Xara Music Studio Generation User Guide

Manual

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

No part of this publication may be reproduced in 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. MAGIX is a registered trademark of MAGIX Entertainment Corp. All other product names

VST™ is a Registered Trademark of Steinberg® Soft- und Hardware GmbH. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Technical specifications subject

to change without notice. Correct as of July 2000.

Preface 9 Contents of packaging 10 System Requirements 12 Installation 13

Our copy protection for your safety 15 Notes on the electronic manual 15

Introduction 16

What is MAGIX music studio generation 6? 16 Sound Cards 17 Testing the Sound Card 18 The MIDI Interface 18 Reading the Manual 19 Digital Audio Basics 19 CD Sound 20 Direct-to-disk Recording 20 Setting up Your Equipment 20 Setting up Your Audio Devices 21

PART 1 - MIDI STUDIO: TUTORIAL 25

Audio Cabling 26

Just Like a Multitrack 26 Mixing Desk without Sub Groups 26 Mixing Desk with Sub Groups 27

MIDI Installation 28

Interface Connection 28 MIDI Cable Connections 28 Tape Synchronization 30

Audio: Recording and Playback 31

Concept: Tracks, Audio Files, and Regions 31 Audio Recording 35

Sample Editor and Digital Factory 38

The Sample Editor Window 38 Digital Factory 39

The Waveplayer 40

The Waveplayer Window 40

Mixdown with MAGIX midi studio generation 6 44

The Mixer and HyperDraw 44 The Track Mixer 44 Audio Channel Strips 45 MIDI Channel Strips 46

Table of Contents

Automated Mixing 48 Graphical Mixdown with HyperDraw 49

Audio Instruments 51 MIDI: Recording and Playback 53

Flow of MIDI Signals 53 Recording Notes and Playing Them Back with Sound Generators 55 … if there still is no sound… 56 Recording, Playing Back, and Deleting Sequences 57 Fine or Rough Copying and Shifting of Sequences 58 Sequence Play-Back Parameters 58 The Autoload Song 60

Event Editor 61

The Event Float Window 63

Transport Functions 64 Score Editing and Printout 67

Interactive Score Editor 67 Editing Sequences in the Score Editor 67

Matrix Editor 69 Preparing files for CD burning 71

File Format 71 Mixdown by Track Bouncing 71 Post-Production 72

Troubleshooting 74

PCI Faults 75 SCSI and IDE Faults 76 Faulty Cables 76 Hardware Conflicts 77 Sound Cards 78 Viruses 79 Graphic Cards 79 Re-installing the Operating System 79 Updating the Operating System 80 Formatting the Hard Disk 80

ART 2 - MIDI STUDIO: REFERENCE 81

Using MAGIX midi studio generation 6 82

Conventions of this Manual 82 The Mouse 82 Window Functions 86 Selection Techniques 93 Edit Operations 95 General Functions of the Editors 96 Key Commands 100 Global Functions 103

Song Administration 103

Transport Functions 106

The Transport Window 106 Bar Ruler 111 Cycle Mode 112 Recording 114 Chase Events 117

Arrange Window 119

Overview 119 Tracks 120 The Patch Name Editor 122 The Track Parameters 124 Sequences 126 Sequence Playback Parameters 131 Quantization 135 Groove 137 Hyper Draw in the Arrange window 137 Altering the Display 140 Reset Functions 141

Using Audio in the Arrange Window 142

Regions in the Arrange Window 142 Audio Recording 149 Functions 153

Mixers and Audio Objects 155

The basics 155 The Track Mixer 156 EQ’s, Effects and Plug-Ins 157 Audio Instruments 165 The Synthesizers—Audio Instruments 166 Faders and Level Adjustment 175 Routing 176 Automation 178

The Audio Window 180

Layout 182 Display 183 Operation 185 File Administration 189 Other Functions 195

Audio Driver 196

EASI/ASIO 196

The Sample Edit Window 197

Layout 198 Display 198 The Sample Edit Window In Use 201

Table of Contents

Functions 205

The WavePlayer 211

The WavePlayer window 211

The Event List 216

Display 217 Operation 217 Event List Structure 220 Event Type Structure 222 Event Float Window 225

The Drum Editor 227

Event Definitions 228 Event Definition Parameter Box 229 Operation 232

The Matrix Editor 236

Display 236 Editing Notes 237 Functions 240

Score Edit Window 241

Opening the Score Editor 241 Layout and Printing 244

Tempo 260

Tempo List Editor 260 The Graphic Tempo Editor 262 Tempo Functions 262

Synchronization 263

Synchronization Window 263 Special Functions 267 Synchronizing Video Files 269 The Basics 270

Song Settings and Preferences 278

Song Settings 278 Preferences 283

Standard MIDI Files 288

Basics 288

Glossary 290

ART 3 - AUDIO STUDIO: TUTORIAL 299

New features in the generation 6 version 300 Quickstart 301

The first recording 301 The first arrangement 304

Terminology 307

Overview 307 Clip 307 Handle 308 Marker 308 Objects 308 Range 309 Section 309 Virtual Projects (VIPs) 310 Wave projects 311

Virtual Editing Concepts 313

Working with Objects 313 Working with Ranges 316 Volume 319 Output modus 320

Tips & Tricks 321

Working in Projects 321 Mixer 323 Performance 323 Recording/Playback 324

The Effects 325

Effects in the VIP 325 Mixer-Effects 326 Effect Calculations and Signal Manipulations 326

Internet-Functions 328

Web Publishing (Upload) 328 FTP Download 329

Burning of CDs (deluxe version only) 330

RedBook 330 Data Transfer 330 Burning CDs in MAGIX Audio Studio 330 DSP Display 332

The Individual Mouse Modes 334

Universal Mode 334 Range Mode (Secure Mode) 335 Draw Volume Mode 335 Draw Panorama Mode 335 Curve Mode 336

Table of Contents

Context Help mode 336 Cut mode 336 Zoom mode 336 Object separator mode 337 Pitch-shift/Time stretch mode 337 Draw wave mode (only wave projects) 337

Shortcuts 338

General 338 Range 339 Function keys 339 Mouse 340

Button overview 341

Upper Toolkit bar 341 Lower toolbars 342 Range bar 343

Problems & Solutions 344

ART 4 - AUDIO STUDIO: REFERENCE 349

Menu File 350 Menu Edit 363 Menu View 371 Menu Object 378 Menu Effects 387 Menu Range 404 Menu CD (deLuxe-Version) 410 Menu Tools 416 Menu Playback 420 Menu Options 431 Menu Window 447 Menu Help 455

INDE

X - MIDI STUDIO 457

INDEX - AUDIO STUDIO 479

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of MAGIX music studio generation 6! Creating your own music or video soundtracks in a home studio has become more and more popular. But the wide variety of available equipment and software often confuses beginner and professional musicians alike. MAGIX music studio generation 6 offers the perfect solution by allowing you to create high quality productions in a quick and easy manner. MAGIX music studio generation 6 transforms your PC into a complete, virtual sound studio. It allows you to arrange and produce on the highest level—with any 16bit sound card. Of course, you can also integrate other studio equipment without any problems. This program ensures professional production results which can be integrated with existing and future musical studio equipment. The following pages will introduce you in detail to the various functions and possibilities of MAGIX music studio generation 6. Experience music like never before—turn your PC into your own home studio.

Preface

Enjoy!

Your MAGIX Entertainment Team

Contents of packaging

Please make sure that the objects indicated here are included in your packaging.

Program-CD

This CD contains the MAGIX Music World with the installation program of MAGIX music studio generation 6.

Manual

For a quick intro with MAGIX music studio generation 6 or to learn in-depth about the program, we recommend that you take a look at the manual.

Registration card

Please send us your registration card today! MAGIX provides e-mail and phone support to its registered users. We will also keep you up-dated on new products, up-grades, etc.

MAGIX music network

Become a MAGIX networker! Your avantages: – the Mega-NetWork items on offer on the MAGIX

Homepage

– The latest info and demos will be sent to you free of

charge.

– There is a Sound and Song Exchange for all

NetWorkers on the MAGIX Homepage. Here you can swap sounds, songs and experiences and chat with other NetWorkers.

– You can participate in MAGIX soundpool raffles.

Simply fill in the enclosed Winnings Card and send it back to us as quickly as possible! Or join in online:

http://www.magix.com/network/

– Charts to join in on: MAGIX music studio generation 6

is not only multimedia software, but also the key to participating in the MAGIX music network charts on the Internet. Send in your masterpieces! You can upload them directly from the program via the new web publishing wizard!

Support

If you are unable to correct your problem with MAGIX midi studio generation 6 contact MAGIX support:

U.S.A. Europe Info info-usa@magix.net info@magix.net Webpage http://www.magix.com/ Fax (310) 656-0234 ++49 - (0)89-7691041 Telephone — 0181 968 1554

Contents of packaging

Please supply the following information: – Configuration of your system (Processor, RAM, hard

disk, etc.) – Sound card configuration (Type, Driver) – Information on whether other audio components are

operating properly

Legal Notice

Most chart hits and whole CDs can be downloaded from the Internet as MP3 files. However, many of these downloads are illegal. Works protected by copyright may not be downloaded or presented on your own homepage without the express knowledge and consent of the copyright owner. Free transfer and trade with such music files is punishable by law. There are, however, many sites offering free MP3 for downloading. A selection of them can be accessed directly via the MAGIX homepage (http://www.magix.com/). Your own compositions can be presented as you wish on homepages and in the network.

System Requirements

To run MAGIX music studio generation 6 you require the following: – Pentium PC running at a minimum speed of 200

MHz, preferably faster. A Pentium II or III is strongly recommended. General rule of thumb: The faster the machine, the more number of Audio tracks and virtual instruments are obtainable.

– Windows 95/98/2000, 64 MB of RAM (recommended

128 MB RAM). – 16 bit sound card – A minimum of 100 MB of hard disk space for the

program plus additional hard disk space to store digital

audio files. CD-quality stereo sound (16 Bit, 44.1 kHz)

uses ≈10MB of hard disk space per stereo minute’s

worth of recording. – A Super-VGA resolution monitor or better with a

minimum resolution of 800 × 600 pixel and 16 Bit

High Color. – A CD-ROM drive and a MS-compatible mouse. – A MIDI interface or PC sound card with a MIDI inter-

face. If you want to use MAGIX music studio genera-

tion 6’s digital audio playback facilities, you will also

need a sound card which supports digital audio. See the

sound card section for more information.

Installation

Put the Installation CD in your CD-ROM drive.

With Windows 95/98/2000 the installation manager starts automatically. If it doesn’t, open the Explorer and click on the letter corresponding to your CD ROM drive and double click on Mworld.exe.

To start the installation process, click on Install MAGIX music studio generation 6.

Installation

Put the Installation CD in

your CD ROM drive

Autostart of the installation or Activation of the CD-ROM and

double click on Mworld.exe

The Installation Wizard appears. Simply follow the instructions and click on “NEXT” to continue. When all files are copied on the hard disk, a program group will be established and the installation is completed. Confirm with “Finish”. The program automatically starts with a Demo Project. Later you can start the program with the icon in the Windows start menu.

Installation

STA

LL Click here to install MAGIX music studio generation 6

The MAGIX Music World is the starting point for everything that you’ll find on the Installation CD such as information about other MAGIX products and our website. You will always find the latest & greatest about MAGIX music studio generation 6.

DEM Get demo versions and information about other MAGIX programs.

BROWSE CD Browse through the file structure of the CD ROM.

WWW Visit our website at www.magix.net to get updated information about MAGIX and to order additional products and sound or videopools on-line.

playR jukebox To install the MAGIX playR jukebox, click on this button.

EXIT Click here to exit the MAGIX Music World.

Our copy protection for your safety

MAGIX music studio generation 6 is copy protected in order to stop software piracy. For your convenience, the copy protection is very simple to use: just make sure that the original program CD is in its drive while booting MAGIX music studio generation 6 for the very first time that’s all. Please remember that you will have to insert the original CD as described above whenever you launch the program for the first time after a reinstall.

Notes on the electronic manual

The manual in the packaging only contains an introduction into the elementary functions of MAGIX music studio generation 6. If you wish to learn more about the program, please refer to the complete user manual in the form of an electronic document. Please make sure that the objects indicated here are included in your packaging! Before you can start using the electronic manual you must first install Adobes ACROBAT READER. To do so, simply click on the “Install Manual” icon in the MAGIX music studio generation 6 program group. If ACROBAT READER is installed on your system already, then you dont need to install it again, of course. The ACROBAT READER installation program requires you to Restart Windows! We therefore recommend you close all Windows applications before you install ACROBAT READER. After installation, you launch ACROBAT READER by simply clicking on its program icon. The complete electronic manual file is stored in the MAGIX music studio generation 6 program root directory! In the folder that contains the MAGIX music studio generation 6 programs, you’ll find the electronic manual file with the ending .PDF. Open this file in Acrobat Reader and you’ll have access to the complete manual.

Installation

Introduction

What is MAGIX music studio generation 6?

MAGIX music studio generation 6 uses your PC as a complete, virtual sound studio. Your hard drive becomes a highly sensitive recording tool. The sound chip of your sound card, a microphone, your instruments or the soundtrack of your video become the sound sources. You have access to two highly optimized programs that are compatible with each other: MAGIX music studio generation 6 combines a hard disk recording program with a MIDI Sequencer. Harddisk-Recording means digital recording of audio signals directly to the hard drive. Through the analog/digital transformer, analog audio signals are transformed into digital information that are saved to the hard drive as WAV files. MIDI means “Musical Instruments Digital Interface” and controls the sound sources such as synthesizers or sound cards. A MIDI file only contains information which note is played when and how whereas WAV files are digital representation of real audio signals. That’s why MIDI files are much smaller than WAV files. MAGIX audio studio generation 6 allows the perfect recording and editing of sounds in WAV format. On 24 audio tracks (48 with MAGIX audio studio generation 6 deluxe), you can work with professional effects and editing tools—even for real-time editing of video sound tracks. Per FTP connection you can use the internet as a boundless image and sample pool and load the multimedia building blocks from the World Wide Web directly into your arrangement. The MAGIX web publishing area is there for the publishing of your work—one mouse click takes you into the charts. Every surfer is entitled to vote, the best songs and videos will receive attractive prices… MAGIX midi studio generation 6 controls the synthesizer-chip on your sound card (or of external MIDI instruments). In addition you get a polyphonic Waveplayer with filter and envelope capabilities, allowing you to play your WAV files as if you were using them in an external sampler. Furthermore the MAGIX midi studio generation 6 features 256 MIDI tracks (1.000 with MAGIX midi studio generation 6 deLuxe) on which you can simultaneously record and playback. And finally you get 4 (6 with MAGIX midi studio generation 6 deLuxe) audio instrument tracks, on which you can play and record the built-in two (three with MAGIX midi studio generation 6 deLuxe) syn-

thesizers. As an alternative to the MAGIX synthesizers, you can also use VST™2.0-instruments. You can record WAV files both in MAGIX audio studio generation 6 and MAGIX midi studio generation 6, and soon you’ll appreciate both possibilities. You can, for instance, draft a song in MAGIX midi studio generation 6, play it back and simultaneously record sounds with a microphone. You can transform the MIDI files into WAV files by using the recording function. Both studios are only a mouse click apart! Take your audio tracks from MAGIX midi studio generation 6 to MAGIX audio studio generation 6 and vice versa. MAGIX music studio generation 6 lets you do all this and more with a very user-friendly interface. Right after the first steps, you’ll be able to use the programs intuitively.

Sound Cards

There are dozens different PC sound cards on the market. MAGIX music studio generation 6 works with all Windows compatible sound cards, i. e. with all that have a driver for Windows 32 Bit Operating Systems. These drivers are listed in “Multimedia” of the Windows Control Panel. It’s safe to assume that all modern sound cards are Windows compatible. Most sound cards have a synthesizer-chip for the playback of MIDI. Additionally, most sound cards support the play back of digital audio data. If you work with MAGIX music studio generation 6, your sound card must have separate drivers for MIDI and Audio playback (which most modern sound cards do). MAGIX music studio generation 6 supports all sound cards that can be addressed via an ASIO or EASI driver. The available options depend on the specific ASIO or EASI driver you will be using. Please refer to the instructions that came with your driver. MME and DirectSound drivers are supported via so-called MME-to-EASI respectively DirectSound-to-EASI wrapper. Please note: If you want to use the Waveplayer, you must use a DirectSound driver. And only DirectSound drivers allow the simultaneous use of the Waveplayer and digital audio tracks. MAGIX music studio generation 6 supports sound cards with a stereo output. Digital interfaces such as S/PDIF or AES-EBU are also supported. MAGIX music studio generation 6 deluxe supports sound cards with up to four audio outputs.

Introduction

But please note: Some older sound cards cannot play back digital audio data. As long as you have Windows drivers, you can use such sound cards with MAGIX music studio generation 6; however not for playing back audio data. Some other older sound cards use only one driver for both Audio and MIDI. In that case, you can you MAGIX music studio generation 6 only for MIDI or Audio but not for MIDI and Audio simultaneously.

Testing the Sound Card

Make sure your sound card is installed correctly and the drivers are set up properly before using MAGIX midi studio generation 6. The software which comes with the sound card should include routines to test the card. You must make sure it is running correctly under Windows, not just DOS. An easy way to test the card is with the Media Player which you will find in Windows’ Accessories Program Group. Look in the Device menu and you should see MIDI Sequencer… and, if your card supports digital audio, Sound… Try playing the CANYON.MID file which Windows installs automatically in the Windows directory. Then try playing a .WAV file. Again, there should be some in the Windows directory. If either of these items is missing from the Device menu it means the drivers have not been loaded. Go back to the Drivers Control Panel and install the correct drivers. Refer to your sound card’s manual and the Windows Users’ Guide for more information.

The MIDI Interface

Many sound cards have a built-in MIDI interface which is accessed from a joystick connector on the back of the card. To use it you need a MIDI adapter. One end plugs into the joystick socket and the other terminates in MIDI plugs or sockets which you connect to your MIDI equipment. Some sound card packs include the adapter but many of the cheaper ones do not. There are also several dedicated MIDI interfaces available. Many are on plug-in cards which are fitted and installed into the PC just like a sound card. There are also external MIDI interfaces which connect to the PC’s printer port or serial port. You can install them without opening up your PC and they are ideal for use on portable PCs. You still have to install driver software for them. Some have a Thru socket which enables you to plug in your printer and use it without removing the interface. Other’s don’t.

Reading the Manual

Few people like reading manuals. Many software users prefer to point and click their way around a program to discover what it does and how it works. MAGIX midi studio generation 6 has an intuitive interface so if you know a little about sequencers you will probably be able to learn how most of the program works by this approach. You can dip into the manual to look up any features you require more information about. If you are a newcomer to sequencing we strongly recommend working through the Tutorial. It uses a practical, hands-on approach to explain all of MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s main functions and by the end you should be well on the way to becoming a sequencing expert. We recommended even the more experienced user read the Tutorial in order to become familiar with how the various parts of the program work. Finally, do at least flip through the Reference section. It not only contains detailed information about every menu, window and function in MAGIX midi studio generation 6 but it also includes examples of how many functions can be used in a practical way.

Digital Audio Basics

If you’re familiar with the principles of digital audio you can skip this section. This is a brief introduction to the subject to help you get the most out of MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s digital audio playback facilities. Digital audio recording is the process of converting audio data— sound—into digital data which can be stored on a computer. The device which does this is built into most sound cards and is known, quite helpfully, as an Audio-to-Digital converter. This is often abbreviated as A-to-D, ATD or just AD. To convert the digital data back into sound, the card uses a DA (Digital to Audio) converter. To capture sound, the AD converter takes a sample of a sound source a specific number of times per second. This is known as the sample rate and is measured in kHz or so-many thousand samples per second. The higher the rate, the more samples the AD converter takes and the more accurate the digital representation of the sound will be. The sampling resolution is the accuracy or fineness of the measuring scale used to store the numbers and is measured in bits. Currently there are two resolutions commonly in use: 8 bits and 16 bits. To give you an idea of the relevance of the sampling resolution, imagine two people are building a house. One is using a measuring stick marked to the nearest foot. The

Introduction

other has a stick marked to the nearest inch. Although the house built with the stick measuring to the nearest foot may not fall down, the one using the finer scale will build a more accurate house.

New Audio Engine:

now works with a new, significantly improved audio engine. It offers shorter latency times, faster fader response, improved VST™ support and overall better performance. Monitoring, that is, listening to the input signal at the audio output, is now available. You will find these new driver settings on the pages “Audio Drivers” and “Audio Drivers 2” in the Audio menu.

MAGIX music studio generation 6

CD Sound

CD quality audio is recorded at a sample rate of 44.1 kHz with 16 bit resolution. Many Multimedia programs use a lower rate such as 22.05 kHz or 11.025 kHz, and many use 8 bits. This is often quite adequate if the sound is played through inexpensive PC speakers but you would certainly be able to tell the difference if it played through a good hifi system.

Direct-to-disk Recording

One minute of CD-quality sound requires 10 MB of storage space. Clearly it’s impractical to store this in RAM. It is more practical to store your samples on disk. During playback this data has to be read on the fly so you need a reasonably fast hard disk if the data is to be played back accurately. Most modern disks are capable of this but some older ones may have problems, especially if they are running in a slow PC. With MAGIX midi studio generation 6 you can playback digital audio which has previously been saved to disk.

Setting up Your Equipment

Make sure the MIDI interface or sound card and MAGIX midi studio generation 6 are correctly installed. If you are using an external MIDI keyboard connect its MIDI Out to the interface’s MIDI In. If you are also using the sounds on the keyboard, connect its MIDI In to the interface’s MIDI Out. If you are using the sounds on a sound card this is not necessary. If you want to use a keyboard for recording but a MIDI sound module for playback, connect the module’s MIDI In to the interface’s MIDI Out. If you want to use MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s digital au-

dio playback facility, make sure the sound card’s audio output is connected to a pair of speakers.

Setting up Your Audio Devices

MAGIX midi studio generation 6 handles two different hardware type categories: PC AV and ASIO. The PC AV driver communicates with the audio hardware using the EASI protocol (Emagic Audio Streaming Interface). There are two dedicated EASI drivers called EASI MME and EASI DS. These so-called wrappers (MME to EASI respectively DS to EASI) are accessible in the Driver parameter field in the PC AV area of the Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers > Audio Driver menu page. Sound cards that only have an MME driver can be used utilizing the EASI MME driver. In order to use the desired configuration, select the EASI MME driver under PC AV in the Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers > Audio Drivers. In order to configure it, press the switch “Control Panel” or start the file EASIMME.exe in the Magix folder. More information about this is supplied by the EASI MME HELP file.

Introduction

If you want to use a DirectSound driver for your sound card, please select the driver EASI DirectSound under PC AV in the Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers > Audio Drivers. In order to configure it, please press the switch “Control Panel” and create a virtual device containing the appropriate DirectSound driver. More information about this is supplied by the Help file. ASIO drivers are a separate category, accessible on the Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers > Audio Driver 2 menu page. Please select the option that suits the drivers supplied with your audio card. Now on to the audio engine parameters

Introduction

as displayed in the Audio Driver/Audio Driver 2 menu pages.

Monitoring

This option allows you to switch monitoring (i.e. listening to the actual input signal) on or off. Please note that monitoring is processed only via software—a certain delay is inevitable. If you are listening to the recorded signal through your mixing desk, you should switch this option off.

Volume Smoothing [ms]

This parameter defines the length of the fade between two consecutive volume values for an audio track. When setting this value to 0 you might hear zipper noise when moving a volume fader during playback. Higher values soften the volume changes and eliminate the zipper noise.

Max. Number of Audiotracks

The Audio Engine requires free system memory. The amount of memory needed depends on the maximum number of tracks to be played, and on the number of I/O channels supplied by the driver. This setting allows you to reduce the amount of memory used by the driver, by reducing the number of tracks. This may be sensible when you want to run other applications or audio hardware types simultaneously.

Larger Disk Buffer

This option influences the amount of audio data that is read from the disk in advance. This option is switched off by default, matching the demands of fast hard drives and powerful computers. If you get frequent error messages while running your MAGIX midi studio generation 6 in this mode, you should switch this setting on, so that you can play back more tracks, achieving higher reliability. However, more RAM is needed in this case.

Larger Process Buffer

This parameter determines the size of the native buffer used to compute mixers and effects. Do not activate this option if you own a fast computer. This shortens response times to operations such as volume changes or Solo. Experiment to find the setting that coaxes the best performance from your system. Only available for ASIO are the following parameters.

Clock Source

This let’s you choose between the internal synchronization via MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s internal clock and external synchronization received via the digital input of the sound card.

ASIO Buffer Delay

Some drivers do not communicate their input/output delay settings correctly to MAGIX midi studio generation 6. If you experience irregularities, try correcting them with these settings. Refer to the manual of your ASIO audio card.

Max. I/O streams

Here you set the number of input signal streams coming from your ASIO-compliant card and the number of output streams going to your ASIO-compliant card. These are limited to 2 input streams and 2 output streams (MAGIX midi studio generation 6) respectively 4 output streams (MAGIX midi studio generation 6 deLuxe).

Introduction

Part1

Tutorial

midi

studio

Audio Cabling

for the outputs

Mic

Line

Insert

Mic

Line

Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

Line

Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

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Insert

Mic

Line

Insert

R Aux Return 2 L

Aux Send 2

R Aux Return 3 L

R Tape In L

Aux Send 3

R Aux Return 1 L

Aux Send 1

To the recording inputs

R Aux Return 4 L

Send / Return

R Tape Out L

Aux Send 4

Audio Cabling

Just Like a Multitrack

The audio cabling between the various components in your system depends largely on your setup. Generally, the audio hardware is connected just like a conventional multitrack machine. This applies even though the audio hardware usually has fewer inputs than outputs and has its own internal virtual mixing desks. Hardware that has only two analog inputs, is connected the same way you would connect a multi-track’s track 1 and 2 inputs, that is, to the mixing desk sub group outputs 1 & 2. These two inputs are not exclusively assigned to MAGIX midi studio generation

6’s track 1 and 2. For example, to record on track 8, you might use input 1, while recording tracks 7 and 8 would

use both inputs 1 and 2. The playback outputs will in turn be wired to your mixer’s

tape or line inputs. You should try to avoid the use of aux-

iliary inputs (Effect Returns, Aux Returns) as these would limit your effects, tone control, and routing options.

Two wiring examples for different mixing desks will illustrate this further. The MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s

inputs and outputs refer to the in/outputs of the audio

hardware as well as the audio in/outputs of the sound card. This chapter deals only with analog connections to

mixing desks.

Mixing Desk without Sub Groups

If your analog mixing desk does not offer sub groups, proceed as follows:

Connect the audio hardware outputs to the first of your desk channels’ Line or Tape inputs. Use as many channels

as your audio hardware will output. Use the remaining channels for your other sound sources, effect processors, and microphones. If you find yourself short on channels, you can wire MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s outputs to your desk’s Aux Returns (or “Effect Returns”). This really cannot be avoided with smaller mixers, but it is no big deal, since MAGIX midi studio generation 6 offers extensive EQ and processing power, anyway. Your mixing desk will most likely offer at least two Aux

Right - Main Out - Left R Main Insert L

Sends (not to be confused with Aux Returns)—they are usually “pre-fader”, or can be switched to such, with a dedicated button. “Pre-fader” means that the signal is taken before it enters the channel fader (volume slider). This means that the pre-fader Aux Send will output that chan-

Tape Input

Aux Send 1

Aux Send 2

Aux Send 3

Aux Send 4

Right - Main Out - Left R Main Insert L R Control Room L

R Tape In L

R Tape Out L

R Aux Return 1 L

R Aux Return 2 L

Bus

Outputs

(Sub

Groups)

Mic

Line

Insert

DirectOut

Mic

Line

Insert

DirectOut

Mic

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Insert

DirectOut

Mic

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Insert

DirectOut

Mic

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

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DirectOut

Mic

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Insert

DirectOut

Send / Return Studio Monitor Out

Tape Input

to the

from the outputs

recording inputs

nel’s signal, even if its fader is all the way down. This kind of output is usually referred to as a monitor output, and may actually be labelled as such. So, each channel has two knobs that are used to create a mix which is sent to the desk’s corresponding auxiliary (or monitor) output. Connect these two outputs to the audio hardware’s two inputs. For example, if the two pre-fader Aux Sends are labelled “Aux 3” and “Aux 4”, you would connect a cable from the desk’s “Aux 3 Output” to the first audio hardware input and another from Aux4 to the second. You can now control MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s inputs with the Aux Send controls (and their master sends).

Mixing Desk with Sub Groups

If your mixing desks has sub groups, use them for recording. Connect the first sub group output to MAGIX midi studio generation 6 input 1, and the second to MAGIX midi studio generation 6 input 2. The recording level is now controlled with the sub group faders. Connect the outputs to the first few channels’ Line or Tape inputs. Connect the rest of your sound sources (effect processors, microphones etc.) to the remaining channel inputs. During recording, route the channels that are to be recorded, or the sub groups to your desk’s stereo (master) outputs. If your audio hardware supports more audio inputs, connect more sub group outputs to them as needed. Avoid connecting the MAGIX midi studio generation 6 recording inputs to your desk’s main output (Main Out)— these, as well as the Control Room output that usually carries the same signal, are meant for your monitoring equipment and your stereo or two track tape machine. This output includes a mix of MAGIX midi studio generation 6’s output signal, which you do not want to re-record. A DAT mastering machine is not required, as MAGIX midi studio generation 6 can master CD-Rs, in conjunction with a CD burner. If you choose to use a conventional mastering machine, a DAT or MiniDisc recorder or an analog tape deck, connect it directly to the mixing desk’s main output.

Audio Cabling

MIDI Installation

Interface Connection

Please consult your sound card or MIDI interface manual for the correct connection of a MIDI interface. The most common ways to add MIDI functionality to computers are: – Multiport MIDI interfaces, including separate devices

like Emagic’s Unitor8 MkII. – Sound card with MIDI interface – via a General MIDI module or keyboards’ integrated

interface, usually labeled “To Host” interface.

Connecting Emagic Unitor8 MkII

These short instructions may suffice for the Unitor8 MkII multiport interface: connect the Unitor8 MkII supplied cable from your PC’s COM2 port to the RS-232 connector on the Unitor8 MkII. Then install the driver under Windows. If you wish to use a modem or other device on the COM2 port however, you will need to use an RS-232 switch box, which can be purchased from most computer shops. Any MIDI interface that supports the Windows MME standard will work with MAGIX midi studio generation 6. See the manufacturer’s instructions for information on the proper installation of any needed drivers.

MIDI Cable Connections

MIDI Local Off

If your keyboard has 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, you would expect the device to make a sound when you press its keys—in other words the keyboard is connected to the sound generator. However, this is exactly what you do not want when using the keyboard with a sequencer. In this scenario, the keyboard is used as the computer’s input device, while the computer will play the various connected tone generators, be they the keyboard’s own sound generator, or any other connected sound modules. If you wanted to control and record another sound module with your keyboard, its own sounds would get in the way—that is why the keyboard must be separated from its own internal sound generator. This function is known as “Local Off”, and can be set directly at your keyboard. The sequencer will speak to your

keyboard’s tone generator just like any other connected, keyboardless sound module. If you cannot find the “Local” function under your keyboard’s MIDI menu, consult its manual as how best to proceed for sequencer use. Some keyboards allow you to select from among “Local”, “MIDI” or “Both” for each of their so-called “Parts”—in this case, the “MIDI” setting is equivalent to “Local Off”.

MIDI Inputs/outputs

If your computer has an internal or external MIDI port, or has a MIDI capable sound card connected, hook the keyboard “MIDI Out” to the computer’s “MIDI In” (on the interface, sound card etc.). If the 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 tone generators to these. If the computer only has one MIDI output, you need to connect the second tone generator’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 another. This is because timing problems may occur in the chain, if many MIDI commands are sent in a short time, due to the slight delays introduced by each MIDI In to MIDI Thru transaction. If your computer also has several MIDI inputs, you can connect the MIDI outputs of other MIDI expanders there.

Keyboards and Expanders with “To Host” Interface

The “To Host” interface, which allows a direct connection to the computer, can be found on many of the more costeffective MIDI sound modules, as well as on many entrylevel keyboards. This in effect is a simple integrated MIDI interface, with one MIDI In, and one MIDI Out for the computer. An instrument with a “To Host” interface is controlled directly; the MIDI In and Out serve as MIDI connections for the computer, to allow further instruments, such as another keyboard to be connected. This proves very cost-effective for entry level setups, which may include only one keyboard and another sound module. The expense of a dedicated computer MIDI interface, or card is not initially required. If you are working with such a module, first install the driver software supplied by the manufacturer.

MIDI Installation

Connect the keyboard MIDI Out to the sound module’s MIDI In, and the module’s MIDI Out to the keyboard’s MIDI In (assuming it can generate sounds). Connect the “To Host” interface to the computer, usually to a serial port.

Tape Synchronization

Details on how to synchronize MAGIX midi studio generation 6 with digital or analog tape machines, multitrackers, or video editing systems and their wiring requirements can be found in the reference manual.

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