize the velocity color range for selected
notes. To do this, open the graphics file "vel_sel_map.bmp" from the
bitmap directory and modify the color spectrum accordingly.

Current event: This is displayed in bright red and with a red outline.
The properties of the currently selected event are displayed in the
edit fields above the piano roll. An event is "current" when it is
selected with the mouse.

Event display filters

To get a better overview of a MIDI object's events, you can filter
specific events for the display.

A MIDI object can contain events in up to 16 channels and up to 16
MIDI tracks (original track from the imported standard MIDI file). For
example, it's possible to control a multi-output VST instrument using
a single object on several MIDI channels. Notes in the corresponding
MIDI editor can be edited simultaneously or only in one selected
channel within this object.

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100 MIDI Objects

There are comfortable viewing options available for this:

• A channel filter ("Options" menu) enables all or only selected
channels to be displayed. Notes in the remaining channels are
grayed out and cannot be manipulated by the selection tool.

Example: The MIDI object includes notes in the MIDI channels 1, 2,
and 5. You can now make all notes in channels 2 and 5 accessible
for the selection and editing tools via the selection of the MIDI
channels in the channel filter by selecting the two channels from the
menu. All unselected, filtered notes in channel 1 are displayed in gray
in the piano editor and the list editor.

Events in the filtered channels can be completely hidden using the
"Hide filtered MIDI data" in the "Options" menu.

• A track filter (also "Options" menu) enables data to be filtered
according to an imported MIDI file in the same way.

• The list editor (see page 105) provides additional display filters that
only function within the list. The display filters are activated by the
playback filter settings (mute settings), but the filters can be set
independently of one another.

Muted events display

Events that lie ahead of the object start point or behind the object
end point (the start and end points are displayed as blue lines in the
editor) are also paler than the un-muted events within the object’s
boundaries. If display transparency is activated, the outside events
are grayed out.

Events above or below the currently visible selection

There are two small red indicators above and below the vertical scroll
bar on the right border of the MIDI editor window. These light up
correspondingly if there are other notes outside of the currently
displayed screen selection.

Piano Roll: Edit events

There are various editing options for notes within the piano roll, as
well as mouse modes. In all modes (except delete) the same
functions also apply to notes when editing them, so that these modes
only differ in behavior when you click on empty areas.

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