PRODUCT NAME: Mixcraft 6
PRICE: $0 for trial version (fully featured) /$74.95 for licensed version

PRODUCT NAME: Mixcraft Pro Studio 6
PRICE: $149.95

COMPANY: Acoustica www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/
RELEASE DATE: March 2013

COMPANY’S PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Mixcraft 6 is a powerful music production and multi-track recording workstation that comes packed with thousands of music loops and dozens of audio effects and virtual instruments. Mixcraft enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with MIDI and virtual instruments, add effects, score and edit video, and mix and master your tracks to create polished, professional compositions. Mixcraft is your music production dream come true, instantly turning your computer into a fully-stocked professional recording studio.

INTRODUCTION

As a Mixcraft user since version 4, I have been looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the newly released Mixcraft 6. It comes in both a standard version, and a specced-out Studio Pro version which is double the price because it includes more virtual instruments and effects.

Acoustica’s motto is ‘software should be easy to use’, and I’m glad to say that this new release of Mixcraft continues to champion that philosophy. The major changes in this version either fix Mixcraft 5 flaws or add new features, but ease of use and extensive functionality remain key characteristics of this impressive and surprisingly affordable DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

WHO IS IT FOR?

Mixcraft 6 is for anyone interested in using a PC to record music, but it is particularly suitable for:

• beginners through to intermediate users of music recording software; and
• musicians who want to record music at home on their desktop computer or laptop.

You may wish to consider the more expensive Mixcraft Pro Studio 6 version if:

• you want a sumptuous-sounding virtual grand piano;
• you want to have access to additional synthesizers; and/or
• it is important to you to have a greater number of virtual instruments and special effects to play with.

EASE OF USE

Straight up, one of the most enjoyable things about using Mixcraft 6 is that does feel a lot like you’re using a version of Garageband for Windows. The interface is similarly sleek and professional, the layout is intuitive, and for such a polished piece of music software, it’s still affordable.

I have noted that several other reviewers have commented on the fact that they haven’t had to turn to a manual to learn how to use this software. If you’re completely new to DAWs, there will still be a learning curve, but to anyone who has used one previously, the interface is truly intuitive, user-friendly and very easy to navigate without instruction.

GENERAL FEATURES

Mixcraft 6 has a professional DAW interface, and includes 11 virtual instruments and 25 special effects (there are more in the Studio Pro version). Its custom loop library is extensive. It contains over 6,500 royalty-free loops and sound effects, as well as a search tool to make it easy to find what you need. You can also import your own loops, or add an unlimited number of VSTi™ instruments, VST™ and DirectX™ effects.

MIDI

Mixcraft is a MIDI dream – you can easily record multiple MIDI and audio tracks simultaneously. I really like the fact that Mixcraft has notation tools which allow you to create, edit, and print your MIDI data in music notation format (like sheet music), and there’s a piano roll to help you view and edit MIDI.

You may also route MIDI track data directly to audio effects (such as vocoder and pitch correction effects).

RECORDING FEATURES

Mixcraft 6 is full of recording features, and I’ll talk about them in a moment, but I want to mention the most important one first (because too often in reviews, people get caught up rattling off feature lists without telling you whether or not the product actually works).

Mixcraft 6 works. It produces great sounds. When you record stuff, it sounds really good. Professional, clear and clean.

It also features:

• Multiple channel recording;
• Multiple input recording;
• Ability to record from a line input; and
• Ability to record from a microphone.

I particularly like that you can change the pitch of a recording without altering the tempo, and change the tempo without altering pitch (things that more expensive DAWs such as Acid and Cubase can’t do). Also, there’s a very nifty guitar tuner built in to every track, something else I’ve never seen in a DAW.

When you’re done with a recording, you can mix down to MP3, WAV, OGG or other audio file types, and burn CDs with a single click. The ability to record directly to high-quality compressed OGG files is particularly ideal for online collaborators exchanging project files over the internet.

Another thing that’s quite cool – users are now able to control Mixcraft 6 via a mobile device with the Mixcraft 6 Remote App. It’s available from both Apple’s App Store and for Android, and it allows you to use your smart phone or table to:

• start recording;
• play back a recording;
• change the recording and playback position;
• control the master volume;
• undo and redo changes, and;
• save your Mixcraft project from anywhere in your studio.

It’s a whole lot easier to record yourself when you don’t have to be sitting right in front of your computer – though over the years I’ve gotten quite used to pressing record and then running across the room to pick up my guitar ;-)

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS

Mixcraft allows you to create complex virtual instrument setups that layer and split multiple virtual synthesizers and effects. You have the ability to set the key range, velocity sensitivity, transposition, pan and volume for each instrument separately.

Mixcraft 6 comes with 11 virtual instruments. These are:

1. Impulse (a polyphonic analog synthesizer)
2. Messiah (a polyphonic analog synthesizer)
3. Minimogue VA (a monophonic analog synthesizer)
4. VB3 Organ (a tonewheel organ)
5. Acoustica Instruments General MIDI sample library
6. Acoustica Expanded Instruments sample library
7. Acoustica Studio Drums sample collection (drum maps are included for Mixcraft’s drum instruments – really useful)
8. Alien 303 Bass Synthesizer
9. Lounge Lizard Electric Piano (a vintage electric piano)
10. Combo Organ Model F (a classic transistor organ emulator)
11. Combo Organ Model V (a classic transistor organ emulator)

If you require synthesizers or a virtual grand piano, then it’s worth considering upgrading to Mixcraft Studio Pro 6 which also has:

12. ME80 Vintage Analog Synthesizer
13. Memorymoon Vintage Analog Synthesizer
14. Acoustica Pianissimo Virtual Grand Piano

The Acoustica grand piano as a stand-alone virtual instrument retails for $69, so if you need a really authentic, full piano sound, consider the Studio Pro option.

EFFECTS

Mixcraft 6 comes with 25 high quality effects, including the Pultronic Tube EQ (modelled on the classic tube equalizer found in studios throughout the world), and the Shred Amp Simulator, a complete suite of 5 classic amp heads, 17 cabinet models, and 6 powerful effects.

You can also save and load complete audio effect chains, and there are a heap of effect chain presets included when you buy Mixcraft.

VIDEO SCORING AND EDITING

Mixcraft’s ‘Video Track’ lets you load and edit video files right alongside your recorded audio. You can easily cross−fade from one video clip to another, whilst remixing your audio or adding a soundtrack. It’s also very easy to then render your video project to a new video file.

Other video features include still image importing, automatable effects and transitions, and moving text. I think it’s important to point out here that Mixcraft is still primarily MUSIC recording and editing software. The fact that they’ve thrown in video editing capabilities is cool, but Mixcraft’s power is in the music production side of things. If you’re looking for a video editor with all the bells and whistles, then Mixcraft’s not for you. If you want to record music – well. You’ve come to the right place.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• 1 GHz CPU
• 1 GB Ram (2 GB or more Recommended)
• Windows® 8, Windows® 7, Vista, and XP
• Sound card, USB, or Firewire sound device

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

Acoustica has always provided excellent support for their products, and Mixcraft 6 and Mixcraft Studio Pro 6 are no exception.

Support: You may directly request email support, and can expect a prompt response within 24 hours. There is also a very active Mixcraft forum for you to post questions and comments, as well as a comprehensive FAQ site, an online help manual, a Teacher’s Guide and a Mixcraft pdf manual.

Youtube: Acoustica has their own youtube channel, and it features great quality training videos. Their ‘Mixcraft University’ playlist is a great training resource for Mixcraft 6, especially for anyone brand new to music recording software. There are also a series of ‘Mixcraft 6 Mini-Tips’ videos, which are short tutorials covering things such as removing noise from your recordings, how to beat sync images, making a dubstep bass, and how to use Acoustica studio drums.

Language Support: Mixcraft 6 can be used in multiple languages, including English, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Danish, French, Spanish,  Dutch, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Easy to learn, suitable for beginners;
• Interface and usability most similar to Garageband out of all alternatives tested;
• Far more features than any other DAW in the same price range;
• Great creative scope – unlimited tracks and over 6500 loops and special effects;
• Excellent support and training – fast and helpful technical experts respond within 24 hours, plus availability of great quality training videos.

Cons:

• PC-only (not for Mac OS or Linux);
• Limited video transition effects.

TRIAL VERSION

Mixcraft 6 is available to download as a trial version for free, so you can try before you decide to buy. The trial lasts for a fortnight, and is not cut down in any way. The only difference between the trial and paid versions of Mixcraft is that a registration code is needed to turn the trial version into the paid version. If you choose to purchase the software at a later date, a registration code will be emailed to you.

It is worth mentioning that after the trial period is over, you can still use the software, but you won’t be able to save any final mixdowns. This is useful if you want to play with the software for a while longer before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

FINAL VERDICT

Of all the PC music recording programs I’ve tested, this is the closest Garageband for Windows alternative I have found. From an aesthetic perspective, a usability perspective and a functionality perspective, it ticks all the right boxes and is quite simply a pleasure to use. The quality of recordings produced is amazingly good for such an affordable piece of software. I would encourage anyone with an interest in recording music at home to download the Mixcraft 6 free trial and get your hands dirty – it’s the quickest way to learn, and I know you’ll be blown away by the results.

GARAGEBAND FOR WINDOWS SCORE: 9/10

WHERE TO BUY: Best price direct from the Acoustica Website

About Mixcraft

Mixcraft is multi-track recording studio software made by Acoustica. It has a huge range of capabilities (described in detail here), but the key features include:

• recording audio;
• arranging loops;
• remixing tracks;
• composing with MIDI and virtual instruments;
• adding effects;
• scoring and editing video; and
• mixing and mastering your tracks to create polished, professional compositions.

Mixcraft has an interface and workflow that is very similar to Garageband, and in terms of both aesthetics and usability is the most similar Windows alternative to Garageband.

Downloading Mixcraft

Acoustica offer a free trial of Mixcraft 6 to allow users to test-drive before they buy. The trial version is complete and unabridged. The only difference between it and the paid version of Mixcraft is that a registration code is required to turn the trial version into a fully paid version. If you choose to purchase the software at a later date, a registration code will be emailed to you.

How to download Mixcraft 6 for free:

1. Visit the Acoustica site; and
2. Click on the ‘Download’ button (located on the right of the ‘Buy Now’ button, as show in the screenshot below).

Download Mixcraft for free

System Requirements

To download and run the Mixcraft software, the minimum system requirements are:

[Just a quick note about choosing simple music recording software to capture your voice - if you have a Mac, use Garageband. If you have a PC, I'd download Mixcraft - there's a free trial if you want to test it out.]

Below is a list of ten critical questions you should be asking as you listen to a recording of yourself singing.

1. Have I learned the melody and lyrics correctly? Are there any parts of the song where I forget the words, or the melody isn’t quite correct (do a listen-through while reading the sheet music if possible).

2. Am I singing in time with the accompanist or backing track? Am I ever too fast or too slow, particularly at the beginning of phrases?

3. Is my voice the same volume all the way through, or do I make the song more interesting by adding dynamics and singing more softly in some places, or adding more emphasis or power somewhere else?

4. Am I in pitch? Do I hit every note straight in its centre, or do I sometimes waver or slide into the correct pitch after I’ve already sung the note?

5. Is there an evenness of tone throughout my voice, from the lowest notes right up to the highest notes? Is there a noticeable change in quality, tone or volume when I sing higher or lower notes?

6. Am I taking noticeable intakes of breath in the middle of phrases? Do I tend to run out of breath before I can finish a line of music, and am I filling up with enough air during the breaks in the song?

7. Do I overuse vibrato? Do most of the notes I sing have a wavering, vibrato tone, or do I use vibrato more selectively to give emphasis only where it’s appropriate?

8. Do I convey any kind of emotion or depth of feeling when I sing the song? Can I easily identify the main emotion that is the driving force behind the song’s lyrics?

9. Do I sound like I really believe the words that I’m singing? Is the essence of the song being delivered straight to the listener?

10. Am I ready to share this recording with other people, or perform this song in front of an audience, or would I prefer to be able to sing it better before I launch myself into anything more public?

If you can answer these questions honestly, and take notes on the things you wish to address you will be in a great position to start targeting problem areas that are preventing you from singing your best. A good next step is to enrol in a recommended singing program so that you can learn special vocal exercises designed to help you overcome your vocal stumbling blocks and cultivate the singing voice you’ve always wanted. Recording your voice regularly as you progress is a smart way not only to improve, but to track your achievements and see just how far you’ve come.

1. A recording space

We have already covered in detail what makes a great recording space in Part 1 of this series, but in short you need:

• somewhere that is quiet
• a location that’s a suitable size for both your equipment and performers
• a place that has good acoustics (minimal sound dampeners, and in some cases a bit of reverb).

2. A computer

If you’re buying a new machine, you’ll encounter the old desktop versus laptop debate. Desktop computers are usually better built (more solid) and cost less for the same specifications, but laptops are portable so you can pick up your recording studio and take it to the next suburb or across the continent with relative ease. Depending on where you plan to record your music, you’ll need to decide for yourself whether you need a mobile studio or a static one.

Music recording software programs chew up both power and memory, so you’ll need a machine with a decent amount of grunt. An absolute minimum of 1GB (gigabyte) of RAM is required, but preferably 2GB or more if you can afford it.

When you’re dealing with digital music production, the old “less is more” adage absolutely does not apply to memory requirements. Greater memory capacity means your computer will be able to do more things at once, without taxing its brain quite so much. It also means you’ll be able to store more audio files. 250GB of memory would be an acceptable minimum, but 500GB would be excellent. It’s probably also worth investing in an external hard drive to back up your files.

3. A microphone

Many computers have built-in microphones of varying quality. The built-in mic on my Macbook Pro is actually quite impressive, but nevertheless, you’ll always get a better recording by using a dedicated, good quality microphone. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend trying a USB mic because these are plug-and-play ready and don’t require additional equipment such as a microphone pre-amp, or any special connections for different types of microphone plugs. USB microphones are a boon for music recording newbies.

4. Music recording software

Depending on your platform (Mac or PC), there are a number of excellent, inexpensive, entry-level programmes available for new-to-recording musicians. Mac users cannot go past Garageband, the gold standard in amateur music recording software, which comes bundled free with all new Macs as part of the iLife suite (just click on the guitar icon on your dock). PC users a number of excellent Garageband for Windows alternatives. Whatever you choose, make sure you take the time to learn your way around your software. Read, complete tutorials, and mess around with your music recording program plenty before you start any serious recording. You must master the tool before it can be of any real use to you.

5. Imagination, creativity and drive

Ok, so this one is less about equipment and more a state of mind, but without it even the most luxurious professional studio set-up is going to be pretty useless to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t be too hard on yourself either – like anything else it takes practice to set up a studio arrangement that will work for you, so be patient and in time you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.

Product Description

MAKING MUSIC WITH GARAGEBAND AND MIXCRAFT provides music educators and self-learners with a comprehensive guide to music production using two of the most inexpensive and intuitive music software recording programs on the market today. Although easy to use, the tools included in GarageBand and Mixcraft are powerful enough to create music worthy of inclusion in professional productions, and their interfaces and workflows prepare users to work with professional studio-level digital audio workstation programs, such as Logic and Pro Tools. The book is far from a simple software guide. The first chapters introduce the programs, how to use them, and how to get the best audio results from any home or school computer setup. The subsequent chapters help develop creativity and guide the reader (with a very gentle learning curve) into using these programs not only to make recordings, but also to compose and produce great music. This book includes 12 specific lessons for GarageBand and 12 specific lessons for Mixcraft as well as lessons suitable for both platforms; students can learn from these activities whether they’re working with a Mac or a PC. Although software programs are constantly changing and being updated, the lessons included here are not limited to specific versions of GarageBand and Mixcraft. They include instruction on getting started with existing audio, working with MIDI, recording audio, podcasting, working with film, multitrack recording, mixing, mastering, and much more. The companion DVD includes bonus tutorials as well as audio and video exercises that correspond to the book’s chapters.

The first step on the home studio path is deciding where you’re going to work. Are you a garage band with access to a real garage, or are you a solo act who neatly folds onto a single chair in your study? Before you think about shelling out for any equipment, you need to sort out where you’re going to be recording music. As the experts say, “location, location, location”. It’s pretty important. Here are the things you should consider.

Peace and quiet
It almost goes without saying that if you live near a railway line or in a flight path you might want to consider recording at a mate’s house instead. Always remember that you’re aiming for minimal background noise, unless of course you’re recording at a live venue in which case ambient chatter and intermittent clanging are part of the experience and therefore the recording. Choosing a time that you have the house to yourself is always an excellent plan. There’s nothing more frustrating than laying down a perfectly executed riff that’s ruined by a door slamming, the dog barking or someone yelling, “Honey, I’m ho-ome!”.

Sized to fit
If you’re solo artist who will only be recording a single instrument at a time, then it shouldn’t be too hard to find a corner that will accommodate you and your stuff. If you’re going to try simultaneously recording all members of a cello octet, you’ll need to think through your space requirements a little more carefully. In some cases it could even be worth booking a local studio or hall, instead of cramming into your spare bedroom. Remember that some musicians don’t like to feel confined when they play (drummers and lead guitarists in particular), so realise that you’ll need a lot more space for simultaneous instrument recording. If space is tight, you should instead consider recording instruments one-by-one.

Acoustically sound
If you’ve ever sung from the choir stalls of a stone cathedral, you’ll notice your voice sound distinctly different from when you sing in your living room. Floor and wall coverings such as carpet, curtains and wallpaper act as dampeners, which stop soundwaves from reverberating and echoing within a space. A bit of an echo can be a good thing, especially when you’re recording vocals or acoustic guitar – both sound fuller and richer, as if the notes have more body. People sing in the shower because it’s where they sound best! I know plenty of musicians who routinely record in their tiled laundry or bathroom for this very reason, so for a crisper, fuller sound try to avoid overly dampened rooms.

A quick note about sound levels – if you’re know you’re Armageddon Loud and that you’re going to be recording regularly, keeping your nearby neighbours happy should be a priority. One person’s music can be another’s noise, and if neighbours suspect you’re breaching acceptable sound levels, a quick phone call to the local council or police can shut down your jam sessions quicker than a grace note. Be considerate about the hours you play, and consider soundproofing if you regularly rock out in close proximity to your neighbours.

Now that you have a better idea of the space in which you’ll be recording, we’ll move on to discussing basic home studio equipment. In Part 2 – Basic home studio equipment we’ll cover elements such as computer requirements, microphones and music recording software recommendations.

• “Mixcraft 5 was given Keyboard Magazine’s top honor, their Key Buy award in their May 2010 issue.
• Mixcraft 5 was given Computer Music Magazine’s top honor, their Editor’s Choice Award, along with a product review score of 9 out of 10, in the May 2010 issue.
• Mixcraft 5 was given Computer Music Magazine’s Value Award in their May 2010 issue.
• Mixcraft 5 was given MusicTech Magazine’s Value Award, along with a product review score of 8 out of 10, in their May 2010 issue.
• Mixcraft 4 was given Keyboard Magazine’s top honor, their Key Buy award, by in their May 2008 issue.
• Mixcraft 4 was given Computer Music Magazine’s Value Award, along with a product review score of 8 out of 10, in their May 2008 issue.”

It’s always good to know you’re not the only one who thinks a program is fabulous!

Audacity is undoubtedly good value at $0, and as a basic recording tool you should probably give it a try if you’re brand new to recording audio. Familiarising yourself with the interface, and getting used to the process of setting up a mic is a step in the right direction if you’ve not recorded before.