Xara Music Maker - 17.0 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.
Copyright © MAGIX AG, 1994 - 2009. All rights reserved.
MAGIX and Music Maker are registered trademarks of MAGIX AG.
VST and ASIO are registered trademarks 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.
www.magix.com
Preface 3
Preface
MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium offers an easy start and the option to dive
deeper into the world 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.
The handling is especially easy and consistent. The included sound files can be
combined with the software synthesizers easily. MP3 songs can be used with
audio CD tracks, your own music recordings and even videos, photos or
graphics. Even VST and DirectX plug-ins or MIDI files can be added easily.
This turns your computer into a universal production studio for music and all
other kinds of multimedia files. The music building blocks supplied in CD
quality can be combined very easily as they are all categorized according to
tempo and harmony. And for those of you who want to start making songs
effortlessly and straight away, the integrated "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
very end.
Have fun with MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium.
Your MAGIX team.
www.magix.com
4 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Preface 3
Support 9
Before you start 12
Package contents 12
System requirements 12
Installation 13
Serial number 13
More about MAGIX 15
MAGIX Online World 15
magix.info 15
Soundpool DVD collection 16
Introduction 17
What is MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium? 17
What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium? 17
The features 19
Additional features of the Premium version 22
Overview of the program screen 25
Quick start 26
Play demo project 26
Audiodateien vorhören und laden 27
Position audio objects 28
Add synthesizers 29
Edit Objects 29
Add videos or images 30
Effects 31
Export arrangement 31
Burn audio CD 32
Arranger 33
Normal mode/Easy mode 33
Tracks 33
Trackboxes and Instrument icons 34
Zooming 35
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Table of Contents 5
Grid 36
Playback area: Start and end markers 37
Moving the playback marker 38
Transport bar (playback functions) 38
Arranger, Video Monitor, and Media Pool 40
Arranger buttons 41
Media Pool 42
Preview function 42
Positioning the Media Pool 43
Soundpool settings 43
Keyboard settings 46
Object Inspector settings 47
File manager settings 48
Synthesizer 51
Template settings 52
Setting Catooh 52
Videoscreen 53
Peak meter 53
Overview 54
Infobox 54
Mouse modes 55
Move selection 55
Move to track 55
Move all 56
Automation 56
Draw 57
Split 57
Stretch 57
Preview audio 57
Scrubbing 58
Replace 58
Context help 58
Arranging Objects 59
Save and load arrangements 59
Multimedia files and objects 59
Select objects 60
Mute objects 60
Build or split object groups 60
Split objects 60
Exact object positioning 61
Duplicate objects 61
Object handles 62
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6 Table of Contents
"Draw in" loops 63
Takes 63
Object properties 64
Mixdown tracks 64
Mouse gestures 65
Audio Objects 67
Audio formats 67
Load and process audio files 67
Smart Preview for the incorporated samples 67
Audio recording 68
Import audio CD 71
Change the playback tempo or pitch 76
Remix agent: Tempo and beat assignment 78
Remix Maker 83
Harmony Agent 85
Text to Speech 87
MAGIX Music Editor 87
MIDI Objects 88
Arrange MIDI objects 88
Load MIDI files 88
Connect external equipment 89
Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer 91
- MIDI Editor 92
Synthesizer objects 115
Opening the synthesizers 115
Note for users of older Music Maker versions: 116
Synth objects 116
BeatBox 2 plus 117
Drum & Bass machine 2.0 130
LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer 132
Robota 134
Atmos 142
Synthesizer plug-ins 143
Revolta 2 145
MAGIX Vita 147
Live Performer 150
Define ranges 150
Play with Live Performer 151
Sequencer 152
Live Pads 154
MIDI assignment Live Performer 157
Arranging with Live Performer 158
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Table of Contents 7
Record audio output 158
Audio effects 159
Effects 159
Using audio effects 160
Using plug-in effects 162
Object and master effects rack 163
Equalizer 165
Sketchable filter 165
Compressor 167
Invert phase 167
Reverb 168
Sound Warper 172
Elastic Audio Easy 172
Vocoder 183
Gater 185
Backwards 186
Timestretch and pitchshift 186
MAGIX Mastering Suite 188
Essential FX 193
Vintage Effects Suite 197
Vandal SE 210
Video and Bitmap Objects 217
Video and bitmap formats 217
Adjusting the video screen 217
Loading and editing videos and bitmaps 217
Simplify object presentation 218
Visualizer objects 218
Video scrubbing 218
Extract sound from videos 219
Video effects 219
Title Editor 219
Video capturings 221
Video recording dialog 222
Video Compression 224
Choppy or uneven playback 224
General notes on AVI videos 225
Create a video project for the Internet 225
Video export via TV-out 226
Automation curves 227
Effects that may be automated 227
Track automation 228
Object automation 229
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8 Table of Contents
Mixer 232
Fader 232
Control groups 233
Track effects 233
VST and DirectX audio plugins 234
FX tracks 234
Live monitoring 235
Master track 236
5.1 Surround 237
Requirements 237
Import and export of surround audio files 238
The Mixer in surround mode 239
5.1 Surround Editor 240
Automation 241
Integrating other programs - Synchronizing and ReWire 242
Synchronization 242
ReWire 244
Reprocess arrangement 245
Export assistant 245
Export as email attachment 246
Export as ringtone 247
Community upload 249
Create Audio CD 254
File Menu 256
New arrangement 256
Load arrangement 256
Save arrangement 256
Save arrangement as... 256
Export 257
Import 265
Backup 265
Settings 266
Exit 274
Edit Menu 275
Undo 275
Redo 275
Object 275
Range 278
Track 279
Navigation 280
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Table of Contents 9
Effects Menu (FX) 282
Song Maker 282
Audio 283
Video 288
Title 289
Automation 289
Media Pool views / template folders 290
View menu 291
Easy mode 291
Arranger 291
Media Pool 292
Video monitor 292
Mix 293
Standard layout 294
Online menu 294
Catooh – the Online Content Library 294
MAGIX Online Album 295
magix.info 297
MAGIX News Center 298
More online services 298
Manage login details 302
Tasks menu 302
Help Menu 302
Show welcome dialog 302
Documentation 302
Help from other users 303
Update program / Upgrade functions 304
MAGIX Creation Logo 307
About MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium 307
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 308
Toolbar 308
Keyboard shortcuts 308
Index 317
Support
If you experience any problems with your software, please contact our support
www.magix.com
10 Support
team:
Support website: http://support.magix.net
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.
Europe
Sales Department: Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 699 18149
Sweden: 0852500858
Finland: 09 31581630
Norway: 0210 30665
Support request via email: http://support.magix.net/contact/uk
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/phone/uk
Mail: MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14, 01194 Dresden,
Germany
www.magix.com
North America
Sales Department: 9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
Phone: 1-305-722-5810
Support request via email: http://support.magix.net/contact/us
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/phone/us
Mail: MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302, Reno, NV 89502,
USA
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
Support 11
www.magix.com
12 Before you start
Before you start
Package contents
DVD
On this DVD you will find the installation manager for MAGIX Music Maker 17
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 17 Premium and MAGIX Music Maker 17 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
For Microsoft® Windows® 7™ | XP ™ | Vista™
Minimum configuration:
• PC with Intel
• 512 MB RAM or more (1 MB recommended)
• Free hard disk space: 3 GB
• Graphics card: Min. resolution 1024 x 768
• 16-bit sound card
• DVD-ROM drive
Optional:
• Burn CDs/DVDs with CD/DVD±R(W) recorder
• MP3 export with Windows Media Player 10, or higher
• Access to and publication on www.magix.com and in MAGIX Online World
only with Internet connection and an up-to-date browser
• Sending emails with Microsoft
®
Pentium® or AMD® Athlon® 1 GHz and higher
®
Outlook™ or Microsoft® Outlook Express™
www.magix.com
existing standard email software
Serial number 13
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 17 Premium, click on
"Install". The MAGIX Music Maker 17 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.
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 17 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
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14 Serial number
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
17 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
More about MAGIX 15
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 17 Premium:
MAGIX Online Album
MAGIX Online Album (view page 295) 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 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. (view page
300)
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.
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,
Slideshow Maker styles, decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition
series, MAGIX Soundpools, songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX
photo, video, and music projects.
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 (view page
www.magix.com
16 More about MAGIX
297). 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.
Soundpool DVD collection
MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium includes thousands of sound and video
building blocks. Other media can be ordered later. In the MAGIX Sound
Essentials you receive 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 order the
MAGIX Sound Essentials directly.
Tip: At www.magix.com you'll always find the latest soundpool offers.
www.magix.com
Introduction 17
Introduction
What is MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium?
MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium is the new generation of multimedia software.
From your private collection of love songs to entirely homemade video clips –
everything's possible! For some songs and even for a suitable video clip that
can then be uploaded easily to onlince services such as YouTube
MySpace
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.
Additionally there are 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 all tracks.
™
.
®
oder
In case the 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 17 Premium has a direct
connection to the Internet for publishing straight to your personal MAGIX
Online Album. Your own works can also be published directly from within the
program to the MAGIX Community.
What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium?
New loops
MAGIX Music Maker 17 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.
User interface
The user interface has been laid out as clearly as possible. Thanks to its new
look, working in MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium is now significantly more
convenient.
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18 Introduction
SoundCloud upload
®
Soundcloud
is an exciting Internet community for musicians, record
companies and anyone else who wants to distribute music and communicate
via songs. After registering with Soundcloud
from MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium to your personal profile. This takes
place via the menu "File > Export > Community Upload > Upload audio to
Soundcloud
®
..." Then, you can embed the uploaded songs in a Soundcloud®
player on other platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
YouTube templates
YouTube
®
is a video platform on the web, where most people go to find new
music. Even mufin.com analyses YouTube videos according to their sound and
suggests them to other users. Sometimes, there is no fitting video material for
a self-made song. Here is where the YouTube templates in the Media Pool
come in handy: Simply drag a fitting template into the Arrangement, enter the
artist name and song name in the Title Editor, and you can upload the video
directly (File > Export > Community Upload > Upload video to YouTube) to
present to the whole world.
Embedded MIDI editor
MIDI is a protocol for electronic instruments, which determines which
instrument should play in which pitch and for how long. A MIDI object is
independent of the actual instrument sound and tempo, and can be made as
fast or slow as desired, and connected with any intrument. The embedded
MIDI Editor of MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium opens as soon as a MIDI
object is selected by clicking on the Inspector in the Media Pool. There, you
can draw in individual sounds with a pen tool or play them using a keyboard to
the left.
®
, you can upload songs directly
Vita Solo instruments
Under Synthesizers in the Media Pool, you will find Vita Solo Instruments. Vita
Century Keys is a top-class grand piano. Vita Saxophonia is a saxophone
sound, which is hardly distinguishable from a professional instrument.
Mouse gestures
In MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium it is possible to dynamically control video
and audio effects using mouse gestures. To view a summary of all mouse
gestures, read Help.
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
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• AdditionalVita Solo instruments: WithVita Jazz Drums you get a real Jazz
drum sound. Vita Space Pad ensures authentic pad sounds.
• Improvedautomation to control effects
• MAGIX Xtreme Print Center for quickly creating CD covers, inlays and labels
Introduction 19
The features
64/96-track arranger
Music Maker 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.
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.
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.
Audio effects
MAGIX Music Maker 17 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 17
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. 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"
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20 Introduction
is a distorting Lo-Fi effect for those who like it a bit rougher.
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 17 Premium. Use the simple search
function to find suitable pictures or MP3 files for your arrangement.
Audio CD support
Audio CDs can be imported directly into MAGIX Music Maker 17 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.
Software synthesizers
MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium includes the following synthesizers:
• The Drum & Bass machine creates crunching beats and pulsing 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 Yellow Tools, the sample specialists.
• LiViD, our "little virtual drummer", provides 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.
• 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.
• Vita Solo Instruments for realistic instrument sounds.
• Atmos for nature sounds or atmospheres like rain, thunder, or wind.
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.
Own recordings
Use this recording function from MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium to record
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Introduction 21
vocals, noises, or instruments and integrate them into the arrangement.
MIDI integration
MAGIX Music Maker 17 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.
Mixer
MAGIX Music Maker 17 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!
Formats and interfaces
Import: WAV, MP3, OGG Vorbis, WMA, QuickTime
™
, MIDI, CD-A, BMP, JPG,
AVI, MXV, WMV, FLAC
™
Export: WAV, MP3, OGG Vorbis, WMA, AVI, MAGIX Video, QuickTime
™
Media Helix, BMP, JPG (all via menu "File > Export arrangement"), MIDI,
Real
, WMV,
FLAC
Interfaces: DirectX, VSTi, and ReWire (host) support (Premium version only,
one instrument per track), ASIO.
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
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22 Introduction
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.
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 can be
activated in the Media Pool via the corresponding button. Easy mode must be
switched off to access it.
Internet upload to many platforms
When the song is finished, it should be heard not just by your friends, but
preferably the whole world. This is achieved, naturally, with the help of the
web. Under "File > Export > Community upload" you will find the most
impotant communities, where you can upload your songs. This way, your
music can soon be heard on YouTube
™
, MySpace™, Soundcloud® or DJTunes.
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
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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.
Introduction 23
Video recording
In addition to audio recording, MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium provides a
recording function for video from analog video sources for your own video
clips.
DirectX and VST plug-ins
MAGIX Music Maker 17 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 17 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 17 Premium provides real 5.1 Surround Sound. 5.1
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24 Introduction
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
Detailed audio editing in realtime and specialist for 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 accessed via
the "Synthesizers" button in the Media Pool.
• Revolta 2 is an analog, varied and powerful-sounding, 12-voice synthesizer
with highly advanced functions, sound matrix, noise generator, and a
complete effect section with nine effect types.
• 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 17 Premium
in other music programs.
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Overview of the program screen 25
Overview of the program screen
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Easy mode
Track boxes
Arranger
Zoom functions
Media Pool
Monitor
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This list provides the most important editing
commands.
This contains the buttons for quick editing as well as
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.
Here you can enlarge or reduce 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.
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.
26 Quick start
Quick start
This chapter explains the basic functions of MAGIX Music Maker 17 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 editing of multimedia objects.
In the lower section of the program interface you can find the Media Pool. You
can switch between the different areas. In Soundpools you will find the
included loops that you can load into the arrangement by drag & drop while
holding the mouse key or by double-clicking. The File Manager works similarly
to Windows
produced sounds can be downloaded from theCatooh and integrated directly.
®
Explorer with a some additional features. Here, professionally
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In the File Manager you can 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 17 Premium you can create a complete song
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 on the Play button with the mouse 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 if the correct sound card is active for
playback in the Setup window (P key). Of course, the output of the sound card
has to be connected to the speakers.
Quick start 27
Audiodateien vorhören und laden
In the next step, 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" (1) in the Media Pool.
• Various "Styles" (2) are shown on the left hand side of the Media Pool. Click
on one of the styles to open a sub-folder.
• Now, select which instrument you would like to use under instruments (3).
• Some instruments are categorized according to pitch. Right-click (4) on any
entry here to have the sound play automatically.
Other files in the Media Pool can also be previewed this way. Use the arrow
keys of your keyboard to select the various pitches. Other instruments, like
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28 Quick start
drums, are not categorized according to pitch.
• To load a file into the Arranger, simply press the Enter key.
• 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.
If you own an older version of MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium, a Soundpool
Collection or have purchased soundpools from other sources, you can add
these to your Media Pool via Add styles... (5).
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 17 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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Quick start 29
Add synthesizers
Synthesizers are small additional programs, which can synthesize certain
sounds automatically. MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium distinguishes between
Object synthesizers and Track synthesizers. Object synthesizers create own
objects in a track and can be moved and arranges just like any object. Track
synthsizers may also be trimmed or combined with loops or object synthsizers
. But it is impossible to okace MIDI objects or other track synthsizers into the
same track. For this reason, there is a maximum of one track synthesizer per
track.
• To open the folder with the software synthesizers from MAGIX Music Maker 17
Premium, you have to switch to the "File manager" from the Media Pool and
then to the "Synthesizers" folder.
• Drag the desired synthesizer into an arrangement track witha held-down
mouse key.
• The control console opens to program the synthesizer. Make changes to your
settings.
• Every synthesizer has a playback function, in which you can here what effect
on the synthesizer your changes have.
Experiment with the various synthesizers in MAGIX Music Maker 17 Premium
and take advantage of each of their individual strengths.
Edit Objects
To get an impression of the object-based work method of MAGIX Music Maker
17 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
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30 Quick start
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 where the
playback marker is.
This can be done even faster using the special splitting mouse
mode, found in the mouse mode button in the tool bar, or by
pressing Alt + 6.
Right-clicking on an object opens the context menu with the options available
for that specific object in the Timeline mode.
Add videos or images
In the next step you can add video and image material. To do so, open a folder
with video or photo files in the Media Pool under Data Manager and select the
ones you want. On the video monitor to the right, a preview of the selected
video file can be shown.
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