MAGIX Music Maker Production Suite MX User guide

2 Copyright

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Copyright

This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right of

duplication, circulation, and translation, are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in the form of copies, microfilms

or other processes, or transmitted into a language used for machines,

especially data processing machines, without the express written consent of

the publisher.

All copyrights reserved.

All other product names are trademarks of the corresponding manufacturers.

Errors in and changes to the contents as well as program modifications

reserved.

MAGIX 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.

Preface 3

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Preface

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite 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 program is particularly easy to use, 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 MX Production Suite.

Your MAGIX team.

4 Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Copyright 2

Preface 3

Support 11

System requirements 13

Uninstalling the program 13

Before You Start 14

Package Contents 14

Serial Number 14

More about MAGIX 16

MAGIX Online World 16

Soundpool DVD Collection 17

Introduction 18

What is MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite? 18

What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite? 19

The Features 21

Additional features of the Premium version 26

Overview of the Program Interface 29

Quick start 30

Play Demo Project 30

Song Maker 31

Preview and Load Audio Files 33

Position Audio Objects 34

Add Synthesizers 34

Edit Objects 35

Add Videos or Images 36

Effects 37

Burn audio CD 37

Export arrangement 37

Arranger 39

Normal mode/Easy mode 39

Tracks 39

Table of Contents 5

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Trackboxes and Instrument icons 40

Zooming 41

Grid 42

Playback area, Start and end markers 43

Moving the playback marker 44

Transport bar (playback functions) 44

Arranger, Video Monitor, and Media Pool 47

Arranger buttons 47

Media Pool 48

Preview function 48

Positioning the Media Pool 49

Soundpool settings 49

File manager settings 51

Synthesizer 55

Template settings 55

Keyboard settings 56

Object Inspector settings 57

Setting Catooh 58

Videoscreen 59

Audio peakmeter 59

Overview 60

Infobox 60

Mouse modes 61

Automation 61

Move to track 62

Move all 62

Move selection 62

Draw 63

Split 63

Stretch 63

Preview audio 64

Scrubbing 64

Replace 64

Context help 64

Arranging Objects 65

Loading and saving arrangements 65

Multimedia files and objects 65

Select objects 66

Mute objects 66

Build or split object groups 66

Split objects 66

Exact object positioning 67

6 Table of Contents

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Duplicate objects 67

Object handles 68

"Draw in" loops 69

Takes 70

Object properties 70

Mixdown audio 71

Mouse gestures 71

Audio Objects 73

Audio formats 73

Load and process audio files 73

Smart Preview for the incorporated samples 73

Audio recording 74

Import audio CD 77

Change the playback tempo or pitch 82

Remix agent - Tempo and beat assignment 84

Remix Maker 89

Harmony Agent 92

Text to speech 93

MAGIX Music Editor 94

MIDI Objects 95

Arrange MIDI objects 95

Load MIDI files 95

Connect external equipment 96

Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer 99

MIDI Editor 100

Synthesizer objects 122

Opening the synthesizers 122

Synth objects 123

Automation of Vita Solo instruments. 124

BeatBox 2 plus 125

Loop Designer 138

LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer 142

Robota 143

Atmos 151

Synthesizer plug-ins 152

Revolta 2 154

MAGIX Vita 157

Additional Vita Solo synthesizers 159

Live Performer 162

Define ranges 162

Play with Live Performer 163

Sequencer 164

Table of Contents 7

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Live Pads 166

MIDI assignment Live Performer 169

Arranging with Live Performer 170

Record audio output 170

Audio effects 171

Effects 171

Using audio effects 172

Using plug-in effects 174

Buttons and controls 176

Further Console Elements: 176

VariVerb 177

Object and master effects rack 187

Equalizer 189

Sketchable filter 189

Compressor 191

Invert phase 191

Reverb 192

Sound Warper 196

Elastic Audio Easy 197

Vocoder 207

Gater 209

Backwards 210

Timestretch/Resample 210

MAGIX Mastering Suite 212

Essential FX 216

Vintage Effects Suite 220

Vintage Effects Suite 233

Vandal SE 243

Video and Bitmap Objects 249

Video and bitmap formats 249

Adjusting the video screen 249

Loading and editing videos and bitmaps 249

Simplify object presentation 250

Visualizer objects 250

Video scrubbing 251

Extract sound from videos 251

Video effects 251

Title Editor 252

Video capturings 252

Video recording dialog 253

Video Compression 255

Choppy or uneven playback 255

General notes on AVI videos 256

Create a video project for the Internet 256

8 Table of Contents

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Video export via TV-out 257

Automation curves 258

Effects that may be automated 258

Track automation 259

Object automation 260

Mixer 263

Fader 263

Control groups 264

Track effects 264

VST and DirectX audio plugins 265

FX tracks 266

Live monitoring 266

Master track 267

5.1 Surround 268

Requirements 268

Import and export of surround audio files 269

The Mixer in surround mode 270

5.1 Surround Editor 271

Automation 272

Integrating other programs - Synchronizing and ReWire 274

Synchronization 274

ReWire 276

Reprocess arrangement 278

Export assistant 278

Export as E-Mail attachment 279

Export as ringtone 280

Community upload 283

Additional editing 285

Burn audio CD 285

File Menu 286

New arrangement 286

Load arrangement 286

Save arrangement 286

Save arrangement as... 286

Import 287

Export 287

Backup 295

Internet 296

Settings 301

Exit 308

Table of Contents 9

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Edit Menu 309

Undo 309

Redo 309

Object 309

Track 312

Range 313

Navigation 314

Select all objects 315

Menu effects 316

Object automation / Track automation 316

Song Maker 316

Audio 317

Video 323

Title 323

Automation 324

View menu 325

Easy mode 325

Arranger 325

Media Pool 326

Video monitor 326

Mix 327

Standard layout 328

"Share" menu 329

Community upload 329

Use as background music 330

Add to music collection 330

Edit with an external editor 331

Burn song as an audio CD 331

Save on CD or DVD 331

Tasks menu 332

Help Menu 332

Show welcome dialog 332

Documentation 332

Update program / Upgrade functions 333

magix.info - Multimedia Knowledge Community 336

MAGIX Screenshare 337

About MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite 337

Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 338

Toolbar 338

10 Table of Contents

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Keyboard shortcuts 338

Index 346

Support 11

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Support

Dear MAGIX customer,

Our aim is to provide convenient, fast and 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. 120,000 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 non-

MAGIX 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 fee-

based telephone customer service.

12 Support

www.magix.com

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

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

Europe

Monday -

Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT

U.K.: 0203 3189218

Denmark: 699 18149

Sweden: 0852500858

Finland: 09 31581630

Norway: 0210 30665

North America

9 am

to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri

Phone: 1-305-722-5810

System requirements 13

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System requirements

For Microsoft

®

Windows

®

XP | Vista

®

| 7

Minimum configuration

 PC with 2 GHz processor

 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)

 Free hard disk space: 6 GB

 Minimum screen resolution 1024x768 pixels

 Sound card

 DVD drive

Optional

 Burn CDs/DVDs with CD/DVD±R(W) recorder

 MP3 export with Windows Media Player 10 or higher

Uninstalling the program

If you would like to uninstall MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite, you can

do so via the control panel under "Software". Or go to "Programs > MAGIX >

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite > Service and Support > Uninstall

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite".

14 Before You Start

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Before You Start

Package Contents

Program discs

On these discs you will find an installation manager for MAGIX Music Maker MX

Production Suite, the multimedia library with sound and video files in various

genres as well as lots of additional plug-ins and effects.

Serial Number

A serial number is included with each product. This serial number is required

for the installation of the software and enables usage of additional bonus

services.

What can a serial number do?

A serial number ensures that your copy of MAGIX Music Maker MX Production

Suite is clearly assigned to you and only you, and it makes improved and more

targeted customer service possible. Abuse of the software can be prevented

with a serial number, since it ensures that the optimum price/performance ratio

continues to be offered by MAGIX.

Where can the serial number be found?

The serial number can be found on the reverse side of your CD/DVD case. If

your product, for example, is packed in a DVD box, then you'll find the serial

number on the inside.

For versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet (download

versions), directly following the transaction you'll receive a serial number by

email to activate the software.

Serial Number 15

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When will you need the serial number?

The serial number is required when you start or register MAGIX Music Maker

MX Production Suite 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.

16 More about MAGIX

www.magix.com

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 "Share" menu

in MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite:

MAGIX Online Album

MAGIX Onlin

e Album (view page 296) 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

298)

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.

More about MAGIX 17

www.magix.com

Soundpool DVD Collection

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite includes thousands of sound and

video building blocks. Other media can be ordered later. MAGIX Sound

Essentials includes 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.

18 Introduction

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Introduction

What is MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite?

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite is a comprehensive package that is

ideal for anyone looking to venture into the world of professional music

production. From simple loop making and detailed editing in the arranger all

the way to professional plug-ins and effects, which are actually used in real

music studios, this program offers everything you need to produce outstanding

music. The built-in mastering suite means that even the mastering process is

completely in your control.

Finished songs can be easily exported as an audio file, to CD or uploaded to

internet platforms such as Soundcloud.

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite is comprised of:

 MAGIX Music Maker MX Premium: The latest version of the classic audio

editing program. With this you can primarily.

 Vintage Effects Suite: professional effects collection made up of CORVEX,

ECOX and FILTOX.

 VariVerb Pro – Studio-Hall: professional reverb effect, for full spatial

impression design.

 Independence Sampling Workstation including 12 GB Premium Library:

complete sampler workstation for professional music productions.

 10 Vita Solo Instruments: for a massive instrument selection when creating

your own songs.

 Gigantic, commercially usable sound archive: over 10,000 sounds and

loops from every imaginable musical genre, which you can buy without a

separate license and then use for any music productions.

Note: Detailed explanations on the many additional programs in the PDF

manual.

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. MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite

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.

Introduction 19

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What’s new in MAGIX Music Maker MX Production

Suite?

New Sound Library

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite is the original for loop-based music

production on PCs. No other software offers as much experience. In the new

version the sound library that comes included has been completely revised

with lots of new audio and MIDI loops.

New menu structure

It's even ea

sier to find the export options for YouTube and Soundcloud using

the "Prepare" menu. You can additionally "pass on" your project directly for

further work in other MAGIX programs.

An additional 2,000 sounds can be found in the online archive

In addition

to the included sound loops, an additional 2,000 loops can be

downloaded for free from the Internet. The total number of freely available

sound building blocks is thereby increased to more than 3,500 loops (5,500 in

the Premium version).

To download sounds, click on the "Catooh" button after installing the software

and follow the instructions.

Lead Synth

The Lead Synth is a

new "analog" top-class synthesizer. Of course, it is digital,

but it sounds like it's analog. Just like famous analog modular synthesizers,

e.g. by Moog. It can be accessed in the Media Pool via the "Synthesizers"

button.

Drum Engine

New sound synthesis

for perfect drum sounds. It can also be accessed in the

Media Pool via the "Synthesizers" button.

Loop Designer

With

the new Loop Designer, new loops can be created from existing material

and then used as supplement to the included sound loops, as self-defined

building blocks for your arrangements. It can also be accessed in the Media

Pool via the "Synthesizers" button.

20 Introduction

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Upload to Facebook

In addition

to Soundcloud and YouTube, you can also go to Facebook to

present your own songs on the Internet. It can be reached via the "File >

Export > Common export options" menu.

VST Support

Now it is possible

to use external VST instruments and effects in all MAGIX

Music Maker MX Production Suite 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 MX Production Suite.

VST instruments and effects are external programs, which must first be

installed before being used in MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite. 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.

Extra NEW!

 Larg

er sound archive: Over 10,000 new sounds and MIDI loops from all

genres can be accessed via the "Soundpools" button in the Media Pool.

 Century Guitars: clean, authentic guitar melodies and accompaniments.

Especially in combination with Vandal SE, the virtual guitar and bass amplifier

from the "Effects" menu, varied guitar sounds can be readily created. They are

found by pressing the "Synth" button in the Media Pool.

 Electric Bass creates the bass line in the song. Whether curious bass

sequences or subtle accompaniments, this bass convinces with its sound and

by easy operation. They are found by pressing the "Synth" button in the Media

Pool.

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MAGIX Music Maker Production Suite MX User guide

MAGIX Music Maker Production Suite MX User guide

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