Xara Music Maker - 2013 User Guide

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Copyright

This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right to duplicate, circulate, and translate, 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 Software GmbH, 1994 - 2012. All rights reserved.
MAGIX and Music Maker are registered trademarks of MAGIX Software GmbH.
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.
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Preface 3

Preface

MAGIX Music Maker 2013 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 included CD-quality musical building blocks can all be easily combined since 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 tutorial (view page 21) starts off by explaining all of the basic features in the program and then goes on to provide comp functions. If you prefer to discover the many possibilities of the program by yourself, you can also use the PDF manual and the Help feature as references. An alphabetical index is included at the very end.
lete, detailed descriptions of each of the
Have fun with MAGIX Music Maker 2013.
The MAGIX Team
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Support

Dear MAGIX customer,
Our aim is to provide fast, convenient, solution-focused support at all times. To this end, we offer a wide range of services:
Unlimited web support:
As a registered MAGIX customer, you have unlimited access to web support offered via the convenient MAGIX service portal on http://support.magix.net, including an intelligent help assistant, high-quality FAQs, patches and user reports that are constantly updated. The only requirement for use is product registration at www.magix.com
The online community, on-the-spot support and a platform for exchange:
MAGIX customers have free and unlimited access to the online community at www.magix.info, which includes approx. 150,000 members and offers the opportunity to ask members questions concerning MAGIX products as well as use the search function to search for specific topics or answers. In addition to questions & answers, the knowledge pool includes a glossary, video tutorials and a discussion forum. The multiple experts, found round-the-clock at www.magix.info guarantee quick answers, which sometimes come within minutes of a question being posted.
Email support for MAGIX products:
For every new MAGIX product you will receive, as of date purchase, 12 months of email based customer service. Premium email support: For priority support, or if you want the MAGIX support team to help with non­MAGIX related hardware problems you can purchase a Premium email support ticket. Log in at http://support.magix.net and click on "Purchase access code", the ticket is for a specific problem, and is valid until it is solved, it is not restricted to an email.
Please note: To be able to use the Premium email support and free product email support via the Internet, you have to register your MAGIX product using the serial number provided. This can be found on the CD case of your installation CD or on the inside of the DVD box.
Additional telephone service:
Besides the large number of free customer service offers, we also offer a fee­based telephone customer service.
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers: http://support.magix.net/
Mail (Europe): MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14, 01194 Dresden, Germany
www.magix.com
Mail (North America): MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302, Reno, NV 89502, USA
Please make sure you 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
MAGIX Sales Department
You can reach the MAGIX Sales Department workdays for help with the following questions and problems:
• Orders
• Product consulting (pre-purchase)
• Upgrade requests
• Returns
Support 5

Europe

Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218 Denmark: 45 699 18763 Sweden: 46 852 500713 Finland: 35 89 42419023 Norway: 47 210 35843

North America

9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri Phone: 1-305-722-5810
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Table of Contents
Copyright 2 Preface 3 Support 4 Introduction 12
What is MAGIX Music Maker 2013? 12 What's new in MAGIX Music Maker 2013? 12 The Features 14 Additional features of the Premium version 17
Overview of the program interface 20 Quick start 21
Play demo project 21 Previewing and loading sounds 23 Creating an arrangement 23 Editing Objects 24 Adding software instruments 25 Add videos or images 27 Effects 27 Export Arrangement 28 Burn audio CD 29
Arranger 30
Tracks 30 Track headers and Instrument icons 31 Zooming 32 Grid 33 Playback area, Start and end markers 34 Move playback marker 35 Transport Bar (playback functions) 35 Arranger buttons 37
Media Pool 38
Preview function 38 Soundpool settings 39 File manager settings 41 Instrument settings 44
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Table of Contents 7
Template settings 44 Keyboard settings 45 Object Inspector settings 45 Setting Catooh 47
Mouse modes 48
Move selection 48 Move to track 48 Move all 48 Draw 49 Split 49 Stretch 49 Preview audio 49 Scrubbing 49 Replace 50 Context help 50
Arranging Objects 51
Loading and saving arrangements 51 Multimedia files and objects 51 Select objects 52 Mute objects 52 Build or split object groups 52 Splitting objects 52 Duplicate objects 53 Object handles 53 "Draw in" loops 54 Takes 54 Object properties 55 Mixdown audio 55
Audio Objects 57
Audio formats 57 Load and process audio files 57 Smart preview for the included samples. 57 Audio recording 58 Import audio CD 61 Change the playback tempo or pitch 65 Song Maker 67 Remix agent - Tempo and beat assignment 69 Remix Maker 75
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Harmony Agent 77
Text to speech 78
MIDI Objects 80
Arrange MIDI objects 80 Load MIDI files 80 Connect external equipment 81 Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer 83 MIDI Editor 84
Software Instruments 103
Opening the synthesizers 104 Synth objects 104 BeatBox 2 105 Loop Designer 112 LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer 115 Robota 116 Atmos 124 Synthesizer plug-ins 124 MAGIX Vita 126 Additional Vita Solo Instruments 128 Automation of Vita and Vita Solo instruments 130
Audio effects 132
Effects 132 Using audio effects 133 Using plug-in effects 135 Object and master effects rack 136 Equalizer 137 Compressor 138 6 Band Equalizer 139 Enhancer 140 Invert phase 141 Reverb 142 Sound Warper 145 Gater 146 Backwards 147 Timestretch/Resample 148 essential FX 149 Vintage Effects Suite 156 Vandal SE 168
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Table of Contents 9
Video and Bitmap Objects 174
Video and bitmap formats 174 Video monitor 174 Loading and editing videos and bitmaps 175 Simplify object presentation 175 Video scrubbing 176 Extract sound from videos 176 Video effects 176 Title Editor 176 Video Compression 177 General notes on AVI videos 177
Mixer 179
Fader 179 Control groups 180 Track effects 180 VST and DirectX audio plugins 181 FX tracks 181 Live monitoring 182 Master track 182
Reprocess arrangement 183
Export wizard 183 Export as E-Mail attachment 184 Export as ringtone 184 Community upload 187 Additional editing 189 Burn audio CD 189
File Menu 190
New arrangement 190 Load arrangement 190 Save arrangement 190 Save arrangement as... 190 Import 190 Export 191 Backup 198 Internet 199 Settings 203 Exit 210
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Edit Menu 211
Undo 211 Redo 211 Object 211 Track 213 Range 214 Navigation 215 Select all objects 216
Menu effects 217
Song Maker 217 Audio 217 Video 222 Title 222
View menu 223
Standard layout 223 Zoom Soundpool and Keyboard 223 Arranger 223 Media Pool 224 Video monitor 224 Mix 225
The "Share" menu 226
Community upload 226 Use as background music 227 Add to music collection 227 Edit audio objects in external editors 227 Burn audio to CD-R(W) 228 Burn arrangement and used media onto CD/DVD-R(W) 228
Help Menu 229
Show welcome dialog 229 Documentation 229 Update program / Upgrade functions 230 magix.info - Multimedia Knowledge Community 230 MAGIX Screenshare 231 About MAGIX Music Maker 2013 231
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 232
Toolbar 232
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Table of Contents 11
Keyboard shortcuts 232
If you still have questions 239
Tips for program help 239 Uninstalling the program 239 System Requirements 239 Serial number 240 Publishing works created in MAGIX Music Maker 2013 241
More about MAGIX 242
MAGIX Online World 242 magix.info 242 Soundpool DVD Collection 243
Index 244
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Introduction

What is MAGIX Music Maker 2013?

MAGIX Music Maker 2013 is the ideal program for creating professional sounding recordings without having to learn any complicated musical theory. You can simply combine the professionally produced loops in the intuitive arranger and mix them to create your own personal sound.
Are you aiming for a unique sound that will set you apart from the crowd? Then try creating your own special sounds with the included software synthesizers or load your own plug-in synthesizers. High-quality effects help to give your tracks the final polish or you can take things in the other direction and distort them until they are almost unrecognizable. Express your own creativity by recording your vocals or instruments and adding them to the arrangement.
Whether rock, techno or film music, you can produce all kinds of tracks using the wide range of styles available in the program. When you combine elements from different style libraries the tempo is adjusted automatically to make sure your arrangement fits together perfectly. Who knows? Maybe flamenco rock or country techno is the next big thing.
If you need even more sounds and samples, Catooh offers a rich selection of audio, video, images and professionally created sound effects, which can add even more variety to your project.
Or how about a remix? Load up your favorite hits from the past and add some fat bass or a totally modern beat! When you load audio CD tracks and MP3s into Music Maker the tempo of the song is recognized and adjusted to fit the arrangement. The track can also automatically be cut into loops.
But music alone isn't everything! You can import images and video files to your arrangement, include text and add video effects and cool visuals. The finished video can be directly exported from Music Maker and posted on MAGIX Online Album, Youtube or Facebook

What's new in MAGIX Music Maker 2013?

New Sounds and Loops

As usual there is a brand new sound archive with various styles ranging from "trendy" to "retro". In addition to the included sound loops, an additional 1000 loops can be downloaded for free from the Internet. To download sounds, click on the "Catooh" button after installing the software and follow instructions.
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Introduction 13

New Synthesizers

The Vita Sample Player has a new interface and a lot more instruments like the new Vita Solo Instruments String Ensemble and Rock Drums and the Bass Machine and World Percussion included in the Premium version.

Improved Interface

The user interface and the workflow have been improved and simplified. The main windows for the arranger, the Media Pool and the video monitor (peak meter) can be adjusted for size and position and the track height is now completely customizable.

Improved Soundpool Control

The Soundpool display has been completely redesigned and many of the most important functions have been enhanced. You can now use the full text search to find loops and list them according to pitch or type, i.e. MIDI or audio loops. You can also filter the search to display only the favorites that you have selected. The sample list can also be sorted according to properties, e.g. key, bar length, date, etc.

Improved Compatibility

Music Maker arrangements can be opened in Music Studio 2013. All of the functions in Music Maker are reconstructed perfectly in Music Studio. In the rare case that this doesn't work, you can also export arrangements from Music Maker as single tracks.

More Tracks

The number of tracks you can use in the Premium version is unlimited and has been increased from 64 to 96 in the standard version.

New Program Performance Features

Music Maker can now be started faster and has been enhanced for better performance and stability. The new WASAPI driver support (starting with Windows Vista) for audio playback reduces latency (delays between hitting a note on the keyboard and the production of sound) and provides more stability. It's also a good alternative to ASIO divers for complicated audio output devices.

Improved Audio Effects

The parametric equalizer has a redesigned interface and six channels instead of four. The new and improved Premium version also includes the Vintage FX Suite, essential FX Suite and the Mastering Suite.

Additional features new in the Premium version

Larger sound archive: Over 5000 new sounds and MIDI loops from all genres can
be accessed via the "Soundpools" button in the Media Pool.
Essential FX Vocal Strip: This combination of effects is specifically designed for
editing speech and vocal recordings.
Two Brand New Synthesizers: World Percussion offers a huge selection of
percussion instruments like bongos, congas or timbales that are perfect for
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creating Latin American rhythms or simply adding an exotic flair. The Bass Machine is special synth for creating booming bass sounds for Dubstep and Hip
Hop productions.

The Features

Multimedia Library

The included multimedia library provides audio and video building blocks ("samples") that can be combined in the arranger. The program also offers lots of melodies, effect presets and graphic animations that you can add to your songs and video clips. In short: just about anything can be combined with anything else. The sky's the limit to your creativity.

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 2013 provides lots of different audio effects. A short overview:
• 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 - all classic effects which can be used to produce almost any sound. The reverb effect, for example, provides professional, realistic reverb algorithms to add depth and spaciousness to your material.
• The Gater enables rhythmic splitting of surface sounds
Vandal SE is a guitar amplifier from MAGIX. You can adjust all the typical
settings on its realistic user interface.
essentialFX: important bread-and-butter effects that are embedded like VST
plug-ins.
• 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 with Delay. The Filter enables tempo-synchronous frequency filtering.
In general, there are three ways of implementing filters:
Object effects: Effects for selected objects. These effects can be found in "Effects
> Audio > Audio effects" or in the context menu (right mouse click).
Track effects: Effects for complete tracks. These effects can be found in the track
box or in the mixer channels.
Master effects: Effects for the overall sound. These effects can be found in the
mastering area of the mixer ( or in the "Effects" menu).
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Note: In the track box, you will only find pre-configured track effects, while the mixer channels contain editable effect devices.
Introduction 15

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 2013. Use the simple search function to find suitable pictures or MP3 files for your arrangement.

Import

You have the following options for using your own material:
Audio files in a wide range of formats. You can also use MIDI, video and bitmaps.
The files can be dragged to a track from the Media Pool with a held-down mouse key (drag & drop). You can find a list of supported formats below (view page 16).
Audio CDs
drive and press "CD/DVD" and all the tracks are ready to be dragged & dropped into the Arranger. Whether for remixes or as sound material for your own compositions - your personal CD collection has a whole new meaning.
• Use the recording function to record vocals, noises, or instruments and integrate
them into the arrangement.
can be imported directly in the program. Simply place the CD into the

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 2013 to record vocals, noises, or instruments and integrate them into the arrangement.

Audio & MIDI

The MIDI format is extremely important in modern music production. You can use MIDI files to control external devices such as synthesizers and samplers and internal software audio generators such as VST plug-ins from your computer.
With MAGIX Music Maker 2013 you can arrange, load, record, edit, and play MIDI data just as easily as audio data. For MIDI recordings and editing you can use the specialized MIDI Editor with Piano Roll, Drum Editor, Velocity/Controller Editor and Event List. Recording can be started directly from the arranger by setting the recording mode in the track header to "MIDI record" or "Audio record".
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VST Support

Now it is possible to use external VST instruments and effects in all MAGIX Music Maker 2013 versions. A wide range of DirectX and VST plug-ins are offered in retail stores or directly on the Internet, greatly expanding the possibilities of MAGIX Music Maker 2013.
VST instruments and effects are external programs, which must first be installed before being used in MAGIX Music Maker 2013. You can then find them in the mixer plug-in slots and in the track boxes at the start of every track. VST effects are applied to an entire track. VST instruments are controlled by MIDI objects.

Mixer

MAGIX Music Maker 2013 contains a professional real-time mixer with an Effect Rack and two Insert Effects per channel and for the Master, as well as additional Mastering Effects. You can group a number of faders of a specific type (for example, volume or panorama) and use them all together by holding down the Ctrl key. The quickest way to open and close the mixer is by using the M key.

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, QuickTimeTM, MIDI, CD-A (without copy protection), BMP, JPG, AVI, MXV, WMV
Export: WAV, MP3, OGG Vorbis, WMA, QuickTime, MIDI, BMP, JPG, AVI, MXV, WMV, CD-A (Premium version)

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.

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.
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Introduction 17

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.

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.
Vocoder: Produces distorted vocals from synthesized sounds.
Mastering Suite: A special effect rack for "Mastering". In this process, the mixed-
down music track is "polished" using parametric equalizer, multimax, limiter and stereo enhancers. All this can be found in the mixer (M key).
Am-Track SE: This analog vintage compressor produces an especially warm,
pumping sound. Launch it via the effects menu for selected audio objects or via the plug-in slot in the mixer.

Additional Styles & Samples

More content: The Premium version comes with more styles and ca. 2,000 additional samples.

Additional Instruments

Revolta 2: An analog, especially variable and "professional" sounding, 12-tone
synthesizer. With sound matrix, noise generator and nine effect types.
BeatBox 2 plus: The ultimate groove tool with even more drum kits, automations
and an even more flexible effects section.
• New features: Century Guitars & Electric Bass.
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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 an echo in or out 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 2013 provides a recording function for video from analog video sources for your own video clips.

DirectX and VST plug-ins

MAGIX Music Maker 2013 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 2013.

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.

Real 5.1 Surround Sound

MAGIX Music Maker 2013 deluxe provides real 5.1 Surround Sound. 5.1 Surround is the preferred home cinema sound format, which is also supported in the Premium version when importing, editing, and exporting. With the 5.1 Surround Editor you can move your sound around the room.

MAGIX Music Editor

Detailed audio editing in real time 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

Additional tracks: The Premium version offers unlimited tracks (instead of 96 -
more space for even more complex arrangements.
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Introduction 19
Timecode sync: For creating songs in teams on multiple PCs. Simply connect two
notebooks to each other 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: For embedding of other music programs. Programs such as
Propellerhead Reason or Ableton Live can be controlled in MAGIX Music Maker 2013 like a software synthesizer using MIDI objects.
Video recoding: In addition to audio recording, MAGIX Music Maker 2013
Premium provides a recording function for video from analog video sources – for your own video clips. It can be found in the "File" menu under "Import > Video recording".
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.
MAGIX Music Editor: Detailed audio editing in real time and specialist for CD
burning, sound restoration, sampling and audio editing.
MAGIX Xtreme Print Center for quickly creating CD covers, inlays and labels.
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Overview of the program interface

Menu bar This bar provides the most important editing commands.
Toolbar This contains the buttons for quick editing and the different
Track headers Complete tracks can be turned on or off (muted) or played
Arranger You can freely position any multimedia material on all of the
Transport console In the middle you'll find the volume control, the transport
Zoom functions Here you can enlarge or reduce the view. The horizontal
Media Pool All files listed here can be added to the arranger using drag
Arranger buttons Buttons for displaying the mixer, Live Performer and video
The arranger, video monitor and Media Pool can be positioned anywhere on the screen or completely hidden. In the "View" menu (F11 key) you can reset the standard layout for Music Maker.
The maximize buttons on the arranger, the video monitor and the Media Pool let you display them on the full screen, e.g. to make positioning and editing objects in the arranger easier.
mouse modes.
separately (solo). Use the FX buttons to apply track effects.
arranger's tracks.
console for the playback functions and the tempo display.
scrollbar can be stretched and compressed for zooming.
& drop.
monitor with peak meter.
For very large arrangements, the video monitor can be used as an overview display (Menu -> Video monitor -> Arrangement overview).
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Quick start 21

Quick start

This chapter explains the basic functions of MAGIX Music Maker 2013 with a step­by-step introduction. A systematic description of all program functions can be found towards the end of the manual.
Tip: Watch the introductory videos and learn some tips and tricks from other users at magix.info http://www.magix.info/de/suche/Music+Maker/.

Play demo project

When MAGIX Music Maker 2013 is started for the first time it will display a welcome screen.
To get an idea of what Music Maker can do, click on "Load demo song" and select a demo song from the menu. Once it is loaded, the Music Maker interface will be displayed.
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