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MUSIC

MAKER
MOVIE SCORE
EDITION

English language manual


2

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, 1994-2015. All rights reserved.

MAGIX is a registered trademark of MAGIX AG

All mentioned MAGIX product names are registered trademarks of


MAGIX Software GmbH

Other mentioned product names may be registered trademarks of the respective


manufacturer.

This product uses MAGIX patent pending technology.

VST and ASIO are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Preface 3

Preface
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 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 14) starts off by explaining all of the basic features in the
program and then goes on to provide complete, detailed descriptions of each of the
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.

Have fun with MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6.

The MAGIX Team


4

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 each new MAGIX product you will automatically receive 12 months free
customer support by email.
• Premium Email Support:
For priority support, or if you want the support team to help with non-MAGIX
related hardware problems you can purchase a premium email support ticket.
Proceed as follows:

1. Go to the MAGIX customer support page at http://support.magix.net


http://support.magix.net.
2. Sign in using your login details.
3. Click on "Purchase access code" in the navigation bar.
Each ticket corresponds to a specific problem, it will remain valid until the
problem has been solved. A ticket is not limited to a single 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. The serial number can be found on the sleeve of the installation
disc or on an insert card included in the package.
Support 5

• Additional telephone service:


Besides the large number of free customer service offers, we also offer a fee-
based 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

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: 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
6

Table of Contents
Copyright 2

Preface 3

Support 4

Overview of the program interface 12

Quick start 14
Play demo project 14
Previewing and loading sounds 16
Create a Project 16
Edit objects 17
Adding software instruments 18
Add videos or images 20
Effects 20
Export arrangement 21
Burn audio CD 21

Arranger 22
Tracks 22
Track headers and Instrument icons 23
Zoom 24
Timeline and grid 25
Pitch Bar 28
Transport Bar (playback functions) 28
Arranger buttons 30
Multi-touch 30

Media Pool 32
Preview function 32
Soundpools 32
File Manager 35
Instrument settings 38
Templates 38
Keyboard 39
Setting Catooh 40
Table of Contents 7

Mouse modes 41
Move selection 41
Move to track 41
Move all 41
Draw 42
Split 42
Stretch 42
Preview audio 42
Scrubbing 43
Replace 43
Context help 43

Arranging Objects 44
Save/load projects 44
Multimedia files and objects 44
Select objects 44
Mute objects 45
Build or split object groups 45
Split objects 45
Duplicate objects 46
Object Handles 46
"Draw in" loops 48
Takes 48
Mixdown audio 49

Audio Objects 50
Audio formats 50
Load and edit audio files 50
Smart preview for the included samples. 50
Audio recording 51
Import audio CD 55
Change the playback tempo or pitch 59
Song Maker 61
Remix Agent 63
Remix Maker 68
Harmony Agent 70
Text to speech 72

MIDI objects 73
8

Arrange MIDI objects 73


Load and save MIDI files 74
Connect MIDI Keyboards 75
Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer 77
MIDI Editor 78

Software Instruments 102


Opening the synthesizers 102
Synth objects 103
BeatBox 2 103
LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer 110
Robota 111
Synthesizer plug-ins 119
Vita Solo Instruments 121

Audio effects 125


Effects 125
Using audio effects 126
Using plug-in effects 127
Object and master effects rack 129
Equalizer 130
Parametric 6-band equalizer 131
Compressor 133
Enhancer 134
Reverb 135
Sound Warper 139
Backwards 140
Timestretch/Resample 140
Vintage Effects Suite 141
Vandal SE 153

Video and Bitmap Objects 159


Video and bitmap formats 159
Video monitor 159
Loading and editing videos and bitmaps 160
Simplify object presentation 160
Video scrubbing 161
Extract sound from videos 161
Video effects 161
Table of Contents 9

Title Editor 161


Video Compression 164
General notes on AVI videos 164

Mixer 166
Slider (Fader) 166
Control groups 167
Track effects 167
VST and DirectX audio plugins 168
FX tracks 168
Master track 169

Reprocess arrangement 170


Export-Assistent 170
Export as E-Mail attachment 171
Export as ringtone 171
Community upload 172
Additional editing 173
Burn audio CD 173

File Menu 174


New project 174
Load project 174
Save project 174
Save project as... 174
Import 175
Export 175
Backup 182
Settings 183
Exit 190

Edit Menu 191


Undo 191
Redo 191
Object 191
Track 194
Range 194
Navigation 195
Select all objects 196
10

Effects Menu 197


Song Maker 197
Audio 197
Video 202
Title 203

View menu 204


Standard layout 204
Zoom Soundpool and Keyboard 204
Arranger 204
Media Pool 205
Video monitor 206
Mix 207

Share menu 208


Manage login details 208
Community upload 208
Use as background music 209
Add to music collection 209
Edit audio objects in external editors 209
Burn audio to CD-R(W) 210
Burn project and used media onto CD/DVD-R(W) 210

Help Menu 211


Show welcome dialog 211
Documentation 211
Update program / Upgrade functions 212
magix.info - Multimedia Knowledge Community 212
About MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 213

Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 214


Toolbar 214
Keyboard shortcuts 214

If you still have questions 223


Tips for Program Help 223
Uninstalling the program 223
System Requirements 223
Serial number 224
Publishing works created in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 225
Table of Contents 11

More about MAGIX 226


MAGIX Online World 226
magix.info 226
Soundpool DVD Collection 226

Index 228
12

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 mouse modes.
Track headers Complete tracks can be turned on or off (muted) or
played separately (solo). Use the FX buttons to apply
track effects. Load software instruments with the
button in the front.
Arranger You can freely position any multimedia material on
all of the arranger's tracks.
Transport control In the middle you will find the volume control, the
transport control for the playback functions, and the
tempo display.
Zoom functions Here you can enlarge or reduce the view. The
horizontal scrollbar can be stretched and
compressed for zooming.
Media Pool All files listed here can be added to the arranger
using drag & drop.
Arranger buttons Buttons for displaying the mixer and video monitor
with peak meter.
Table of Contents 13

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 Movie Score Edition.

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.

For very large projects, the video monitor can be used as an overview display (Menu -
> Video monitor -> Project overview).
14

Quick start
This chapter explains the basic functions of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition
6 with a step-by-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/us/search/music+maker/.

Play demo project


When MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 is started for the first time it will
display a welcome screen.

To get an idea of what Music Maker Movie Score Edition can do, click on "Load demo
song" and select a demo song from the menu. Once it is loaded, the Music Maker
Movie Score Edition interface will be displayed.
Table of Contents 15

The large area with the horizontal tracks is the arranger. The colored rectangles are
objects. They represent various samples, synthesizers and other sounds. There are
also objects for titles, images and video files.

Look at the individual tracks of the song in the arranger: In MAGIX Music Maker
Movie Score Edition 6 you can create a complete song by compiling objects. Click on
the vertical scroll bar on the right-hand side of the screen and drag them down (hold
down the left mouse button) in order to be able to see each track.

In the middle you'll find a large volume control, the transport console (view page 28)
and some buttons for opening important windows..

In the lower section of the program interface you can find the Media Pool. You can
switch between the different areas. In Soundpools you will find the included loops
that you can load into the project by drag & drop while holding the mouse key or by
double-clicking.

To play the demo, click on the Play button with the mouse or press the space bar on
your keyboard. A vertical red line (the playback marker) runs across the screen and
music will play from the speakers.

Note: If you do not hear anything, check if the correct sound card is active for
playback in the Setup window (P key). Also make sure that the output of the sound
card is connected to the speakers.
16

Previewing and loading sounds


Now you can load your first sound into the arranger.

Create another new, empty project. Simply click on this button.

• Now click on "Soundpools" (1) in the Media Pool.


• Various "Styles" (2) are shown on the left hand side of the Media Pool. Styles
represent particular musical genres. Click on one of the styles to display the
loops that match this genre.

• Now, select which instrument you would like to use under instruments (3). On
the right all of the loops (5) will be listed and you can select the sound you want.
The selected sound will play back automatically.
• Most instruments are categorized according to pitch. Click on the pitch (4) to
listen to the sound in the corresponding pitch. Other instruments, like drums, are
not categorized according to pitch.
• To load a file into the arranger, simply press the Enter key. You can also drag the
file from a table onto a track in the arranger. Once you let go of the mouse
button, the file will appear as an audio object (or MIDI object) at that position.

Create a Project
Start playback now.

To load new samples into the arranger, you do not need to interrupt playback. MAGIX
Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 has a "Smart Preview" function: You can
simultaneously preview new samples in the Media Pool – they always run in sync with
the song in the arranger. This function considerably simplifies the search for suitable
samples for a song you wish to create.
Table of Contents 17

This way, any number of loops from any style can be dragged from any folder into the
arranger and placed on top of one another, on multiple tracks, or behind one another.

The pitch of the first loop is displayed in the pitch bar. When additional loops are are
added underneath at the same time position, they are automatically adjusted to the
same pitch.

Take note of the two markers at the top of the bar ruler – they represent the start and
end points of the range to be played (playback range). Playback is "looped" in this
range which means that it repeats continuously. New loops can be added when
possible.

If you want to create a new part for the song you can reposition the start marker by
left-clicking on the bar ruler and the end marker by right-clicking on the bar ruler. Or
you can use the right arrow key (view page 26) to move the playback area its entire
length to the right.

Each object can be moved in any way in the arranger with the mouse; horizontally on
a track as well as vertically between tracks.

Note: There is one important limitation to the movement of objects on tracks. The
Soundpools contain two different kinds of loops: audio & MIDI. You can recognize
MIDI loops by their icon in the list. You can recognize MIDI loops by their
corresponding icon in the list . These loops only produce a sound when
combined with a software synthesizer (view page 102). This synthesizer is
automatically loaded to the track where the MIDI object is placed. These objects
should not be moved to other tracks once the synthesizer is loaded to a particular
track.

Edit objects
Even though it's possible to make great projects with the audio building blocks
provided, you will probably get to a point where you want to add your own personal
touch by shortening or removing objects or adjusting the loops in specific areas.

All objects can be shortened or looped by moving the mouse to one of the lower
corners of the object until it turns into a stretch symbol. You can now stretch or
compress the object length as much as you like. If you make the object longer than it
originally was, it will be played back as a loop. This way you can create rhythm tracks
from short drum samples simply by stretching them.
18

If an object is selected, additional "handles" will appear on it.

Two fade handles are found on both top corners, which can be dragged inwards in
order to fade the object in and out. The handle at the top center can be used to adjust
the volume of audio objects and the transparency of video objects.

All objects can be split into multiple objects. To do so, open the "Edit" menu, click on
"Object", and select the "Split objects" option. The selected object will be split at the
position of the playback marker.

This can be done even faster using the special splitting mouse mode, found in
the mouse mode button in the tool bar, or by pressing "Ctrl + 6".

Right-clicking on an object opens the context menu with the options available for that
specific object in the Timeline mode.

Tip: You'll really notice the advantages of object-based editing when you start to use
Object Effects! You can apply audio effects to each individual audio object. For
example, you can cut a sample to create an object for the last beat before a pause in
the project and add an echo effect. Or create some crazy drums by applying various
filter effects to each beat in the loop. There's no limit to the creative possibilities!

Adding software instruments


The included audio loops in the Sound pool are of the highest quality and melodically
synchronized. But sometimes it's good to have a bigger selection of beats and
melodies or a way to create your own ideas. In this case you need software
instruments.

While audio objects consist of pre-made recordings, the sound from software
instruments (synthesizers) is created during playback on the computer. The resulting
sounds are not as refined but allow for total control of every musical detail.

A selection of the loops included in Music Maker Movie Score Edition are intended as
control files for software synthesizers (MIDI loops). The sound progressions of these
loops can be edited in the MIDI Editor (view page 73). You can also record your own
melodies by connecting a MIDI keyboard.

In MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 a distinction is made between VST
instruments and object synthesizers.
Table of Contents 19

Object synthesizers are standalone objects in the track and can be moved, cut and
arranged just like any other objects. Various object synthesizers can also be put
together on one track. The control of the sound creation takes place within the object
synthesizer.

VST Instruments are always loaded to one track and controlled by MIDI objects in the
track. MIDI objects only contain control information (notes) that is used to create
sounds in VST instruments. Various MIDI objects arranged on one track control the
same synthesizer and that means a maximum of one instrument per track.

To open the folder with the software instruments in MAGIX Music Maker Movie
Score Edition 6 switch to the Instruments folder in the Media Pool.

• As with all Media Pool objects, the instrument that is selected will automatically
produce a preview sound.
• Drag the desired synthesizer into an arrangement track by holding down the
mouse button.
• For object synthesizers a synth object will be created and a settings dialog for
the synthesizer will open. You can "program" the synth here. The resulting synth
object can be moved, cut, stretched or adjusted with effects just like an audio
object.
• VST instruments are loaded to a track and a preset MIDI object is added to the
track. Double-clicking on it opens the MIDI Editor where you can make
adjustments to the melody.
• Or you can switch to Keyboard view in the Media Pool. Here you can play the
synthesizer using your computer keyboard. You can also record your playing by
clicking on the large red record button.

Tip: You can access the sound programs of the included VST instruments with the
button on the far left of the track.

Experiment with the various synthesizers in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6 and take advantage of each of their individual strengths.
20

Add videos or images


Perhaps you would like to make a video clip? To do so, open a folder with video or
photo files in the Media Pool under Data Manager and select the ones you want to
use in your project.

You can activate a video monitor using the middle button on the right below the
arranger.

A preview of the selected video file is shown on the video monitor.

Once you have found a matching video, use


the mouse button to drag it onto any track
(like previously with the audio files). You can
place as many video and photo files as you like
under your music.

You can adjust the length of the individual


image objects with the help of object handles
(view page 17).

In the Media Pool templates you will also find animated text templates (view page
161) (Titles), video effects (Video FX) and visualizations that you can use to spice up
your videos.

Effects
You should take time to experiment with the effects. In the context menu you can
select the effects for the objects. Effect modules can be opened and adjusted to get
the exact sound you want.

Effects can also be dragged onto objects by holding the left mouse button or double-
clicking. Simply open the Templates folder in the Media Pool and test out the effects
listed in Audio FX by clicking on them. As with all other entries in the Media Pool,
effects in this folder always have a preview as well. If you like an effect and wish to
apply it to an object in the project, simply click on it, drag it onto the object, and
release the mouse button.
Table of Contents 21

Tip: Use the object inspector in the Media Pool to display all important object
effects.

Another option for using effects is to apply Track Effects. These effects influence all
of the signals on a track making it a quick way to apply the same effect to several
objects. They also affect the audio output of track synthesizers. There are no audio
effects available for MIDI objects so object effects can't be used on them.

You can also select from a variety of useful track effect presets by clicking on
the button on the corresponding track. These are organized according to the
instruments and applications.

Export arrangement
The purpose of arranging and editing is usually to have a good quality audio or video
file at the end. MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 supplies various export
formats for this purpose.

• To export your arrangement, click on "File" and select the "Export" option.
• Now select the export format. You can choose between pure audio export (e. g.
MP3, WAV,…) and audio and video export (e. g. AVI, Windows Media Video,…).
• The Community upload option enables uploads to SoundCloud®.
• Select the fitting settings in the dialogs and click on OK or log in to your Internet
community of choice.
• The arrangement will then be exported.

Note: The export calculations don't affect playback performance. Even if your
playback on your computer begins to stutter because too much RAM is being used
for videos and effects, the export file will still be calculated correctly. We
recommend placing already finished passages of complex arrangements via the
export or mixdown function into a single file to free up some processing power (and
tracks). This kind of file can be reloaded into the arrangement and edited further
with the other parts.

Burn audio CD
To burn an audio CD, first export your arrangement as a WAV file:

• Click "File" and select the "Export arrangement -> Audio as wave..." option.

The WAV file created can be burned as an audio CD with the included burn program
MAGIX Speed burnR.
22

Arranger

Tracks
The arranger is organized into tracks. Each track corresponds to a channel on the
mixer (view page 166). You can use this channel to control volume, apply effects,
mute or solo all of the objects in the track. The loops of the same instrument are
typically grouped together on one track (bass track, vocal track, etc.) which makes it
easier to edit them.

Additional tracks can be added with the button at the bottom of the arranger
or by selecting the "Add track" option in "Edit" menu (Ctrl + I)

To move a track you can open the Effects menu (view page 23) of the track and select
"Move Track Up" or "Move Track Down". Tracks cannot be deleted, but those that
don't have any audio objects are automatically deactivated and that means they don't
use any computing power!

If the tracks in the arranger are not long enough, you can increase their length by
pressing the minus button (-) to the right. The size of the project adapts itself
automatically when objects exceed the space for them on the right-hand side or when
new objects are loaded.
Arranger 23

Track headers and Instrument icons


At the beginning of each track there is a track header with controls and displays.

Instrument icon: When you drag & drop a MAGIX Soundpool sample onto an
empty track an icon will appear in the track header. You can replace this icon by
right-clicking on it and selecting a different one. A left-click on the icon opens
the menu for the track synthesizer (see below).
The Peak Meter can be found beside the icons. Here, you can control the volume
of the track and see if the track produces any audio at all.
The track name is located to the left of the track number. You can rename the
track by double-clicking on the field.
You can use the Mute button to shut off the sound of a track or the Solo button
to play only the sound from one particular track. The Solo function is not
exclusive which means you can use it to play back the sound from several tracks.
On the lower border of the arranger, underneath the track headers you will find
the buttons Reset Solo / Mute which you can use to restore the previous solo
and mute settings of all tracks with one click.
Left-clicking on the field with the instrument icon opens a menu with the
sounds from the included software synthesizer which can be loaded to
the track. This software instrument will then be used by all MIDI objects
in the track. You can find out more about this in the chapters Software
Synthesizers (view page 102) and MIDI objects (view page 73).
The track header of a track with a loaded synthesizer has a
few additional controls. With the arrows (2, 4) you can
switch back and forth from the previous to the next sound
in the software instrument and the gear icon (3) opens the
instrument editor.
24

Here you can open the Track Effects menu. In it you will find presets for
track effects sorted according to the instrument type.
With the "Move track up/down" commands you can sort your tracks. A lit FX
button indicates that the track effects are active.

With REC you can activate the track for an Audio or MIDI recording.
A simple click puts the track into Audio Recording mode. This also
activates monitoring which means you can hear the input signal of
your sound card during playback. (Find out more in the section
Listening to the input signal - monitoring (view page 52) ). If you start
recording now (R key), the audio recording (view page 51) will start.
The recorded audio material is added to this track in the playback
range (view page 26).
Clicking this button again puts the track into MIDI Recording mode. If
a software instrument is loaded, you can play it with a hooked-up
MIDI keyboard (Monitoring). If you start recording now, a new MIDI
object will be created in the track, the MIDI Editor will open and the
MIDI recording (view page 80) will begin.

Zoom
The vertical zoom function sets the
number of visible tracks. On many tracks
zooming is useful for selectively editing a
track or an object in full view.

Use the horizontal zoom functions to set up the visible section of the project on the
timeline. Clicking and dragging on the bottom border of a track allows you to adjust
the height of the display.

Move/Zoom with the scroll bar


The horizontal scroll bar can be dragged apart and pushed together at the edges in
order to quickly zoom in and out of the timeline. Dragging the middle of the scroll bar
moves the visible section. The vertical scroll bars correspondingly control the tracks
shown.

You can tell which part of the project is being displayed by the size and position of the
scroll bar. If the entire project is displayed, then the scroll bar will fill out the progress
bar. Complete view may be set by double clicking the scroll bar.
Arranger 25

A track may not be diminished without limit, and the number of maximum displayable
tracks is also limited, meaning not all tracks may be able to be viewed at once.

Zoom buttons
Zoom menu: Certain zoom levels may be selected by right clicking the
horizontal scroll bar or by clicking the zoom menu. You can also jump to
certain positions in the project here.
Enlarge objects: Vertical and horizontal zoom stages are enlarged so that
all of the selected objects are displayed at maximum size. If the function is
switched off, the regular zoom stage will be restored.
Optimize view (view page 204)

Zoom buttons: Buttons for zooming in and out

Move/Zoom with the mouse wheel


The visible section can be moved, reduced, and increased in size by using the mouse
wheel.

Displayed tracks Mouse wheel


Number of displayed tracks, increase/decrease track Ctrl + Mouse wheel
height
Moving a visible section Shift + Mouse wheel
Enlarge or reduce the visible section (Zoom) Ctrl + Shift + Mouse wheel

Menu "View > Arranger > Horizontal scrolling" interchanges the horizontal and
vertical functions of the mouse wheel. This means you can use Shift and Ctrl+Key for
zooming and scrolling the tracks instead of for the visible duration. This corresponds
with the performance of the mouse wheel in the old Music Maker Movie Score
Edition version.

Timeline and grid


A timeline is located at the upper edge of the arranger. It is used for orientation in the
project and can be used to determine the playback range or quickly set the playback
position (see below).

Snap/Grid
At top of the toolbar there is a field for entering the grid step size.
26

The grid ensures that the objects and the start, end & play markers only snap into
place at specific positions so they can be positioned precisely according to the beat.
When an object or marker is close enough to a grid snap point, it automatically jumps
or "snaps" to this position. For example, if the grid has been set to "1/2 Note", the
objects and markers will snap into position when they are close enough to a half beat
position (1:1, 1:3, 2:1, 2:3 on the bar ruler).

Note: "Close enough" refers to the screen display, so the distance of the object from
the desired position in screen pixels. If you have zoomed in to just a few bars, but
have the grid set rather coarse (e.g. 1/2 notes), it is possible that objects can be
moved to positions between grid positions.

This way, there won't be any gaps between the objects and beat-matched cuts are
made possible. The selection ranges from full beats to 1/64 notes. Triplet values are
also possible. The setting "Frames" is important for videos and allows objects to snap
to single frames in video files.

In addition to the beat grid, two consecutive objects will seamlessly snap together.
This prevents undesired gaps or overlapping. This also works if they are located in
different tracks.

"Only Objects" deactivates the beat grid and the grid will now only affect the object
edges. You can also deactivate the grid entirely by selecting "No Grid" or pressing the
shortcut Ctrl + F12.

With "Select time signature" you can switch the bar ruler to irregular time signatures,
such as ¾ beat.

Playback area - Start and end markers


In the upper area of the timeline, there are two markers between which the playback
area is displayed, which can be played back as a loop (endless).

The length of the playback area is shown in the colored section. The number before
the period indicates the number of bars, the number after the number of quarter
notes. A tilde (~) in the indicator means that the playback range does not have the
exact pattern length and the loop is therefore "non-circular". Double-click on the
selection to set the playback range for the whole project.

This area is also the basis for the commands in the „Edit > Section” (view page 194)
(Copy, Cut, Paste...).
Arranger 27

To reposition the start marker left-click the upper half of the timeline. The end marker
is always moved together with the start marker, this means that the length of the
playback range remains constant. To set the end marker right-click with the mouse.
The start marker will not be moved, thereby changing the length of the range. You can
also drag each of the markers to the desired position with the mouse.

Move playback range with the keyboard


You can move the playback range also with the keyboard. Alt + cursor keys shift the
playback range by one full length forwards or backwards. Also press "Ctrl" to shift the
playback area a quarter of its length. With "Shift + Alt + cursor keys" you can halve or
double the length of the playback range. With "Ctrl + Shift + Alt + cursor keys" you
can extend or shorten the playback range by a beat. Use this function to the give the
playback area a smooth beat length (multiples of 2).

Note: If you deactivate the option „Cursor keys move playback marker” (view page
205) in the "View" menu > "Arranger", you do not have to press the Alt key.
However, it is necessary in order to move the playback marker with the cursor keys.

When you move the playback area while a playback is running, the old area is always
played to the end and smoothly changed into the new one after. In this way you can
remix your tracks in real-time with the keyboard!

Move playback marker


The playback marker can be moved independent of the start marker. Just click on the
lower portion of the timeline. Once the playback marker reaches the end marker,
playback will recommence at the position of the start marker. If the playback marker
has been set to the right, outside of the area, the project will be played to the end. The
stretched out playback range will then be played as a loop.

Use the cursor keys to move the playback marker with the keyboard. The option
"Move playback marker with cursor keys” in the "View" menu > "Arranger” (preset
on) interchanges the Alt-Key function. If you deactivate this option, you can move the
playback marker with Alt + cursor keys and only require the cursor keys to turn down
the playback range.
28

Pitch Bar
A pitch bar can be found below the timeline.

When a Soundpool sample is moved to an empty section of the project, the relevant
pitch and the corresponding key will be displayed in the pitch bar. The key can differ
depending on the Soundpool. This can help to maintain the same pitch in order to
prevent disharmonious sound combinations when adding more loops.

When a "false" pitch is moved to a pitch section, you will be asked to automatically
adjust the pitch. The relevant selection is saved with "Do not show this message
again". This means that the this automatic customization will always or never be
carried out hereafter.

Note: You can reactivate all deactivated queries with "Do not show this message
again" by clicking on the tab "Reactivate notice dialog boxes" in the program settings
(P key or File menu > Settings > Program settings...).

Clicking on the small arrow on a pitch opens a menu where you


can set the pitch for all the loops of this duration in the
arrangement. There is also a command for splitting the pitch
range at the playback marker position.

You can hide the pitch bar by going to View > Arranger.

Transport Bar (playback functions)


The transport bar's functions enable you to control the playback behavior of the
project using the mouse.

Tip: Using the space bar on your computer's keyboard you can start and stop
playback much more easily. (Overview of all keyboard shortcuts (view page 214))
Arranger 29

Playing an endless loop (looped object) can be deactivated here.


Playback will always stop when the end marker is reached.

Back to start: With this button the start marker is quickly moved to the
beginning of the project. Another click on "Back to start" moves the
start marker and the playback range to the beginning of the project.
Stop: The stop button stops playback. The playback marker returns to
the position from which it started.

Play/Pause: This button starts continuous playback of the project. If


the playback marker reaches the end marker, the range between the
start and end marker will be played back as a loop. Another click on
Play stops it at the current position of the playback marker (Pause).
Record: Depending on the settings in the track header (view page 23)
an audio (view page 51) or MIDI recording (view page 80) will be
started. With the gear icon next to it you can open the dialog for
recording audio (view page 53) with additional settings options.

Volume control

The volume control is to the left of the transport controller. With it, you can quickly
control the overall volume of your project. To regulate the volume of individual tracks,
use the mixer (view page 166).

Clicking on the speaker icon mutes the entire sound output.

Under the volume control there is a peak meter that displays the master signal peak
level and an indicator for incoming MIDI signals.

Time Display
The time display is beside the
transport console.

This is where the current playback position is displayed. By right-clicking it is


also possible to switch the time display to show the remaining time (relative to
the end of the project) or to choose various units of measurement, e.g. hh:mm:ss
or frames.
30

With the position slider you can quickly move the playback marker within the
visible range.
The current pitch is displayed at the top and below it the project tempo in BPM
(beats per minute). The tempo is determined by the first sample used in the
project. To enter a new tempo, click on the number and enter a BPM value in the
field. Finalize the entry by pressing the Enter key. The objects in the arrangement
are adapted using time stretching.
Time Signature: Here there are various time signatures such as 3/4-, 4/4- or
5/4 which can be selected for the project.
Click on BPM to open the Tap Tempo Dialog where you can set the tempo by
"tapping" it out. Simply click the tap button at your desired tempo or press the T
key. The tempo is measured and displayed in the dialog. Apply the tempo by
clicking on "OK".
Metronome: This button activates a click track that is played back during
recording. This helps with maintaining the right beat and tempo when recording
instruments or vocals.

Arranger buttons
The Arranger buttons for quickly opening and closing all the most important windows
can be found underneath the last track in the Arranger.

Opens the mixer (view page 166) where tracks can be mixed by adjusting
volume, setting the position in the stereo panorama and adding effects.

Opens or closes the video monitor (view page 159). The video monitor
displays the video and images files that have been loaded into Music Maker
Movie Score Edition. It can also be used as a peak meter, overview of the
project or as an info box for help text.

Multi-touch
In Windows 8, Music Maker Movie Score Edition can also be easily used with a
touchscreen. Provided that you have a multi-touch enabled screen, you can also
perform all of the normal mouse-click actions and dragging actions with a finger on
the screen.

To facilitate the touch control, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 also has a
special display mode in which the loops in the media pool, the keys of the virtual
keyboard, and the menu entries are enlarged. Turn on this mode with the tab key or
with the special buttons in the relevant mediapool tab.
Arranger 31

Pressing and holding is interpreted as a right-click and opens the relevant context
menu.

You can scroll in the arranger and the mediapool with two fingers. To do this, touch
the screen with two fingers and move them together in the desired direction.

In addition, you can zoom in the arranger with the familiar "pinch" gesture used on
smartphones. Touch the screen with two fingers and decrease the distance between
the fingers to zoom out Increase the distance between the fingers to zoom in. The
zoom always functions in both directions, that is, it changes both the track height
(and thus the number of tracks displayed) and the duration displayed.
32

Media Pool
The Media Pool in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 lets you access,
preview and load all supported media types online and offline, e.g. the included audio
and MIDI loops, audio CDs, MP3s, software instruments or effects.

All media types are loaded into an arrangement from local drives or directly from the
Internet by double-clicking or dragging & dropping.

The upper edge of the Media Pool contains buttons which operate the Media Pool in
different ways:

• The setting Soundpools offers a database view of all Soundpools.


• The File manager is very similar to Windows Explorer. It controls and loads
media files of all types from the hard drive.
• The Instruments (view page 102) setting displays a list of the available software
instruments.
• Under Templates (view page 38) you can find the presets for all types of audio,
video and title effects.
• The Keyboard enables software synthesizers to be played and recorded directly
via the on-screen keyboard.
• Catooh connects directly to Catooh.

Preview function
There is a preview function for all files: By simply clicking an audio object, the pre-
listening function starts via the sound card. Video, graphics and text objects are
shown on the video screen.

As the project plays on, you can experiment with sounds from the Media Pool (see
Smart Preview (view page 50)).

Note: Even while previewing, audio files are adapted to the current tempo using
timestretching (you can deactivate this in the "Audio/Video options" menu).

Soundpools
This view in the Media Pool is used to control the Soundpools. You can access the
included Soundpools through the clearly laid out database view that lets you arrange
the display of the loops according to styles, instruments and pitch.

While installing Music Maker Movie Score Edition, if you no longer have the
Soundpools installed on your hard drive, insert the installation DVD into the DVD
Media Pool 33

drive. The contents of the Soundpool media will now be imported into the database.
Other Soundpool media are automatically recognized and added to the media
database.

Note: Under program settings -> General (view page 184), you will find different
options for maintaining and displaying the Soundpool database.

Soundpools already present on the hard disk can be imported into the
database by clicking "Add styles".

Soundpools from previous versions of Music Maker Movie Score Edition or additional
Soundpool collections that you have purchased can also be integrated into the Media
Pool this way.

A Soundpool consists of one or more styles. Styles are sound libraries that belong
together and cover a certain musical style. The sounds (sample or MIDI loops) of one
style all have a certain tempo. You can mix loops from different styles, and the
tempos will be adjusted accordingly. Within a style, loops are ordered according to
instruments, and one instrument folder contains different sounds. Each sound can
have a different pitch (except for drums and effects sounds).

All of the styles that are available in the database are displayed in the first column.
The second column lists the instruments.

The list of samples found is created after entry selection in the first two columns.
With "Ctrl + click" you can reduce or expand a selection. No selection ("Ctrl + click"
on a single selected element) or clicking on "Select all" shows all entries from this
category. If you select an instrument (e.g. "Drums" and "Percussion") and no style, all
drums and percussion samples in the whole database will be displayed.

Simply clicking on the loop starts the preview. Clicking on the numbers 1 to 7 changes
the pitch. The pitch for that loop is set when you click on a different loop.

You can sort the list according to criteria (Type, Name, BPM, Length in bars, Favorite,
Style) by clicking on the column header.

The list can also be filtered:


34

Clicking on the star in the sample list marks the You can display only audio loops, MIDI
loop as a favorite. You can use the filter loops or both. For the difference between
"Favorites" to display only the loops that you have audio and MIDI loops see below.
marked as favorites.

An entry field for full text search is located above the match list.

In the search field, you can search the list of


the samples found according to a certain
sound file name.

Sound Vision view: This button displays all Soundpools as


galaxies.

Displays the loops larger to improve the touch control.

Audio Loops and MIDI Loops


In Music Maker Movie Score Edition a distinction is made between audio and MIDI
loops. Audio loops are normal audio files that have a specific number of bars (1, 2, or
4) and can be played back as loops. MIDI loops consist of a MIDI Take (view page
48) that contains the notes (MIDI file) and the sound settings for a particular
software instrument. Both types of loop have advantages and disadvantages:

Icon Advantages Disadvantages


• Recordings made on • If the original tempo of the
Audio
professional studio equipment loop is changed with
with top quality instruments timestretching (view page
and expensive synthesizers. 140) the sound quality can be
• They require less computer negatively affected.
power than sounds • The melody and rhythm are
reproduced in realtime. already set in the recording
and can only be adjusted with
complicated pitchshifting.
• Pitch and tempo changes • Software instruments process
MIDI
don't require additional the sound in realtime and
computer power and don't therefore require more
affect the sound quality. computer power.
• You can use the MIDI Editor • Even the most high-quality
to change the melody of the samples don't sound quite as
loop any way you want. natural as real instruments.
Media Pool 35

SoundVision

This alternative display of the Soundpool library shows all available sounds
graphically. No matter how large the Soundpool collection is, you can view the entire
library using this 2-dimensional display. This "galaxy" can now be accessed via the
mouse to collect all of the sounds you want.

The large clusters of "stars" are the styles, and these are arranged from inside to
outside with increasing tempo. Eventually they form a center - the styles furthest out
have the highest tempo.

Within a style are the individual instruments (e.g. keys, pads, sequence) formed in a
circle, and the drums are in the middle. Every instrument group has a certain color
assigned to it which is the same in every style. The individual sounds are points
encircled by the individual pitches, if available.

You navigate throughout the Sound Vision view by moving the selection displayed
with the mouse; the mouse wheel enlarges or diminishes the view. The points (which
symbolize the sound loops) can be manipulated exactly as in the Media Pool list view,
i.e. select by double clicking and load by double clicking or via drag & drop.

File Manager
The file manager works very similarly to Windows Explorer. It can be used to access
and load media files of all kinds: Videos, photos, MP3 files, audio CD tracks, and RTF
text files for titles.

The Media Pool consists of a file list to the right (the actual “Media Pool”), in which all
loadable media types (and, if required, further subfolders) are listed, and the
navigation area on the left-hand side.

All supported multimedia files and subfolders of the currently selected folder are
displayed in the file list. All entries can be loaded into the arranger tracks by double
clicking or via drag & drop.
36

Navigation buttons
Forwards/Back The "Back" button always returns you to the
folder where you were previously.
Up The "Up" button brings you to the next highest
folder level.
View These buttons switch the file view list between
icons, lists, or details.

Various file list view modes


The file list displays all supported multimedia files and subfolders of the currently
selected folder. Three different views (list, detail, large symbols) can be set by right
clicking on the options or Media Pool's context menu.

List: Only file names are listed.


This view mode displays the
most files simultaneously.

Details: The details section


displays the type, size, and date
of modification for every media
file beside the name. The list can
be sorted by clicking on any of
these details.

Large symbols: These can be


quite useful, since they show a
preview frame for each movie
and picture file. This allows you
to sort through the material
quicker. The disadvantage is that
it takes longer for the file list to
be displayed.

Deleting, copying, and moving files


All files listed in the media window can be selected, deleted, or moved into other
folders via drag & drop, just like via Windows Explorer. This way, all objects desired
for placement in a project can be collected in a separate folder beforehand.
Media Pool 37

Additional functions can be accessed via the context menu, i.e. by right clicking an
entry.

My Projects
This button opens the "My Projects" folder. This is a subfolder of "My Projects" that is
named after the program (i.e. MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6, only
featuring "_" instead of empty spaces). This is created automatically when the
program is installed. All new recordings and projects are saved here automatically as
a preset, and finished projects are exported here. You may change the save location
as you see fit via Program settings > Folders (view page 184).

My Files: This displays the contents of the "My Files" folder. This is normally the save
location of videos, pictures, music, etc. (in the corresponding subfolders).

My MP3s
This provides quick access to your own MP3 collection. When this button is pressed
for the first time, you can select the folder where your MP3 files are saved. You may
also change this path later via "Program settings", the "Folder" tab (Y key or "File"
menu > "Settings" > "Program settings").

Database
Note: This feature is only available if you have installed a corresponding photo or music
management program from MAGIX (e.g. MP3 deluxe or Photo Manager deluxe).

This button displays the media files on your computer in a well-


structured database view.

This means the files are no longer displayed according to where they are stored in the
different folders but are grouped according to general characteristics. The top "folder
level" is the difference in audio, video or image files; subfolders would be, for instance,
the date for photos or the artist for MP3 files.

In order to present media data on your PC in a database view, you first have to add
them to the MAGIX database. To do this, click on the database button to the right and
select the option Start media manager for photos and music.

This opens the corresponding MAGIX program and the database scan function of the
program.

By right clicking on "Database" and clicking on "Database search", you can open a
special search dialog in which you can carry out a targeted search for media.
38

Search the database


Quick search: Simply enter a keyword and highlight the data type (photo, audio,
video). All available Database columns are searched for the keyword.

Expert search: Here you can restrict your search by stating search criteria in the
following way:

Database column Condition Comparison item

e.g. dimensions greater than 800

You can search up to three database columns that are connected via "and" or "or"
simultaneously.

"AND" means only those files will be listed that match all criteria.

"OR" means only those files will be listed that match at least one of the criteria.

Instrument settings
This button opens the folder containing your software instruments. You can read
more on this in the Software Instruments (view page 102) chapter.

Templates
The folders for installed effects presets will be opened. Even saved audio and video
effect presets as well as title templates end up in these folders, so that over time, a
complete library of your own presets will be created.

The buttons to the left open the folders for audio effects ("Audio FX"), presets for the
Vintage Effects Suite ("Vintage FX"), the LiViD drums synthesizer, title templates
("Titles"), video effects ("Video FX"), and animations ("Visuals").

You can also add effects by drag & drop. They can simply be dragged onto the
corresponding object using the mouse.
Media Pool 39

Tip: When an audio effect lands on the audio objects by right-clicking the context
menu, the dialog for the particular audio effect (view page 125) will open and you
can adjust it more precisely!

Keyboard
The keyboard enables software synthesizers to be played and recorded directly via
the on-screen keyboard.

If a track synthesizer is not present, then a new track will be added and a new
synthesizer plug-in will be added when the view is switched to "Keyboard" (Vita with
Sound Acoustic Bar Piano).

The keyboard always controls the synthesizer in the track for which MIDI recording
has been activated.

You can click the keyboard with the mouse to play the instrument. The closer to the
bottom edge you click on the "virtual keys", the louder the sound will play. Of course,
you can't seriously play music by clicking with the mouse (this function is more
suitable for testing out sounds quickly). That's why you can also play the keyboard
with the keys on your computer's own keyboard.

Note: This works only after you first click once on the keyboard using your mouse.
Otherwise, pressing the computer keys will function as keyboard shortcuts (view
page 214) for the different functions in Music Maker Movie Score Edition. If the
computer keys control the program's keyboard, then the piano keys will display the
corresponding keyboard characters.

Use the vertical arrow buttons to move the octave range that the
keyboard can be played in.
You can use the horizontal arrow keys to select the next or previous
sound of the synthesizer or they can be selected directly in the list field on
the side.
This button opens the editor window for the synthesizer for fine tuning
the sound.
40

Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator is a special function that can be used to create full chords
or broken chords (arpeggios, i.e. the notes of a chord played in quick
succession) by pressing a single key.

C note C major chord C major arpeggio with 1/16 notes

This button activates the arpeggiator.


This switch determines whether the played note will generate no chord, a major
chord (Dur) or a minor chord (Moll).
This switch determines the type of arpeggio. When set to the far right, a normal
chord is played. The other positions are up, down or up and down. The figures
are repeated as long as the note is played.
The tempo of the arpeggio is set here and can range from 1/4 notes (slow) up to
1/32 notes (very fast).

Setting Catooh
You can preview multimedia files from the Online Content Library Catooh, load them
into the project, and edit them further .

Please read the chapter entitled Catooh!


Mouse modes 41

Mouse modes
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 offers special mouse modes for
arranging and editing objects.

A small arrow next to the mouse pointer symbol allows different modes to be
set.

Move selection
This is the preset mouse mode in which most changes are made. Left clicking
selects an object. When the "Shift" or "Control" keys are pressed, multiple
objects can be selected.
Hold down the mouse button to move selected objects. In this mode the objects can
be faded in or out or their lengths can be changed using any of the five handles. Please
refer to the "Arranging objects" (view page 44) chapter. Right clicking on an object
opens the context menu with the most important effects and settings available for
that specific object.

If an effect curve is active (only available in the Premium version of Music Maker
Movie Score Edition), the curve handles can be selected and moved. Double clicking
on the curve creates new handles.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 1, number key 1

Move to track
This mouse mode behaves basically like the mouse mode for individual objects,
but moving objects

results in all other objects behind the object moving in sync on the track. This is
practical if space is needed at the start of a track, since all objects can be moved
together without moving them underneath each other.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 2, number key 2

Move all
This mouse mode behaves in principal just like the "Single object mouse mode",
but during moving, all objects on all tracks will be moved together from the
mouse position.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 3, number key 3


42

Draw
In this mode you can insert further similar objects behind an already loaded
object.
Starting from the first object, the following objects are always inserted synchronously
so that you can also think of this mode as the insertion of a "Mute" automation from a
continuous loop. You can read more about this in the section "Drawing in loops (view
page 48)" in the chapter "Arranging objects".

Shortcut: Ctrl + 5, number key 5

Split
You can split objects quickly with this mouse mode in order to remove
unwanted parts or attach various effects to parts
of objects.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 6, number key 6

Stretch
This special mode is for customizing the length of objects.

Objects can be on the lower handles stretched or compressed. Audio material is


therefore lengthened via timestretching without changing the pitch itself The middle
object handles allow the object's pitch to be changed using pitchshifting in the range
of -7... +7.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 7, number key 7

Preview audio
In this mode you can individually preview audio objects in the project. By clicking
on the audio object it will be played back from the start to the end of the solo
for the entire duration and independent of the start and end markers in the timeline.
The objects are protected against inadvertent moving in this mode.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 8, number key 8


Mouse modes 43

Scrubbing
By holding down the mouse button, the project can be previewed at the point
where the cursor is positioned.
The playback marker follows the mouse movements. This mode is especially suited to
searching for specific parts of a project.

Shortcut: Ctrl + 9, number key 9

Replace
This mouse mode simplifies searching for suitable samples: Left mouse click on
a MAGIX
Soundpool object to switch the object automatically with another from the same
instrument category. Shift + left mouse click keeps the object but changes the pitch.
Ideal for quick experimentation!

Shortcut: Ctrl + 0, number key 0

Context help
This mouse mode allows you to open the corresponding "Help" section by
clicking on any area of the MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 screen.

Shortcut: Alt + F1
44

Arranging Objects
In MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 you can jointly and uniformly load,
arrange, edit, and export different multimedia file formats. This chapter describes the
basic way of working with multimedia objects. This includes audio objects, video
objects, graphics, midi objects, and synth objects. Later chapters will describe the
particulars of the respective formats.

All object editing is virtual, non-destructive, and is calculated in real time during play.
The multimedia material is thus not destroyed (non-destructive editing) and any
change can be cancelled with the multi-stage undo function ("Ctrl + Z"). You can
experiment to your heart’s content without having to fear that you will change or
damage the original material.

Save/load projects
"Project" refers to all objects found in the arranger (audio, video, MIDI, songs,
graphics, synthesizers) along with all their positions, fades, lengths, volumes,
brightness settings, and effects. Projects can be saved via the menu "File"as an MMM
file and loaded again.

When loading projects you must ensure that all media files used (audio, video, image
files) are available in their respective folders. To save projects completely, to archive
them, or to edit them using a different computer, use the function " Save project and
used media..." from the menu "File" > "Backup". The entire project along with the
media files will then be saved in one folder.

Multimedia files and objects


All multimedia files supported by MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can be
previewed or listened to in the Media Pool by clicking on the file name and dragging it
into the arranger with the mouse held down (Drag & Drop). The files are displayed as
objects in the tracks after the mouse is released.

Right-clicking on an object opens the context menu with the most important editing
options available for that specific object.

Select objects
To edit or delete objects using the menus, you must first select them. To do so, simply
click on the object you wish to select. When the Shift key is pressed, multiple objects
are selected. Object modifications like cutting, moving, effect allocations and so on,
apply to all selected objects together.
Arranging Objects 45

To visually highlight the current selection, the object handles (see below (view page
46)) of the selected objects are displayed.

Several objects can be selected quickly by clicking on the first object in the first track
with the mouse and dragging out a square for selection. All objects entirely or partially
within the square will be selected (rubberband selection).

Mute objects
Each object can be muted individually. Simply select the objects you want to mute
and press Ctrl + M (or use the corresponding command from the context menu).

Build or split object groups


Several objects can be combined to make up a group and avoid the objects being
unintentionally moved out of relation to each other. To create a group, select the
respective objects and the command "Edit Menu > Object > Group > Form group"
(Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + G).

Once they are combined, clicking on one object of a group will select the entire group,
allowing you to move, copy, or delete the group as a whole. To ungroup objects, use
the corresponding command in the "Edit" menu or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + U.

Split objects
All objects can be split. This way, two new independent objects are created. To do
this select the object and move the playback marker to the position where you want
to cut by clicking on the timeline.

Click on this button in the upper toolbar (view page 214) or click on "Edit” >
"Object" and select the option "Split objects” or press the "T” key. It's even
easier with the mouse mode "Split objects (view page 42)".

The two new objects keep all object effects (view page 125). For example, you can
then design a loop in a more varied manner by first overlaying an object as a whole
with an effect before cutting it into several parts and then varying the effect
parameters in the individual parts.

You cannot easily combine two such object parts again. But you can edit them
together by joining them together in a group. To do this you can select the individual
parts and select the command "Group" (Ctrl+G).
46

Duplicate objects
To duplicate objects select the object(s) and select in the "Edit" menu > "Object" >
"Duplicate objects" (Ctrl + D). A copy of the object appears right beside the original
which can be moved to any position with the mouse.

Tip: Speed up this process by clicking on the object to be copied with the mouse
while holding down the Ctrl-key. This generates a copy, which you can immediately
drag to the desired position.

Another way to duplicate is by using the copy/edit commands from the "Edit" menu >
"Object" or "Section". For the latter, all objects will be copied in the playback range
(view page 26).

Object Handles

You can fine tune the object start, end, and volume as well as the fade-in and fade-out
with the object handles for each object.

Shorten or loop objects


Objects can be shortened by dragging the lower right corner to the left. During this
process the mouse pointer turns into a double arrow. An object can be shortened
from the start in the same way, e.g. if too much silence was recorded before the actual
audio began. To do this, simply use the handle in the lower left corner. This can be
used to shorten samples or recordings without having to cut them.

To extend the object again, drag the object boarder outwards. If you drag the object
beyond its original boundaries, it will loop (i.e. repeat) until the end of the object is
reached. This allows you to create, for example, a complete drum track from a short
drum loop, or a long video from a short video sequence.

Normally an object is always looped over the full length of the underlying data
material (audio or video file). To set a clip from a file as a loop, shorten the object at
the front and the back with the handles and choose the in the "Edit" menu > "Object"
> "Loop section" > "Insert user-defined loop". This function is very useful for setting
your own recording as a loop, as the silence at the beginning of a recording can be cut
away.
Arranging Objects 47

Fading Objects
An object can be faded in or out with the handles to the left and right upper corners of
the object. The length of the fade can be adjusted with the handles.

If an object on a track is moved to a position where it overlaps with another object,


the length of the overlap will automatically become a crossfade. This means that the
first object is faded out while the subsequent object is faded in simultaneously. The
duration of the fade-out is equal to the duration of the fade-in but can be adjusted
using the upper handles.

Crossfade

Setting object volume


Using the volume handle located centrally at the top of the object, you can set the
volume of individual audio, synthesizer, or MIDI objects.

In connection with the ability to cut objects (see above), this makes it possible to edit
the volume progression in detail.

The drum loop in the first bar was cut into individual parts in the second bar and the volume
varied.

You can adjust the overall volume of a track or the volume performance between the
tracks more conveniently in the Mixer (view page 166).

Note: The handle serves the transparency settings for videos, images, and title
objects.
48

"Draw in" loops


Audio loops can be drawn into the arranger tracks with the mouse.

For this you have to set the mouse mode to "Draw objects" by clicking on the
corresponding icon in the mouse modes menu. Now an audio sample has to
be loaded which will serve as a template and which will then be drawn into the
following area of the track as a loop in the track. This works as follows:

1. Load any loop from the Media Pool into the arranger.
2. Click on an area further back on the same track and hold down the mouse
button to draw in the loop.

Starting from the first object, the drawn-in loop area is always synchronous with the
beat. This means that the drawn-in loop is not played from the beginning, but rather
starts from the position where the original loop would be if you had continued to this
position. Or, to put it differently, a running loop can be found on the track and you can
draw in at which position you can hear it ("Mute automation").

The synchronous start of the object in this mode has another consequence: If an
object is moved, then only object borders are moved, but the underlying loop,
however, always remains intact.

Takes
Every object can be saved as a "Take". Takes save all editing done on an object, like
object length, fade settings and all object effects. MIDI takes save the instrument
controlled by them (MIDI output or software instrument).

Takes are saved as "TAK" (*.tak) files and take up virtually no space on the hard disk.
This means you can cut a sample, add various effects to it and save it as various takes
in order to use these together with all their editing in other MAGIX Music Maker
Movie Score Edition 6 projects. Instead of repeatedly saving the original sample, only
the object and effect settings are saved. You can also save Synth objects as takes
which creates your own preset libraries for the synthesizer.

The MIDI loops included with MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6
(you'll recognize them in the Media Pool by this icon) are also takes because the
MIDI files (view page 73) only sound the way they were intended when
combined with the right synthesizer sound.

Attention: When loading takes, the audio or video file for which the take was added
must be in the original folder.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + S


Arranging Objects 49

Mixdown audio
If the arranger becomes too full to manage, the system is out of RAM, or you just
want to ”summarize” your production, use the mix down function to convert the
entire project into a single audio and/or video file.

To do so, choose the "Mixdown" function from the "Edit" menu. You can choose a
name and a destination for storing the mix down object. The default directory is ”My
Projects”. If only audio objects are in the tracks, a wave file will be created. If audio
and video objects are combined, you can choose whether an audio or a video file will
be created.

The objects of the arranger or the area will be replaced by the new object.

MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 automatically normalizes the audio file,
i.e. the loudest part of the wave audio object is identical with the highest figure of the
16-bit resolution ceiling. This guarantees the same sound quality, even if you repeat
the mix down procedure or you combine the mix down file with other wave audio
objects again and again.

Tip:The mix down function is very helpful if you want to go on working with the mix-
down object. To create the finished end version of the song or video it is
recommended to select the "Export project" function in the "File" menu instead of
the "Mixdown" function.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + G


50

Audio Objects

Audio formats
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can load audio files in the formats Wave
(.wav), Ogg Vorbis (.ogg), Windows Media Audio (.wma), MP3 (.mp3), AIFF (.aif)
and CDA (audio CD tracks). The audio data of a file are displayed as an object in the
arranger of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6. The material will be
displayed as a waveform, optically representing the sound to make editing easier.
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can export files in all formats listed
above (except AIFF).

Load and edit audio files


All importable audio files can be accessed from the Media Pool and previewed (as
sound) by clicking the file name. Any file can be moved into the Arranger using Drag
& Drop. Tracks from audio CDs can also be integrated into the project using drag &
drop.

Edits, fine positioning, volume settings, and fading in and out may all be adjusted
directly in the Arranger using the object handles. See chapter "Arrange objects”.

Smart preview for the included samples.


The included samples can be previewed while the project is being played. They are
always played in time with the song. This means that if you combine loops from
different styles that have different tempos they will automatically be adjusted to the
current project tempo even in the preview.

You can compose a song in realtime by loading different samples and searching for
suitable new building blocks during playback.

Start the playback and select a loop by simply clicking the mouse. The loop will be
used as a preview on the next available track and played back together with the pre-
existing audio material. Update the preview by selecting another loop. You can then
try out the all of the soundpool samples in the context.

As a preview, the loop will always be extended to the entire length of the playback
range. The result is therefore immediately audible, even if the loop is originally shorter
than the selected playback range. If you adopt the loop in the project (double-click or
press the Enter key), it will be introduced in its original length at the beginning of the
playback range.
Audio Objects 51

Tip: You can also use key commands to quickly change the playback area (view
page 26) by using the arrow keys. This will let you add loops to your project with
more precision.

Audio recording
Your own sounds like vocals, speech, noises, or instruments can be easily recorded in
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 using the audio recording function.

Click the REC button in the track box to specify the track for the recording.

The display in the track box will change

The input signal will be played back featuring all track effects (if there are any) (live
monitoring (view page 52)).

Live monitoring requires the use of ASIO drivers (view page 187).

Click the red button on the transport bar to start the actual recording.
Click on the gear icon next to it to open the dialog box "Audio
recording" (view page 53) with various settings options. This dialog
box can also be opened after starting the recording.

Adjusting the signal level


Adjusting the signal level to the sound card is also recommended to get the best
sound quality when recording digitally. Once a recording source is connected to the
sound card, the small gear wheel button next to the Record button opens the
recording dialog and starts the recording source. You can now adjust the recording
level with the help of the LED display in the record dialog.

If the adjustment is set too high, distortion occurs and the incoming signal must be
reduced. If you have linked the sound source directly with the sound card without a
mixer, this can only be done via the Windows system settings "Sound". You can
access this directly from within the recording dialog via the “Recording level” button.
You will see which sound card input is already being used with the amplitude in the
small peak meter in the settings dialog. Double-click on this and change in the tab
"Level",

If you reduce input sensitivity by using the input fader, the resolution at which the
analog signal is digitized is also reduced. Try to set these automatic controllers to the
loudest sound level possible! The yardstick for the optimal level setting is the loudest
part of the material. The loudest part should be adjusted to the maximum.
52

Note: Not all sound card drives fully support the Windows system mixer; this
functionality can also potentially fail. Some sound cards also come with its own
mixer application in which you can control the input level. If both fail, you need to
match the level to the analog source.

Listening to the input signal - monitoring


You usually want to listen when you record something. This is called monitoring.
There are different ways of monitoring in Music Maker Movie Score Edition.

Live monitoring
This is the preset method and allows you to listen to the input signal via the audio
processing of Music Maker Movie Score Edition, that is, with all effects, i.e., the track
effects as well as the AUX send effects and master effects. You can therefore hear
your vocals or guitar recordings with the necessary effects while recording or jam live
to a finished project.

An ASIO driver is needed for monitoring. Professional soundcards come with such
drivers. For any soundcards that don't have this there is the MAGIX Low-Latency
driver, which provides any sound card or on-board sound chip that is fitted with
WDM drivers with an ASIO driver. For more information see the Menu "File" >
"Settings" "Program Settings" > "Audio/MIDI" (view page 187)section.

There will be a short delay (latency) caused by processing the audio signal. This delay
amounts to just a few milliseconds with modern sound cards. You can deactivate this
option should it still disturb you. To do this, uncheck the "Direct monitoring" box in
the recoding settings dialog.

System monitoring
You may already hear your input signal or two input signals with live monitoring
before you have activated the track for recording. This is due to the fact that the line-
in input is configured so that its signal is directly routed to the output. This is a feature
of the Windows operating system and not of Music Maker Movie Score Edition. The
purpose of this is to allow you to connect external audio sources, such as MP3
players, via the input and listen directly through the computer speakers.

To disable this unwanted "monitoring", click on "Peak control" in the "Audio


recording" dialog box, double-click on the input used (identifiable on the peak meter
amplitude), and change the tab "monitor" in the subsequent settings dialog. There
you can deactivate the option "Use this device as playback source".

On the other hand, you can also use this type of monitoring if the live monitoring is
not suitable, because the ASIO driver does not function in a stable way. Or if you don't
Audio Objects 53

want to use the live monitoring because you find a small latency disturbing. However
you then cannot listen to the Music Maker Movie Score Edition effects.

Note: Not all sound card drives fully support the Windows system mixer; this
functionality can also potentially fail. Some sound cards also come with its own
mixer application that provides monitoring.

External monitoring with a mixer


You can also monitor without using the computer with an external mixer. Small
mixers with a USB connection that are both mixers and sound cards are suitable for
this. It is the same as with the system monitoring (no latency but also no effects). But
it has the advantage that you have direct access to the input level and monitoring
level in the mixer. The external mixer enables you to use the in-program live
monitoring. But you must be careful not to create any feedback loops, thus avoiding a
repeat recording of the output signal.

Audio recording dialog


54

Audio Input: Selects the sound card for the recording.

Save audio file as/storage location: Here you can select the title of the audio file you
wish to record. You can also select the folder where you wish to store the file.

Recording quality: Sets the sound quality of the recording. In the preset menu you can
choose between AM Tuner, FM Radio, CD Audio, and DAT (Digital Audio Tape).

Mono/Stereo: The recording can be made in mono or stereo. Mono recordings are
recommended for song and instrument recordings made using only one standard
mono microphone. This reduces the required memory space in half.

Peak control: This opens the Windows system dialog for the selected sound card
drivers. There you can customize the input level and deactivate the system
monitoring (view page 52).

Level indicator (L/R): Use the level indicator (peak meter) to monitor the strength of
the input signal. Please read more on this in the section 'Adjusting levels'.

Direct monitoring: Select this option to switch the live monitoring on and off. Please
read more on this in the section Listening to the input signal - monitoring (view page
52).

Advanced: Use this button to open a window containing a selection of three special
functions.

Advanced settings
• Normalize after recording: This option raises your material to the correct volume
level after recording is completed. In order to achieve good audio results, you
should try to record the source as loud as possible without overmodulating it.
The Peak Meter display here helps in the recording dialog.
• Realtime adaptation of the sample rate: This automatically adapts the sample
rate if the file you wish to record to the sample rate of the current project.
• "Ducking" (reducing the sound volume): This is a function for video dubbing. To
add narration or other sound material to a video that already has sound volume
levels set, activate the option ”Automatic reduction of sound volume of
remaining audio tracks”. This automatically reduces the volume of audio objects
in the project during the recording session (”ducking”). This is achieved using an
automatically configured volume curve: Before and after the recording other
tracks will be faded in or out, resulting in a homogeneous total volume level.
(Lowering of volume level during spoken comments is also called "Ducking".)
Audio Objects 55

Import audio CD
Entire music tracks from audio CDs can be imported into the project through the
Media Pool in the same way as importing files from the hard drive.
3. Insert an audio CD into the CD/DVD drive of the PC
4. Go to your CD/DVD drive in the Media Pool (File Manager, Computer). The
individual CD titles appear in the file list.
5. A simple mouse click starts the playback of the CD title for sampling purposes
6. Drag & drop the track from the CD into a track of the current project and it will
be digitally scanned and copied to the hard drive. The files will be saved in the
import folder (may be specified in "File" > "Settings" > "Program..." > "Folder"
(More information can be found in the section "Folders" on page 190)).
7. The CD track appears in the track as an audio object and can be played back or
edited immediately.

Use the CD import dialog for more advanced control of the import process, e. g.
importing sections from music tracks. You can access this dialog box via "File" >
"Import" > "Import audio CD track(s)..." (Keyboard shortcut: C)

CD import dialog
In the CD import dialog box you can select tracks from audio CDs and partially or fully
import them into the project. You can also select and configure the used drive if you
have more than one drive. The data is imported digitally which eliminates any loss in
sound quality. The CD tracks are imported into the project as wave files. The files are
saved in the import folder. (File menu > Properties > Program settings > System >
Path settings (More information can be found in the section "Folders" on page 190))

To import audio CD tracks, insert an audio CD into the drive and select "Import >
Import audio CD track(s)" from the File menu. A dialog with a list of the CD tracks will
open. If you have more than one drive, you may have to first select the drive
containing the CD. You can do this in CD drive options .
56

On the left-hand side in the list you can choose which track(s)/title(s) you wish to
import from the CD. Several subsequent tracks can also be selected by holding the
"Shift" key + mouse clicking; "Ctrl + mouse-click" selects several individual tracks. By
clicking on "Select all tracks", all audio tracks will be selected, e.g. for copying the
complete CD.

Now click on "Save selected tracks..." This will open the "Save audio to..." dialog,
where you can specify the name and target address of the audio files. The audio files
are subsequently numbered depending on their names (name -> name_1.wav,
name_1.wav...). "Save" starts the audio copying process. A progress bar is displayed.
Once ripping is complete, the dialog will be closed and the tracks are inserted into the
project as individual objects.

In the top right field, details on the total length and the memory capacity of the
selected track/section are displayed.

Transport control: This lets you start and stop playback


just like on a real CD player and skip forward and
backward in the playlist.
With the faders below it you can go to a specific position
in a track. To import just a specific section of a CD track,
choose "Start selection" at the beginning of the section
and "End selection" at the end.
Audio Objects 57

Use the small "Volume" faders to control the preview volume. The chosen drive
appears below it. In the right selection box you can select the read speed, and in the
left one you can select the export mode (see Configuring the CD-ROM).

CD drive options: Here you can change the settings and select the drive for importing
the CD if you have installed several CD drives (see also CD-ROM drive dialog).

Copy-protected audio CDs


According to the copyright act it is forbidden to copy a CD with copy protection.
However, an owner of a CD may create a backup copy for himself - even if it's a
copy-protection CD. The problem is, however, that you cannot create a copy from
copy-protected CDs, as they cannot be read with a conventional PC drive. In order to
create a backup of such a copy-protected CD you have to play it on an audio CD
player and record it as a regular analog recording via the sound card.

Keyboard shortcut: C

CD/DVD drive list

Configuration: This button opens the configuration dialog, where various special
settings can be made.

Reset: sets drive settings back to default.

Add: Creates a new drive in the list, which first requires special settings.

Delete: Deletes selected drive from the list.

Load setup: Loads the current drive list and all configuration data from a *.cfg file.

Save setup: Saves the current drive list and all configuration files in a *.cfg file.
58

CD/DVD-ROM configuration

Drive Name: Lets you edit the name of the drive in the list. This is useful if you create
more than one entry accessing the same physical drive.

Host Adapter Number: Lets you specify the number of your SCSI adapter - normally
0.

Bus ID: Here you can enter the ID of your CD-ROM drive. Be sure to set the correct
ID, there is no error checking!

Bus LUN: sets the LUN parameter, normally 0.

Alias: Lets you select the manufacturer type of your CD ROM drive.

Normal copy mode: copies audio files without any software correction.

Copy mode sector synchronization: copies audio files with a special correction
algorithm. This is especially useful, since many CD drives have problems finding an
exact position again and gaps can occur.
Audio Objects 59

Burst copy mode: optimizes the speed of the copy process, no software correction is
used.

Sectors per cycle: defines the audio sector count that should be read from the audio
CD in one cycle. The higher the number of sectors, the faster the copying process.
Numerous SCSI systems have problems with more than 27 sectors.

Sync sectors: sets the count of audio sectors, which should be used for software
correction. A higher number results in a better synchronization but also in a slower
copying process.

Change the playback tempo or pitch


If you want to combine audio material you have recorded yourself from different
sources, samples from Soundpools, or songs from CD with each other, then you will
often need to adjust the tempo or pitch of audio objects to match each other. There's
an automatic function which automatically adjusts the tempo of audio objects when
they are loaded to the project's tempo, plus advanced tools like the <Remix Agent>
and the Time Processor (view page 140).

Automatic tempo adjustment when loading


In general, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 automatically adjusts audio
files to the project tempo. In normal cases, you won't need to worry about the
different tempos of audio files and Soundpool samples, since these are automatically
matched. But since automatic processes can fail too, the following process explains
when you may need to "manually" adjust things.

In the new project (empty), the tempo will be determined by the first samples loaded
into it. All additional audio files will then be automatically adjusted to this tempo. If
you are planning a remix which is composed of different samples with different
tempos, then try to add the most important sample first. This minimizes sound
distortions compared to the other samples via timestretching.

In order to be able to correctly adjust an audio object to the tempo, its output tempo
must first be detected. If the sound is a Soundpool sample, then the tempo saved
therein ("patched") will be used, and the tempo adjustment will always work.

For all other (short) samples, an attempt will be made to automatically provide the
tempo. If the sample is not cut exactly, i.e. it does not contain an exact number of
beats or is incorrectly interpreted by the automatic detection process, then this may
not work. The sample will then be incorrectly stretched. In this case you can try to
manually adjust the sample.
60

The <Remix Agent> launches optionally for longer samples ( > 15 seconds), e.g.
entire songs from CD or MP3s. This also gives you the option of either adjusting the
sample to match the project or the project to the sample.

MIDI objects for controlling synth objects always have the correct tempo because
they are always aligned with the project tempo.

In the dialog Program settings ("Y" key) -> Import, you can deactivate the automatic
tempo adjustment or limit it to patched samples. In the dialog Program settings (view
page 186) ("Y" key) -> Import, you can deactivate the automatic tempo adjustment or
limit it to patched samples.

Change tempo or pitch of individual objects manually


You can change the pitch and the tempo of the selected audio objects. You can
access these tools via the effects menu or the Object FX effects rack.

The playback tempo can be quickly changed via the stretch mouse mode, i.e. by
compressing/stretching the audio object's lower handles, in which case the tempo
will change but the pitch will not be influenced.

For example, to fit a "non-circular" loop with the stretch mouse mode (view page 41)
in a current project, proceed as follows:

1. Load the sample. Music Maker Movie Score Edition will try to fit it into an even
number or bars. Set the appropriate track to solo and place the playback range
exactly above the sample.
2. Select it and click on Enlarge Object at the bottom left of the arranger window
. The object will be displayed at the maximum size.
3. Turn off the raster (in the list field at the top right of the arranger or with
Ctrl+F12)
4. Now start the playback and move the end marker of the playback range to the
right until the loop "runs around". You can rely on your hearing and not just on
the waveform display.
5. Now shorten the object on the playback range length.
6. Deactivate "Enlarge Object" and turn the raster back on.
7. Switch to the stretching mouse mode (Ctrl+7) and stretch or squash the object
to an even number of bars.
8. Deactivate "Solo", set an even playback range, and start the playback. The loop
should run perfectly in time. To set the object as a loop, select "Edit > Object >
Loop section > Set custom loop".

To match the pitch of the loop to the current project, you can also change the pitch
using the mid handles on the object in the stretch mouse mode.
Audio Objects 61

The Time Stretch/Pitch Shift Effect allows you to use different algorithms. The best
results often depend on the respective audio material and the different algorithms
(see Audio Effects Chapter > Timestretch/Resample (view page 140)). You can
improve the sound by opening the Effect Dialog via the "Effects Menu > Audio > Pitch
& Tempo > Time Stretch & Pitch Shift" or Shift+P, and try out the different algorithms
via the "Setup" button.

The tempo setting on the transport controller allows the project's tempo to be
changed retroactively. This affects all objects contained in the project, and in some
circumstances this can lead to an increased demand on the system and dropping out
during playback. If this occurs, use Apply function in the effects rack (view page 130)
or the function Combine audio (view page 194).

Song Maker
With the help of the Song Maker, you can automatically arrange multiple audio
objects (loops) using included samples for songs or song parts without having to drag
them individually from the Media Pool into the corresponding tracks. Considering the
relatively random selection of loops that are combined you shouldn't expect the Song
Maker to produce a chart-topping hit, but it can be very helpful as a basis for making
your own adjustments and additions to create a cool project.

Activate the Song Maker by pressing the “Song Maker” button or from the Effects
menu.

Select a music style.


Select the instruments that you want to use. If, for example, you only want a
rhythm section with drums and bass, deactivate the other instruments with a
mouse-click.
62

Select the song part or parts that you want to create. The parts differ in their
harmonic structure and instrument density, for example verses have fewer
instruments than refrains, while there are accompaniment variations between
the 1st and 2nd verses as well as in the refrains. The pitch sequence from verse
to verse remains the same. If you activate all parts, Song Maker creates a
complete song in the typical structure of a classic pop song, i.e. intro-verse-
chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-(transition or solo)-chorus-outro.
Use the sliders to the right to set the speed and the length of your song.
"Chaos" draws a different loop of the corresponding instrument for each new
object. Normally, the same loop is continuously used in various pitches for each
element of the song such as verse, chorus etc. If you use "Automatic", a new
song in a randomly generated style will be created automatically, as soon as a
song has been played.
Now click on "Create Song". Song Maker automatically compiles a project. The
following is only a suggestion.
Use the play button to preview the song maker's suggestion. If you don't like the
results, you can repeat the process. Before you do this, right-click on the
instruments you want to keep in the project to prevent them from being
overwritten. You can return to a previous status anytime by clicking on "Undo"
or "Redo".
Once you're happy with Song Maker's suggestion, click on "Apply". The building
blocks are only now added to the arranger. A click on “Cancel” closes Song
Maker and returns to the original project status.

Tip: If you start the Song Maker for a project that already has audio material in it,
this material will not be affected. This means you can apply the Song Maker
repeatedly saving only the parts you like until you have a final project. You can also
create song parts one after the other. The results from the Song Maker are always
added at the start marker position. If you decide you want to replace the chorus you
can simply set the start marker (view page 26) at that position.

Keyboard shortcut: W
Audio Objects 63

Remix Agent
To create a remix, elements from a completed song or components of a song are
added and removed creating a new song. In order to combine your own loops and
beats with a given song, it is important to know the exact tempo (in BPM - beats per
minute) of the song. The Remix Agent in Music Maker Movie Score Edition allows
you to define the tempo of MP3s or imported tracks from a CD.

Once the tempo has been determined, you can optionally match the tempo of the
project to the tempo of a song, the tempo of a song to the tempo of an existing
project, or divide a song into individual beats (remix objects), which can then be
rearranged as desired.

Requirements for using the <Remix Agent>


• The song must be longer than 15 seconds.
• The songs have to contain "rhythmic" music.
• The track must be in stereo.

Note: If one of the above requirements is not fulfilled, the Loop Finder can be used.

If audio files longer than 15 seconds are dragged into the project, the Remix Agent is
started automatically.

Workflow of Remix Agent


The Remix Agent works in 4 steps:

Step 1: Checking the start marker


Step 2: Tempo recognition
Step 3: Specifying beat starts
Step 4: Application of BPM and beat recognition
64

Step 1: Checking the start marker


Place the play cursor at the position where detection should start in the object by
clicking the timeline. If the object contains a longer intro without beats but rather
calm synthesizer pads, you should position the start marker after the intro.
Furthermore, the start marker should always be positioned just before a beat hit, even
better, just before a beat at the start of the bar.

Step 2: Checking the automatic tempo recognition


After opening the Remix Agent by pressing the "Continue" button, it will begin to
analyze the audio material and try to determine the tempo. The object is played back
while a metronome click relative to the event can be heard and numbered green beat
lines appear in the waveform.

The following will be indicated:

• Position of the start of the measure (one): red lines.


• Position of the other quarter notes (two, three or four): green lines.
• Reliably recognized positions: thick lines.
• Unreliably recognized positions: thin lines.
• Tapping is indicated by additional blue lines.
Audio Objects 65

Note: If the tempo or bar information of the object you wish to analyze is already
available, these are displayed as dots at the respective positions above the display of
the wave shape.

Under the waveform on the left side the established tempo is displayed in BPM. There
is a small transport console in the middle to make navigating easier. The slider serves
as a position controller. To set the metronome volume, an additional fader and mute
button are provided on the right-hand side.

Change beat positions and tempo


The automatic tempo recognition doesn't always work right away. If you don't hear
the metronome clicking in time with the music, click the "No" button in the upper
section of the dialog in order to access the manual tempo input dialog.

To correct the metronome speed and any timeshift that may occur between the
metronome clicks you can use the tempo correction as well as the "Tap tempo"
button:

Tempo correction: The Remix Agent provides various speed settings – the speed the
Remix Agent determined as the most probable is preset. If this tempo isn't correct,
you can choose another one from the list. The next time you play back the song it
should be in sync with the metronome.

On/Off beat correction: Now it may happen that the tempo is right, but the beats
have been displaced. "On/off beat correction" provides a number of alternatives for
moving the beats according to the complexity of the rhythm. Try out various
alternatives until the metronome clicks are in sync with the beat.

Tap tempo: Instead of selecting the tempo under "Change Tempo", you can click
rhythmically on the "Tap tempo" button or press the "T" key. Additional blue lines are
displayed in the wave display. After at least four taps, the Remix Agent attempts to
select the correct tempo from the list in "Tempo correction". The display next to the
"Tap tempo" button displays the current status. Keep tapping until the red display
showing "Unlocked" changes to the green "Locked" setting.

Use the "0" key to manually set the quarter beats while the music plays. Surrounding
markers will automatically be removed to ensure that the set tempo remains intact.

You can move the markers with the mouse. If you hold down the "Ctrl" key
simultaneously, the subsequent markers are also moved. If the metronome clicks now
correspond with the music, you can continue to the next step.
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Step 3: Determining the start of a bar:


Next you can set the time signature. The default setting is 4/4 but you can adjust this
if necessary. The beat at the start of the bar should coincide with the high sound of
the metronome, or the red line in the waveform display.

It can now be corrected in just one step: If the start of the bar can be heard, click on
"Tap One" once using the mouse or press the"T" key on the keyboard. Alternatively,
select how many quarter notes the "One" is to be moved back. Use the "0" key to
manually tap the position of the beginnings of the bars during playback. This allows
you to correct the beginnings of the bars in longer sections.

Continue to the last step if the starts of the bars are now correct.

Step 4: Applying BPM and bar recognition


This lets you determine what you want to do with the analyzed audio material. The
following option is available:

• Create remix objects from the analyzed audio material


• Adjust the project tempo to that of the analyzed audio material and vice-versa.
• Save only the tempo and beat information in the audio file for possible editing
later on.

Following this, you can also start the Remix Maker (view page 68) and the Harmony
Agent (view page 70).

Create remix objects


The song is split bars into individual objects according to beats. The following uses are
possible:

• Create loops from complete songs which you can then use with your own
material. Important: Not all remix objects are suitable for loops. Less complex
material such as drums from an intro are ideal.
• To remix songs, that is, change the order of the objects, cut and duplicate
individual parts or beats of the song, or enhance the song with various other
loops or synth objects. Why don't you try placing a techno beat under your
favorite tune?
• For mixing 2 songs: The beat and tempo match perfectly so you can fade without
"side effects".

You also can activate this function from the "Object" menu only if the tempo
information has been saved.

Audio quantization: The new objects are precisely fitted into the bar grid of the
project.
Audio Objects 67

There are slight tempo variations in “hand-made” music, so that different bar lengths
can occur. To make sure the objects fit into the bar grid of the project, the time
processor is automatically activated and object-timestretching used so that the
difference in length is corrected.

Use resampling for small corrections: If the required corrections are not too
significant, you can use higher-quality resampling instead of time-stretching. You
should then no longer change the master tempo as this may result in considerable
pitch changes.

Remix objects in loop mode: New objects are put into loop mode. When extending
the length of the object using the right object mouse handle, the object is
continuously played back in original length.

Set project tempo to object tempo: (See "Adjust tempo”)

Note: The time correction allocated to the objects can be undone later if the time
processor is opened and edited (menu item: Timestretch/Resample Object Menu).

Cancel: The dialog will be closed.

Adapt tempo
Set object tempo to project tempo
Adjusts the object length to the existing project. There are three different options:
Time stretching, resampling or audio quantization.

• Use Time stretching: The pitch of the song remains constant in time-stretching;
however, the sound quality may suffer.
• Resampling changes the pitch (similar to changing the speed of a record player),
but retains most of the sound quality.
• During Audio quantization the tempo adjustments are calculated into the audio
file in such a way that it appears as if remix objects were created and then
immediately compiled into a new audio file (see below). If recognition is
unreliable, the result can show extreme tempo variations. In this case, it is
particularly important to set the playback marker at such a position (before
opening the Remix Agent) that the tempo can be reliably recognized. The
advantage of audio quantization is that smaller tempo variations can be
balanced in the music. The beat starts of the music always correspond with the
beat starts of the project. They do not slowly drift apart.

Set project tempo to object tempo


The project assumes the found BPM value. If you would like to use the cut-up song as
the basis for a new composition like with remixes this option should be active.
68

Save tempo and bar info


Only the information will be saved in the Wave file. This makes sense if manual
correction is required for defining the bar/tempo. Once the information has been
saved the tempo and bar adjustment will no longer be required for future tempo or
bar adjustments or when creating remix objects.

Remix Maker

The Remix Maker can be run directly following the Remix Agent.

Use the Remix Maker to automatically create remixes. Here, the remix objects
created by the Remix Agent are moved, copied, and newly compiled according to
specific criteria. You can select one of four DJs who each represent different styles
and specify the length of the remix and the form of the compilation.

Opening the Remix Maker


1. New song

• Load the new song you want to remix. This should contain clearly defined
rhythms.
• When the song is loaded, the Remix Agent pops up to give you the option of
dividing the song into its structural segments (see "Remix Agent" above).
• Select the option "Open Remix Maker" from the Remix Agent dialog box.
• Once the Remix Agent has sliced your song, the Remix Maker is started
automatically.

2. Existing, edited song (in the arranger)

• Load a song project that is made up of loop objects.


• Select one of the loop objects.
• Select "Remix Maker" from the shortcut menu (right mouse click).

3. Long, unedited audio object (in the arranger)

• Load a project containing a long, unedited audio object.


• Select "Remix Maker" from the shortcut menu (right mouse click).
• You are then given the option of generating remix objects.
Audio Objects 69

Presets
Choose one of four virtual DJs with different remix characteristics. We recommend
you try them all out and see which results you like best!

Remix length

Very short: around 20 seconds

Short: half the length of the original song

Normal: regular length of the original song

Double: twice the length of the original song

Shuffle mode
This determines the selection and order of the objects.

Do not change: The order of the objects is not changed.

Change slightly: A "pattern" (sequence of objects) is either repeated or the next


pattern inserted.

Distant: Objects that are far apart in the original song are placed close to each other.

Random: The objects are ordered randomly.

Fill mode
A "fill" or "fill-in" is created when the loop object sliced by the Remix Agent again to
produce very short objects that are looped or played in rapid succession. Fills are used
to liven up the regular beat.

None: No fills are included.

Use slightly: A few simple fills are included.

Strong accentuation: Many complex fills are included.

Use randomly: Different kinds of fills are used in a random order.


70

Harmony Agent

The Harmony Agent is designed to analyze harmonies.

The music track is analyzed first when you open the Harmony Agent. The Harmony
Agent tries to automatically identify the harmonies for each beat of the music. Thus
the right beat information is an important prerequisite for a properly-functioning
Harmony Agent.

During subsequent playback, the detected harmony is played by an internal generator


for verification purposes. You can adjust the volume with "Volume Generator".
"Mute" deactivates the generator.

The transport control controls playback of the music track. The position slider below
lets you quickly move to a certain passage.
Audio Objects 71

Check and correct the automatic harmony recognition


After the analysis, you can manually correct harmonies which were not correctly
identified. Note that major chords are written with capital letters and minor chords
with lower-case letters. To select a chord left click on the respective harmony symbol
in the waveform display. Hold the key if you want to mark several subsequent
harmonies.

Recommended alternatives to the recognized chords are displayed in the section


"Correction" under the menu Suggestions. The initially recognized harmony is marked
with an *. If none of the alternatives apply, you can select the correct "Root" or
"Chord" from the menu. Use the option "Replace marked harmony in the entire song"
if you are sure that the incorrectly recognized harmony is not included in the entire
song. Usually, major and minor keys have been mixed up.

Once you are sure that all harmonies are set correctly, click "Continue".

Use harmony recognition


You can apply the information from the Harmony Agent here. There are different
ways to output harmonies:

Generate chords in arrangement: In the project two tracks are created, one that
contains the chords symbolized as guitar chords, the other contains other title objects
with the respective chord symbols. You can graphically display harmonies in the video
monitor in sync to the music.

Save information about harmonies from the audio file: This also ensures that the
harmonies are available later. For instance, to display the harmony information in the
timeline (Edit -> Show object marker -> Harmony marker).

Display: You can choose between different displays of the harmony symbols. You can
choose between German, English or Roman symbols to "name" the tones.
Furthermore, you can set "Predraw" to force single harmony interpretation. "#"
shows all notes as "sharps" (C#, D#, F#,...), and "b" displays them as flats.
72

Text to speech
In this dialog under the "Effects" menu > "Audio", you can make the computer "talk"
by typing in text. You can choose from a range of different types of voices. You can
change the speed and volume of the spoken passages. Once you've settled on a
suitable voice, a WAV file will be created. This can of course be used in the arranger
like any other audio object.

Load text: Here you can load a text file in the formats: *.txt or *.rtf.
Save text: Your entered text can be saved.
Test: After entering your text, you can preview the result.
Voice: If additional voice packages (TTS engines) have been installed, you can select
a different voice here.
Speed: Playback speed can be regulated with this controller.
Volume: Output volume is regulated with this control.
Format: Here you can determine the quality of the created wave file (.wav).
File: Path selection for the wave file to be created.
MIDI objects 73

MIDI objects
MIDI objects do not contain audio material. They are used to control synthesizers that
then create corresponding sounds. They are comparable to notes that still have to be
brought to life by a musician.

MIDI is a standardized command language that helps control synthesizers. In addition


to the command to play a note (Note On, Note Off), there are control commands
(Ctrl Ch) for internal parameters of the synthesizer (volume, panorama, the pedal for
piano, filter settings and others), program change commands (Prg Ch) to activate
saved sound programs, and others. These commands are called MIDI events. A MIDI
object contains a series of events and the times at which they occur.

You can create MIDI objects by loading MIDI files, playing and recording with an
external MIDI keyboard, or by drawing notes in an empty MIDI object with the MIDI
editor.

Arrange MIDI objects


MIDI objects can be arranged, the volume may be modified (middle handle), or fades
(in or out) may be added (top right and left handles) in the same way as audio, video,
or synthesizer objects. Use the lower handles to "stretch out" individual MIDI loops so
that they easily fit onto a whole track.

Pay attention to the following:

• Volume changes in MIDI objects (mid handles or fades in/out) are controlled by
adjusting the velocity (MIDI Note On velocity). Many synthesizers do not
change the volume, but rather the sound in relation to the velocity level. If you
do not want that, adjust the volume in the mixer instead or by using a controller
curve (view page 86) (usually controller 7).
• MIDI objects always control a single synthesizer per track. If you move a MIDI
object onto another track, then a different synthesizer will be controlled and the
sound of the project changes accordingly.
• Self-recorded MIDI objects are not available as a loop.

Transpose MIDI
Using this function from the "Effects" menu, the pitch of MIDI objects can be altered.
You can find this function in the "Effects" menu > "Audio > Pitch & Tempo > MIDI
transposition..." Just enter the number of half steps to transpose all the notes in the
MIDI object up or down!
74

Note: For drums each note corresponds to a different percussion instrument (kick
drum, snare, toms, etc.). Transposition of a drum track is therefore not
recommended. Instead, directly adjust the pitch of the respective synthesizer.

Load and save MIDI files


The file format with file extension *.mid is used to save and load MIDI data. Many pop
hits are online free to download as MIDI edits. They may serve as a good springboard
for your first musical experiments or cover versions.

You can save the content of a MIDI object as a file in the MIDI editor. In the "File"
menu of the MIDI editor use the command "Export MIDI".

Preview of MIDI files


Like audio files, MIDI files are loaded by using the Media Pool. A simple click will start
the preview.

Since the number of possible sounds is virtually unlimited and because such files
should be universally applicable, they are usually arranged so that they require certain
standard sounds. This number of standard sounds is called General MIDI (GM) or in
an expanded form General Standard (abbreviated GS). To preview a MIDI file in the
Media Pool MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 uses "Microsoft GS
Wavetable SW Synth", this is a software synthesizer that is part of the Windows
operating system and contains these sound programs.

Its sound quality is rather modest compared to "proper" software synthesizers. For
further work with imported MIDI data, we recommend using the software synthesizer
supplied. And due to another reason: "Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth" is not part
of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 and the sounds it produces are
therefore not included in a finished song that has been exported.

Note: MIDI data that contain a complete arrangement should be copied onto
multiple tracks and filtered by MIDI channels with help from the MIDI channel filter
(view page 82).

Problem solving preview in Media Pool


If the preview in the Media Pool does not work:

• Check the output device for MIDI in the "Program settings" window in the
"Audio/MIDI" tab (P key or via "File" menu > Settings > Program settings").
"Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth” should be selected here!
MIDI objects 75

• The sound card synthesizer's volume is set via the the sound card mixer. Double
click the small loudspeaker icon in the notification area and find the controller
for the SW synthesizer.
• Several sound cards cannot use the SW synth simultaneously with ASIO drivers.

Connect MIDI Keyboards


You can use MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 in conjunction with a MIDI
keyboard to play and record the included synthesizer plug-ins or VST plug-ins. You
can also control sound generation from external devices using MIDI objects in the
project of Music Maker Movie Score Edition.

Basics of MIDI interfaces and cabling


MIDI interfaces are system devices that enable communication between the
computer and an external MIDI device. They provide music programs one or more so-
called MIDI ports. The music software (in our case MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6) sends and receives MIDI data via this port, everything else is handled by
the drivers and operating system. You can set the ports for MIDI input and output in
Music Maker Movie Score Edition in the Program settings (view page 187) (key P, tab
"Audio").

MIDI interfaces can be integrated into the computer system in different ways. It can
be part of the sound card built into the computer or externally connected via USB or
Firewire.

In this case, two MIDI jacks MIDI IN and MIDI OUT are
located on the sound card. With older sound cards an
additional adapter cable must be connected, which
provides the typical 5-pin DIN jacks.

MIDI connectors

MIDI connection cable


76

Connect your MIDI keyboard to the MIDI In (MIDI input) via its MIDI Out jack using a
MIDI cable on your MIDI interface on your computer. If your MIDI keyboard can
generate its own sounds and you would like to use this, connect also the computer's
MIDI Out jack to the keyboard's MIDI In jack.

With USB MIDI keyboards the MIDI interface is part of the external hardware. USB
MIDI keyboards are a separate class of devices designed to control software
synthesizers. They usually no longer produce any of their own sound, but only consist
of a keyboard, various controllers and a USB MIDI interface. They are connected via
USB to the computer, in this case, no MIDI connection cables are required.

Note: Even on "proper" keyboards and other synthesizers you can now find a USB
MIDI interface alongside traditional MIDI connectors.

Normally for these keyboards no special drivers are needed. All you have to do is
connect them. Make sure that the device is switched on and is able to be detected
prior to starting <Program Name>, since the available MIDI ports are only able to be
discovered during program launch!

Under some circumstances, you may have to select the port for the device as the
MIDI input device via the Program settings ("Audio" tab) (view page 187). This is
usually called "USB audio device"

Note: Some older devices do not function in some cases in Windows XP. Even
though the device has been detected, the corresponding MIDI drivers do not appear
in the list. In this case, please contact MAGIX customer support!

In the event that your external device does not have a USB port and the sound card
does not have MIDI connectors, you will need to purchase an additional USB to MIDI
interface.

MIDI Local Off: If the MIDI keyboard has an internal sound source, it must be shut off
when you use its keyboard for recording. This enables you to play the software
instruments without hearing the sound of your keyboard at the same time. This
function is referred to as "Local OFF" and can be directly set on your keyboard. If
necessary, refer to the user manual for your keyboard to find out exactly how to do
this.

External synthesizers
MIDI objects can also be played back over a MIDI interface onto external
synthesizers, sound modules, etc. Set as default, the "pure" MIDI output (i.e. without
using software synthesizer plug-ins) is sent to the system software synthesizers
MIDI objects 77

(Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth). This is required to preview (view page 74)


MIDI files.

If you set the MIDI port of an external synthesizer as the MIDI output device (see
previous section), the content of each MIDI object will be output in this manner.

Note: If the MIDI object is in a track containing a software synthesizer, the object
will control this synthesizer. To output MIDI via an external sound synthesizer,
select "no VSTi" from the list of software synthesizers.

Convert MIDI objects into audio files


By using VST instruments, you do not need to convert these MIDI objects into audio
files before exporting your entire arrangement as they create sound and are processed
by your computer. All MIDI objects that control external synthesizers via a MIDI
interface (view page 76) will have to be converted into audio objects if you want them
to be exported as well. They only contain control information for sound reproduction.

The output of the MIDI sound generator (e.g. the synthesizer) must be connected to
the input of the sound card. The MIDI data can now be played and recorded
simultaneously via the record function. The result is an audio file that can be edited
and exported together with the multimedia files.

Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 allows you to play and record software
synthesizers or external MIDI devices from the arranger. The MIDI editor does not
have to be open.

Presuming that the MIDI input and output devices are set correctly (see above), you
should be able to play software synthesizers with the MIDI keyboard.

MIDI recording mode must be activated in the corresponding track by


clicking "Rec" twice in the track box. Now, all of the notes that you play
via the keyboard will be played back through the synthesizer.

If a software instrument is loaded via the track box or opened via the MIDI Editor,
then MIDI recording mode is activated automatically.

Tip: You can also play a synthesizer live without an external MIDI keyboard. The
Media Pool features an On-screen keyboard that may also be operated via the
computer keyboard.
78

In order to record a new MIDI object, simply click the red "Record"
button in the transport bar

MIDI Editor
The MIDI Editor makes it possible for you to edit MIDI objects. The MIDI Editor
provides different sub-editors, views, areas, and aids to do this.

Double clicking a MIDI object opens the MIDI Piano Roll Editor for advanced
recording/editing of MIDI objects.

In the center you'll find the Piano Roll Editor in which the notes are displayed as bars
and from which they can be edited using the mouse. There are various buttons
located just above the Piano Roll.

Clicking on this button opens the Event list (view page 89). In this list you
can view all MIDI data of a MIDI object, including those that cannot be
edited in the piano roll or controller editor. You can use the Event List to
remove unwanted commands included with imported MIDI files.
Use this button to switch to Drum Editor (view page 90) mode.
MIDI objects 79

You can use this to leave the Drum Editor and return to the Piano Roll
section.

Clicking on this button opens the Controller Editor (view page 86) in the
bottom area. This allows you to edit features such as the note velocity,
pitchwheel, and controller data.
Deletes all MIDI data from the object. Now you can begin from the start
again...

Of course, "Undo/Redo" is also available for all changes you make in the
MIDI Editor.

Along the top edge, you will also find the buttons for selecting the editing tools (view
page 83), for quantization (More information can be found in the section
"Quantization settings" on page 95), and for the output (view page 79) used by the
MIDI object (MIDI out or VST instrument).

Select sounds
The sound of virtual instruments (VST plug-ins), is produced by the synthesizer chip
of the sound card or by external MIDI synthesizers. Each MIDI object can produce as
many sounds as the corresponding synthesizer offers. The sounds themselves can be
specified in the instrument – regardless whether its a virtual VST Instrument or a
hardware device.

If there is no VST instrument loaded, the MIDI object uses the MIDI output for the
external synthesizer or for the Microsoft™ Windows® supplied synthesizer. The MIDI
output can be adjusted in the "Program settings" window in the "Audio/MIDI" tab (P
key or via "File" menu > Settings > Program settings"

Select the desired VST instrument from the menu. You can test the same MIDI object
with various VST synthesizers. You can set the sound of VST instruments in the VST
instrument editor (view page 120). You can open the instrument editor with a right-
click on the VSTi name or a left mouse click on the cogwheel symbol.

You can set up the MIDI output channel under MIDI channel. This is important for
VST instruments which can receive MIDI notes on multiple channels and play several
different sounds simultaneously (multi-timbral).
80

Play/ PlaySolo
Play solo only plays the MIDI object for which the MIDI editor is opened
(corresponding with the filter settings of the options menu). Play all plays the entire
project.

Playing instruments with the keyboard


Open the MIDI editor to be able to play software instruments directly via the
computer keyboard. The assignment of the notes to the computer keyboard is
displayed in the following graphic.

"Page up" and "Page down" move the octave up or down.

MIDI Record options


You may also begin MIDI recording directly in the MIDI Editor. To do so, simply click
the red "REC" button. Compared to the simple "Record" featured directly in the
"Arranger", this version features several additional options for you to select

Overdub: Normally, existing notes are deleted with each new recording. "Overdub"
simply adds new MIDI notes to the existing MIDI recording. "Overdub" allows you to
create a completely new MIDI song step-by-step (or take-for-take).

Cycle: This plays the MIDI object in a loop during recording. This enables you to let
the object play through a few times before you get started recording your own
melody.
MIDI objects 81

Metronome: In order to play back the proper tempo, you can activate the MIDI
metronome to provide the beats. This is only for orientation while you play and is not
recorded.

Play project during recording: If this option is active, then the project will
play during recording.

Edit MIDI events


MIDI data can be edited in three main areas in the MIDI editor:

• Piano Roll (view page 81)


• Controller Editor (view page 86)
• List Editor (view page 89)

Here various tools are available, for example, pencil or eraser and editing functions,
such as quantize or thin controller. With few exceptions, editing such as moving or
deleting notes always apply to all selected MIDI events. Changes to the selection in a
range always apply to every other range as well. You can, for example, select a group
of notes in the Piano Roll and then change the velocity for this group of notes using
the Controller Editor, modifying all selected notes simultaneously.

Selecting MIDI events


Selection of MIDI events is generally the same in all three editing areas (Piano Roll,
Controller Editor, List Editor). The differences are visible in the table:

Selection Mouse action

Select event Left-click on event


Add/Remove event from selection Ctrl + left-click on event
Select current event, deselect all Double-click on event
other events
Marquee selection Left-click on a free space and click and drag
selection. (Selection tool in Piano Roll and
Controller Editor)
Clear selection Left-click on a free space (only in selection
mode, not in the List Editor)
Set or change current events within Left-click on selected event
multiple selection.
Selection of section of events Left-click on first event, Shift + left-click on
last event (only in list editor)
82

Selection of all notes of a pitch Double-click on a free space with this pitch
or press the appropriate key on the
keyboard (only Piano Roll)
Selection of all events Ctrl + A, depending on the editing section,
includes the selection of notes (Piano Roll),
Controller events (Controller Editor), or all
events (List Editor).
Select next or preceding note Arrow left/right (only Piano Roll)

Meaning of the colors in the Piano Roll and Controller Editor


Notes which are not selected within the editor are displayed in blue. The intensity of
the color represents the velocity: With increasing velocity the color will become
darker/stronger.

Selected notes: Multiple selected notes are displayed in yellow. Here too, a more
intense color symbolizes increased velocity.

Alternatively, the color in the Piano Roll can symbolize the MIDI channel of a note.
Select in the "Options" menu "Use MIDI channel colors"

Current event: Appears with an orange border. If an event is selected with the mouse,
it turns into the current event.

Filtered Events: Events filtered with the MIDI channel filter (view page 82) appear in
gray.

Muted Notes: For test purposes you can mute notes (Menu "MIDI Functions (view
page 97)"), which then for selected and unselected events will be displayed with a
fainted color.

Events outside of the object borders: Events in front of or behind the beginning/end
of the object – recognizable by the blue lines in the Editor – also appear fainter and
have a white border.

MIDI channel filter


You can control multiple instruments with one MIDI output via the MIDI channels. A
MIDI object can contain events in up to 16 channels.

Events in one object from all channels or only from selected channels can be played
back with the MIDI channel filter in the MIDI editor. To play back or edit events only
from certain channels, select the appropriate channels in the "Options" menu > MIDI
channel filter". Events in channels that are not selected will be filtered out. "Play back
all" deactivates the channel filter.
MIDI objects 83

Events that have been filtered out appear in gray and can be edited using the selection
tool. They can be hidden with the command "Hide filtered MIDI data" in the "Options"
menu.

Note: The list editor (view page 89) provides additional filters (such as filter by
event type, controller number, Note Off events) that only function within the list.

Using the MIDI channel filter


Completed songs in MIDI files as you would find them on the Internet usually contain
a complete arrangement in which various instruments are played on different
channels simultaneously. The standard software synthesizer for Windows that is used
to preview MIDI files (view page 74) can receive MIDI on multiple channels and play
several different sounds at the same time. This is called a multi-timbral synthesizer.

If you load a MIDI file, it will load as a MIDI object on a single track. However, MAGIX
Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can only control one software synthesizer per
track, and most software synthesizers, also those available in MAGIX Music Maker
Movie Score Edition 6, can only play back one instrument at the same time and are
thus not multitimbral.

For this reason, duplicate your MIDI one beneath the other as often as there are
different instruments involved and set the corresponding Channel filters (view page
82) in the MIDI objects ("Options" menu in the MIDI Editor) so that each object only
plays the notes for a single channel. Next, assign software instruments for the
individual channels via the Track (view page 23) menu.

Piano Roll
For notes inside the Piano Roll, various editing tools, so-called mouse modes, are
available. When clicking existing notes all tools generally act in the same manner:
You can select notes simply by clicking on them (see Selecting MIDI events (view
page 81)) and by clicking and dragging notes, whose start time, pitch or note length
you are editing (see Editing notes (view page 85)). There are two exceptions: The
eraser tool deletes notes by clicking on them and with the velocity tool, notes are not
moved but rather their velocity is adjusted (see below).

The mouse modes display their special functions by clicking or clicking and dragging
into empty sections of the Piano Roll:

Selection Simple click: Clear existing selection. Click + Drag: Draw


(Ctrl + 1) out a rectangular selection frame. For additional
selection options see Selecting MIDI events (view page
81).
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Draw Draw note. The start position and the length snap
(Ctrl + 2) respectively to the current quantization settings. Draw
mode can be activated in all modes by pressing the Shift
key .
Draw Pencil Draw sequence of notes. The lengths and distances of
(Ctrl + 3) the notes are set according to the current quantize
settings.
If H is pressed while drawing, the pitch of the first note
will be applied to all subsequently drawn notes. Moving
backwards with the mouse when drawing removes
notes already drawn.
Pattern Pencil Draw note pattern. A selection of existing notes can be
(Ctrl + 4) saved as a pattern (phrase) and then drawn in different
pitches.
To create a new pattern select the respective notes and
press Ctrl + W or select in the "Edit" menu >
MIDI/Drum Editor > "Create pattern from selection".
Draw the pattern at the position of the deepest note of
the pattern. This makes an original pitch sound. You can,
of course, draw in different pitches. If H is pressed when
drawing, the basic tone pitch from the beginning will be
retained.
Moving the mouse back (to the left) while holding down
the mouse button removes the notes which were just
drawn.
Velocity mode (Ctrl Click an empty section like in selection mode.
+ 5) Left-clicking on notes and dragging them vertically
alters the velocity of the notes. The velocity of notes can
be edited directly in the Piano Roll and the Controller
Editor remains free for other outputs.
Delete Left-click: Delete note. Clicking one selected note
(Ctrl + 6) deletes all selected notes when multiple notes are
selected. Click and drag: Delete all notes that come into
contact with the eraser.
The Delete mode can be activated anytime by clicking
with the right mouse button. You can add new notes
with the Drawing pencil by using a left-click and remove
existing notes with a right-click, without having to
change the tool.
MIDI objects 85

Magnifying Glass Left mouse button: Zoom in


(Ctrl + 7)
Right mouse button: Zoom out
Left mouse button + drag: Zooms in on the range.

Edit notes with the mouse


Edit existing notes by clicking and dragging. Depending on where you click on the
note bars several options are available, which are visible by different mouse pointers.

Change note start time: Grab note bar at the beginning, note end
remains the same

Change note length: Grab note bar at end

+ Shift Set fixed note length for multi-selection: Hold Shift key and drag current
reference note longer/shorter. This sets all selected notes to the same
length.

+ Ctrl Scale note length for multi-selection: Hold Ctrl key and drag current
reference note longer. All notes will be lengthened by the same factor.

Move note freely, pitch and start time change

If Alt is also pressed in Move mode, the note will only be moved
horizontally, retaining the pitch.

If Shift is pressed while in Freehand Draw mode, only the pitch can be
changed, the position will remain the same.

/ If the setting "Ranges for limited movement" is activated in the "Options"


menu, clicking and dragging the first half of the note results in a change
to the position, while clicking the end half changes the pitch.

Pressing the Alt key while moving the mouse temporarily deactivates the
quantization grid.
86

Moving and zooming


The vertical and horizontal view or zoom are adjusted with the Scroll bars just like in
the project window.

Mouse wheel: Scroll horizontally


Alt + mouse wheel: Scroll vertically
Shift + mouse wheel: Zoom vertically
Ctrl + mouse wheel: Zoom horizontally

Controller Editor
The Controller Editor is a graphic editor that allows you to edit the velocity of notes in
the Piano Roll and Controller events. A Continuous Controller abbreviated as CC or
simply referred to as the Controller allows you to transfer control values such as for
filter, volume and panorama position.

Tip: All control elements for MAGIX Vita Solo Instruments and MAGIX Vita can be
controlled via the MIDI controller (view page 123).

The Controller Editor is preset as hidden. Unhide it by clicking the button


below the Piano Roll or with the key shortcut "Alt + V".

The velocity values of note events are displayed as colored bars in the Controller
Editor, whereby darker and higher bars symbolize larger values. The bars are located
directly below the respective notes.

The values of other controllers are shown as bars. The width of the bar extends to the
next event. Because the controllers typically change in small time intervals more or
less continuously - regardless of note events -, they appear as ascending or
descending ramps. In this case, the height of the ramps and their color intensity also
represent the last defined value of an event. Selected controller events also appear in
yellow.
MIDI objects 87

Tools

Controller Editor for editing the velocity of existing notes (left) or controller values (right)

Selection tool: Specifically select existing controller events or notes and


adjust their values.
Freehand drawing tool: Freely draw new controller values or a gradient.

Draw line: Use the line function to quickly insert a straight controller
gradient (ramp).
Controller Selection. Select a controller to edit by clicking the menu.
Controllers, whose data is already available for the MIDI object, are
marked by an asterisk.
Velocity values are only available at time positions of the corresponding notes
and in the case of multiple notes occuring simultaneously, several appear on top
of each other (view page 88). Controllers are independent of the notes.

Selection tool
Select multiple controller bars by clicking and dragging a range in the Controller
Editor; individual values can be selected by single-clicking within the bar. When
selecting a velocity bar, the corresponding notes will also be selected.

By clicking and dragging the upper edge of a velocity or controller bar, you can
immediately change its value. For multiple selection, the following rules apply: Each
controller is increased or decreased by the same absolute value. Holding Ctrl while
dragging changes the values relative to each other.

For example: Two controller values are selected; the first is 30 and the second 60. If
you drag the end of the larger bar up by 30, then the values will change to 60 (30 +
30) and 90 (60 + 30). If you increase the larger bar with relative values (by holding
Ctrl) by 30, it will result in an increase of 50%. The smaller bar will also increase by
50%, meaning a increase by 15 (50% of 30), resulting in a final value of 45. If you
instead drag the smaller bar (+ Ctrl) and move it from 30 to 60, it will result in an
increase of 100%. The larger bar will accordingly be increased to 120. In other
88

words: The relation between the selected values will remain the same when they are
relatively changed.

If you hold Shift while changing the value of a multiple selection, all of the selected
events will be set to the same new value.

Drawing tool
With the Freehand drawing tool (Mouse pointer: pencil) you can draw any number of
controller curves. With the Line drawing tool (Mouse pointer: crosshairs) you can
create a linear controller gradient (ramp). By dragging backwards, you can delete your
curve during drawing. You can temporarily activate the Freehand drawing tool with
the Selection tool by additionally pressing the Alt key before clicking. The Shift key
temporarily activates the Line drawing mode when using the Selection tool as well as
the Freehand drawing tool.

Hint: If you edit velocity with the draw tools, no new notes are generated; only
existing velocity values are modified.

Tips for editing velocity


In polyphonic events, meaning when multiple notes are played simultaneously, the
bars appear on top of each other, making it difficult to edit the end of a particular bar.
To edit only notes of a certain pitch, e.g. all C1 notes in the Controller Editor, click on
the respective key on the keyboard to the left of the Piano Roll. The key and the
background of the selected pitch are highlighted. Now only the velocity values of
notes of this pitch are displayed in the controller editor.

This also works for several pitches. You can add additional notes with Ctrl + click or
space between two notes with Shift + click on a second note. These are simply view
options of the Velocity Editor. Multiple note selection is also possible using double-
click

A further possibility is to selectively edit velocity bars located on top of each other,
which is based on the fact that the bar of the currently selected note is
selected/edited using the mouse. Therefore, first click on the note within the Piano
Roll, or click on the bars located on top of each other and then select the required note
using the cursor keys. Then change the controller value by dragging the highlighted
(current) bar.

Besides directly changing the velocity values of a selected note, you can change
several velocity values at once by clicking in a free space and dragging the mouse over
several velocity values while holding down the key. You can then also create
sequences by moving the mouse in a curve. A previous (multi-)selection is ignored.
For example, you can easily create a crescendo or decrescendo effect.
MIDI objects 89

Quantize controller events


MIDI controller events can be quantized and thinned out; select the "MIDI functions"
menu and the "Quantize/Thin out controller" command to do this. Quantization
occurs according to the quantization settings (view page 95).

List Editor
In addition to note and controller events, which can be edited with the Piano Roll or
Controller Editor, MIDI objects usually contain other types of events, e.g. program
change commands (Prog Ch) to change the sounds in the software synthesizers. The
MIDI editor has an integrated display of all events in list format. Here, you can edit
MIDI data in detail.

This List Editor is opened either with a click on this button or by using the
shortcut "Alt+L".

The List Editor lists all MIDI events in


tabular form. The time position in beat:
quarter note: tick is at the very front.
Ticks are the 192 subdivisions of a
quarter note. After that is the event
type, the MIDI channel, and depending
on the event type one or two data fields.

When the List Editor is opened and


activated for editing it has a narrow red
border. This makes it clear that certain
functions, for example, select
next/previous event (cursor keys) or
the command "Select All" (Ctrl+A),
only refer to the list.

Mute Controller: MIDI controller commands can be filtered during playback.

Show Note Off: Each note contains a "Note On" and a "Note Off" event, which are
always selected and edited together, therefore, Note Off is preset as hidden. Use this
check box to see Note Off events.

Display filter: To edit specific events only, the List Editor provides a view filter for
each column. These are small check boxes above the list editor columns.
90

Select a representative event. This can be, for example, a note with a certain pitch.
Then click on a display filter for a specific column to only display events of this type,
here with the selected pitch. All other events will now be hidden.

Display filters can be combined with one another. This way, you can, for example,
when working with the "Select All" command (Ctrl+A), select and edit all control
change events of type 10 (volume) on MIDI Channel 6.

To add special events use the button below the


List Editor.

Select an event type in the list field on the left and click "Insert". The event will then be
added with preset parameters, which can be adjusted in the List Editor.

Drum Editor
Clicking this button switches the MIDI editor to Drum Editor mode.

The same content of a MIDI object can be edited with the Drum editor like in the
"normal" MIDI editor. The same tools are available. The "Piano Roll" here is specially
adapted to edit drum sequences:

• For each pitch there is a Drum editor track header instead of simple piano keys.
Here, you can assign a name to each drum instrument or rather to each pitch, as
MIDI objects 91

well as set the output note and channel, grid and quantization settings, and
velocity scaling in %.
• Cell mode (view page 91) is used. The display width for each drum event in a cell
can be individually set for each instrument as well as in the respective track
header.
• All individual settings for each note can be edited as a whole in a drum map.

Important: When you switch from Drum Editor mode back to the normal Piano Roll,
you will be asked if you wish to apply mapping (view page 92) or not. If you add
mapping, all mapping settings will be applied to the MIDI object. For example: You
changed the output value for an instrument with a pitch of 35 ("Bass drum 1" in GM
Standard) to 36 ("Bass drum 2"). If mapping is applied, these notes will be replaced
by corresponding "real" notes with a pitch of 36.

Cell mode
"Cell" mode serves to improve the overview as it limits the display to only the most
important information, note starting points, and velocity.

Each time position of a bar is displayed as a row of cells in on/off states. The note
length is not displayed, but rather a unified display width is used. This way, it all looks
similar to the step sequencer of a drum computer (see Robota (view page 116)).

The set quantization grid can be read from the width of cells. "Swing" and "Offset"
settings of the quantization options are also made clearer thanks to cells of various
widths and by repositioning.

The height of cells displays the velocity of the note. When drawing new drum notes
the velocity can be specified via the vertical drawing position within the cells. In
connection with the "Drum draw" mode, increasingly loud drum rolls can be drawn in
easily.

By clicking on the upper edge of a cell and dragging it vertically with the mouse, the
velocity can be adjusted directly without having to use the controller editor. In
"Velocity" mouse mode ("Ctrl + 5") it's even easier; all you need to do is click
anywhere on the cell.

Drum Editor trackbox


In the drum editor, each individual note has its own trackbox, and individual settings
can be specified for each instrument. When zoomed out, each trackbox can be
increased in size with a simple mouse click.
92

S/M: Each individual instrument can be played solo (S) or muted (M).

Note number: The output note from the instrument can be set here. This can be
different to the note currently displayed in the MIDI object so that individual drum
instruments can be substituted. To put the display of notes back into the usual order
(deep notes at the bottom, highs at the top), click on "Map" at the top and use the
"Sort drum map" command.

Instrument name: Double clicking on this field lets you rename your drum instrument.

Quantization options/colors: Use this menu to assign any one of the eight
different colors to the cells of a drum instrument. The dialog for the instrument's
quantization options is also opened here.

The dialog is the same as for global quantization options (view page 95), but the
settings only apply to the individual quantization options if an individual grid value is
set for the note as well.

K Output channel
# Quantization grid, "Glo" refers to the global value (More information can be found
in the section "Quantization settings" on page 95)
L Note length, # corresponds to the grid value, "Glo" to the global value
Length of the notation, # corresponds to the grid value (i. e. the entire cell width),
"Glo" refers to the global value of the note length
V Velocity scaling: The velocity value of each note is multiplied by the value set here
in %.

Scaling is audible, but is not visualized further. The purpose of this setting is the
customization of the volume ratio between the individual drum instruments. Software
instruments usually provide their own mixers.

Drum Maps
Drum synthesizers usually respond to notes with different pitches and different
sounds. You are then able to control an entire drum kit and an array of other
percussion instruments via one MIDI channel. Assigning a MIDI note to a particular
drum sound is called "mapping". A "General MIDI" map is used by default.

It may be the case that your synthesizer (regardless if real or virtual) uses a different
mapping setup. This means that when you play the drum event, the sound you wish
to hear may not be heard (for example, instead of a bass drum, you get a high tom). In
this case you must adjust the mapping. The settings for individual instruments can be
specified in the track header (the number/note value next to the solo/mute buttons).
MIDI objects 93

For more extensive changes we recommend using the Drum Map Edito (see below).
There you can save your Drum Map as a file.

A project may contain various different Drum Maps. All Drum Maps saved in the
project can be selected via the menu. If you require a Drum Map from a *.map file,
you will have to load it into the Drum Map Editor first so that if can be shown in the
menu. You can edit the individual Drum Maps in the Drum Map Editor.

The Drum Map can be set in the Drum Editor by clicking on


the list field above.

Drum Map Editor


The drum map editor can be used to create and edit drum maps.

The "Drum maps" list on the left-hand side displays all drum maps which are available
to the project. The drum map GM General MIDI is always available to start off with.

New: Creates a new, empty drum map.

Copy: Creates a copy of the existing map. This way you can quickly create variations
of a drum map with various note allocations which can then be toggled via the drum
editor.

Load/Save: Use this to save a drum map (*.map file). This way you can use a drum
map you created for a synthesizer in other projects as well. All loaded maps will be
displayed in the "Map" menu of the drum editor.

Delete: Removes the selected drum map from the project.

Use the name field to rename the selected drum map. The settings (mapping) of the
individual notes for each drum map will be displayed below this in tabular format.

Pitch: This is the incoming MIDI note.

Instrument: Displays the name of the drum instrument, e.g. "Bassdrum 1".

Grid: If desired, you can set up a grid for the starting point of the drum events.

Length: In this field you can set the grid for the note length.

Output note: This is the note value to which the drum instrument (the incoming MIDI
note in the "Pitch" field) should be routed or mapped.
94

Channel: You can set up an individual channel for each instrument here.

Quantization options: This opens the dialog for the each instrument's quantization
options (view page 95).

Instrument, grid, length... apply to all: This applies the corresponding setting of the
selected instrument to all other instruments.

Quantize
Small irregularities during recorded playing can be smoothed with the quantization
function. In contrast, mechanical sounding sequences can be made a little more
groovy by applying the "Swing" function.

Clicking on the Quantize button shifts all selected notes to a


customizable quantization grid. All notes are quantized without
previous selection. Right-clicking on the symbol opens the
quantize settings (view page 95).
1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 notes and corresponding triplets can be
selected as starting points (grid) and lengths.

The Quantize button always performs standard quantization (the note's start point
and length are preset). In the menu MIDI functions (view page 97) > Advanced
quantization provides other quantization modes (e.g. length only or Soft Q).

The quantization options enable the type and scope of the quantization to be set more
precisely.

Quantization Grid ("Snap")


If snap is activated, the notes "snap" to the quantization values when they are
created or edited.
The snap positions are displayed within the Piano Roll as a matrix. A swing
quantization is displayed by the different intervals of the vertical partitions in the
Piano Roll. The grid can be hidden with the "Show Quantization Grid" command in the
options menu (Ctrl + G).

You can deactivate the snap function while creating or editing notes by holding down
"Alt" as you draw them.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + G


MIDI objects 95

Quantization settings
The quantization settings can be found in the menu "MIDI functions -> Extended
quantization" in the MIDI editor. The dialog with the settings is not "modal", i. e. you
can open it as required and test certain passages with different settings.

The selected quantization settings may be visualized in the top of the dialog. The blue
lines indicate the target positions for the quantized notes, i.e. the snap points. The
gray area around this show the quantization window, i.e. the target positions that are
affected by the quantization.

Q-grid/length: The quantization grid and length at the target points within the bar on
which the note start points or lengths move. (See above)

Q threshold/Q window: With the parameters Q threshold/Q window you can restrict
the quantization to certain notes in order to retain the genuineness of an MIDI
recording. The parameter "Q threshold" can be used to exclude notes from
quantization that are very close to the next snap point. Only notes that are far enough
from the raster will be quantized. Conversely, by reducing the "Q Window" notes that
deviate too much from the raster can be excluded from the quantization. It is
therefore possible, for example, to quantize quarter and eighth notes and retain the
sixteenth notes that lie between by reducing the appropriate window.
96

In summary this means: Events less than the "threshold”-distance or more than the
"window"-distance from the grid point will not be quantized. The time range affected
by the quantization is indicated in gray in the dialog graphic.

Swing: Starts swinging, groovy playback (for example, triplet). Specifies the division
for uneven grid points.
• 50 ... “50-50” division: The odd eighths are exactly halfway between the even
eighth notes (“even” playing method)
• 67... triplet playing method, 3-2 division

Offset: The value range in this parameter stretches from -100 to +100. By changing
the offset values, you move the whole quantization grid. Negative values move the
quantization to the left, i.e. forward in time; positive values move to the right, i.e.
backward in time. The maximum of 100 corresponds with an offset distance of half
the grid width.

Presentation of blue grid points in the dialog as well as of the grid in the MIDI editor
directly reflects changes to these values.

Humanize: The "Humanize" parameter creates another variation option, i.e. notes are
able to be assigned according to the randomization principle up to a specific interval
to positions around the exact quantization value. The setting occurs in % of a 16th
note. The specified value thus regulates the maximum possible spacing of the
quantized notes at the exact quantization value.

Soft Q: This value sets the strength or "Soft Q" value of the quantization.
• “100” moves the event precisely to the quantize grid point
• "50" shifts the event to the middle between the current position and the
quantization grid point,
• "0" means no movement, i.e. quantization off

The command "Soft Q" considers the current level value in the quantization options.
The simple quantization command always occurs at 100%. In this manner, you can
always select between approximation (soft) and hard quantization without having to
adjust the quantization options every time.

Standard quantization settings: Select the quantization action from the list (see MIDI
functions (view page 97)) to be performed by clicking the "Quantization" button.

Reset quantization: All notes will be reset to their original positions.

Standard settings: Restores the default values.


MIDI objects 97

MIDI Functions
The "MIDI functions" menu contains advanced quantization (More information can
be found in the section "Quantization settings" on page 95) and editing functions for
MIDI notes. The commands in the "MIDI functions" menu always affect the selected
events. If nothing has been selected, the functions are applied to all events.

Legato: If necessary, notes may be lengthened until the next note to be played in
legato.

Quantize notes (default): A standard quantization will be used on all selected notes.
If no notes are selected, all notes will be quantized. The standard action can be
defined in the Quantization Settings Dialog (view page 95). "Quantize notes (start
and length)" is set as default. This function can be accessed via the "Quantization"
button in the MIDI editor.

Advanced quantization
This submenu contains additional quantization commands.

• Start Q: Selected notes will be quantized corresponding to the set grid


quantization value. Note lengths remain unaffected.
• Start and length Q: Selected notes will be quantized corresponding to the set
grid and length quantization values. Hard quantization always occurs at 100%.
• Soft Q (Quantization approximation) : This command considers the current level
value in the quantization options. The simple quantization command always
occurs at 100%. In this manner, you can always select between approximation
(soft) and hard quantization without having to adjust the quantization options
every time.
• Length Q: Selected notes will be quantized according to the set length
quantization value. The start time remains unaffected.
• Quantize notes to grid: The end of selected notes will be quantized according to
the set grid quantization value. The start time remains unaffected, but the note
lengths will change.
• Undo quantization: Use this command to reverse all completed quantization
steps. This works even after the project has been saved.
• Quantization settings: Opens the dialog for the Quantization settings (view page
95).

Quantize controller events: Allows you to quantize controller events (view page 89)
to reduce their number.

Humanize: Use the Humanize function to make quantized notes sound more
"human" meaning less perfect. Notes will be moved to a random value. See
Quantization settings (view page 95).

Mute notes (Mute): Mutes and unmutes notes.


98

Remove overlaps (polyphonic): Notes are shortened so that there are no longer any
overlaps. Chords (simultaneously played notes) are recognized and left uncorrected,
i.e. chords are not split up.

Remove overlaps (monophonic): Notes are shortened so that there no longer are any
overlaps. Forces monophonic voice leading.

Convert sustain pedal to note lengths: This function converts sustain pedal controller
events (controller 64) into note lengths. All notes which were started after a "Pedal
pressed" event (CC64 > 64) will be extended to the "Pedal released" event (CC64 <
64), and the pedal events removed.

Menu reference MIDI editor


File
• Import MIDI: Load a standard MIDI file (*.mid) to the MIDI object. See Load and
save MIDI files (view page 74).
• Export MIDI: Export the content of a MIDI object as a standard MIDI file (*.mid).
• New (Delete all MIDI data): Deletes all MIDI data in the object

Edit
• Undo/Redo: The last editing function is undone or restored.
• Copy/Cut/Paste: Depending on the editor area, the copy actions can be used for
notes (Piano Roll), controller events (Controller Editor), or all events (List
Editor). You can copy and paste within one MIDI object or between different
ones. Events are inserted at the position of the playback marker.
• Duplicating: If the grid is activated, the notes selected in the Piano Roll are
copied and inserted from the next grid point following the selection. They are
otherwise inserted immediately after the selection.
• Select all: Select all events in the MIDI object. Depending on the editor area, the
selection includes notes (Piano Roll), controller events (Controller Editor), or all
events (List Editor).
• Reverse selection: All non-selected MIDI events are selected and selected
events will be deselected.
• Create pattern from selection: Selected MIDI notes are saved as a pattern. The
length of the pattern is quantized when the grid is active. Afterwards, the
pattern can be drawn in the Piano Roll in Draw pattern mode (view page 83).
• Delete selected MIDI data: Selected MIDI data are deleted.
• Delete all MIDI data = File > New
• MIDI recording: Same as the REC key and starts the MIDI recording (view page
80).

MIDI Functions
see MIDI Functions (view page 97)
MIDI objects 99

Options
• Hide MIDI channel filter/filtered MIDI data (view page 82)
• Use velocity colors/Use MIDI channel colors: Changes the colors of the MIDI
notes from a graduated representation of the velocity values to different colors
for each MIDI channel.
• Scoll mode/Soft scroll mode: In Scroll mode (preset) the displayed section of
the MIDI object follows the playback marker. In Soft scroll mode, this is done
continuously, meaning the section moves behind a fixed playback marker.
• Show event list/Show Matrix Editor (Piano Roll)/Drum
Editor/Velocity/Controller Editor: Shows or hides the elements of the MIDI
editor. (corresponds to the functions of the buttons above in the MIDI editor)
• Step input
• Play notes that have been clicked: Deactivates the playback of notes that have
been clicked or the piano keys on the left
• Zones with restricted movement for notes: If active, the notes react differently to
the movements of the mouse, depending on where you click on the bar in the
Piano Roll, see Edit notes with the mouse (view page 85).
• Quantization grid active: Activates/deactivates the quantization grid (view page
94).
• Show quantization grid: Shows/hides the quantization grid.
• Automatically quantize selection: If active, quantization takes place
automatically after recording.
• MIDI Panic (End all notes): In rare cases, after a Note On event the
corresponding Note Off event may not be sent to the synthesizer and the notes
"freeze". Use this command to send Note Off events to all channels in all
pitches.

Mouse Mode
Mouse mode for editing events, see Piano Roll (view page 83).

MIDI Editor shortcuts


Playback/Stop Space
Stop at position '0' (Number block)
Delete all selected events Ctrl + Del
Delete selected MIDI notes Del
Select all non display-filtered notes (piano roll) or Ctrl + A
events (list)
Mute notes Ctrl + M
Create pattern from selection Ctrl+W
MIDI recordings Ctrl+R
100

Undo (Undo) Ctrl + Z


Restore (Redo) Ctrl + Y
Cut Ctrl+X
Copy Ctrl+C
Insert Ctrl+V
duplicating Ctrl+D
Imported standard MIDI file Ctrl+I
Exported standard MIDI file Ctrl + E
Fade in/Out Event Editor Ctrl+L
Fade Velocity In/Out Ctrl + T
Show Quantization grid Ctrl+K

Mode selection Ctrl + 1


Drawing mode Ctrl + 2
Drum (Draw Mode) Ctrl + 3
Pattern (Drawing) Mode Ctrl + 4
Change velocity Ctrl + 5
Delete Mode Ctrl + 6
Zoom Tool Ctrl + 7

Quantize Ctrl + Q
Quantization options Alt + Q
Select previous Note/Event Up/Left arrow
Select next Note/Event Tight/Down arrow
Play selected notes Ctrl+N
End all notes Ctrl+P
Grid on/off Ctrl+G
Auto-scrolling during playback Ctrl+F
Vertical zoom in Ctrl + Up arrow
Vertical zoom out Ctrl + Down arrow
Horizontal zoom in Ctrl + Left arrow
MIDI objects 101

Horizontal zoom out Ctrl + Right arrow


Horizontal scrolling Mouse wheel
Vertical scrolling Shift + Mouse wheel
Zooming Ctrl + Mouse wheel
102

Software Instruments
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 has many software synthesizers and
synthesizer plug-ins (VST instruments) for creating your own sound material. The
synthesizers are either VST plug-ins that are controlled by MIDI objects or Synth
objects that can be arranged with other objects in the tracks.

Here's an overview:
Synthesizers Type Use scenario
BeatBox 2 Synth object Background noise
Livid Synth object acoustic drums (complete song
parts)
Robota Synth object electronic drums
Vita Solo Instruments VST Plug-in

Opening the synthesizers


The software synthesizers can be loaded just like any other objects in MAGIX Music
Maker Movie Score Edition 6 through the Media Pool. To do this open the
Instruments settings for the Media Pool.

You can choose links between the categories VST Instruments and Object
Synthesizer. You will find icons for all available software synthesizers to the right.

You can add VST plugins to the list with "Add" This opens a file
selection dialog where you can specify a folder containing the VST
plugins.
On the far right the indicator can be switched between being
displayed as an icon or in a list.

The overview is quickly lost for a large number


of installed plugin, so you can also use the full
text search.
Software Instruments 103

Synth objects
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 contains many internal synthesizers for
creating your own drum patterns, break beats, bass lines, or ambient noise. The
synthesizers are represented either by internal synth objects that can be arranged
together with other objects on the tracks.

Every software synthesizer can be loaded into the project via drag & drop. A synth
object appears in the appropriate track and the synthesizer interface opens, and synth
objects can be programmed via this interface. You should also read the sections about
the individual synthesizers.

You can start or stop the playback with the space bar. If the synth object has a play
button of its own (e.g. BeatBox), the plug-in can start it solo without playing the other
project tracks.

If the synth objects melodies or rhythms are programmed, you can close the the
control console and arrange the synth object in the track. Synth objects are handled
like normal objects and can be edited with all available effects (view page 125), drawn
longer or made shorter using handles, or have their volume adjusted.

The interface of any synth object can be opened for further editing by double clicking
it. In addition, any number of synth-objects from the same software synthesizer be
dragged onto the track and programmed separately. You can also split up synth
objects.

BeatBox 2
BeatBox 2 is a 16-voice drum computer with hybrid sound synthesis and a step
sequencer. The proven handling concepts of the "old" BeatBox like matrix
programming with auto copy have been expanded with comfortable editing of
velocities and significantly improved sound synthesis, including a multi-effects section
(one effect per drum instrument).

A drum sound is created in BeatBox 2 using a sample (analogously to the old


BeatBox) which is combined with a synthetic sound that can be created using up to
three different synthesis models (hybrid sound synthesis). BeatBox 2 plus enables
detailed editing and automation of all sound parameters.

There are two styles of interface in BeatBox 2. While closed, you can listen to included
sounds or those you've made in BeatBox 2 without using too much window space.
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Only the most important control elements are displayed when the program window is
minimized.

Volume controller: Controls the volume.


Peakmeter and preset name: The peakmeter lets you visually control BeatBox 2.
Click on the triangle beside the preset name to open the preset list.
Next/Previous preset
Save preset: The preset includes the drum kit in use, the pattern, and any possible
automations.
Play/Stop: The playback controller in BeatBox 2 starts BeatBox without playing
the arrangement, too.
Edit button: The edit button opens BeatBox 2 for you to program your own beats
and sounds.

Maximized BeatBox 2 window

Drum kit: This section loads drum kits (collections of different drum instruments)
and the individual drum instruments.
Selected drum instrument: The settings in the synthesis section (6) and
velocity/automation (5) always affect the selected drum instrument.
Pattern editor: Programs the beat sequence. In the top part, different patterns
(sequences) can be loaded and saved as well as different settings for the view
Software Instruments 105

and function of the pattern editor. The matrix is where the beat is programmed:
One line corresponds to a drum instrument, and a column matches a specific
time position within 1-4 beats. If a cell is clicked on, then the respective drum
instrument will be triggered at this position.
Velocity: In the velocity section, the velocity levels for the selected instrument's
beats are displayed as a bar for detailed editing.
Synthesis: Selected sound parameters and the level of the effect for the selected
drum instrument can be edited here.

In the following, the sections of BeatBox 2 will be discussed individually:

Drum kit
This section loads drum kits (collections of different
drum instruments) and the individual drum instruments.
You can also try out an already programmed pattern
with different kits or exchange individual drum
instruments.

Select drum kit: Use the <> buttons to switch through the different drum kits. A
drum kit is a collection of percussion instruments with matching sounds, e.g.
rock kit or electronic drums à la TR 808. By changing the drum kit, you can add
an entirely different sound to the rhythm you have already created.
Save drum kit: Use this button to save the current collection of drum
instruments as a kit.
Drum kit list: Click on the arrow right of the name to open a complete list of
available drum kits.
Select drum kit: The arrow buttons function analogously to those of the drum
kit. The sequence of drum instruments in the kit can be resorted via drag & drop.
Mute/Solo: The "solo" button switches a drum instrument solo, i.e. all other
instruments which are not "solo" will be muted. The "mute" button mutes a
drum instrument.

New drum or effect sounds can by added to the current drum kit by drag & drop from
Windows Explorer. Drag a wave file to a drum instrument to create a new drum
sound based on this sample. BeatBox 2 copies the sample into the sample folder to
make sure that the instrument or kit created can be used again later. You can drag a
complete folder with wave files to the drum kit to create a kit based on those samples.
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Context menu
Right clicking a drum instrument always opens a context menu:
• Copy/Paste: Copy an instrument from a track and paste it to another one.
• Empty instrument: An empty instrument is added. No sound is played, it has no
name, and is used to clean up an unused track.
• Default instrument: The standard instrument is added. It has the standard
parameter for all synthesis shapes and serves as the starting point for your own
sounds.
• Reset automation: BeatBox 2's own presets contain automations. These are
dynamic sound parameters like filter curves or pitch changes. This command
allows you to completely remove these for the selected instruments.

Pattern editor buttons

Pattern: Use the <> buttons to switch through the different patterns. The arrow
to the right opens a list of all available patterns, and the save button stores the
current pattern.
Clear track/all: All events for the selected instrument (track) or all events for
the pattern (all) are removed by clicking this button.
Bar selection: The bar you wish to edit can be selected via the corresponding
number button. Use the “Follow” button to select follow mode, i.e. the step
display follows the steps of the currently played beat. All shows all bars of the
pattern.
"1>2-4" Auto copy: If more than one bar is set as the pattern length, "Auto copy"
mode makes sure that the drum notes set in the first bar are automatically
placed into the next bars. This also makes it easy to create a continuous beat,
even with a loop length of four bars. Notes set in the bars further back are not
affected by the "Auto draw" function, which, for example, makes faint variations
detectable only in the fourth bar.
Bars: The maximum length of a drum pattern is four beats. The length can be
selected via the small scroll bar.
Shuffle: This controller changes BeatBox 2's timing. If the fader is turned to the
right, the eighth of a rhythm is played more and more like a triplet. If that sounds
a bit too abstract – simply try it out, ideally with a pure 1/16 hi hat figure; you'll
soon see what the shuffle fader is capable of.
Grid: Here you can set the time resolution of the BeatBox. You can choose from
1/8 notes (only for very simple rhythms), 1/16 (default), 1/32 (for more refined
constructions).
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Pattern editor - matrix

This is the heart of BeatBox. A click on any position in the drum matrix creates or
deletes drum notes (events). Clicking and dragging draws in a series of notes.
Together with the velocity editing options (view page 108) (velocity), you can easily
create drum rolls.

If "Shift" is held when you click on notes in the range, a rectangle can be drawn out
which selects the notes contained within this rectangle (lasso selection). Selected
notes can be copied by dragging them to a new position. If "Ctrl" is also held down,
then existing notes will remain at the target position. Delete all selected notes by right
clicking.

A simple mouse click cancels the selection. The selection is automatically canceled
after copying. If you want to keep your selection, hold down "Ctrl" while copying.

Keyboard shortcuts
Many functions in BeatBox 2 can be controlled with the keyboard, for example a beat
can be triggered with the "Enter" key live in a running pattern. Here's a complete list of
the keyboard commands:
General Key command
Open/Close editor e
Pattern editor - options
"1>2-4" Auto copy a
Follow f
Display bar 1... 4 1... 4
Show all bars 0
Grid finer/rougher +/-
Selected drum instrument
Previous/Next Cursor up/down
Preview p
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Live input Enter


Mute on/off m
Solo on/off sec

Velocity
The velocity section serves for editing the velocity of the individual drum notes for the
selected drum instrument.

Reset: Sets all velocity levels to 100%


Random: The random parameter adds random variations to the set velocities.
This helps make your beats sound more natural.
Velocity level: Every set note for the selected instrument is displayed as a
column and can be edited. Multiple columns can be edited at once - see
Editing velocity values (view page 108).

Editing velocity values


Hold down "Shift" and select any number of columns with the

mouse.

The "Copy" button copies the selection to the clipboard. If you select this or that track
in another editor, then you can paste the notes there now from the clipboard. If the
target selection is larger than the contents of the clipboard, then it will be inserted
again. This lets you quickly add a short section throughout the complete length of the
pattern.

The three handles allow the velocity values to be edited together.

The middle handle increases or lowers the values together.


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An object can be faded in or out with the handles to the left and right upper corners of
the object.

If you move the handles horizontally you can change the curve shape of the transition.

A single click in the velocity section cancels the selection again.

Note: A selection of velocity values matches the selection of corresponding notes in


the matrix editor.

Synthesizer
In the lower section of BeatBox, you can set the sound for the selected drum
instrument. The synthesis in BeatBox 2 consists of a combination of a simple drum
sampler and a synthesizer. There are three different synthesis models possible for the
synthesizer: "Phase Distortion Synth" (FM synthesis), "Filtered Noise", and "Physical
Modeling". The mixed signal of both components is then processed by a multi-mode
filter. An envelope curve ("envelope generator") time-dependently controls
modulations of in all components.

Preview drum istrument

Mix: Mix relationship between drum sampler and synthesizer.

Parameter controller: All six sound parameters for a drum sound can be directly
set and automated via the parameter controllers. The parameters in question
depend on the drum sound currently loaded.
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Effects level: Each of BeatBox 2's drum instruments includes an effects unit which
is fed in after the actual sound synthesis and editing. The type of effect depends
on the selected drum sound.

LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer


MAGIX LiViD helps you to turn your ideas into songs. Enter a few basic details and
LiViD will play a full drum track, complete with intro, verses, choruses, fills, bridges
etc.; the entire song structure is laid out for your convenience. Brilliant stereo drum
samples recorded by professional studio musicians and a freely adjustable
“Humanize“ function will create an authentic drum feel with perfect sound quality.

LiViD features four styles (pop, rock, funk, latin), each of which is subdivided into four
further substyles, as well as six song sections for each substyle (intro, verse, bridge,
chorus, outro, fill-in).

Scramble: A random sequence of four one-bar patterns is generated internally for


each style/substyle/song section. “Scramble” generates a new pattern order.

Shuffle: Shifts the second and fourth 16th note of a beat back by a freely definable
amount (100% = triplet rhythm).

Humanize: Randomly shifts all events backwards or forwards, or leaves them


unaffected. Note: these shifts are very subtle and not always immediately perceptible!

Snare: Sets the snare stick style to “normal”, “side stick” (stick hits the rim while
resting on the skin) or “rim shot” (sticks hits the rim and skin simultaneously).
Exception: the snare’s quietest velocity level ( the "ghost notes") is always “normal”.
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Hi-hat: Sets the hi-hat sound to “soft” (fully closed) or to “hard” (half-open).
Exception: completely opened hi-hat (pop, type1, verse).

Ride: Sets the ride cymbal sound to “ride” (cymbal is hit on the rim) or “ride bell”
(cymbal is hit on the bell at the center).

Robota
The Robota is a four-part drum computer with virtual analog and sample-based sound
production. Virtual analog sound production means that the sounds are synthesized
in real-time, i.e. produced with a synthesizer to recreate the typical analog sounds of
classical drum computers, such as the Roland Tr-808 and Tr-909, or more recent
devices such as the Korg Electribe or the Jomox x-cousin. Sample sound production
uses drum sound recordings (or even other recordings) as the basis for sound
production.

After selecting the elementary sound production technique, the sounds of each of the
4 parts (or instruments) can be edited using modulators.

The step sequencer programmed with incident lighting helps Robota to play. 4 beats
in sixteenths (or 2 beats in thirty-seconds) are processed as a loop. At each beat
position, the playing positions can be set by clicking a button. In "Event" mode, the
instruments are distributed within the beat pattern. In "Snapshot" mode you can
adjust additional instrument sound settings.

Sound synthesis
The four instruments of the Robota are built identically. Each instrument can create all
kinds of drum sounds – from hissing hi-hats to phat bass drums.

During elementary sound production, you can choose between an oscillator with
selectable wave shapes (sine, triangle or saw tooth) or a sample. In addition, you can
add a noise generator can be added. The oscillator has a pitch envelope (pitch env.)
and a volume envelope (attack/decay). It can also be frequency and ring-modulated.
The depth of the modulation can be controlled via an envelope parameter (Fm/rng
dcy). There’s also a “Lo-fi” section consisting of distortion (Rectify), bit rate reduction
(Crush) and sampling rate reduction (down sample).

Temporal control via an envelope (lofi dcy) will get the best out of the lo-fi effects. A
multi-mode filter (low-pass/band-pass filter/high-pass) with 12/24 dB steep-side. A
comb filter can be inserted. The filter frequency can be likewise modulated via an
envelope. For extra pressure, an adjustable compressor (compressor, comp resp) is
included, as well as tube amplifier simulation (tube).
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Parameter (1): To simplify matters, not all parameters


can be changed on a sound - only those that are
meaningful for the selected drum sound may be
changed (snare, kick, high etc.). There are four selected
variable parameters coordinated exactly with the
selected preset sound.
Oscillator waveform (2): The fundamental waveform of
the Oscillators is selected here. You can choose from
sinus/triangle/sawtooth/sample. If you have selected
"Smpl" you can use the rotary knob to select a sample,
i.e. a previously recorded drum sound. These samples
are saved in the folder /synth/robota/samples/. If
select custom samples, they will appear in the selection
list.
(3): For each part you can regulate: Filter Cutoff,
Resonance, Tube, Volume and Panorama (view page
113).

With select choose the instrument for editing in the step sequencer.

“M” mutes the instrument, “S” makes it solo

The loudspeaker button allows you to hear a preview.

Master Section
Volume regulates the total volume of the Robota. Distortion adds an adjustable tube
distortion to make the sound “dirtier” and more powerful. The peak meter helps
control the output level – when it enters the red area, reduce the total volume.
Software Instruments 113

Schematic illustration of the Robota synthesis


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Here is a detailed circuit diagram of a Robota voice with a description of all control
parameters.

Pitch envelope (pitch env)


Controls the pitch envelope level.

Tune
Tunes the instrument.

Oscillator shape (osc shape)


The shaper adds additional frequency shares to the basic sound of the oscillator by
artificially reshaping the wave shape. A sine wave (shape = 0) can be reshaped up to
a square curve (shape = max).

Oscillator waveform
The fundamental waveform of the oscillators is selected here. You can choose from
sine/triangle/sawtooth/sample. If "Sample" is selected, you can use the controller to
select a sample, i.e. a previously recorded drum sound. These samples are saved in
the folder /Synth/robota/samples/. If you select custom samples, they will appear in
the selection list. If you are playing your own samples, they will appear in the selection
list.

Noise
Adjust the ratio between the oscillator sound and the noise generator.

Attack
Adjusts the attack time. The greater the set value, the softer the attack of the sound.
The attack rate is also applied to the lo-fi and filter envelope curves.

Decay
Adjusts the decay curve. The greater the value, the slower the instrument will decay.

FM/Ring modulation frequency (Fm/rng frq)


The fundamental frequency of the frequency or ring modulation.

FM level (fm lvl)


At a low frequency FM first adds vibration to the sound, at high frequencies and low
levels it creates bell-like sounds, as the level increases metal sounds, and finally noise.

Ring modulation level (rng lvl)


Ring modulation creates typical auxiliary frequencies.
Software Instruments 115

FM/Ring modulation decay (Fm/rng dcy)


Time constant of FM/ring modulation by-product. Only the beginning of the drum
sound is affected by the modulation.

Rectify
Distorts the audio signal.

Crush
Bit rate reduction. Digital artifacts become audible with higher settings.

Down sample (dwnsmple)


Sample rate reduction. Ideal for creating the "old school sound" of older digital drum
machines. As it is increased, the result becomes darker.

Lo-fi decay (lofi dcy)


Time constant of the by-product of the three lo-fi effects which makes the sound
"dirty". Only the beginning of the drum sound of the lo-fi effects is affected if the
decay is low. For instance, this makes the kick of a kick drum sound more interesting.

Filter modes (flt mode)


Filter mode: High cut – sound portions above the cut-off frequency are filtered out.
Band pass (BP) – Sound portions above and below the cut-off frequency are filtered
out. Low cut - All sound portions below the cut-off frequency are filtered out. This
mode is set as a preset and can not be changed.

Filter frequency (flt freq)


The cut-off frequency of the filter.

Filter resonance (flt reso)


Filter resonance which increases the sound portions at the cut-off frequency of the
filter. If the resonance is high, the filter itself can also be used as an oscillator.

Filter modulation -/+ (flt mod -+)

Regulates how much and in which direction the filter envelope curve moves the filter
frequency in which direction.

Filter-Modulation decay (flt mod dcy)


Decay time of the filter curve. Smaller values with high resonance create a "zapping"
sound of the filter, greater values create the typical sweep sound.
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Filter modulation velocity (flt mod vel)


Specifies how much the filter modulation depth depends on the velocity. If this value
is increased, louder beats will generate higher filter curves than quieter ones.

24 dB
The filter can operate with a slope of 12 dB or 24 dB. This mode is set as a preset and
cannot be changed.

Comb filter (comb filt on)


You can activate a comb filter, a feedback delay that creates resonance-like sounds
comparable to a plucked string. The delay time and feedback levels are permanently
linked fo the filter parameters (frequency and resonance). This comb filter is set as a
preset and can not be changed.

Compressor
Controls the compressor strength. This lets you increase the "power" of the drum
sound.

Compressor response (comp resp)


Controls the compressor time. The lower the value, the faster the compressor follows
the volume.

Tube
Controls the level of the tube amp simulation. It "saturates" the output signal of the
voice and adds warmth to the sound if the settings are moderate. Increasing the
settings makes the sound "dirtier".

Volume/Pan
Controls the volume and panorama position of the drum instruments.

Sequencer

Incident lighting is used to control the drum patterns just like in all classical drum
computers and groove boxes. The step sequencer consists of 16 individual step
buttons with LEDs corresponding to the appropriate partitioning of a beat:

16ths or 32nds (a half beat is in each case displayed). A button lights up to indicate
the releasing of the instrument at this point in the beat (= step).
Software Instruments 117

A left click turns on the step, a further left click deletes the step again.

A pattern can be a maximum of 4 beats long. The length can be modified


using the fader on the button bar.

The beat to be edited can be selected with the applicable “edit” button. The “Follow”
button specifies whether the step of a beat is in time.

"1 > 2-4" auto draw: If more than 1 beat is activated as the loop length, the "Auto
draw" mode ensures that the drum note set in the first beat is set automatically for
the following beats. This makes it very simple to produce a continuous beat from a
loop length of 4 beats. Notes set in the rear beats are not affected by auto draw.

How to program a drum pattern:

• Select the pattern length with the fader.

• Select “Event” mode.

• If you edit during playback, turn off “Follow”. Select the beat with the “Edit”
buttons.

• Use “Select” to choose an instrument to edit.

Use the “Clear bar” button to delete all steps in the selected instrument.

• Turn on the appropriate step buttons, and use the “Velocity”


controller to adjust the beat velocity.

• Repeat the procedure with the other instruments

Snapshots

In addition, you can automate programming of the editable sound parameter of a


drum sound via so-called "snapshots". You can thereby save the sound parameters of
a drum instrument on the step buttons of the sequencers.

Automating the drum instrument with snapshots.:


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• Set the edit mode to “Snap”.


• If you edit during playback, turn off “Follow”. Select the beat with the “Edit”
buttons.
• Select an instrument and edit the sound. You can control the sound of an
instrument even when playback has stopped by using the loudspeaker button.
• Save the sound as a snapshot to one of the step buttons.
• Change the sound of an instrument and save the settings to other step button

Warning: The parameters are not changed abruptly but are faded internally instead,
in order to avoid crackling. If two snapshots with extreme parameter differences are
too close together, the drum sounds will sound differently when the pattern is
played.

• Using the arrow keys, you can jump between the individual
snapshots during stopped playback.

• Press “on” to activate snapshot automation.

Groove Control
The secret behind “groove” beats lies in delay. That is, individual beats are either
anticipated or delayed according to patterns. For example house beats use the
“shuffle” whereby straight 1/16s are delayed at certain times.

In the Robota there are groove velocity and groove swing presets. Groove velocity
presets contain for each step of a beat a certain offset to increase or reduce the
original beat velocity. Groove swing presets contain for each step a time alignment
that is either anticipated or delayed. The result is a livelier-sounding sequence. The
strength of the effect can be adjusted with the % regulator.

Setups, drum kits, presets, and patterns


A single instrument sound is saved as a
preset.

Presets containing all four instruments


are saved as drum kits.
Software Instruments 119

All note information plus the snapshots


are saved as a pattern.

Together (drum kit + pattern) they are


know as a setup.

Load/Save
Presets, drum kits, patterns and setups can be selected with the continuous rotary
regulators next to the display area. For storing, click on the “Save” button. Then
specify a new name in the input field. To store, press “Enter”.

Note: A drum kit stores only the names of the presets, not the actual parameters. If
you want to store your own drum sounds that were created by changing existing
presets, you must first store them as new presets and then as a new drum kit! The
same applies to the setups, which contain only the pattern and drum kit names.

If necessary, always store in this order: preset -> drum kit -> pattern -> setup. This
applies only when creating your own “templates”. If you store your project normally,
the complete current status (synthesizer + sequencer) of the Robota is always stored
and correctly loaded later with the project.

Synthesizer plug-ins
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 also includes a software synthesizer that
is based on the VST plug-in technology. Depending on your program version this is:.

Version Synthesizer

Music Maker HipHop Edition Urban Drums


Music Maker Dance Edition Bass Machine
Music Maker Rock Edition Power Guitar
Music Maker Movie Score Edition Soundtrack Percussion

Compared with the object synthesizers that are addressed via synth objects, these
feature several differences:

• Generally, VST instrument plug-ins (VSTi) do not feature sequencers of their


own and are controlled via MIDI objects.
• VST instruments are always loaded to a specific track. All MIDI objects on this
track then control this VST instrument. The MIDI objects cannot be freely
moved between tracks like synth objects.
• Effects may be only applied at the track level.
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Nevertheless, these are much easier to manipulate in MAGIX Music Maker Movie
Score Edition 6 due to MIDI control.

The VST instruments are loaded from the Media Pool. These appear in the area above
the "Object Synthesizer" setting (VST Instruments). To use VST instruments, drag the
VSTi Synth into a free track in the arranger. A preset MIDI object will appear in the
track and the MIDI Editor will open.

In the instrument menu that can be opened by clicking on the instrument icon
in the track header you can select from the preset sounds for the VST software
instrument.

What are VST and DirectX plug-ins?


A plug-in is an independent program section which can be added to another program,
to broaden its range of functions. Various standards were developed for including
plug-ins. "VST" and "DirectX" have become the most widely used.

"VST" stands for "Virtual Studio Technology". VST plug-ins offer an elegant way of
copying and making virtual devices that are normally used in recording studios.

"DirectX" is a Microsoft standard for plug-ins similar to VST plug-ins.

The advantages:

• Purchasing expensive synthesizers or effect devices is no longer necessary.


• An expensive sound card is no longer necessary for high-quality recordings from
external devices.
• VST instruments and VST/DirectX effects provided by lots of third party
providers are better value or are even made available as freeware.

The disadvantages: Each of these plug-ins uses up processor power. The more a plug-
in is used, the faster your computer should be. The required processing power is, of
course, also dependent on the size, state, and complexity of the plug-in.

VST Plug-in Editor


The VST Plug-in Editor can be opened by right-clicking on the instrument's name in
the MIDI Editor, via the corresponding plug-in slot in the Mixer, or via the "VST
Instruments Editor" entry in the instrument list.

The Instrument Editor has two views, the so-called "GUI" of the plug-in (Graphical
User Interface) and the parameter view. This is either automatically activated when
the VST plug-in does not have its own GUI or can be used if the GUI of the plug-in is
too unclear or takes up too much space on the screen. The parameter view displays
Software Instruments 121

the eight parameters of the plug-in as sliders. In the File menu you can change
between these views (plug-in dialog/plug-in parameter).

Load/save patch/bank: The instrument settings can be saved and loaded in the patch
formats typical for VST plug-ins (*.fxp) and bank formats (*.fxb).

Random parameters: This function can be an important source of inspiration.


However, before using it please save the current preset you've just created as this
feature does not ask before it is applied.

Menu program: Here you can select the presets integrated into the plug-in or loaded
via the File menu.

Vita Solo Instruments


The included software instruments, called Vita Solo Instruments are sampler, whose
sounds are prerecorded. The advantage to the virtual synthesizers such as Robota is
that the sounds don't have to be recalculated each time, which frees up a lot of
computation capacity. They are "simply" called up, instead of being created anew. The
disadvantage, however, is that the finished sounds don't sound as "professional" as
those produced with virtual "sound magic".

The basic controls are identical for all synthesizers.

One click on the arrow symbol opens a fold-out menu where you can determine the
general sound of the instrument. If "ECO" appears in the description, this refers to
especially performance-improving settings which may not sound so "smooth". In
addition, you can also save your settings and add them to a favorites list for later use.

You can control the overall loudness of the instrument.

You can turn the instrument keyboard on or off with this controller.
122

Because these samplers are enhanced for each instrument by especially tailored
effects, the rest of controls function analogously to the already familiar effects. If you
would like to know which result certain effects have, you will find explanations in the
Vintage Effects Suite (view page 141), Reverb (view page 135) and Distorsion & Filter
(view page 139) chapters..

Via the "More..." button you can get additional Vita Solo Instruments
directly out of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6.You will be
redirected to the MAGIX online store.

Articulation
Some Vita Solo Instruments have a special feature: In a bass octave (on the keyboard
(C0-H0), there are special notes, which let you control the playing style (articulation).
An alternative sample set is loaded, which lets the bass sound even more realistic
using various playing styles such as note bending and flageolet.

Articulation is switched on and continues until normal articulation is switched on


again through the corresponding note (C0).

On the keyboard at the bottom of the synthesizer interface are the buttons to switch
articulation, displayed in different colors. In the MIDI Editor appearing above, you can
watch a practical application of articulation. The notes on 1:4 and 4:1 will be played
back with varying articulation. Before the next "right" note, normal articulation will be
switched on again through C0.
Software Instruments 123

Automation of Vita and Vita Solo instruments


In MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 it is possible to automate Vita Solo
instruments. This allows you to change a specific value during playback using an
automation curve automatically. Below we describe how to work using an automation
curve.

1. Right-click on an effect knob. This opens a context menu where you can select a
MIDI controller number for the automation using "midi ctrl #". A few standard
controller settings are preset, e.g. 7 for volume, 10 for panorama, 91 for reverb.

2. Open the MIDI Editor (Y key) and switch into the "Velocity/Controller Editor".

3. At the bottom right you can now select the pre-selected controller number in the
MIDI controller selection field.

4. You can now draw the desired automation curve.


124

Additional information can be found in the Controller Editor - Select and edit events
(view page 86).

Tip: If you are using an external controller, you can also use it to control and
automate values. To do so, select "Learn MIDI" in the Vita Solo Instruments context
menu. Also read the Using external equipment (view page 75) chapter.
Audio effects 125

Audio effects
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 offers you a multitude of infinitely
variable and intuitively adjustable audio effects.

Effects
The effects in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 allow the sound spectrum
of all of the audio objects and synthesizers to be thoroughly manipulated. Since most
effects operate in real time, the effects offer ideal room for experimenting with
creative sound design.

Real-time effects
Real-time effects are calculated the first time the object is played back. The audio file
(original material) itself remains unaffected. The effect is recalculated in real time
each time it is played back. The object always retains its original status when real-
time effects are applied.

To change a real-time effect, open the effects rack or the effect's settings dialog and
drag the respective control elements; the changes will be audible immediately.

The lower edge of an audio object in the arranger lists all currently active object
effects with abbreviations.

Effect devices controls


Some effect options open a graphic window, which has the appearance of the studio
effect device that it simulates (such as the "Echo/reverb" or "Timestretching" effect
menus).

These virtual effect devices are controlled either with common sliders, knobs and
buttons or alternatively with graphic sensor fields.

Sensor fields: Sensor fields can be controlled intuitively with mouse


movements, with the graphic and the corresponding effect setting
changing in relation to each other.
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Power switch: Every effect device in the rack may be switched on or off
separately. This button allows you to directly compare the neutral, unedited
sound of the audio object with the effect setting you have chosen.

Reset: Every effect has a reset button that restores the effect device’s initial
default. In this state, the effect is not calculated into the sound, and the
effect is not rendered.

Preset selection list: Each effect device has a selection of


proven presets which can be selected from a drop-down
menu.

A/B: The A/B button compares two settings with each other. If you have
selected a preset for the effect and make manual changes to it later, you can
compare the original preset sound with the new settings by using the A/B
button.

Note: The displayed graphics serve only examples and can differ from device to
device.

Using audio effects


Audio effects can be added at different positions in the project, at object level, in a
complete track, or in the master (i.e. everything you can hear).

Audio object effects


Object effects do not affect the entire arranger track, but rather individual objects. The
advantage to this is that effects which are only required at a specific point in the
project only use up processing power at that particular point.

There are several ways to apply audio effects to individual audio objects:

1. Drag & drop: In the Media Pool setting "templates", the following folders are
visible "Audio FX", "Vintage FX". These contain presets for the most important
effects. These presets have a preview function and can be dragged & dropped on
an audio object in the arranger.
2. Right clicking on an audio object or via the "Effects -> Audio" menu opens
individual audio effects via a menu command.
3. Double clicking on an audio object opens the audio effects rack (view page 129).
The most important effects are compiled into one dialog and some special
functions are still available, as is the option of saving all of the effects settings.
Audio effects 127

Track effects
Besides the object audio effects, a separate track effects rack with equalizer,
reverb/echo, compressor as well as the Vintage Effect Suite plug-ins can be used.

The Vintage Effect Suite plug-ins are being loaded via the plug-in slot.

You can open the track audio effects rack with the FX button.

A bright blue track effects button signifies that effects are active in the track.

The track effects can also be applied without having to open the mixer.

The arranger's trackbox (view page 23) also features the track FX menu.
In it, you will find presets for track effects (view page 127) sorted
according to the instrument type.

Track effects always apply to all audio objects of a track. In comparison to applying an
effect to each object individually, this saves storage space. The effect itself works the
same way as object effects.

Master effects
Master effects influence the mixed sum of all audio tracks. For this purpose a Master
Audio Effects Rack and further plug-ins are installed in the Mixer window.

Using plug-in effects


For introductory information about plug-ins, please read the section Synthesizer
Plug-ins in the chapter "Software Instruments".

At different positions in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6, you can also
utilize effects from third-party developers in the VST or DirectX format. Several of the
included effects (EssentialFX, Vintage FX Suite, Vandal SE) are also applied as plug-
ins.

Track effects
Track effects can be selected and specified in the Mixer. They refer to all objects in
the corresponding track.
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Tip: An effect set in the Mixer uses up processing power at every playback position
in the arrangement. Consider whether or not it would be enough simply to use an
effect as an object effect.

Two slots for track effects are located in the channel strip of the mixer
for the corresponding track as well as in the FX tracks (view page 168).

If you click on the small triangle here, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6
compiles a list of available effects. Now you can select any effect from the list.

The list consists of multiple subfolders: Direct X plug-ins and the MAGIX plug-ins
folder for the included plug-ins Vintage Effects Suite (view page 141) and Vandal SE.

Select "No effect" to remove a plug-in from the slot. Left clicking temporarily disables
the plug-in. Active plug-ins are displayed in light blue. Right clicking on the slot opens
the settings dialog of the plug-in.

Object Effects
The audio effects rack can be opened by double-clicking an audio object.

The module at the very bottom enables two plug-in


effects to be used. This functions just like the mixer's
plug-in slots:

1. Click on the box.


2. Select the effect you want.
3. Adjust the effect settings in the dialog.

The effect relates to the selected object (in contrast to track effects)and only needs
computing power when the object is played.

Master Effects
In the master channel you can find two slots for selecting a master effect. Often, for
example, compressors are used in the master so as to give the whole signal a more
booming and louder sound.Effects selection here is the same as by the track effects:

1. Click on the box


2. Wait until the list of available effects is compiled
3. Select effect and configure
Audio effects 129

Object and master effects rack


The audio effects rack for objects can be opened by double-clicking the audio object.
The audio effects rack for the individual tracks or for the entire sound ("master
effect") can be opened using the FX buttons in the mixer window ("M" key).

In addition to the most important effects like the 10-band equalizer, reverb/delay,
compressor, time processor (objects only), filter and stereo enhancer (track only), the
following features are also available:

Object Volume

Here you can set the master level for the selected object. With some effect
combinations undesired distortion may appear as many effects increase frequency
ranges. In this case, you can reduce the master volume.

The faders for each stereo channel are usually moved together.

If you deactivate the left button, the object can be made into stereo panorama by
separate volume controlling for left and right.

Load/Save
The current settings for each applied effects device in the rack can be saved as an
effect preset, e.g. so that it can be used for other objects. Only the rack effects that
were used will be saved and loaded during this process. This means that effects
presets can also be combined.

This function is not yet available for the track effects rack.

Effects plug-ins
If external plug-ins are installed on your computer, then
you can activate them via the button to the bottom
right. These buttons also open the effects in the
Vintage Effects Suite (view page 141).

For more information about plug-ins, please read the chapter Using VST/DirectX
effects (view page 127).
130

Apply (destructive editing)


With "Apply" the current setting of an effect or of an entire effect rack can be
"calculated into" the audio object.

This has the advantage that no more processing power will be required for the effect.
The object will be replaced by a new audio file which contains the sound of the object
with the effect. This will then only be played – processor-heavy "realtime" effect
calculation is no longer required.

The disadvantage: Changing the effect settings is not a simple any more. You can
undo these "destructive" changes straight after using the Undo function in the Edit
menu (like every editing operation in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6).
After saving the project this is no longer possible.

In the master effects rack there are no Apply buttons. Instead, the function can be
found in the Edit menu (Audio Mixdown (view page 194))

Play object/Play arrangement


To the bottom right of the Audio FX Rack you will find two
playback buttons which either play the selected object or the
entire range. This lets you preview all effect settings in realtime.

Equalizer

The 10-band equalizer subdivides the frequency spectrum into ten areas ('bands') and
equips them with separate volume controls. This way it is possible to create many
impressive effects, from a simple boosting of the bass to complete elimination of a
certain range of frequencies. Note: If low frequencies are boosted too much, the
overall sound level is heavily increased which may lead to distortion. In this event,
adjust the overall volume downward by using the 'master volume' control situated at
the bottom center of the effect rack.

Slider control: Each of the ten frequency ranges can be separately boosted or turned
down with the ten volume controls.
Audio effects 131

Link bands: Using this button randomly combines the frequency ranges with each
other in to avoid artificial-sounding overemphasis of an individual frequency range.

Touch screen (right EQ section): This is the 'sensor field' of the EQ. Here you can
draw any type of curve with the mouse. This will be immediately translated into a
corresponding control setting on the left side of the EQ.

Parametric 6-band equalizer


The parametric equalizer has six filter bands that you can use to shape the sound of
the music track. Each band is a filter with a typical "bell shape". Within a certain
frequency range around an adjustable middle frequency you can increase or reduce
the signal level gain. The width of this frequency range is called bandwidth. The
bandwidth is defined by the Q value. The higher the Q value, the narrower and steeper
the filter curve.

You can influence the basic sound of the mix by boosting or cutting specific frequency
ranges (low Q value) to give it more "depth" (lower mids 200-600 Hz) or more "air"
(Highs 10Khz). You can also decrease very specific frequencies (high Q-value) to
remove unwanted noise.

Sensor field: The sensor field displays the resulting


frequency response of the equalizer. The frequency is
displayed horizontally and the increase or decrease
of the respective frequency is displayed vertically.

The blue bullets 1-6 symbolize the six frequency bands. You can move them around
with the mouse until you find the frequency response you want. The bandwidth (Q
value) can be adjusted using the mouse wheel.
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The faders beside the filter graphic display the parameters of the currently selected
"band token".

You can use the knobs to set the values for each band more precisely. There is also a
numeric field for each parameter where values can be entered.

Gain: This controller allows you to raise or lower the filter. Setting the controller to 0
deactivates the filter so it does not use any processing time.

Freq: The center frequency of the individual filters can be set between 10 Hz and 24
kHz with the frequency controller. Freely choosing the frequency enables multiple
filters to be set to the same frequency in order to have a greater effect.

Q (Bandwidth): Here you can set the bandwidth of the individual filters to between 10
Hz and 10 kHz.

Bands 1 and 6 are special: Their Filter Curves can be edited in three different modes.
The four editing points in the graphic have different functions in each mode.

Peaking: Here the effect curve is brought closer to the working point (which
represents the peak of the curve) from both sides simultaneously.
Shelving (Basic setting): Here the working point displays the beginning of the
filter curve. From this point on there is a gentle increase or decrease in the
frequency.
High or Low Pass:In Band 1 the working point displays the frequency which is
filtered out of particularly high or low frequencies.
Audio effects 133

You can control the output level of the equalizer with the Peak Meter . With the
Master Gain Controller beside it you can offset the level changes resulting from the
EQ adjustments.

Compressor

The compressor is an automated dynamic volume control. It limits overall dynamics,


maintains the volume of loud passages so they stay loud, and increases the volume of
low passages. A compressor can be put to good use for e. g bass recordings and
vocals, but also as a master effect in the mixer for subsequent editing of the overall
sound.

Processing is carried out using a "look-ahead" method, similar to high-quality studio


appliances. There are no peak overmodulations or other artifacts as the algorithm can
never be 'surprised' by sudden level peaks.

Ratio: This parameter controls the compression level.

Threshold: This sets the volume threshold below and above which compression is
applied.

Attack: Sets the algorithm's reaction time to increasing sound levels. Short attack
times can create an undesirable "pumping" sound, as the volume is quickly reduced or
increased correspondingly.

Release: Sets the algorithm's reaction time to falling sound levels.

Gain: The gain controller amplifies the compressed signal.


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Enhancer
The Enhancer enables the justification of the audio material in the stereo panorama to
be adjusted. If the stereo recordings sound unfocused and undifferentiated, an
extension of the stereo base-width can often provide better transparency.

Use the maximize function to move the echo and improve the stereo picture, for
example, into the foreground.

Volume controller: Adjusts the volume of every single channel to adjust the complete
panorama. The reduction of left and right levels is displayed under the control buttons.

Pan-direction: Use this controller to move the sound source from the middle into
stereo panorama. The signals at the outer edges of the sound picture remain
unchanged.

Multiband: This option switches from "Stereo FX" to "Multiband" mode. Stereo
editing only applies to the middle frequency, the bass and highs remain unchanged.

Bandwidth/maximize sensor field: Adjusts the base width between mono (extreme
left), unchanged base width (normal stereo), and maximum base width (wide,
extreme right). Raising the bandwidth (values over 100) diminishes the mono
compatibility. This means that recordings edited this way sound hollow when listened
to in mono.

Maximize strengthens the spatial component of the recording, which also increases
the stereo transparency without influencing the mono compatibility.

Stereo meter (correlation gauge): This provides a graphical display of the phase
relation of the audio signal. You can use it to review the orientation of the signal in the
stereo balance and the effect of the stereo enhancer. To maintain mono-compatibility,
the "cloud" shown should always be higher than it is wide.
Audio effects 135

Reverb

The reverb effect device offers newly developed and very realistic reverb algorithms
to add more room depth to your recording.

Reverb is probably the most important but also the most difficult effect to generate.

Fundamentals
Our everyday experience shows that not every room matches every instrument. Thus
we have designed “virtual” rooms. However, it still remains important to find the
correct parameters. Here are some examples of parameters that are decisive for the
sound impression in real and virtual rooms:

• Size of room: The larger a room, the longer the sound travels between walls or
objects. Our brain “calculates” the size from the time difference. The size
impression is mainly determined from so-called first reflections and the discreet
echo. We don’t notice a (diffused) reverb.
• The reverberation time is mainly influenced by the composition of the walls,
ceilings and floors. This reverb time is highly frequency-dependent. For instance,
the highs and mids are dampened more in rooms with curtains, carpets,
furniture and some corners than in an empty and tiled room.
• The density of the reflection: The sequence of the first reflection is particularly
important. A room with many individually recognizable echoes feels alive,
especially if they are quite far apart.
• The Diffusion: Simple reverb machines do not take into account that reflections
become more and more complex as they develop. They blur the first echoes at
the beginning, which sounds artificial and “two-dimensional” for many signals.
Our reverb effect works like a real room instead where individual echoes can still
be heard at the beginning of the reverb but then reflect amongst each other
more and more until they disappear in the signal sustain as a so-called “diffused
hiss”.

The 24 presets include many rooms that were designed for certain instruments and
applications and whose internal parameters have been optimized for these
applications. However, you can influence most of the characteristics of the room
using the provided sliders.
136

In addition to the rooms we have modeled two device types in the reverb effect that
allow you to create an artificial reverb for a longer time: Plate Reverb and Spring
Reverb.

Plate Reverb: A plate reverb consists of a large metal plate (often 0.5 to 1m2 thick or
more), that is put into motion by a magnet and coil system (similar to a loudspeaker).
On the reverb plate so-called “taps” are positioned at different locations. These are
pick-ups comparable to those on a guitar. Reverb plates have a very dense sound
(high diffusion); no direct echo can be heard. They are therefore ideal for percussive
metal. With vocals a plate reverb generates a smooth “wellness effect”.

Spring Reverb: You probably remember Spring Reverb from guitar and keyboard
amps, particularly older ones. At the bottom of these amps a unit consisting of two to
four spirals is mounted on a vibration-free carriage. As with the reverb plate it uses
systems for transforming the electric signal into a mechanical one. There are different
designs and sizes of spring reverb; however, they all have the same quite peculiar
sound: the typical “bloing” sound when the springs are moved, similar to splashing.
When the reverb dies away the basic pitch of the spring(s) can usually be heard quite
clearly. Furthermore, the frequency range is considerably limited due to the losses in
the spirals and in the used pick-up/transmitter. Despite this, the sound is special and
some of the latest music styles (e.g. dub & reggae) would hardly be possible without
spring reverb.

Parameters
The reverb effect has the following parameters:

Size: defines the size of the room (or the system for the plate and spring). With some
low “size” settings you can also reduce the distance between the individual
reflections. This allows resonance to develop (accentuated frequency ranges), which
can sound oppressive if the reverb sustain is too long. The proper size for each
instrument can be gauged by taking into account the interplay between the room and
the resonance.

Time: reverberation time. With this controller you can define how far the echo will be
absorbed, i.e. the time for the reverb to die away. Turning this knob to the left
minimizes the time. You will then only hear the first reflection. Turning the knob to the
right minimizes the absorption and thus results in a long sustained reverberation.

Color: within certain limits you can influence the sound characteristic of the effect.
The effect of this controller depends on the used preset. In rooms “Color” controls the
dampening of the highs in the reverb (from dark to bright) as well as pre-filtering of
the signal. The controllers for plate and spring presets also determine the dampening
of the basses.
Audio effects 137

Mix: this controller sets the mix ratio between the original and the edited signal. For
rooms you can therefore quite easily move a signal further into the room by increasing
the effect share. The last four presets are intended for use in an AUX channel of the
mixer and are set to 100%.

Presets
The presets are primarily sorted by instruments; however, you can (and should)
choose which preset you want to use for which instrument. The rooms in particular
have completely different characteristics which are noticeable for some and more
subtle for others. Generally we recommend reverb with many individually audible
reflections and slight diffusions for dense projects. On the other hand you can use
Plate Reverb for minimally arranged songs in order to create a dense atmosphere.

However, you should avoid adding reverb to too many instruments. Sometimes some
extra mixing is sufficient to move an instrument slightly away from the total sound. It
is often recommendable to adjust the sustain to the song tempo, i.e. the faster the
track, the shorter the reverb. Otherwise the sound easily sounds washed-out and
indifferent.

Here is a list of the presets and their characteristics:

Drums and percussion


Drums: Studio A: small room, high diffusion, e.g. for percussion instruments
Drums: Studio B: slightly larger & more lively than A, medium diffusion, distinct first
reflections, signals seem closer than A
Drums: Medium-sized room: medium-sized room, moderate reverb, medium
diffusion, relatively few first reflections
Drums: empty hall: medium-sized empty hall, medium diffusion
Drums: Snare reverb plate A: plate reverb, high diffusion, relatively bright sound
character, typical hissing of a reverb plate.
Drums: Snare reverb plate B: reverb plate, high diffusion, slight dampening of highs &
basses, sound moves more to mids with time, stereo panorama narrower than for A

Vocals
Voice: main hall A: standard hall, e.g. for monitoring/recording, medium-sized room,
medium diffusion, minimum sustain time
Voice: main hall B: like A, but as a small hall (longer delay times than A), distinct
reflection pattern, longer reverb time
Voice: early reflections: medium-sized room, low reverberation share, very distinct
early reflection pattern, e.g. for spreading vocals
138

Voice: warmer room: small, intimate room, dark character


Voice: studio reverb plate A: reverb plate with medium diffusion, slight dark
adjustment, comprehensive sound characteristics
Voice: studio reverb plate B: Like A, but more diffusion and bright to medium sound
adjustment, slight vintage character
Voice: large hall: large hall, medium diffusion, relatively long reverb time
Voice: cathedral: delayed attack, slight diffusion, complex echo pattern, some hard
reflections, dark voice adjustment, long reverb sustain

Guitar
Guitar: Spring reverb mono A: spring reverb simulation, typical oscillating sound of
the springs, limited frequency range
Guitar: Spring reverb mono B: Like A, slightly broader frequency range, greater
diffusion
Guitar: Spring hall stereo A: similar to spring hall mono A, but one
spring/transmission system per channel (L/R)As a result of the mechanical
interlinking of the systems, the reverberations meet at the middle of the stereo field
Guitar: Spring reverb stereo B: Like stereo A, slightly broader frequency range, greater
diffusion

Keys (Piano, Synthesizer)


Keys: Stage reverb: Larger room with stage, high amount of complex first reflections,
slightly delayed attack, medium reverberation
Keys: piano reverb: concert hall, long reverberation, medium diffusion, minimum dark
adjustment

Aux (to be used as a send effect in a mixer FX track)


Aux: Room: Standard room for the aux path, mix 100%, medium-sized, medium
diffusion, some distinct first reflections, low reverberation
Aux: Hall: Medium-sized hall (100% wet), medium diffusion, short reverberation
Aux: Reverb plate: Reverb plate (100% wet), high diffusion, light bright adjustment
Aux: Spring reverb: Reverb spring (100% wet), stereo, high diffusion, slightly medium
sound characteristics
Audio effects 139

Delay (Echo)
The echo effect is further refined with "Delay" and "Feedback" amounts and
calculated into the original sound by means of "Mix".

Delay: This sets the period of time between the individual echoes. The more the
control is turned to the left, the faster the echoes will follow each other.

Feedback: This adjusts the amount of echo. Turn the dial completely to the left, there
is no echo at all; turn it completely to the right and there are seemingly endless
repetitions.

Presets: The presets have various functions. In the upper part of the list there are
presets that allow the delay time to be set using musical units. This is very useful for
adding beat-synced echo to rhythmic material such as drum loops or arpeggios. The
other settings can be used for special effects involving very short or very long delay
times, e.g. "metallic" or "robotic" sounds. "Simple Echo" can be used to set the echo
repetitions between 0 and 4 using the feedback slider.

Sound Warper

Distortion
This is a distorter, which over-modulates the audio object.

Gain: With these controls you adjust the degree of distortion. ‘Gain’ designates the
prestage to an amplifier.

Cut off: Here you adjust the frequency ranges that are to be distorted.

Volume: Here you can adjust the volume of the distorter. The higher you set the
‘gain’ control, the louder the distortion when compared to the overall volume.

Filter
Similar to an equalizer, the filter controls the volume of certain frequency ranges. It is
however also possible to completely suppress frequencies so that very impressive
distortions are possible.
140

Frequency: Here you set the frequency that is to be filtered.

Level: Here the filtering intensity is adjusted.

Resonance: Here you set the range (band width) around the frequency which is to be
boosted together with the frequency.

Volume: Here the filter volume can be adjusted separately.

Backwards
When Backwards is applied the sound file will be played in reverse. This way you can
create very interesting effects, not to mention the “hidden messages” in many songs...

Timestretch/Resample

This effect device changes the object’s speed and/or pitch.

Pitch: This control changes the pitch independently of the object’s speed (‘pitch-
shifting’).

Tempo: This control changes the tempo independently of the pitch ("time-
stretching"). The object acts as if it were compressed or stretched on the track.

Tones/BPM: These fields are used to numerically enter the pitch or speed change.
Only MAGIX Soundpool files are suitable for numeric entries because they are
equipped with information regarding pitch and speed.

Setup: This button opens a setup dialog where you can select various pitchshifting
and timestretching procedures.

• Standard: Timestretching and pitchshifting in standard quality. This method is


suitable for audio material without a pronounced beat. Existing beat markers are
evaluated to improve audio quality.
• Smoothed: Timestretching and pitchshifting for audio material without pulsing
elements. The method is suitable for several voice orchestra instruments,
surfaces, speech and singing. Beat markers will not be evaluated.
• Beat marker slicing: Beat-synchronous timestretching and pitchshifting via
splitting and temporal repositioning. Precisely set beat markers are required at
the beats or transients. Markers can be generated in real time (automatically) or
Audio effects 141

read out from the source file, as long as they are available (patched). In the
Premium version's included MAGIX Music Editor, a patching tool is provided for
users to set the markers themselves.
• Beat marker stretching: Beat-synchronized timestretching and pitchshifting in
high audio quality. The material is stretched between beat markers positions so
that the impacts or attacks at the beat markers positions are not impaired by
stretching. The markers can be generated in real time from the audio material
(automatically), provided they are present (patched).
• Beat marker stretching (smoothed): Beat-synchronized timestretching and
pitchshifting in high audio quality, even with extreme time extension. Beat
markers are used at the beats or transients. The markers can be generated in
real time from the audio material (automatically), or read out from the wave file,
provided they are present (patched).
• Universal HQ: Universal method for timestretching and pitchshifting in very high
audio quality. Suitable for all types of audio material.
• Monophonic voice: Time-stretching and pitch-shifting for vocal solos, speech or
solo instruments.
• Resampling: Pitch shift and tempo cannot be changed individually. This method
requires comparably little CPU time.

Vintage Effects Suite


If you're a guitar, bass or keyboard player, you'll probably recognize the look of our
new "vintage effects" suite. They are accurate digital models of analog "standard
effects" used by live musicians. Although we have adopted the appearance of stomp
boxes and have given these effect a typical analog sound they are ideal for studio use.

All effects of the Vintage Effects Suite are subject to a soft rule behavior – internally,
parameters are softly faded from the old to the new value. This is particularly
noticeable when presets change and is of a particular benefit when playing in live
mode.

In the following we will present the effects of this suite and explain how and where to
use them.
142

Analog Delay

This delay offers creative playing along with common delay effects. "Analog" in this
case means, for instance, that you can change the delay times while playing without
the risk of typical, scratching artefacts developing. Instead, the times are softly faded
out, similar to the old tape echo machines that used the tape speed to change the
delay and where the system also had a certain sluggishness.

"analog" in terms of this delay also means that typical tape echo sounds can be
mimicked, e.g. tape speed fluctuations and reduced highs during playback
("feedback"). The feedback has a two-band filter that can be used to create dark, high,
or mid repetitions depending on the settings.

These properties can be useful, for example to create "wild" dub/reggae-style delays
that move towards the center of the sound with each repetition and even grind
slightly. In this case, "analog" means that you cannot digitally overdrive the delay.
Even in a 'looped' repetition, the signal cannot be distorted indefinitely, but it is
compressed by an increasingly slight degree and distorted similar to a tape.

Analog delay parameter


Analog delay has the following parameters:

Delay type
Delay type (l + r): Left and right delay times can be controlled separately (see below).
You can choose a note value for the control pots to snap to. Even and syncopated
note values from 1/2 to 1/32 are available. Note that the delay times are always in
relation to the project’s current tempo.

Link button (lock symbol): Press this button to control the “delay type” pots for
both channels simultaneously.
Audio effects 143

Mix: Adjusts the ration between the original signal and the echo.

Modulation

Speed: The tape warble speed. Low values result in very light fluctuations, high values
result in drastic warbling.

Depth: The warble intensity. When this control is turned all the way to the left, there
is no pitch modulation. For a subtle "analog" feel, we recommend a setting between
the 9 and 11 o’clock position.

Filter

"Low" This control progressively reduces the bass frequency as it is turned


to the right, making the signal sound "thinner".
"High" Once turned all the way to the right, the control only attenuates the
treble very lightly; turned completely to the left, the delay repetitions
become progressively less treble.

Feedback

Width: This controls the stereo width of the delay repetitions. When you turn “Width”
to the right, an additional effect is produced: the panning of the delays increases. This
is commonly referred to as a "ping-pong" delay.

Drive: When this control is turned all the way to the left, the delayed signal is
repeated only once. Turned all the way to the right, the feedback is seemingly endless
and the repetitions continue for a long time.

The actual strength of the effect is dependent on the material, since the feedback loop
(as explained earlier) is addressed via compression and uses a "tape saturation"
effect. If you send a "loud" signal to the delay, then the feedback will sound longer
than at a lower level as compression "brings it up" to a certain level. If you are used to
"purely digital" delays, then this might take some getting used to, but it will probably
sound "livelier".
144

Flanger

The "Flange" effect is similar to that of the chorus, but does have a different technical
and historical background. It came about by chance: Someone (various sources say
John Lennon) slowed down one of two running interconnected tape machines in a
studio with his hand. The result: The rather brief delay of the second signal compared
to the first resulted in cancellations within the frequency spectrum, leading to a so-
called comb filter effect (the sum of both signals creates "peaks" and "lows" in the
spectrum that look familiar to the teeth of a comb).

Flanging is basically a chorus effect, but it has a lower delay time (less than 10 ms).
"Release" or signal doubling is not highlighted here; the result is a much more creative
frequency response deformation.

A "complete" flange effect will definitely require feedback: The flange portion is
returned to the input to increase the effect. People often talk about the "jet effect",
since it resembles a jet on take-off.

Flanger parameters
Speed: Modulation speed.

Depth: The overall amount of modulation.

Feedback: The volume of the internal feedback loop.

Mode:

Normal: Flanging.

Dual: Two parts, panned left and right.


Audio effects 145

Quad: Four parts, alternately panned left and right.

Quad pan: Like “Quad”, but the “Depth” control also sets the intensity of the signal’s
pan movements between left and right.

Filter

"Filter" is a "modulation" effect like chorus and flanger. However, it controls the
frequency response of a modulation source as well as the pitch. There are various
filter types and modulation sizes available for this.

Possible areas of application are synthesizer sounds (filter sweeps on pads) or


creative distortions of drumloops (e.g. for variations, fills, etc). With guitars you can
create typical 'wah' effects: either by tempo modulation or in a special mode,
modulation via the envelope curve. The decisive factor is the current signal strength
above the frequency set for the filter.

Filter parameters
Speed: The modulation speed is set by note values ranging from 1/1 to 1/16 (even or
dotted). Similar to analog delay, the tempo information is automatically provided by
the project.

A peculiarity of the final position of the controller:


Tempo synchronization stops and modulation is controlled via the signal level.

Freq: This is the base frequency for modulating the filter, and generally takes place
above this frequency, i.e. the modulation increases the filter frequency.

Depth: This control determines the modulation depth, i.e. the amount by which the
speed control (or envelope mode, as described above) increases the base frequency.
146

For extreme effects, turn “Freq” all the way to the left and “Depth” all the way to the
right.

Filter modes

Low-pass A filter with a slope of 24 dB/octave and a small amount of


resonance. The treble frequencies above the base frequency
(cut-off frequency) are filtered steeply. This is great for
filter sweeps on synth pads and drum loops.
Band-pass Only the frequencies around the base frequency are passed
through the filter (24 dB slope with resonance). Use this
mode to create wah-wah effects for guitars.

Band Two parallel filters (–36 dB) with linked base frequencies
elimination create two ‘notches’ in the frequency spectrum. This allows
(„Notch-Filter") you to create interesting sounds (e.g. guitar chords), and it
sounds similar to a phaser.

High-pass This mode achieves the opposite effect to the low-pass


filter. Frequencies below the base frequency are filtered
steeply. If you ‘thin out’ sections of your track (for example,
a drum track) with a tempo-based modulation, this can
sound very effective when contrasted with the full-range
frequency spectrum (for example, if the filter is turned off
for the next object).

Chorus

The chorus pedal creates characteristic "floating" sounds which one typically
recognizes from guitar or synth pads. You can add acoustic "depth" to an instrument
to add more power to the sound or to create the illusion that it exists multiple times.
Audio effects 147

The chorus sound is created by using the so-called Doppler effect. You probably have
noticed this phenomenon daily life: The sound of an approaching ambulance sounds
higher than when it is moving away. This effect is a result of the speed of the sound
which first increases and then decreases, thus also changing the sound pitch. If there
were a second siren at your location, an oscillation would develop between both
sounds (just like when two instruments are out of tune).

Chorus also splits the signal in at least two: direct sound and effects part. The double
effect is created by a short signal delay of the effect.

This delay is within the range of 10-30 ms (as in this one), this means that it is short
enough to be perceived as an "echo". The times would also be similarly short if you
were to double a guitar track for instance. A short delay in the mix already sounds
"doubled" but is not authentic. This is where the above-mentioned "out-of-tune"
effect comes in: The pitch of the effect signal is slightly modulated by gently "drifting"
forward and backward in the delay curve. The result is a floating effect where the
speed is influenced by drifting

Chorus parameters
You can enter the following parameters to control the floating effect:

Speed: Modulation speed. Low speeds create an even, continuous development. High
speeds produce vibrato-like qualities, but can also result in an "underwater" effect.

Depth: Modulation depth. This determines how strongly the speed affects the pitch
modulation.

Mix: This sets the balance between the direct signal and the effects signal.

Mode: You can choose between four operating modes of the chorus effect:

“Normal” is a combination of the direct signal and the detuned delay signal.

“Normal, low-pass” is designed for bass-heavy signals like bass guitar. The bottom
end of the signal stays clear and well-defined, the effect is only audible for the mid
and treble frequencies.

“Dual” makes the source sound more lively than a single "part". The sound is spread
over the stereo panorama, which makes this mode seem "wider". The character of the
sound becomes livelier than with a single voice only, and it is also distributed over the
stereo panorama, making the mode sound "broader".

“Quad, low-pass” is ideal for creating sounds such as deep synth pads with tight bass
frequencies.
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Tip: Similar to the stomp boxes our vintage effects are modeled on, there is a
"footswitch" below the pedal’s logo that can be clicked to turn the effect on or off for
A/B comparisons. All the effects of the Vintage Effects Suite have been designed
like this.

Distortion

The distortion pedal is a "high gain" distorter for crunch and lead guitar sounds. If you
like typically "British" amp sounds and want to quickly record a guitar track with little
effort, this pedal is for you.

An entire valve pre-amp circuit has been modeled, including the typical EQ curve. The
amplification is "valve-typical", i.e. it doesn't start quickly but is harmonic and soft.
Even at full power the pedal still reacts softly to a guitar and its settings (e.g. pick-up
choice and tone controller). For instance, you can influence the distortion even more
by using the volume knob on the guitar.

There are only three parameters on this effect; however, these interact with each
other and can thus generate quite a variable sound:

• Low: The "bass" controller. This allows you to set the share of basses, even after
the distortion. The type of prefiltering is important for guitar amps in particular,
and is characteristic for the basic sound. You should set the bass controller
depending on the basic sound of the guitar and the sound you are aiming for
("powerful" or "cut").
• High: Mainly controls the share of highs before and after the distortion. If you
are not using an external guitar speaker as a monitor, we recommend setting the
controller to the middle position or even moving it slightly to the right. This way
the "sharp" highs disappear, which all guitar amps generate without the suitable
loudspeaker. At the same time the mids stand out more, which gives the sound
Audio effects 149

more "kick". On the other hand you can further emphasize the highs if you want
the sound to be more neutral.
• Drive: The level of distortion. This controls the amplification used to operate the
"virtual valve circuit" (max. 60 dB). As the level increases, the valve goes into
overdrive and generates typical distortions. For a slightly distorted sound
("crunch"), it's sufficient to set the controller to 10-11 hours at maximum; the
modeled circuit also provides the usual "weight" for power rock chords, and
more. The further you turn this controller to the right, the more the mids of the
signal move to the fore so that the "high-gain" lead sound is better heard.

You can also use the distortion effect in combination with the amp simulation!

BitMachine

Audio material can always be edited into high quality with MAGIX Music Maker
Movie Score Edition 6. Nevertheless, there are some situations, for example, a more
imperfect lo-fi sound would perfectly suit a drum loop or a synthesizer sound.

Remember, for example, the first hardware samplers from the 80s that usually only
ran at 8 or 12-bit rates and at low sample rates. With the BitMachine, changing the
sound with such an "antique" device is no problem.

You can use the BitMachine to bring back to life the times when minimalist and
scratchy soundchips in home computers were commonplace.

The BitMachine opens up a gateway to "acoustic time travel" where you can
encounter bit and sample rate reduction and downstream filters based on analog
models.

Furthermore, the effect has a modulation section with which you can control
individual parameters using an oscillator (LFO) or the input signal.

We have designed a range of "typical" presets to demonstrate the time travel abilities
of the BitMachine. These can be opened at the top right of the interface

The following section describes the details of BitMachine:


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"Reduction" section
Bits

This dial controls the resolution of the audio material. Turning the dial to the left
results in 16-bit quantization (CD quality). The further it is turned to the right, the
lesser the signal dynamic becomes. In extreme cases (1-bit), there are only "on“ or
"off“ states.

At the intermediate levels, you’ll notice an increase in the background noise and a
decrease in the dynamics. For example, 8-bit quantization will exhibit dynamics of
only 48 dB. Quieter points in the material sound noisy and very quiet points sound
"capped“. This effect is amplified the more you turn the dial to the left until it starts
crackling or "groaning".

Sample rate

The audio material is "down-calculated" with this dial, i.e. the internal sample rate is
reduced. A new separation ratio between old and new rates is created. In relation to
this ratio, a sample from the data stream will be "dropped“ at the various points.

Note: The two smaller dials from this section are explained under Modulation.

"Filter" section
The filter in the BitMachine is a digital model of one of the most well-known filters in
music electronics, i.e. the "Chamberlin 2-pole" filter used in old Oberheim
synthesizers. These types of filters sound exceptionally musical. They can also be
used quite creatively in the BitMachine, but should not be used exclusively to smooth
out existing artifacts.

The filter works in the so-called "high-pass" mode, i.e. it lets through deep frequency
(or medium) material according to setting, and dampens highs and medium areas.

Freq:

You can specify the cut-off frequency of the filter using "Freq". Filtering starts above
this frequency.

Reso:

The signal in the area around the cut-off frequency can be strongly elevated to just
below self-oscillation. Sharp, cutting sounds are possible at this level, and the effect
becomes even clearer when you vary the cut-off frequency.
Audio effects 151

Drive:

Both of the individual filters of the connections mentioned above have the ability to
overmodulate themselves internally. With the "Drive“ dial, you can regulate the
amount of overmodulation. The more you turn this dial up, the more the signal is
overmodulated. In this case, the parameters of the internal workings of the filter
interact with one another. Increasing drive weakens the resonance, but, at the same
time, the signal gets more volume, more bass and becomes acoustically fuller.

Note: The two smaller dials from this section are explained under "Modulation".

"Modulation" section
You can automate your effects via the settings in the modulation section.

Here, you’ll find the so-called low frequency oscillator (LFO), which resonates with
adjustable speed. You can influence the speed and type of resonance.

To influence the resonance, use the two small dials in both the reduction and filter
areas. These four dials display modulation targets.

Example: You’ve left the dial for the sample rate at its default setting. Change the
small dial beneath from its middle position to either side. The modulation for the dial
value is added to the sample rate: The LFO now controls these parameters
proportionately and the sample rate reduction resonates at this modulation.

You can use this technique on other dials as well. You just have to make sure that the
main dial isn’t turned up to full, because then the modulation wouldn’t have any
effect. The modulation is always added to the set value.

Example: Turn the small dial beneath the "bits" dial fully to the left (Value: -50) and
the one beside it (beneath "sample rate") to the right (+50). You’ve now assigned a
modulation to both parameters with the LFO. They are not changed uniformly, but
rather opposite to one another: A negative setting is nothing more than an inversion
of the modulation, so you’re effectively turning down the control signal.

Waveforms of the modulation section

We’ve already explained this example with the help of sine oscillation. The LFO can
be in:

• Sine form
• Square wave (0 or 1, no intermediate level)
• Random value (an internal randomizer will be queried at the set speed)
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Oscillator speed

The LFO speed is specified with the "speed“ dial. If the "sync“ button is active, then
the LFO adapts to the song speed, and the dial locks musical values into place (e.g. ¼
note). Rhythmic paths of the sound distortion are therefore enabled. You can also
switch off this synchronization and set the speed manually (in Hz).

Modulation with the "Envelope follower“

In the modulation section you’ll find a fourth button, the audio input signal. If this
mode is active, then the signal itself can be called upon to extract “modulation
tension”; a so-called "envelope follower" continuously scans the volume of the input
signal.

Note: The BitMachine doesn’t recognize the type of audio signal automatically. For
this reason, you should set the input sensitivity roughly with the "gain“ dial. To do
this, use the control LED: With accurate detection of the signal dynamics, assigning
the four small dials to modulation lows is easier and you can use the full control
range.

In envelope mode, the "speed“ dial is used to control the response speed of the
envelope (the display now switches to milliseconds). Lower times result in a faster
response, higher times make the envelope rise (and fall) slower. You should
experiment with the signal according to its complexity. The presets provided can only
point you in a rough direction.
Audio effects 153

Vandal SE

Virtual Guitar & Bass Amplification

VANDAL is a complete simulation suite for guitarists and bassists. The plug-in is
capable of simulating the entire signal chain, from input to stomp boxes, amplifiers,
microphone loudspeaker boxes and post-processing studio effects, all in top quality.

Quick start via preset selection


Would you like to know about everything that's possible with Vandal SE? Play
yourself or use some of the presets. These are available via the list in the upper edge
of the interface.
154

A preset includes all settings for the main elements of Vandal SE: Stomps, amp
settings, cabinet simulation, and studio effects.

Tuner
The best amp or the best simulation is useless if the guitar is out of tune. VANDAL
offers its own chromatic tuning device for this. You can use it like any analog device: It
automatically displays the note that has been struck (in octave) and the display
visualizes deviations (in cents).

The following describes the major components of VANDAL. The stations are
described according to their position in the signal chain.
Audio effects 155

Input
The station that you will most likely want to activate first is the input controller. Just
like with a genuine guitar or bass setup, it's important to ensure the highest possible
input level, in order to work optimally. This is even more important for distorted
sounds and natural high-gain playing styles. Use metering for this, too.
As required, activate the noise gate and adjust it so that it lightly suppresses the input
signal during pauses in playing. VANDAL does not cut the input on classic gates too
hard, but rather regulates them finely via the signal energy beginning at the highs
(where noise is most audible).

Stomp boxes
The real world has produced a series of effect devices popular with guitarists and
bassists in the "stomp box" format. We've also included a rich palette of these
devices. Vandal SE includes four "stomp slots" that can be equipped with effects from
the list. The signal flow within this chain runs from left to right. Since all of the
controls are self-explanatory, we won't describe them here.

Vandal - Amplifier
Vandal SE basically offers 2 different amplifiers: Guitar Amp and Bass Amp. The
amplifier type depends on the selected preset.

During development, a large selection of famous amplifier brands and models were
not included. To guarantee that you are nevertheless able to get a number of different
sound characteristics out of your Vandal SE amp, the amplifiers are set up variably.
Internally, circuit designs work absolutely the same as the real devices. In several
ways, however, Vandal SE goes in its own direction in terms of the sound it offers.

Guitar amp
The Vandal SE guitar amp offers three different pre-amp modes and two switchable
end stage models. These basic configurations differ according to the selected preset.
156

The guitar amp is set up with three channels. These may be set up with the pre and
post gain controllers per channel (Clean, Crunch, and Lead) for the desired mix ratio.
Don't worry about switching things around: The amplifier will remember the gain
settings when channels are changed. These are the gain presets for the different
playing styles within a song.

Voicing: We have provided Vandal SE pre-amps with something that we call Curve
EQ. For example, if you take a simple EQ pedal and shape the signal a little before the
amp, then this may change the sound quite drastically. Curve EQ does something
similar: It's located (in some cases multiply) at strategically important points between
individual amplifier stages and filters the signal, before it is distorted by the next
stage. Move the curve in both directions and navigate through the spectrum using the
"Freq" controller. This will give the amp a completely different character...

Equalization: The actual sound control (the "tone stack") functions rather
conventionally: Vandal SE offers low, mid & high settings. Everything functions like
the passive sound regulation network in genuine amps, so that the controllers
influence each other to produce numerous variations.

Reverb: Surf and twang simply need on-board spring reverb. We relied on well-known
reverb springs for modeling. Everything sounds natural with complete authenticity.

Bass amp

After roughly setting the Gain controller, the bass signal will first be treated with the
Contour circuit. This filtering stage works similarly to the "Loudness" function by
cutting the (lower) mids and lifting the deep bass and highs. It's sort of like an "instant
slap".
Audio effects 157

Next, the signal passes through the compressor stage (Comp). This is a simple but
extremely musical, visual design: The bass triggers a light source that is coupled with
a photo resistor which dampens the signal. This may already be familiar to you from
the most famous studio compressor for bassists, i.e. Urei LA2A, which functions
according to the same principle.

After any possible compression, Drive provides the option to take the bass sound to
the next level. Saturating the signal takes place depending on the frequency: In spite
of a possibly high level of distortion, the basses remain relatively clean and contoured.

The equalization stage offers 4 frequency ranges, whereby the two mid bands are
variable. The final master volume controller specifies the volume of the final stage. As
with the guitar amp, the end tubes are also engaged in this case as much as remains
sensible.

Rack effects (FX1/FX2)


There are effects that don't always work well before the amp, e.g. reverb or delay,
especially when they are distorted. Normally, these effects are better placed at the
end of the signal chain.

For final processing and enriching, we offer two separate studio-quality effects units
just like real 19" rack devices.

Many algorithms create a stereo signal. Take care that the sequencer track operates
the duct in "stereo" mode.

Effects units may be selectively operated one behind the other (serial) or parallel.
Switching may be changed via the mode switch.

The following algorithms & effects are available:

• Mono delay (msec & tempo sync): Possibly a simple delay with free selection of
delay time or synched to the sequencer tempo with a musical raster. In case of
high feedback values, a reduction of the damping frequency is required to
provide naturalness to echoes.
• Stereo delay (msec & tempo sync): Like mono delay; features two models.
Repetitions may take place on separate channels (feedback controller to the
right: dual delay) or in ping-pong mode (controller to the left), whereby the
signal alternates between the sides.
• Chorus: Produces a typical "floating/shimmering sound" by modulated detuning
of a signal to "thicken up" its sound or spread it across the stereo field. Detuning
is achieved by a short delay, the length of which can be varied by the
158

modulation. This produces the so-called "Doppler" effect and broadens the
signal.
• Flanger: Algorithmically similar to chorus, but different in that the delay time is
significantly lower and delay works with repetitions (feedback). A flanger
sounds more "cutting" and up-front than a chorus.
• Phaser: A modulation effect just like chorus & flanger, but in this case no
detuning takes place. Filter components periodically alter the signal's "phase
response" (principle of the "phase shifter"). Characteristic notches are produced
in the frequency spectrum response (comb filter effects).
• Room reverb/hall reverb: Reverb offers realistic simulation of realistic
reverberation. Room creates the impression of a small to mid-sized recording
room, while Hall produces the sound impression of a concert hall. A particular is
that both effects algorithms provide a modulation parameter, which may remove
possible resonance at low dosages and can produce a soft chorus effect at
higher values.
• LoFi: This algorithm gives the sound a little bit of "grit", or a certain measure of
signal destruction depending on its setting. Turn down the internal sample rate
as much as you like to steal a few bits from the sound's resolution. This is
definitely unconventional...
• Vintage compressor: Ideal for thickening up the signal a little. The algorithm
emulates an older popular circuit design that is similar to studio legends like the
Urei 1176 or simple compressor pedals. A so-called "FET building block" controls
the volume via the input level simply, effectively, and quite musically, as well as
the set compression ratio and the attack and release.
• 3-band EQ: This sound controller works like a conventional mixer with controller
for bass, highs, and two controllers for the (variable) mids. This adds the final
polish to your sound.
Video and Bitmap Objects 159

Video and Bitmap Objects

Video and bitmap formats


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can load and export videos in the
following formats: AVI, Windows Media (*.wmv, *.asf), MAGIX Video (*.mxv) and
Quicktime Movie (*.mov). Graphics can be loaded and exported in BMP and JPEG
formats. Also RTF text files can be loaded and used as subtitles. On the content media
you will find the included image and video files. You can also use your own files or
even record your own videos (only in the Premium version).

Video monitor
The video monitor can be opened by clicking on this button or
pressing the F3 key.

Both video monitors can even be positioned


freely on the screen and adjusted for size.
To adjust the size, right-click on the monitor
screen and select the size you want in the
context menu or make your own (user-
defined). Please note that larger video
monitors require more computing power.

The video monitor's size can be increased to the full size of the screen by double-
clicking on the video monitor or by pressing Alt-Enter. You can end fullscreen by
pressing Escape (Esc). Apart from the video monitor size, you can also add a large
time display on the video monitor. Select “display play time” in the context menu and
the current playback marker position is displayed on the video monitor. Foreground
color, background color and transparency are selectable

Audio peakmeter
The video monitor is transformed into an analyzer which displays the
sound as a graphic.

Shortcut: Shift + F4
160

Overview
In the Overview mode, you can view the whole project and you are
also able to access any object you want in a split second; zoom in
directly to the video monitor or move around the clip displayed in the
arranger.
Shortcut: Shift + F2

Infobox
The InfoBox mode shows help text in the preview monitor if you hold
the mouse pointer over a button on the screen.

Shortcut: Shift + F1

Loading and editing videos and bitmaps


Video and image objects can be loaded and edited just like other objects. In order for
you not having to decide which file is to be loaded, you can use the preview function
on the video monitor. Simply click on a video or graphics file in the Media Pool: The
corresponding video or graphic is displayed or played in the video monitor.

• Via the context menu (right mouse-click into the list) you can choose between
different views ("List", "Details", "Large symbols"). In the "Large Symbols" view
the videos are displayed with a preview frame – very useful to preview the
available images.
• If you want to use the video for your project, drag the video or bitmap file onto a
track in the arranger while holding the mouse key. During playback in the
arranger, the entire video and image material on all tracks, including all effects, is
played back in real-time.
• Video and image objects can be edited in the same manner as other objects:
You can touch and move them with the mouse, fade them in or out with the
handles at the top corners, or change their brightness with the middle handle,
etc. Please also read the chapter "Arranging objects (view page 44)".

Simplify object presentation


With the TAB key you can switch between two object presentations. The objects in
the alternative presentation are not displayed frame by frame in the arranger, but in
simplified form. This saves working memory and improves overall play performance.
Scrolling and zooming in the arranger as wee as various object manipulations are far
quicker in TAB mode. The video display in the video monitor is not influenced by the
simplified object display.
Video and Bitmap Objects 161

Video scrubbing
The scrub mouse mode is particularly useful for quickly finding certain positions
within a video. To do this, activate the scrubb mode in the mouse mode bar and drag
the mouse pointer over a video object while holding down the mouse key. The video is
played back according to the speed and position of the mouse, including all effects.

Extract sound from videos


Video with sound material appears in the project window on two tracks as two
objects (an audio object and a video object). The two objects automatically form a
group.

To edit the video and audio material separately from one another, the objects can be
separated with the Ungroup (view page 193) function in the "Edit" menu or button in
the project window. Now you can replace the audio or the video track, or process
each file separately. Rejoin/regroup the tracks with the ”Export project” function.

Video effects
All video effects work in real time. In principle, almost any combination of effects may
be assigned to any video or image object: For example, mix mode stanzas with a false
color effect.

By overlaying of multiple videos or bitmaps, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score


Edition 6 proceeds from the bottom up. The background video object must be placed
in the upper track. It will be overlaid by and mixed with objects lying below.

Example, if you want to put a dancer on a landscape, place the landscape on track 1,
the dancer on track 2 and activate the Blue Screen effect for the dancer.

Video effects are stored in the ”Video FX” directory. Open the directory by clicking
"Templates" in the Media Pool. All video effects have a preview function and can be
dragged & dropped on a video object into the Arranger.

Title Editor
Text objects and title presets
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 has an option for inserting and editing
titles. These can be things like animated text in music videos to indicate the artist and
song or opening and closing credits.
162

The title templates ("Title" button in the Media Pool in the "Templates" tab) offer a
good basis for creating titles. To add a title to your project, proceed as follows:

• Select a template. As usual, a simple click generates a preview in the video


window. This lets you see what the title will look like like in the video.
• Once you’ve found the right title, drag & drop it onto a track in the arranger. This
will create a title object at that position.
• The title editor (see below) opens automatically. You can customize the text
here. Clicking on "OK" closes the title editor.
• As with all other objects in Music Maker Movie Score Edition, title objects can
also be edited. They can be moved freely in the arranger, faded in or out,
shortened or extended.
• To open a title object again simply double-click on it or open the context menu
with a right-click and select the option "Title Editor".

Title Editor

Enter text, e.g. for subtitles or opening and closing credits. Texts can be displayed in
all of the installed fonts and colors.

Presets: The list on the left continas the title templates from the title folder in the
Media Pool. This way you can try out different movements, effects and designs. The
presets are arranged in various subfolders; the icon and the description will help you
find the template you want.
Video and Bitmap Objects 163

Save as template: You can save all the settings as a title template. You can then easily
drag & drop them from the Media Pool.

Text/Position: Type the text for your video subtitles in the title editor. Use the
scrollbar to the left and above the text window to organize your text in the video
monitor. You can freely position the writing vertically and horizontally. If you have
selected moving text, this position determines the starting position. Please note that
setting movement to text places the starting position of the title outside of the video
window. You can, however, always change the starting position.

Font: Here you can enter the font style, size, color and type.

Color: With this button you can choose your own color. If you want to format
individual words or letters, select them with the mouse and choose a different format.
If no selection is made, the entire text will be formatted.

Alignment: Specifies whether the title should be aligned left, right or at the center.

Center Position: Clicking on “Center Position“ puts the title back in the middle.

Preview: This button starts the title preview in the video monitor together with the
project. If you have selected a movement for the title, it will also be animated in the
video preview window. You can interrupt the preview anytime by pressing "Stop".

Length: Sets the duration of how long you would like to display the title. (You can also
adjust the length of the title object directly in the arranger by dragging the lower
handles to shorten or extend it)

Text Effects: This function allows you to add motion, shadows, and 3D effects, or a
border. These settings can be adjusted in detail in the "Advanced" section.

Delete Title: Closes the title editor and removes the title object.

Arrow Buttons: If there are several title objects on a track, you can use the arrow
buttons to switch between the these objects without having to close the editor.

OK: Changes are applied and the title editor is closed.

Apply to All: The settings in the title editor (font, color, effects etc.) are applied to all
title objects. The text in each title object remains intact during this process.

If everything is as it should be, close the title editor by pressing "OK".


164

Text objects and title templates


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 includes a function which simplifies
insertion and editing of titles. Titles are shown as text in music videos, usually
animated, for example to display the artist and song names.

The basis of these titles is the titles templates settings in the "Templates", and these
may be reached via the "Titles" button. To integrate a title template into your project,
proceed as follows:

• Select a file. As usual, a simple click generates a preview in the video window.
This way, you can see how certain title settings will look and the effect they will
have in advance.
• Once you’ve found the right title for your purposes, drag & drop it onto a track in
the arranger. It will now be displayed there as a title object. Several title
templates (e.g. YouTube templates) contain additional image objects, these
titles require two tracks.
• The title editor (see above) opens automatically. You can open it again later by
double clicking (or by right clicking in the context menu below "Title Editor").

Video Compression
Compressed video data is typically saved in AVI files. AVI stands for ‘Audio and
Video Interleaved’, i.e. mixed picture and sound. Depending on the compression rate,
high data rates will be required – a good video starts at about 2 MB per second,
equivalent to compression of about 1:10 as opposed to uncompressed video with 20
MB per second data flow rate. High quality video systems only work with a
compression of 3 or 2 – i.e. creating up to 10 MB per second data for video flow. Even
uncompressed video can be used. MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 can
also process such high-resolution video data completely. Within MAGIX Music
Maker Movie Score Edition 6, video data is processed in uncompressed format – all
effects, mixes etc are carried out in the highest quality. It is possible that replay of a
project with several videos or realtime effects may ‘jump’ more than is the case with
smaller videos. This does not harm the end result though – video export is calculated
frame by frame.

General notes on AVI videos


The AVI format (Audio Video Interleaved) isn't actually a proper video format!
Rather, it is a so-called "container", where the conventions for transferring audio and
video files to the program are only loosely defined. The codec (coder/decoder)
actually defines what storage format is used. A codec compresses audio/video data
into its own unique format which can only be read by the codec itself and is decoded
when the film is played.
Video and Bitmap Objects 165

In concrete terms, a computer-generated AVI file can only be loaded by and played
on a different computer if the same codec is installed on it.

Many codecs (e.g. Intel Indeo® video) have now become standard components of the
Windows installation. Others are not standard. If you are generating an AVI file for
future play on another computer using one of these codecs, you should first install
this codec on the other PC. The best method available is to copy the codec installer to
your export directory and burn it every time you create a video disc (slideshow disc)
for play on computers.

You may encounter some problems when using older video editing cards with codecs
which only function with the card’s hardware. Such AVIs can only be used on the
computer which was used to create them. Try to avoid using this kind of codec.
166

Mixer

MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 includes a real-time mixer with a master
effects section. The mixer can be opened by pressing the "M" key or via the toolbar in
the main window.

The mixer displays eight tracks simultaneously by default. You can enlarge or
minimize the mixer by dragging on the left or right border. You can view further tracks
using the scroll bar.

Slider (Fader)
Each track in the project corresponds to a particular volume fader in the mixer, which
controls the volume of all audio objects, synth objects, or a synthesizer in the track.
(The fader has no effect on image and video objects.)

The stereo position for each track is defined with the Pan controls.

The "Solo" button switches a track to solo mode, i.e. all other tracks are muted. Mute:
The "Mute" button mutes the active track. Double-clicking on any of the controls
resets it to its default passive setting (no boost or cut in level) that does not require
processor output.
Mixer 167

With the REC-button you can activate recording for this track. (see the
"Track box and Instrument Icons (view page 23) section in the
"Arranger" chapter) and Monitoring (view page 52).

Control groups
The volume, panorama, and FX send faders of the various tracks can be compiled into
control groups. To do this, first click on a fader and then, while holding down "Ctrl",
click on all other faders that you wish to include in your group. If you select "Shift", all
faders in between the first one selected and the next one will be grouped.

Now you can set the volume of multiple tracks together without having to change the
volume ratios of the tracks. For example, you can set the volume of an individual
instrument of a drumset (kick, snare, HighHat) in such a way that they can harmonize
with one another. Now, if you group together the volume faders of the tracks, you can
set the master volume of the drumset.

To ungroup a fader from a control group, click the instrument and press "Ctrl" again.
There may only be one control group active at a time, creating a new group
automatically deactivates an existing group.

Track effects
Besides the object audio effects, a separate track effects rack with equalizer,
reverb/echo, compressor as well as the Vintage Effect Suite plug-ins can be used.

The Vintage Effect Suite plug-ins are being loaded via the plug-in slot.

You can open the track audio effects rack with the FX button.

A bright blue track effects button signifies that effects are active in the track.

The track effects can also be applied without having to open the mixer.

The arranger's trackbox (view page 23) also features the track FX menu.
In it, you will find presets for track effects (view page 127) sorted
according to the instrument type.

Track effects always apply to all audio objects of a track. In comparison to applying an
effect to each object individually, this saves storage space. The effect itself works the
same way as object effects.
168

For more information on using and controlling the individual effects, please read the
chapter Audio effects (view page 125).

VST and DirectX audio plugins


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 supports VST and DirectX audio plug-
ins. Most of these are effects modules such as reverbs, equalizers and so on, but there
are also many software synthesizer modules as well as other types of controller
modules. Thanks to their standardized formats, these plug-ins can also be used in the
mixer section of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6.

Before DirectX plug-ins can be used, the DirectX system needs to be installed on your
computer. Manual installation is rarely required as most Windows installations
include DirectX. If, however, your computer does not have DirectX or just an older
version, you can use the up-to-date DirectX installer provided on the MAGIX Music
Maker Movie Score Edition 6 installation CD.

Naturally, the DirectX plug-ins themselves also need to be installed before they can
be used! Installation procedures may vary from plug-in to plug-in.

Two so-called slots for track effects are located in the channel strip of
the mixer for the corresponding track as well as in the FX tracks.

Clicking on the small triangle will let you select an effect from the list. Select "No
effect" to remove a plugin from the slot. A left-click temporarily disables the plug-in.
Active plug-ins are displayed in light blue. Right-clicking on the slot opens the settings
dialog of the plug-in.

FX tracks
Two FX send controllers (FX1 and FX2) are located below the plugin
slots.

You can determine the volume at which you want the signal to be routed to the two
available FX tracks.

An FX track is a complete, additional mixer track which provides a complete track FX


rack and two plugin slots for use as a send effect.
Mixer 169

A send effect differs from a normal effect found in the track (Insert) insofar as it can
edit the signals from multiple tracks or objects simultaneously.

The FX are usually hidden in the Mixer. They will be displayed as soon as one of the
FX send controllers is used.

In the first FX track the hall function is activated as standard as it is the most
important application of the send effects.

The volume controllers serve to regulate the volume of the FX track and corresponds
to the old AUX return controller. The mute button is used to switch the FX function on
and off. The solo button enables you to single out FX individual tracks. The peak meter
of the tracks, which send to the FX track, are displayed in grey.

Master track
The FX button and the plug-in slots function exactly like in the tracks. The FX button
will open the Master Audio Effect Rack. The complete mixer settings including the FX
tracks can be reset with the "FX reset" button.

Both faders control the total volume.

Link button: If you deactivate the Link Button, you can control the
volume of the right and left channels individually.
170

Reprocess arrangement

Export-Assistent
The export wizard can be opened through "File" > "Export" > "Common export
options". This bundles different options for exporting your project in different formats,
for burning onto CD, or publishing on the Internet with different platforms.

Export as MP3: This selection exports the project in the popular MP3 format for use
on the Internet or on mobile playback devices (MP3 players, mobile phones, etc.).
More details about the export dialog are provided in the "Export" (view page 175)
section of the "File menu" chapter.
Reprocess arrangement 171

Burn to CD/DVD: This selection exports the project in the best possible quality and
opens an additional program for burning an audio CD. The option is also available to
backup the entire project with all involved files onto CD or DVD. See Burn audio CD
(view page 173).

Upload to MAGIX Online Album laden: Uploads the project to MAGIX Online Album.
This platform enables friends and acquaintances to experience your work. The
MAGIX Online Album online player may also be embedded into any other websites.
More information about MAGIX Online Album is available in the"File menu"

Publish on Facebook: You can send the project directly to your Facebook profile. It
will then appear as a post on your wall.

Publish on Soundcloud: The project will be uploaded to Soundcloud. Additional info


about this innovative music environment can be found in the Upload audio to
Soundcloud (view page 173) chapter.

Send by email: Converts the project into Windows Media and adds it as an
attachment to an email. An email program (e. g. Outlook Express) must be installed
and setup.

Note: You cannot use this function if you only access your email through a browser.
However, you could invite others to listen to your uploaded music via email to your
MAGIX Online Album or Soundcloud. To do so, you will have to use the functions of
the respective website (for MAGIX, this is MAGIX Online Media Manager).

Export as E-Mail attachment


The option "Send project as email" in the "File" > "Export" menu creates a file in the
Windows Media format. Your mail program is activated simultaneously and the
created file is added as an attachment of an opened message. Thus, any project can
be compressed without intermediate steps and sent as an email immediately.

Export as ringtone
With MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 you can produce your own
individual ringtone melodies. Once completed, export the project using the "Audio as
Wave/ADPCM" or "Audio as MP3" option in the File menu under "Export". Exactly
which format to choose can vary depending on the capabilities of your phone.

Take a look at the "File menu"chapter for more information on the audio export dialog
and the for specific export format settings.
172

Some advice on creating ring tones


Audio material: When designing your ring tone please take into account that the
loudspeakers of your mobile phone can only poorly reproduce bass tones. High tones
are also heard more easily in a loud environment. If your ring tone includes MIDI
Objects, you should activate VST Instruments on the respective tracks in the project,
so that MIDI information included in your ring tone becomes audible.

Some manufacturers offer VST effects which simulate the loudspeaker of your mobile
phone on the PC.

Length: Typical ring tones have a length of about five to sixty seconds. MAGIX Music
Maker Movie Score Edition 6 lets you create longer ring tones; however, you should
note that large ring tone files require sufficient memory in your mobile phone.

File format: First, select a format suitable for your mobile phone from the Export
dialog. If several formats are possible, please note that the resulting audio quality will
vary. In general, the quality increases in tandem with the size of the file. If your mobile
does not support stereo audio playback, you can activate the "mono" export option
which reduces the required memory space by about half. The size of the file that will
be generated using your current settings is displayed in the Export dialog.

Transferring the ringtone to your mobile phone: Depending on the type of mobile
phone and the items included in delivery there are several possibilities to transfer your
ringtone from the PC to the phone:

1. Wireless via infrared (IrDA) or BlueTooth link


2. Using a data cable and, if applicable, the transfer software supplied by the
manufacturer
3. By WAP or MMS

Community upload
The menu entries featured under "File" > "Export" >"Community upload" or via the
Export assistant allow you to upload the finished song to different web communities.

Export to Facebook
You can export your project from MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 directly
to Facebook.

The command opens a dialog where the project name (displayed according to the
settings in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6), a description and search
words (tags) can be entered. After confirming this data with "OK", the project will be
exported and uploaded to Facebook. For connecting and transmitting the video file,
Reprocess arrangement 173

you must login with your Facebook username and password. If you aren't registered
on Facebook, first open your browser and create a Facebook account.

After a successful upload, your browser will open to show you your video's info page
so you can check the entered data once again. If everything is as you want it, you can
leave the page and the new video will now appear in the list of your own videos.

Upload song to Soundcloud


Soundcloud is a community that is especially designed for musicians. The free version
provides 120 minutes of storage space for your songs. Every song may be embedded
as a player widget into external websites; the widget even allows comments along the
timeline of the song and an optional download of the original song.

For more information about the possibilities provided by the Soundcloud community
and the different premium accounts see www.soundcloud.com
http://www.soundcloud.com.

Additional editing
You can send your project directly into other MAGIX programs for further editing. In
the "Mixdown" menu you can find the applications available in Music Maker Movie
Score Edition.

MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 lets you use your project
• as background music in slideshows and videos
• to be added to an existing music collection
• to be edited with an external editor
• to be uploaded onto an online platform
• and much more...

Note: The relevant MAGIX program must be installed in order to use these features.
Music Maker Movie Score Edition automatically populates the menu "Share" with
the corresponding features available.

Burn audio CD
To burn an Audio CD, export your project as a wave file: Click on "File" and select the
"Export project" option > "Audio as Wave/ADPCM". The WAV file created can be
burned as an Audio CD with any burn program.
174

File Menu

New project
A new MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 project is created with this menu
item, with 16 tracks. More tracks can be added via the menu “Edit”.

Shortcut: Ctrl + N

Load project
A previously saved MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 project is loaded with
this menu item. Please note that the object files for the project must also be available!
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 will look for the sounds and videos that
were used first in the path where they were located when the project was saved. If
they are not found there, then the MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 Project
will look for the objects in the same directory as the project itself.

Shortcut: Ctrl + O

Save project
The current project is saved under the existing name. If no name has been selected,
then a File requester opens, where the path and name can be defined.

Shortcut: Ctrl + S

Save project as...


A dialog opens where the path and name of the project can be specified.

Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S
File Menu 175

Import
Import audio CD tracks
You can simply import one or more CD tracks like a regular file from the Media Pool
via drag & drop. If this convenient method fails for some reason, then this menu
command may be accessed via the CD manager to insert tracks from audio CDs
directly into the project. More on this can be found in the section "Importing Audio
CDs (view page 55)" in the "Audio objects" chapter.

Shortcut: C

Audio recording
See Audio recording (view page 51).

Shortcut: R

Export
Common export options
You will find a quick selection of the most common export options here.

Please read more on this in the section Export wizard (view page 170).

Keyboard shortcut: X

Burn audio to CD-R(W)


With this option the project will be exported as a WAV file and loaded into an
additional program called MAGIX Music Editor. From there it can be burned straight
to disc.

Shortcut: Shift + C
176

Audio export dialog

File

In File you can enter the file name for you exported file.

Use the folder symbol to select the folder into which you want to export it. The
dialog will remember the export path for future exports.
Use the "home" symbol to restore the original preset (More information can
be found in the section "Folders" on page 190) path.

With "Overwrite file automatically" you can perform multiple exports from the same
file.

Options

Only export the area between the start and end markers: Set the option if you wish
to export only one of the clippings from the project.

Bit rate: The "Bit rate" selection specifies the level of compression: The higher the bit
rate, the higher the quality of the exported audio file. On the other hand, the bit rate
determines the final file size: The smaller the bit rate, the smaller the files.
File Menu 177

Mono/Stereo/5.1 Surround: Most mobile devices have only one loudspeaker. To save
on memory, you can export in mono as well. In 5.1 Surround Mode (see Mixer in
Surround Mode) you can also export in MP3surround.

Advanced: Here you can open the advanced settings dialog for the corresponding
audio format (see below).

Normalize: This function should always be activated. It guarantees that the music is
not too loud/overmodulated or too quiet.

Transfer format:

Here you can state whether you want to send he exported arrangement to mobile
devices via Bluetooth, infrared or email. Read more in the Reprocess arrangement
(view page 170)chapter.

Audio as WAV/ADPCM
The audio material is exported as a standard wave file. This is the conventional format
for further use on Windows PCs. These files are not compressed and retain their full
sound quality.

Compression (IMA ADPCM): This option compresses the WAV file in to the ADPCM
format. This format is needed for playing WAV files on mobile phones. A lot of mobile
phones also need a lowered sample rate. (usually 16000 Hz).

Note: You can also export single tracks. TO do so, simply "mute" those tracks that
you don't want. Then, only the active tracks will be exported with this function.

Shortcut: Shift + W

Audio as MP3
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 supplies an optional MP3 encoder for
especially fast, top-quality conversions into the popular MP3 audio format.

Hint: The MP3 encoder cannot be used as a codec for audio tracks from AVI audio
files.

Transfer format:

Here you can specify how you wish to send the audio file to the mobile device. Read
more on this under Transferring files (view page 171).
178

Options
In the "Options" section you can set the format and the compression of the audio file.

Bit rate: The "Bit rate" selection specifies the level of compression: The higher the bit
rate, the higher the quality of the exported audio file. On the other hand, the bit rate
determines the final file size: The smaller the bit rate, the smaller the files.

Mono/Stereo/5.1 Surround: Most mobile devices have only one loudspeaker. To save
memory, you can also export in mono. In 5.1 Surround mode (see Mixer in Surround
mode) you can also export in MP3 Surround.

Note: Before you can use the MP3 encoder for MP3 Surround, you will have to
activate it first. Activation is fee-based! For more information, read the Activate
additional functions chapter.

Normalize: This function should always be activated. It guarantees that the music is
not too loud/overmodulated or too quiet.

Shortcut: Shift + M

Audio as Ogg Vorbis


"OGG Vorbis" is a license-free open source audio codec with very good sound
characteristics for comparably small files – similar to the MP3 file format.

In the settings under "Advanced" you can still choose from three various encoder
modes and bit rate. Set quality. Constant bit rate enables streaming and maximum
compatibility; with variable bit rate a better audio quality with the same size files can
be achieved.

Shortcut: Shift + O

Audio as Windows Media


Exports the project in Windows Media Audio format. Please read more on the
advanced settings in the Windows Media Video Export (view page 181) section.

Shortcut: Shift + E

Audio tracks as single waves


Opens the WAV export dialog with activated "Export single tracks" option. Clicking
on OK saves each track as a separate wave file in the export folder.

Shortcut: Shift + U
File Menu 179

Video export dialog

You can export your arrangement into various video formats. The options on offer can
vary according to the selected format.

Presets: Under "Presets", you'll find the typical settings for the selected format for the
most important applications.

You can save your personal settings by pressing the "Save" button
and remove them by pressing the "Delete" button.

Export settings: You can set up the general export parameters like resolution, page
proportions and frame rate in the dialogs. Select the most-used values from the list
field, to set your own values click on the "..." button. The "Advanced" button opens
the specific settings dialog for selected video format (see below).

In File you can enter the file name for you exported file.

Use the folder symbol to select the folder into which you want to export it. The
dialog will remember the export path for future exports.
180

Use the "home" symbol to restore the original preset (More information can
be found in the section "Folders" on page 190) path.

With "Overwrite file automatically" you can perform multiple exports from the same
file.

Options

Shut down PC automatically after successful export: Use this option to have the
computer switch off automatically after lengthy export processes.

Only export the area between the start and end markers: Set the option if you wish
to export only one of the clippings from the project.

Play after export: Here you can state whether you want to send he exported
arrangement to mobile devices via Bluetooth, infrared or email. Read more in the
Reprocess arrangement (view page 170)chapter.

Video as AVI
When exporting to AVI video you can set and configure the size and frame rate of the
AVI video and the compression codec for audio (audio compression) and video
(Codec). Please also observe the general information on AVI video formats (view
page 164, view page 180) in the PDF manual.

Shortcut: Shift + A

General info on AVI videos


The AVI format (Audio Video Interleaved) isn't actually a proper video format! It's
rather a so-called container where very general conventions can be specified like
audio and video data and sent to a program. The exact memory format of the files is
specified via the codec (coder/decoder). A codec compresses audio/video files into
its own private format with which only the codec can work and decodes the files on
playback again.

This means that an AVI file created on your computer can only be loaded/played on
computer B if this computer has the same codec installed.

Many codecs (for example, Intel Indeo video) have now become standard
components of the Windows installation, others, such as the popular DivX codec are
not. If you create an AVI file with such a codec and you wish to use it other
computers, install the corresponding codec on them as well.
File Menu 181

On older video editing cards certain codecs that function only with the hardware of
the corresponding cards can be problematic. This type of AVI can only be used on the
computer on which they were created. Avoid using this type of codec when possible.

Video as MAGIX video


Exports the project in MAGIX video format. This format is used for video recording by
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 video software and is optimized for
digitally editing high quality video material.

Shortcut: Shift + X

Video as Windows Media


Exports the project in Windows Media format. This is a universal audio/video format
from Microsoft. The setting options in the "Advanced"dialog are correspondingly
complex.

Manual configuration
Audio/Video codec: Various codecs are available, corresponding to the various
Windows Media versions (7, 8 or 9). Should compatibility problems arise on
playback, try an older codec with a lower version number.

Bitrate mode: Constant and variable bitrates are possible; most devices and
streaming applications demand constant bitrate. For VBR two pass modes the movie
is compressed in two passes in order to optimally use the bandwidth for highly-
compressed movies for the Internet.

Bitrate/quality/audio format: The bitrate determines display and audio quality. The
higher this is, the better your videos will look and the larger the files and the required
encoding time will be. For variable bit rates, the bit rate is adapted dynamically to the
requirements of the corresponding picture or sound material. Either the quality value
can be set between 1-100 or, for two-pass encoding, an average or maximum bit rate.
For audio, the bit rate is set additionally by the audio format.

Import from system profile (export type): For the most used methods (other than
playback on mobile devices,for which you should use the supplied presets), like
Internet streaming, etc., Microsoft provides diverse system profiles to choose from. If
you have the Windows Media Encoder 9 installed, which is available from Microsoft
as a free download, you can edit the profiles or create your own. These can be loaded
by pressing the "Import from profile file" button.

Go to Clip info to insert title, author name, copyright details, and a description.

Shortcut: Shift + V
182

Sending your project as an email


This option creates a compressed file in Windows Media format. Your mail program
is activated simultaneously and the created file of an opened message is added as an
attachment. This lets you compress and send your project immediately without
having to go through any intermediate steps.

Upload to Community
In this menu item you have the option of uploading the finished project to various
online platforms. You can find details about this in the section Publish online (view
page 172).

Backup
Load backup project
Using this command you can load a backup project. Backup projects are created
automatically by MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 and can be used when,
for instance, a program crashes in order to recover the last status of files. This type of
automatic backup gets the file extension MM_ (underscore). This command is also
useful if you unintentionally saved your change and wish to return to the previous
version.

Save project and used media


With this menu point, you can put a complete MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6 project, including all used multimedia files into one folder. This is especially
useful when you wish to reuse or archive such a project later on or when the files can
be found on multiple CDs so that on loading you continually have to change CDs.
Furthermore, the effect files used are saved in one folder with the other files.

A dialog opens where you can specify the path and name of the project.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + S

Save project and used media (audio as OGG Vorbis)


You can create a backup copy as an OGG file, whereby all audio files used will be
compressed into OGG format. This way you can compactly archive your song or put it
on the web as a remix kit.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + C


File Menu 183

Burn project and used media onto CD/DVD-R(W)


Use this option to burn the project as well as all the relevant files to CD or DVD.

Even larger projects can be burned straight to disc. The project, if necessary, will then
be split up and burned automatically to multiple discs. A restore program which is
burned to the first disc of such a backup, guarantees easy re-recording of the backup.

Shortcut: Ctrl + B

Burn manually selected files to CD/DVD-R (W)


Opens MAGIX Speed burnR to burn videos or other files onto CD/DVD. File selection
is done via drag & drop from <goyaburn>'s Explorer.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + B

Settings
Project settings
In this dialog, the general properties of the project can be set. Statistical information
about the project is also displayed.

Shortcut: E

General options
Name: Enter the name of the current project.

General project settings


Path: This is where you determine the folder on your hard drive in which your project
is saved.
Save automatically: Saves the project automatically according to the settings used for
automatic backups in the program settings.
Use settings as presets for new projects: The settings entered in this dialog are
applied to all new projects.
Number of tracks: Here you can set the number of tracks you wish to use.
184

Audio sample rate: The sample rate determines the pitch and the speed at which
audio objects are played back. The sample rate you can use depends on your sound
card (some sound cards even permit changing the sample rate during playback). The
sample rate you can use depends on your sound card (some sound cards even permit
changing the sample rate during playback). If you halve the sample rate, wave audio
objects are played one octave lower.
Time signature: Several types of bars are available to choose from, for example ¾
beat. With various grid settings you can also set additional time signatures. For
example, with a set ¾ beat and a 1/8 note grid a 6/8 beat would be the result.
Video resolution: Here you can specify the presets for the video resolution used and
the video format.

Information
Name/Path: See above
Created on: Displays the time the project was created.
Last changes: Displays the time when last saved.
Number of used objects: Displays the number of all objects in the project.
Used files: Here the names and paths to all multimedia files used in the project are
shown.

Audio recording
See Audio recording (view page 51).

Keyboard shortcut: Shift + R

Program settings
Here you can set MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 according to your
needs and wishes.

Shortcut: P

General options
Autoscroll: If autoscroll is activated, the screen view automatically shifts when the
playback marker reaches the right edge of the screen, which is particularly useful for
longer projects. Scrolling requires constant recalculation of the screen view, which
may lead to interrupted playback if the amount of system RAM is too low. If this
happens, simply deactivate the autoscroll feature.
File Menu 185

Simplified Object Display: This option determines whether the objects are displayed
with one or two waveforms. When it is activated, the waveforms are displayed in
stereo, i.e. with a right and left channel. In addition, video objects are displayed as
individual frames in the arranger rather than just the frame at the beginning and end
of the video object. This helps to improve performance and allows for a faster display.

Shift: Ctrl + Alt + Z

Automatic saving of backup projects: Here you can the time intervals at which
automatic backup projects will be saved.

Soundpool

Hide unavailable loops: All Soundpools are saved into a database automatically. The
Media Pool lists all loops saved in the database, i.e. also those which originate from
external media (Soundpool discs) that may not be in the drive at the moment. These
results can be hidden, but this slows down the search results in the Media Pool.

Hide instruments which are left empty in the style selection: Instrument groups for
which there are no loops present in a certain style are completely hidden in the Media
Pool (instead of being grayed out).

Clean up Soundpool: Every detected Soundpool (on CD/DVD or on the hard drive) is
added to the database and displayed there, even if the corresponding medium is
currently not in the drive or if the Soundpool has been deleted or moved. This option
helps to remove these entries in the database.

Reset Soundpool: Deletes the Soundpool database. You have the option of
maintaining the included and installed factory-provided Soundpool in the database.

Hide advanced tooltips: The additional information for the detected loops in the
Media Pool will be hidden.

Instruction dialogs: In its newly installed state, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6 displays a number of security queries at various parts of the program. Every
one of them can be switched off by clicking the small box at the bottom that says
"Don't show this message again". To display these warning messages, select the
"Reactivate dialogs" option.

Program interface

Darken screen when dialogs are opened: Darkening signals modal dialogs which
need to be closed before the rest of the program can be operated. This can be
deactivated if it disturbs you.
186

Hide news: This option deactivates the MAGIX News Center in the main interface of
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6.

Import
Preview samples (Wav, OGG) while playing the project (Smart Preview): Here you
can switch off the preview when a playback is running (Smart Preview).

Automatically adapt samples to BPM: When loading or previewing the project,


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 tries to adapt the samples to the tempo
of the project. This always works properly with newer MAGIX soundpool samples as
the tempo information is saved in the audio file. It usually works with all other loops as
well, provided the loops are clean, that is, they are cut to entire bar lengths.

With "For patched samples only", automatic timestretching can be deactivated for all
other samples. With "Apply to samples longer than 15 seconds as well", longer
samples will also be adapted if they contain tempo and bar information provided by
the Remix Agent.

Automatically open Remix Agent for samples longer than 15 seconds: Here you can
deactivate the automatic opening of the Remix Agent for longer samples (for
example, CD tracks or MP3s).

Automatically adjust waves to pitch: A wave's pitch can be adjusted automatically


using pitchshifting. For this to work however, the used samples (much like the
samples on the MAGIX soundpool CDs) must have the corresponding key and pitch
information. The pitch of the project will then correspond to the pitch information of
the first sample in the project.

Use destructive adjustment for shorter samples: Usually, loaded samples are
adapted to the project in realtime with time stretching. For computers with lower
processing power, this method can be deactivated – the timestretching effect will
then be calculated into a new file which is copied to the hard disk.

Import CD tracks analog instead of digitally: If this option is activated, you can record
audio CDs via the record button in the transport console. Read more on this in the
"Recording audio CDs" section in the "Audio objects" chapter.

Automatically open MIDI editor during import of MIDI files / built-in VSTi
synthesizers: The MIDI Editor will automatically open after loading MIDI files or
synthesizers, allowing you to make changes to channel and instrument assignment
and other settings.

Automatically start file preview in Media Pool for...: Here you can deselect automatic
file preview start for Media Pool files and certain file types.
File Menu 187

Import formats: File formats that you never use can be de-selected here. Once de-
selected they won't be imported anymore. Please keep in mind that several import
modules exist for some file types (AVI, WMA); MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6 uses the fastest one in each case. If you experience problems when
importing certain files, you can experiment with deactivation of certain import
modules, forcing the program to use the slower but more compatible import module.

Audio
Output device: This option determines which sound card and which output plays back
the wave audio objects and the drivers that should be used.

Advanced: Use these buttons to access the playback options window which provides
information on the current sound card. ASIO provides the settings dialog for the ASIO
driver, e.g. the MAGIX Low Latency ASIO driver.

Wave/Direct Sound/ASIO/WASAPI: Specifies which of the conventional Windows


wave drivers should be used for the sound card, i.e. the DirectSound system or ASIO.
Starting with Windows Vista, the WASAPI driver model is also an option.

Windows wave drivers have the advantage of being relatively stable against strained
peaks caused by large buffers. If playback becomes jerky as a result of processor-
heavy effects like time-stretching, switching to wave drivers may solve the problem.
Otherwise the system may react more slowly with wave drivers because of the large
buffers, that is, all changes are heard with a delay.

16/24-bit wave/driver communication: If your sound card is able to play 24-bit


audio, your project will be played at this higher resolution (internal 32-bit float
calculation). This is applicable only to wave drivers.

When using live monitoring and when playing and recording VST instruments in real
time, i.e. with as low a reaction time (latency) as possible, it's recommended that you
use ASIO drivers. If your sound cards do not have ASIO drivers, you can use the
MAGIX Low Latency driver.

If you select ASIO as the driver model, you can set the output in the upper list field
(for cards with multiple outputs) and the ASIO driver in the lower list field. Advanced
opens the settings dialog of the ASIO driver. Please refer to the sound card manual for
more information.

WASAPI is a new Windows (native) driver model for low latency and can be used as
an alternative to ASIO drivers. WASAPI is recommended for Windows Vista or later
Windows versions when the sound card does not have its own ASIO driver and the
MAGIX Low Latency driver isn't compatible.
188

Audio buffer:Here you can specify the buffer size that should be used for playback of
the entire arrangement or for previewing audio files in the Media Pool.

As a rule of thumb: If response and loading times are too slow, reduce the buffer size;
otherwise increase the buffer size if the audio playback is choppy or if real-time effect
computation errors occur.

As error-free playback is usually more important than fast reaction times, the buffer
size should be raised to 16384 or 32768 if dropouts occur.
MIDI
Output device: MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 uses an external MIDI
device when no software instruments are applied and to preview MIDI files in the
Media Pool. Here the "Microsoft GS Wavetable SW synth", a standard software
synthesizer included in Windows® as an OS component, should be set as default. If
sound cards with their own synthesizer are used or in case MIDI hardware
synthesizers are connected, the MIDI driver of the sound card or a MIDI interface
should be set!

FX: If MIDI playback is too fast or lagging behind, you can enter a speed correction
factor here.

Input device: Lets you select the MIDI driver for your MIDI recording, i.e. the driver for
the MIDI device that is connected to your MIDI keyboard or the driver for your USB
keyboard.

Use MIDI target channel: The MIDI system offers 16 different channels to control 16
different sounds. Normally, MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 receives
MIDI notes on all channels simultaneously. With this option, you can select a specific
channel. Next you have to set the desired sound together with the MIDI channel on
the device and select the MIDI recording options on this channel.

Synthesizer latency: Some synthesizers, especially software synthesizers like VST


instruments, create delay during playing, i.e. playback of the sound is delayed when
the key is pressed. This value lets you even this out, causing all notes to be moved
over by a certain temporal value.

Integrate MIDI keyboard with Live Performer: The MIDI keyboard can be used to
remotely control the Live Performer (only in Premium version); see Live Performer
MIDI assignment.
Options
Create "Undo" before destructive editing of audio data: To undo destructive effects,
the original files must be saved to the hard disk. If you use this type of effect quite
often, you can switch off the undo function and save on time used to create an undo
file as well as save space in memory.
File Menu 189

Write real-time audio to wave file: If this option is activated, the entire project can be
mixed live and recorded simultaneously. During playback you can, for example,
control mixer fades and effects or, with the help of keyboard shortcuts, you can play
the beats in the project – all activities will be recorded and written to a separate
wave file. Every time playback stops you will be asked if the portion you just played
should be saved as a wave file, loaded into the project, or deleted.

Video
Video standard: PAL is used in Europe, the US and Japan use NTSC. This setting
should not be changed.

Video display: The resolutions that can be set here concern only the picture display of
DV videos in the Arranger. If playback becomes jerky, we recommend entering a
lower value. The quality of exported videos is not influenced by this.

Extract sound from videos during import: If a video contains audio data as well, you
can use this function to extract the audio track from the video. It will be loaded
directly underneath the video track and grouped together with it. If you ungroup them
(in Edit menu), you can edit the sound as an independent object.

Automatically adjust videos to BPM during import: With the available BPM
information you can automatically create a video in which the rhythm and order of
pictures are synchronized. This does not play all frames of a video, but some are
excluded according to the BPM setting on frame playback. The video appears faster at
a higher BPM setting; it "dances" to the rhythm. The tempo can be set before every
new project in the transport control. Otherwise, the project applies the BPM tempo of
the first sample that is loaded.

Adjust minor deviations from 04:03 aspect ratio during export: This option
automatically customizes photos that have an approximate 04:03 aspect ratio to
04:03 TV screen format. The pictures are therefore easily stretched or compressed.
This inevitably brings about distortions in the picture. If this option is deactivated,
black bars appear along the sides.

Automatically preview exported clips: This option starts the clip immediately after
exporting for verification.

Automatically copy exported material to clipboard: This option is particularly useful


when used with other programs, such as Microsoft PowerPoint. If switched on, the
created multimedia file will be available straight after being inserted.

Video priority: Usually, audio objects have priority over playback. Here, an overloading
of the computer as a result of too many effects can bring about jerky video playback
while the audio continues to play without any problems.
190

To change this, you can give the video playback precedence over the audio. Video
playback is then renewed after every audio buffer, which may lead to interruptions in
the sound.

Folders
Here you can set the path where
• projects will be saved (Projects)
• files are exported (Export) or imported (Import), and recordings (Recordings)
are saved,
• files from the Soundpool are loacted (Soundpool)
• your MP3 collection is available (My MP3s)

Keyboard shortcuts
Opens the dialog for editing shortcuts used in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6.

Shortcut: U

Language
Here you can change the language used in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition
6. Normally the language that is used for installation is set as the program language.

Reset Program Settings to Default...


Use this function to reset all program settings (view page 184) you made in MAGIX
Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 to their original settings.

Exit
Exits MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6.

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + F4


Edit Menu 191

Edit Menu

Undo
10 commands can be undone, including object and cursor manipulations. If
you don’t like the result of a change in your project, the Undo function will take
you back to the previous project.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Z

Redo
Redo lets you reverse the last Undo command.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Y

Object
Create a new object
Record a new object
A new audio object is recorded; see Audio recording.
Keyboard shortcut: R

Create a new MIDI object


This function creates a new MIDI object in the current track. After invoking the
function, a pop-up menu opens in which you can choose between an empty MIDI
object or several standard templates.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + N

Text to speech
Please refer to the Audio objects (view page 71) chapter.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + T

Create a new title object


Creates a new title object and opens the title editor (view page 161).

Shortcut: Alt + Shift+ T


192

Cut
The marked objects are cut out of the current project and placed onto the clipboard.
They can then be inserted at different positions.

Shortcut: Ctrl + X

Copy objects
Objects selected from the current project will be cut out and saved to the clipboard.
They can then be pasted to a different location.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + C

Duplicate objects
This menu option lets you copy all selected objects. The copy appears next to the
original and can be moved easily by holding the left mouse button (drag & drop).

Shortcut: Ctrl + D

Inserting objects
The contents of the clipboard are added into the current project at the position of the
start marker.

The playback marker is positioned at the end of the most recently inserted object so
that the quick and easy multiple use of the command is also possible. Existing objects
now become overwritten.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + V

Inserting multiple objects


This function is similar to "Insert", but you can choose how often the content of the
clipboard is to be inserted.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Numeric pad '+'

Deleting objects
Objects selected from the current project will be deleted.

Shortcut: Del
Edit Menu 193

Split objects
You can cut up a selected object at the S marker position. If you have not selected an
object, all objects will be cut into pieces at the S marker position.

Later on, if you want to re-join the pieces of an object, select “Build group” to join all
selected objects to a group.

Shortcut: T

Save objects as takes


The selected objects are saved in the takes directory. For more about using takes,
please refer to the section „Takes“ (view page 48) in the chapter "Arranging Objects".

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + S

Grouping
Group objects
Orders all selected objects into groups. As soon as an object is selected in the group,
all objects in the group become highlighted so that you can work on them collectively.

Shortcut: Ctrl + G

Ungroup objects
Any selected objects that are part of an object group will become independent objects
again in this case.

Shortcut: Ctrl + U

Loop range
Set user-defined loop
Normally an object is always looped over the full length of the underlying data
material (audio or video file). To set a clip from a file as a loop, shorten the object at
the front and the back with the handles and choose the menu option "Edit > Object >
Loop range > Insert user-defined loop". This function is very useful for setting your
own recording as a loop, as the silence at the beginning of a recording can be cut
away.

Remove user-defined loop


The user-defined loop length is reset.
194

Object properties
This function displays all the information about the currently selected objects such as
file name, position on the hard-drive, tempo, etc.

More information is available under Object properties.

Shortcut: Ctrl + P

Track
Add track
A new empty track will be added to the arranger. In the "File > Project properties" the
count of tracks can be set in large increments.

Shortcut: Ctrl + I

Mixdown audio...
This function can combine the project or segments of the project into a single
audio/video object. Please refer to the "Track mixdown" (view page 49) section in the
"Arrange objects" chapter.

Tip: To create the finished end version of the song or video, it is recommended you
select the "Export project" function in the "File" menu instead of the "Mixdown"
function.

Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+G

Range
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 provides object-based functions as well
as "band-oriented" editing functions. These always refer to the whole project from the
first to the last track as well as to the area between the start and end marker.

Cut range
The section between the in and out points is cut from the current project and placed
on the clipboard. This section can be reinserted elsewhere.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + X


Edit Menu 195

Copy range
The section between the in and out points is copied from the current project to the
clipboard. This section can be reinserted elsewhere.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + X

Insert range
The contents of the clipboard are inserted at the current project's position of the in
point.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + V

Insert segment multiple times


Similar in function to "Insert", but you can stipulate how often the content of the
clipboard is to be inserted.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Number key

Delete range
The section between the in and out points is deleted from the current project and not
copied to the clipboard.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Del

Extract range
The section between the in and out points is preserved, and all of the material in front
and behind it are deleted. Use this option to isolate a specific part of a project for
further individual editing.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + E

Navigation
Move screen view
Using these commands, a viewable portion together with the start marker will be
moved in the timeline. You can quickly skip between different jump markers and
object edges.

Shortcuts: See keyboard shortcut overview in the Arranger View (view page 220)
section.
196

Move playback position


This sets the playback marker to the position of a jump marker. This function can best
be used via the keyboard.

When stopped, you can immediately move the playback markers to the position of
the saved jump markers. During playback, the playback marker along with the
playback range will be moved. Here, the old range is always played until the end so
that you can remix your project live once the jump markers have been placed where
you want them without losing the beat.

Shortcuts: 1..0

Set jump marker


This sets a jump marker at the position of the current playback marker. Here you can
note specific parts of the project. With the "Move playback position" function you can
quickly jump to these positions.

Shortcut: Shift + 1...0

Create jump marker sequence


This option duplicates the currently selected playback area between the start and end
markers by setting start markers equidistant to one another in the bar ruler. Now you
can jump to every jump marker using keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + M

Delete all jump markers


Deletes all jump markers

Shortcut: Alt+Shift+M

Select all objects


All objects in the project will be selected.

Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + A


Effects Menu 197

Effects Menu

Song Maker
This command opens the Song Maker (view page 61) to make projects semi-
automatically.

Keyboard shortcut: W

Audio
Please read the chapter "Audio effects (view page 125)" for more details on audio
effects.

Master audio effect rack


Opens or closes the master effects rack; you can also use the "Master FX" button in
the mixer window for this.

Shortcut: B

Text to speech
Please refer to the Audio objects (view page 71) chapter.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + T

Object effect rack


See Object and master effects rack (view page 129).

Shortcut: E

Audio effects
This submenu includes all audio object effects plus the vintage effects and the effects
from the MAGIX Mastering Suite (Premium version only); the latter can be used
individually.

Individual effects can be found in the chapter "Audio effects (view page 125)".
198

Volume
An assortment of different menu commands which influence the volume of your
audio objects.

Mute/Unmute
Use this command you can mute one or more selected objects. Selecting this
command again makes it audible once again.

Shortcut: Ctrl + M

Set volume
This function, located in both the effects menu and the context menu, controls the
sound volume for individual objects, just like the object handles in the project window.

Automatic volume damping


This command automatically dampens the volume of other audio objects. This can be
used to insert voiceovers into your project or add commentary to a film (with the
original sound). You can also specify whether you want to dampen the original sound
of existing videos or all soundtracks equally.

In the dialog you can activate and deactivate the value of the dampening.

You can use this command while recording audio (view page 53) (Audio recording,
advanced options).

Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+D

Normalize
The function "Normalize" raises the level of an audio object to the maximum possible
level without clipping the material. This searches for the largest signal peak in the
audio material and raises the level of the object so that this position matches exactly
0 dB (maximum overdrive).

Shortcut: Alt + N

Tempo and pitch


An assortment of different menu commands which influence the pitch and tempo of
your audio objects.
Effects Menu 199

MIDI transposition
This command is only available for MIDI objects. It increases/decreases the pitch of a
MIDI object's notes by a specific value (in semitones). Use this function, for example,
to adjust the sound of imported MIDI files to other audio objects. This is more
effective than repositioning audio objects (pitchshifting), since this can diminish the
sound; transposition does not diminish the quality of MIDI objects because they are
produced by the synthesizer.

Shortcut: Ctrl + T

Timestretch and pitchshift


See Timestretch/pitchshift (view page 140).

Shortcut: Shift + P

Harmony Agent
The Harmony Agent is designed to analyze harmonies.

Read more on this in the corresponding section of the "Audio Objects (view page
70)" chapter.

Shortcut: H

One pitch higher/lower


You can quickly alter the octave of an included sample without having to access the
corresponding Soundpool folder in the Media Pool.

The "*" and "÷" keys on the numeric keypad (right on the keyboard) place the sample
one level higher or lower.

The "+" and "-" keys on the numeric keypad change the pitch via pitchshifting; the
respective effect in the audio effects rack is utilized for this.

Set pitch
Use this command (only in the Soundpool sample's context menu) to quickly change
the pitch of the selected object (if present). This also functions when working with
multiple selection. Simply select all the objects which are under one another and
select a new pitch to create variations in the project.
200

Remix
These are the commands for MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6's remix
functions.

Create Remix objects


If, while running the Remix Agent, the tempo and beat information were saved to the
audio file, this command can be used to create remix objects. If the Remix Agent has
not yet been implemented, this command starts it and opens the presets dialog for
creating remix objects.

Shortcut: Ctrl + J

Remix Maker
With the Remix Maker, automatic remixes can be created from Remix Agent loop
objects.

Please refer to the Audio objects (view page 68) chapter.

Shortcut: Shift + K

Tempo & beat recognition


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 provides a Remix Agent for the
automatic determination of the speed in BPM (beats per minute) and for the creation
of loop objects.

Please refer to the "<Remix Agent>"chapter.

Shortcut: J

Loop finder
The Loop Finder was developed for the purpose of finding BPMs in short rhythmic
passages and setting BPMs for the project. The Loop Finder can also help to fit short
loops into an existing project or extract short rhythmic passages from drum loops.

Note: For longer passages (e. g. complete CD tracks), you can use the Remix Agent
(view page 62, view page 200).

The waveform of the audio material is displayed in the upper part of the dialog, preset
at a zoom level of about 10 seconds.
Effects Menu 201

The principle involves moving the green start marker to the start of the beat and the
red end marker to the start of the next beat. The BPM display to the left then shows
the tempo of the loop in beats per minute (BPM). Here we presume that there are
exactly the same amount of beats in the selected passage as is displayed in the
"Beats" input field – 4 is the default. If there are two full bars between the start and
end markers, the number of beats has to be increased to eight, otherwise the Loop
Finder will only correlate half the speed.

The precise marking of the beat length is required for exactly defining the loop length.
This is also possible manually by moving the start and end markers, and can be
similarly precise when using the zoom functions. But it's easier to do so using the
following:

Tap tempo: activates the automatic step-sequence to determine the tempo. First,
audio playback begins at the start marker position. Then you will be requested to tap
in the beat with "Tap" or by pressing the "T" key, that is, the "T" key should be pressed
in time with the music. Playback stops after the number of beats set above is reached.
The start marker is now positioned at the start of the tap process and at the end
marker at the end. And that's it! The beat has now been set and the tempo can be
read. Program automation makes sure that the start and end positions are placed
exactly at the next beat. Even if the tap process didn't work out exactly, automation
nearly always finds the right beat meant when tapping.

Snap marker: You can use the red and green arrow buttons at the top beside the wave
display for moving the start and end marker one beat forward or one beat back. This
makes it very easy to select "round loops", i.e. whole bars, during running playback.

As long as a loop runs through without any problems, the correct tempo will be able
to be read to the left.

Here you should make sure that the number of beats per bar (default: 4) has to
adapted to the actual loop length. That means if four bars are selected as a loop, 16
has to be entered into this field.

Start (S) and End (E) Markers: These markers indicate the beginning and the end of a
loop. You can move them around with the mouse to fine-tune the range.

Cut: Once a correct loop has been found, it can be cut using the this function in order
to be able to use it again later.

Use new BPM: The project applies the BPM value found.

Timestretching: Adapts the object to the tempo of the project (as a result of the
determined tempo) using timestretching.
202

Resampling: Adapts the object to the tempo of the project (as a result of the
determined tempo) using resampling.

Keyboard shortcut: L

Load/Save/Reset audio effects


You can save the current effect combination of an audio object separately and apply it
to other objects later. Or you can deactivate all currently used effects entirely (Reset)
if you want to undo the changes.

Keyboard shortcut: Load audio effects Ctrl + Alt + O


Reset audio effects Ctrl + Alt + R

Convert stereo into two mono objects


With this option stereo recordings can be split into two mono objects which are then
connected to a group. You can use the "Ungroup" button to edit the channels as
independent objects.

Shortcut: Shift + Z

Edit in external editor


Open a selected audio object in the external program MAGIX Music Editor where it
can be edited with lots of special features. Once editing has been completed, the
edited material is used in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 instead of the
original object.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + M

Video
Load video effects
This command enables a saved effects combination to be loaded for the currently
loaded object. If multiple objects are selected, then the effects combination will be
applied to each selected object.

Save video effects


This command saves the current effects combination for each object separately.
Effects Menu 203

Reset video effects


This option allows you to deactivate all currently used effects. The material will be
reset to the state it was in before you applied the effect.

Title
Title Editor
Opens the title editor (More information can be found in the section "Title Editor" on
page 161) for the selected photo or video object.

Shortcut: Alt + Shift + T

Load title template


Use this command to load previously saved title effects for the current object.

Save title template


You can save the current effect combination for each title object separately and apply
it to other title objects later.
204

View menu

Standard layout
This option determines, whether the video monitor and Media Pool are integrated in
the main window or appear as a separate window which can be closed or opened.

Shortcut: F11

Zoom Soundpool and Keyboard


This setting enlarges the display of the loops in the Soundpool view of the Media Pool.
The keyboard and menu items are also shown with a larger display. This makes it
easier to use MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 on touchscreens (view
page 30).

Keyboard shortcut: Tab key

Arranger
Optimize view
The start marker is set at the beginning of the project and the end marker is
set at the end of the last object in the project, so that the project may be
played back in full.
Zooms out of the project so that the complete duration of the project is visible. The
vertical zoom steps (track height) remain preserved.

Shortcut: F12

Objects with stereo imaging


This option determines whether the objects are displayed with one or two waveforms.
When it is activated, the waveforms are displayed in stereo, i.e. with a right and left
channel. In addition, video objects are displayed as individual frames in the arranger
rather than just the frame at the beginning and end of the video object. This helps to
improve performance and allows for a faster display.

Shift: Ctrl + Alt + Z


View menu 205

Highlight loop area


With this option, you can fade the loop area in and out, visible by the stripe above the
first track that indicates the area that will be played as an endless loop.

Display pitch ranges


Displays or hides the Pitch bar (view page 28).

Horizontal scrolling
This option reverses the horizontal and vertical functions of the mouse wheel for
zooming and scrolling (view page 25). This means you can use Shift and Ctrl+Key for
zooming and scrolling the tracks instead of for the visible duration. This corresponds
with the performance of the mouse wheel in the old Music Maker Movie Score
Edition version.

Cursor keys move playback marker


The option "Cursor keys move playback marker" in the "View" menu > "Arranger" is
preset as active. If you disable this, you can move the playback marker with the arrow
keys while additionally pressing the Alt key. You can then move the playback range
(view page 27) with just the cursor keys.

Show object marker > Show bar marker/harmony marker


After using the Remix agent or the Harmony Agent, the analysed material receives
beat and harmony information which is then shown in the arranger via these
commands.

Shortcut: Bar Marker Ctrl + Shift + F9


Harmony Markers Ctrl + Shift + F10
Beat Markers Ctrl + Shift + F11

Media Pool
Show Media Pool...
This option hides or displays the Media Pool.

Shortcut: F2

Media Pool views / template folders


Opens the corresponding folder in the Media Pool.
206

It's even easier to access the corresponding Media Pool views and folders via the
corresponding keyboard shortcut.

Video monitor
Show video monitor
Opens and closes the video window.

Shortcut: F3

Full-screen Video Monitor


This option shows the video preview monitor in full-screen mode. The right mouse
button opens the context menu, the Esc-key returns you to normal viewing mode.

Shortcut: Alt + Enter

Video output
This option switches the preview monitor on or off to display the existing video
objects in the Arranger.

Shortcut: Shift + F3

Project overview
With this option you can display an overview of the entire project on the video screen.
It is particularly suitable for long and complex projects to prevent you from losing
track.

You can view the whole project and and still be able to access the sought-after object
in a split second – you can zoom in directly on the video monitor or move around the
clip displayed in the Arranger.

The function can also be opened via "Overview" on the video monitor.

Shortcut: Shift + F2

Audio peakmeter
The video monitor is transformed into an analyzer which displays the
sound as a graphic.

Shortcut: Shift + F4
View menu 207

Infobox
The InfoBox mode shows help text in the preview monitor if you hold
the mouse pointer over a button on the screen.

Shortcut: Shift + F1

Mix
Mixer
With this option you can open and close the real-time mixer. Further information can
be found in the Mixer (view page 166) chapter.

Shortcut: M

Master audio effect rack


Opens or closes the master effects rack; you can also use the "Master FX" button in
the mixer window for this.

Shortcut: B
208

Share menu
The Share menu provides access to online social networks as well as transfer
functions to other MAGIX programs.

Here you'll find options for uploading individual objects in the arranger or files from
the Media Pool as well as the entire project, as audio or video. You can also transfer
your project to another MAGIX program (if it is installed) e.g. to use it as background
music for your slideshow.

Manage login details


These are options for managing user names (email addresses) and the associated
passwords so that you are able to access your Online Services without having to enter
the details each time.

This information applies to all of my Online Services: If this option is activated, then
the account details you have entered will be applied to all Online Services. Deactivate
this option if you have different details for individual services, then choose the
corresponding service via "Select service and enter the associated login details.

Community upload
The menu entries featured under "File" > "Export" >"Community upload" or via the
Export assistant allow you to upload the finished song to different web communities.

Upload project as MP3 to MAGIX Online Album


Converts your project into an MP3 file and uploads it to your personal MAGIX Online
Album.

Upload video to Facebook.


Uploads the current project to Facebook. You can find additional information under
Export to Facebook (view page 172).

Upload audio to Soundcloud.


Uploads the project to the Soundcloud music platform. You can find additional
information under Upload audio to Soundcloud (view page 173).
Share menu 209

Sending your project as an email


This option creates a compressed file in Windows Media format. Your mail program
is activated simultaneously and the created file of an opened message is added as an
attachment. This lets you compress and send your project immediately without
having to go through any intermediate steps.

Present music on magix.info


Opens an Internet browser at the MAGIX Online World media upload page. There
you can choose the file you would like to present on the website.

Note: You first have to export (view page 170) your project.

Use as background music


Converts your project into MP3 format and sends it to an installed MAGIX photo or
video program, where it can be used as background music.

Note: This function is only available if you have at least one of the above programs
installed.

Add to music collection


Converts your project into MP3 format and sends it directly to a MAGIX music
management program (e. g. MP3 deluxe), where it is added to an existing music
collection.

Note: This function is only available if you have installed an appropriate MAGIX
program.

Edit audio objects in external editors


Converts your project into WAV format and sends it directly to one of the specified
programs where it can be edited further.

• Music Editor
• Audio Cleaning Lab

Note: This function is only available if you have at least one of the above programs
installed.
210

Burn audio to CD-R(W)


Your project will be sent to MAGIX Speed burnR, where it can be burned as an audio
CD. The Premium version offers you MAGIX Music Editor.

Keyboard shortcut: Shift + C

Burn project and used media onto CD/DVD-


R(W)
Your project will be sent to MAGIX Speed burnR, where it can be burned to CD or
DVD.

Shortcut: Ctrl + B
Help Menu 211

Help Menu

Show welcome dialog


With this command you can display the "Welcome" dialog again. There, you have a
quick access to important functions during program start.

Documentation
Content
Use the command "Content" in the "Help" menu to open the start page of the help
file. You can read through the help file step-by-step and jump to specific sections via
the tree structure on the right hand side.

PDF manual
Opens the manual in PDF format.

Context Help mouse mode


The mouse cursor will turn into an arrow with a question mark.

Click on any button of the main screen, to open program help which will describe the
control element in question.

Shortcut: Alt + F1

Display tooltips
Tooltips are small information windows that open up automatically if the mouse
pointer stops briefly on a button or some other area. They provide information about
the function of the button. These information boxes can be switched on or off with
this option.

Start introductory video


The introductory video shows you how all the most important features work. Specific
topics are explained in detail in additional tutorial videos.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + F1

To play the introductory video you may have to insert the program CD.
212

Watch more tutorials online...


Opens the magix.info with online tutorial videos.

Update program / Upgrade functions


Register online
This option opens the MAGIX homepage for online registration where you can
register as a MAGIX user.

Registration grants you access to the MAGIX support website where various program
updates and help programs can be downloaded.

Online Update
Connects directly to the online update page where you can get the latest version of
your program.

magix.info - Multimedia Knowledge Community


Help others and find help Directly from within the program you'll be able to access
magix.info – the new MAGIX knowledge base. You'll find answers to all the most
frequently asked questions about MAGIX products and multimedia in general.
Couldn't find an answer to your particular question? No problem, just ask the question
yourself.

Ask the Knowledge Community a question online


Ask magix.info a question.

Find knowledge & workshops


Have a look at the newest workshops at magix.info and read useful tips from other
MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 users.

Present music on magix.info


Opens an Internet browser at the MAGIX Online World media upload page. There
you can choose the file you would like to present on the website.

Note: You first have to export (view page 170) your project.
Help Menu 213

Open magix.info - Multimedia Community


Opens the magix.info main page.

About MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score


Edition 6
Displays copyright info and version number of MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score
Edition 6.
214

Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts

Toolbar
New Project Load Project

Save Project Settings (view page 184)

magix.info Grid On/Off (view page 25)

Redo Action Undo Last Action (Undo)

Split Object Select Mouse Mode (view page 41)

Keyboard shortcuts
In MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6, there are many functions for which
key commands can be used to open your desired program at the touch of a button. In
detail:

• Menu and object context menu entries


• Functions of the Media Pools (Options menu)
• The video monitor menu
• Move and zoom of the arranger view
• Playback control (Moving the playback marker and the playback area)
• Mouse modes
• Smart preview function (Previewing Media Pool files in the project context)

File menu
Load/Save project
New project Ctrl + N
Load project Ctrl + O
Save project Ctrl + S
Save project as Shift + S
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 215

Import
Import Audio CD track(s) C
Audio recording R
Export
Common export options X

Burn audio to CD-R(W) Shift + C


Audio as Wave/ADPCM Shift + W
Audio as MP3 Shift + M
Audio as OGG Vorbis Shift + O
Audio as Windows Media Shift + E
Audio tracks as single waves Shift + U
Video as AVI Shift + A
Video as MAGIX video Shift + X
Video as Windows Media video Shift + V
Backup copy
Save project and used media Ctrl + Alt + S
Save project and used media (audio Ctrl + Shift + C
as OGG Vorbis)
Burn project and used media onto Ctrl + B
CD/DVD-R(W)
Burn manually selected files to Ctrl + Alt + B
CD/DVD
Settings
Program settings P
Project settings A

Audio recording Shift + R

Keyboard shortcuts U

Exit Alt + F4
216

Edit menu
undo Ctrl + Z
Restore Ctrl + Y
Select all Ctrl + A
Object
Record new audio object R

New MIDI object Ctrl + Alt + N

Text to speech Ctrl + T


Record a new video object G
Create a new title object Alt + Shift + T
Cut Ctrl + X
Copy Ctrl + C
duplicating Ctrl+D
Insert Ctrl + V
Multiple insert Ctrl + "Num+"
Delete Del
Select all Ctrl + A
Split T
Save objects as takes Alt + Shift + S

Group objects Ctrl+G


Ungroup objects Ctrl+U
Object properties Ctrl+P
Range
Cut Ctrl+Alt+X
Copy Ctrl+Alt+C
Insert Ctrl + Alt + V
Multiple insert Ctrl + Alt + "Num+"
Delete Ctrl + Del
Extract Ctrl + Alt + E
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 217

Navigation: Set jump marker, move playback position (see Playback control), move
view (see Move arranger view (view page 220)).

Effects menu
Song Maker W
Audio
Master audio effects rack B
Text to speech Ctrl + Shift + T
Object effect rack E
10 Band Equalizer Q
Parametric Equalizer Strg + Q
Compressor Shift + D
Stereo Processor Z
Echo/Reverb Shift + H
Distortion/Filter Shift + F
Backwards Ctrl + Shift + R
Mute/Unmute Ctrl + M
Volume settings Ctrl + Shift + D
Normalize Shift + N
Timestretch/pitchshift Shift + P
MIDI transposition Ctrl + T
Harmony Agent H
One pitch higher Num *
One pitch lower Num /
Create remix objects Shift + J
Remix Maker Shift + K
Loop Finder L
Remix Agentn J

Load audio effects Ctrl + Alt + O


Reset audio effects Ctrl + Alt + H
218

Convert stereo into mono objects Shift + Z

Title editor Ctrl + T

View menu
Zoom Soundpool and Keyboard Tab
Arranger
Arranger visible F4
Optimize view F12
Change object presentation Ctrl + Alt + Z
Show object marker
Bar marker Ctrl + Shift + F9
Harmony marker Ctrl + Shift + F10
Beat marker Ctrl + Shift + F11
Media Pool
Show Media Pool F2
Soundpool F5
File Browser F6
Synthesizers F7
Templates F8
Catooh O
Video monitor
Show video monitor F3
Fullscreen video monitor Alt + Enter
Video output Shift + F3
Project overview Shift + F2
Audio peakmeter Shift + F4
Info Box Shift + F1
Mix
Mixer M
Master audio effects rack B

Standard layout F11


Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 219

Help menu
Context help mouse mode Alt + F1
About MAGIX Music Maker Movie I
Score Edition 6

MIDI objects context menu


MIDI editor Ctrl + Shift + D
Track VSTi editor Ctrl + Shift + F
MIDI transposition Alt + Shift + D

Media Pool
Settings
Soundpool F5
File Browser F6
Synthesizer F7
Templates F8
Template folders
Audio effects Ctrl + Alt + A
Vintage audio effects Ctrl + Alt + N
Title effects Ctrl + Alt + T
Video effects Ctrl + Alt + G
Video mix effects Ctrl + Alt + F
Visuals Ctrl + Alt + U
View options
List Ctrl + Alt + L
Details Ctrl + Alt + D
Big symbols Ctrl + Alt + I
File operations
Copy Ctrl+Shift+C
Insert Ctrl+Shift+V
Delete Del
renaming Ctrl + Shift + N
Properties Alt + Shift + E
220

New folder Ctrl+R

Folder as link Alt + Shift + L


Burn file to CD/DVD Alt + Shift + B

Video Monitor
Show video monitor F3
Fullscreen video monitor Alt + Enter
Video output Shift + F3
Project overview Shift + F2
Audio peakmeter Shift + F4
Info Box Shift + F1

Move Arranger view


Note: These commands similarly move the playback marker when it's stopped, the
marker always remains visible in the project clip.

To next object edge Ctrl + 0


To the previous object edge Ctrl + 9
Go to beginning of project Home
Go to end of project end cap
Go to start marker Ctrl + Home
Go to end marker Ctrl+End.
Page right/left Page Up/Down
Grid unit right/left Ctrl+PgUp/PgDn
Go to the next jump marker Ctrl + Shift + PgDn
Go to the previous jump marker Ctrl + Shift + PgUp
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts 221

Arranger view - Increase/Reduce clip size (zoom)


Increase clip size (zoom in) Ctrl+Arrow up
Reduce clip size (zoom out) Ctrl+Arrow down
Zoom 1 frame Ctrl+1
Zoom 5 frames Ctrl+2
Zoom 1 sec Ctrl+3
Zoom 10 sec Ctrl+4
Zoom 1 min Ctrl+5
Zoom 10 min Ctrl+6
Zoom view between start and end Ctrl+7
marker
Zoom over whole project Ctrl+8
Increase track pitch Alt+Arrow up
Reduce track pitch Alt+Arrow down

Move playback control / playback marker / playback area


Start/Stop playback Space bar
Stop at position (stop playback, Escape
move playback marker to current
position)
Set jump marker Shift+1...0
Playback marker to jump marker 1..0

Note: When stopped, the playback marker is moved to the jump marker (after the
end of the current loop).

Create jump marker sequence (10 Ctrl+Shift+M


markers with intervals equal to the
current playback area)
Delete all jump markers Alt+Shift+M
Move playback range Arrow left/right
Move playback one quarter of its Ctrl+Arrow left/right
length
222

Double/Halve playback area Shift+Arrow right/left


length
Double/Halve playback area Ctrl+Shift+Arrow left/right
length by a bar

Mouse modes
Mouse modes for individual objects Alt + 1
Connect objects in one track Alt + 2
Connect objects in all tracks Alt + 3
Curve mouse mode Alt + 4
Draw objects Alt + 5
Splitting objects Alt + 6
Object stretch mouse mode Alt + 7
Preview objects mode Alt + 8
Scrub mode Alt + 9
Replace mouse mode Alt + 0

Preview/Smart preview
Preview of pitches Numbers 0..9
Change preview object Arrow keys
Insert into project Enter
Delete smart preview object Del
If you still have questions 223

If you still have questions

Tips for Program Help


When the program is open, you can access the Help feature by pressing F1 on your
keyboard. The program Help contains tips on how to use the program and lots of
additional information. Many important terms are indicated in the text in italics.
Simply click on these terms for a more detailed explanation of what they mean.

Context Help: Press the "F1" key on your keyboard at any point in the open program
and Help will open with the matching help topic.

Search function: This feature can be used to look for specific words in the Help
section. Enter either the individual word or use logical operators (e. g. OR, AND,
NEAR) to refine your search if you have several search words.
• OR (between two words): all topics which contain both words or one of the
words will be listed.
• AND (between two words): only those topics will be listed which contain both
words.
• NEAR (between two words): only those topics will be listed which contain both
words. A maximum of 6 additional words are allowed between two search
words.
• NOT (before a word): topics which contain this word will not be listed.

Print: The print function can be used to print out specific Help topics or entire topic
sections. The print button is located at the very top of the toolbar in the Help window.

Uninstalling the program


If you would like to uninstall MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6, go to the
Control Panel and select "Software" or "Programs and Functions". Alternatively go to
"Programs > MAGIX > MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 > Service and
Support > Uninstall Program".

System Requirements
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista / 7 / 8 /8.1

Minimum Configuration:
• Processor with 2 GHz or above
• 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
• Free hard disk space: 6 GB (Premium version: 9GB)
224

• Graphics card: Min. resolution 1024 x 768


• Onboard sound card
• DVD drive
• Internet connection required for activating and validating the program*

*Software can also be used offline. However, please note that the program requires
an Internet connection at least once a month to validate the license.

Optional:
• Burn CDs/DVDs with a CD/DVD±R(W) recorder
• MP3 export with Windows Media® Player 10 or higher

Note: Artist rights and ancillary publisher copyrights must be respected. Only non
copy-protected audio CDs can be imported.

Serial number
A serial number is included with each product. This serial number is required for
software activation. Please store this number in a safe place.

What does a serial number do?


With a serial number your program license is clearly assigned to you and only you.
This allows you take advantage of the free email customer service. Serial numbers
also help to protect against software piracy. This makes it possible for us to offer our
customers the best value for their money.

Where can the serial number be found?


The serial number can be found on an inlay card inside the box. If you have purchased
the download version, you will receive a confirmation email with the serial number
that you can use to activate the program. This will be sent immediately after purchase
to the email address used for the order process.

When will you need the serial number?


The serial number is required when you start the program the first time and for
program registration.
If you still have questions 225

Publishing works created in MAGIX Music


Maker Movie Score Edition 6
What needs to be taken into account when publishing a
music or video production?
A distinction is made between "non-commercial use" and "commercial use".

1. What constitutes non-commercial use?


If songs are created with MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 or if music is
added to private videos, they can be shared with others on social networks (e.g.
YouTube, Facebook, Soundcloud, Twitter or personal blogs/websites). The decisive
factor in these cases is that no money is made or will be made from the song or video
soundtrack.

Examples of non-commercial use:

• A user creates a song with Music Maker Movie Score Edition and uploads it to
their SoundCloud page or YouTube channel.
• A user produces a song using Music Maker Movie Score Edition, burns it to CD
then sends it to their friends.

2. What constitutes commercial use?


Commercial use refers to videos with soundtracks or songs created using Music
Maker Movie Score Edition for commercial purposes. Commercial use if if sales are
made, if revenue is accrued through advertising (e.g. as a YouTube partner or through
the process of monetizing) or if contracts are concluded. In this case the necessary
licenses must be purchased from Catooh - The Online Media Marketplace.

Examples of commercial use:

• A user creates a song in MAGIX Music Maker and uploads it to their YouTube
channel, which they've enabled for advertising (YouTube Partner Program).
• A user produces a song in MAGIX Music Maker and makes it available for
purchase from an online download shop (e.g. iTunes, Musicload).
• A musician produces a song with MAGIX Music Maker for a CD Compilation,
which is sold at concerts.
• A user makes a video in which they advertise their company or one of their
company's products.

Important: The downloadable styles in Catooh that are licensed for commercial use
consist of high quality WAV files. Any "normal" Music Maker Movie Score Edition
content from the installation DVD is in .ogg format for space reasons.
226

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 Movie Score Edition 6.

MAGIX Online Album


MAGIX Online Album 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!

Catooh – the Online Content Library


If your project is missing pictures, videos, DVD menus, sounds, or samples, then you
should have a look at the huge selection available at Catooh. There you'll be able to
buy media in excellent quality for low prices: DVD menus, Slideshow Maker styles,
decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition series, MAGIX Soundpools,
songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX photo, video, and music projects.

magix.info
Do you have questions, need help, or are looking for expert tips and tutorial videos on
using your MAGIX product? At magix.info you will find answers and solutions as well
as workshops and a comprehensive user forum for software and multimedia queries.

You can access magix.info online at www.magix.info

Soundpool DVD Collection


MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 includes thousands of sound and video
building blocks. Other media can be ordered later. MAGIX Sound Essentials includes
More about MAGIX 227

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.


228

Index
A

About MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 .....................................................213


Adapt tempo ............................................................................................................................. 67
Add to music collection....................................................................................................... 209
Add track.................................................................................................................................. 194
Add videos or images.............................................................................................................. 20
Adding software instruments ................................................................................................ 18
Additional editing....................................................................................................................173
Adjusting the signal level ........................................................................................................ 51
Advanced settings ................................................................................................................... 54
Analog Delay ............................................................................................................................142
Analog delay parameter ........................................................................................................142
Apply (destructive editing) ........................................................................................... 61, 130
Arrange MIDI objects ............................................................................................................. 73
Arranger............................................................................................................................ 22, 204
Arranger buttons...................................................................................................................... 30
Arranger view - Increase/Reduce clip size (zoom) .......................................................221
Arranging Objects.................................................................................................... 41, 44, 160
Articulation ...............................................................................................................................122
Ask the Knowledge Community a question online ........................................................212
Audio ..................................................................................................... 51, 52, 75, 76, 187, 197
Audio as MP3...........................................................................................................................177
Audio as Ogg Vorbis ..............................................................................................................178
Audio as WAV/ADPCM.......................................................................................................177
Audio as Windows Media ....................................................................................................178
Audio effects ...................................................................................39, 45, 103, 125, 168, 197
Audio export dialog ................................................................................................................176
Audio formats ........................................................................................................................... 50
Audio Loops and MIDI Loops ............................................................................................... 34
Audio object effects ...............................................................................................................126
Audio Objects ........................................................................................................................... 50
Audio peakmeter...........................................................................................................159, 206
Audio recording ......................................................................................... 24, 29, 51, 175, 184
Audio recording dialog ..................................................................................... 29, 51, 53, 198
Audio tracks as single waves ...............................................................................................178
Automatic tempo adjustment when loading .................................................................... 59
Automatic volume damping................................................................................................ 198
Automation of Vita and Vita Solo instruments....................................................... 86, 123

Backup........................................................................................................................................182
Backwards ................................................................................................................................ 140
Basics of MIDI interfaces and cabling ................................................................................ 75
Index 229

Bass amp ...................................................................................................................................156


BeatBox 2 ..................................................................................................................................103
BitMachine................................................................................................................................149
Build or split object groups.................................................................................................... 45
Burn audio CD............................................................................................................ 21, 171, 173
Burn audio to CD-R(W) ............................................................................................... 175, 210
Burn manually selected files to CD/DVD-R (W)...........................................................183
Burn project and used media onto CD/DVD-R(W).............................................183, 210
Buttons overview and keyboard shortcuts.......................................................................214

Catooh – the Online Content Library................................................................................ 226


CD import dialog.......................................................................................................................55
CD/DVD drive list ....................................................................................................................57
CD/DVD-ROM configuration .............................................................................................. 58
Cell mode .................................................................................................................................... 91
Change tempo or pitch of individual objects manually.................................................. 60
Change the playback tempo or pitch.................................................................................. 59
Check and correct the automatic harmony recognition ..................................................71
Chorus........................................................................................................................................146
Chorus parameters.................................................................................................................147
Common export options ....................................................................................................... 175
Community upload.............................................................................................. 172, 182, 208
Compressor .............................................................................................................................. 133
Connect MIDI Keyboards ..............................................................................................75, 124
Content.......................................................................................................................................211
Context help .............................................................................................................................. 43
Context Help mouse mode ...................................................................................................211
Context menu ..........................................................................................................................106
Control groups.........................................................................................................................167
Controller Editor.......................................................................................... 73, 79, 81, 86, 124
Convert MIDI objects into audio files..................................................................................77
Convert stereo into two mono objects.............................................................................202
Copy objects ............................................................................................................................192
Copy range................................................................................................................................195
Copyright ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Create a new MIDI object......................................................................................................191
Create a new object ................................................................................................................191
Create a new title object ........................................................................................................191
Create a Project ......................................................................................................................... 16
Create jump marker sequence ............................................................................................196
Create remix objects ............................................................................................................... 66
Create Remix objects............................................................................................................200
Cursor keys move playback marker ...........................................................................27, 205
Cut ..............................................................................................................................................192
Cut range...................................................................................................................................194
230

Database .................................................................................................................................... 37
Delay (Echo).............................................................................................................................139
Delete all jump markers ....................................................................................................... 196
Delete range .............................................................................................................................195
Deleting objects.......................................................................................................................192
Deleting, copying, and moving files..................................................................................... 36
Display pitch ranges ..............................................................................................................205
Display tooltips.........................................................................................................................211
Distortion .........................................................................................................................139, 148
Documentation .........................................................................................................................211
Draw ............................................................................................................................................ 42
Drum Editor ........................................................................................................................78, 90
Drum Editor trackbox............................................................................................................... 91
Drum kit.................................................................................................................................... 105
Drum Map Editor ..................................................................................................................... 93
Drum Maps..........................................................................................................................91, 92
Duplicate objects ............................................................................................................ 46, 192

Edit audio objects in external editors............................................................................... 209


Edit in external editor ............................................................................................................202
Edit menu ..................................................................................................................................216
Edit Menu.................................................................................................................................. 191
Edit MIDI events........................................................................................................................ 81
Edit notes with the mouse .......................................................................................83, 85, 99
Edit objects ..........................................................................................................................17, 20
Editing velocity values ................................................................................................. 107, 108
Effect devices controls...........................................................................................................125
Effects................................................................................................................................. 20, 125
Effects menu.............................................................................................................................217
Effects Menu ............................................................................................................................197
Effects plug-ins ........................................................................................................................129
Enhancer....................................................................................................................................134
Equalizer ................................................................................................................................... 130
Exit ............................................................................................................................................. 190
Export ................................................................................................................................170, 175
Export arrangement.................................................................................................................. 21
Export as E-Mail attachment ................................................................................................171
Export as ringtone ........................................................................................................... 171, 177
Export to Facebook .......................................................................................................172, 208
Export-Assistent.......................................................................................... 170, 175, 209, 212
External synthesizers ....................................................................................................... 76, 77
Extract range ............................................................................................................................195
Extract sound from videos .................................................................................................... 161
Index 231

Fading Objects.......................................................................................................................... 47
File Manager...............................................................................................................................35
File menu...................................................................................................................................214
File Menu ..................................................................................................................................174
Fill mode ..................................................................................................................................... 69
Filter................................................................................................................................... 139, 145
Filter parameters.....................................................................................................................145
Find knowledge & workshops.............................................................................................. 212
Flanger ...................................................................................................................................... 144
Flanger parameters................................................................................................................ 144
Folders ..............................................................................................................55, 176, 180, 190
Full-screen Video Monitor ..................................................................................................206
Fundamentals .......................................................................................................................... 135
FX tracks...........................................................................................................................128, 168

General info on AVI videos ..................................................................................................180


General notes on AVI videos ..................................................................................... 164, 180
General options .......................................................................................................33, 183, 184
Group objects...........................................................................................................................193
Grouping....................................................................................................................................193
Guitar amp................................................................................................................................ 155

Harmony Agent........................................................................................................ 66, 70, 199


Help menu ................................................................................................................................219
Help Menu .................................................................................................................................211
Highlight loop area ................................................................................................................205
Horizontal scrolling ...............................................................................................................205

If you still have questions .................................................................................................... 223


Import ........................................................................................................................60, 175, 186
Import audio CD............................................................................................................... 55, 175
Import audio CD tracks ......................................................................................................... 175
Infobox.............................................................................................................................160, 207
Information ...............................................................................................................................184
Input ........................................................................................................................................... 155
Insert range...............................................................................................................................195
Insert segment multiple times.............................................................................................195
Inserting multiple objects .....................................................................................................192
Inserting objects......................................................................................................................192
Instrument settings ..................................................................................................................38
232

Keyboard .................................................................................................................................... 39
Keyboard shortcuts ............................................................................... 28, 39, 107, 190, 214

Language .................................................................................................................................. 190


List Editor .............................................................................................................. 78, 81, 83, 89
Listening to the input signal - monitoring.............................................24, 51, 52, 54, 167
LiViD - Little Virtual Drummer ............................................................................................ 110
Load and edit audio files......................................................................................................... 50
Load and save MIDI files.................................................................................................74, 98
Load backup project ...............................................................................................................182
Load project ..............................................................................................................................174
Load title template.................................................................................................................203
Load video effects ..................................................................................................................202
Load/Save .................................................................................................................................129
Load/Save/Reset audio effects..........................................................................................202
Loading and editing videos and bitmaps.......................................................................... 160
Loop finder .............................................................................................................................. 200
Loop range ................................................................................................................................193

MAGIX Online Album ..........................................................................................................226


MAGIX Online World ...........................................................................................................226
MAGIX Website Maker .......................................................................................................226
magix.info.................................................................................................................................226
magix.info - Multimedia Knowledge Community ..........................................................212
Manage login details ............................................................................................................ 208
Master audio effect rack .............................................................................................197, 207
Master effects ..........................................................................................................................127
Master Effects..........................................................................................................................128
Master track ............................................................................................................................ 169
Meaning of the colors in the Piano Roll and Controller Editor ..................................... 82
Media Pool ...............................................................................................................32, 205, 219
Media Pool views / template folders................................................................................205
Menu reference MIDI editor ................................................................................................. 98
MIDI channel filter..............................................................................................74, 82, 83, 99
MIDI Editor ................................................................................................................................ 78
MIDI Editor shortcuts ............................................................................................................. 99
MIDI Functions ............................................................................................ 82, 94, 96, 97, 98
MIDI objects..........................................................................................................18, 23, 48, 73
MIDI objects context menu..................................................................................................219
MIDI Record options ......................................................................................... 24, 29, 80, 98
MIDI transposition................................................................................................................. 199
Mix .............................................................................................................................................207
Mixdown audio ................................................................................................................49, 194
Index 233

Mixdown audio........................................................................................................ 61, 130, 194


Mixer ................................................................................................... 22, 29, 30, 47, 166, 207
More about MAGIX .............................................................................................................. 226
Mouse modes .................................................................................................. 41, 60, 214, 222
Move all....................................................................................................................................... 41
Move Arranger view ........................................................................................... 195, 217, 220
Move playback control / playback marker / playback area ........................................ 221
Move playback marker ............................................................................................................27
Move playback position ........................................................................................................196
Move playback range with the keyboard..................................................................27, 205
Move screen view...................................................................................................................195
Move selection .......................................................................................................................... 41
Move to track............................................................................................................................. 41
Move/Zoom with the mouse wheel ..........................................................................25, 205
Move/Zoom with the scroll bar........................................................................................... 24
Moving and zooming .............................................................................................................. 86
Multimedia files and objects................................................................................................. 44
Multi-touch...................................................................................................................... 30, 204
Mute objects ............................................................................................................................. 45
Mute/Unmute .........................................................................................................................198
My MP3s.....................................................................................................................................37
My Projects.................................................................................................................................37

Navigation.................................................................................................................................195
Navigation buttons ...................................................................................................................36
New project ..............................................................................................................................174
Normalize..................................................................................................................................198

Object .........................................................................................................................................191
Object and master effects rack ......................................................................... 126, 129, 197
Object effect rack....................................................................................................................197
Object Effects...........................................................................................................................128
Object Handles.................................................................................................................. 45, 46
Object properties ....................................................................................................................194
Object Volume ........................................................................................................................129
Objects with stereo imaging ...............................................................................................204
One pitch higher/lower.........................................................................................................199
Online Update.......................................................................................................................... 212
Open magix.info - Multimedia Community..................................................................... 213
Opening the Remix Maker..................................................................................................... 68
Opening the synthesizers .....................................................................................................102
Optimize view..................................................................................................................25, 204
Overview ...................................................................................................................................160
Overview of the program interface ...................................................................................... 12
234

Parameters................................................................................................................................136
Parametric 6-band equalizer.................................................................................................131
Pattern editor - matrix .......................................................................................................... 107
Pattern editor buttons........................................................................................................... 106
PDF manual................................................................................................................................211
Piano Roll...............................................................................................................79, 83, 98, 99
Pitch Bar............................................................................................................................ 28, 205
Play demo project ..................................................................................................................... 14
Play object/Play arrangement ............................................................................................ 130
Play/ PlaySolo ...........................................................................................................................80
Playback area - Start and end markers............................................. 17, 24, 26, 46, 51, 62
Playing and recording MIDI synthesizer ............................................................................ 77
Playing instruments with the keyboard..............................................................................80
Preface ...........................................................................................................................................3
Present music on magix.info ......................................................................................209, 212
Presets................................................................................................................................ 69, 137
Preview audio ............................................................................................................................ 42
Preview function....................................................................................................................... 32
Preview of MIDI files ................................................................................................. 74, 77, 83
Preview/Smart preview........................................................................................................ 222
Previewing and loading sounds ............................................................................................. 16
Problem solving preview in Media Pool ............................................................................. 74
Program settings ........................................................................................... 37, 184, 190, 214
Project overview .................................................................................................................... 206
Project settings ........................................................................................................................183
Publishing works created in MAGIX Music Maker Movie Score Edition 6 ............ 225

Quantization Grid (.................................................................................................................. 94


Quantization settings.......................................................................... 79, 89, 92, 94, 95, 97
Quantize ..............................................................................................................................94, 99
Quantize controller events ............................................................................................. 89, 97
Quick start.............................................................................................................................. 3, 14
Quick start via preset selection ...........................................................................................153

Rack effects (FX1/FX2) .........................................................................................................157


Range.................................................................................................................................. 26, 194
Real-time effects .....................................................................................................................125
Record a new object ............................................................................................................... 191
Redo............................................................................................................................................ 191
Register online .........................................................................................................................212
Remix........................................................................................................................................ 200
Remix Agent .................................................................................................................... 63, 200
Remix Maker ............................................................................................................66, 68, 200
Index 235

Remove user-defined loop....................................................................................................193


Replace ....................................................................................................................................... 43
Reprocess arrangement ......................................................................................170, 177, 180
Reset Program Settings to Default... ..................................................................................190
Reset video effects ................................................................................................................203
Reverb ............................................................................................................................... 122, 135
Robota..........................................................................................................................................111

Save objects as takes .............................................................................................................193


Save project..............................................................................................................................174
Save project and used media ...............................................................................................182
Save project and used media (audio as OGG Vorbis) ..................................................182
Save project as.........................................................................................................................174
Save tempo and bar info ........................................................................................................ 68
Save title template.................................................................................................................203
Save video effects ..................................................................................................................202
Save/load projects................................................................................................................... 44
Schematic illustration of the Robota synthesis........................................................ 112, 113
Scrubbing ................................................................................................................................... 43
Search the database.................................................................................................................38
Select all objects .....................................................................................................................196
Select objects............................................................................................................................ 44
Select sounds .............................................................................................................................79
Selecting MIDI events ...................................................................................................... 81, 83
Sending your project as an email..............................................................................182, 209
Sequencer ........................................................................................................................... 91, 116
Serial number .......................................................................................................................... 224
Set jump marker ......................................................................................................................196
Set pitch.....................................................................................................................................199
Set user-defined loop.............................................................................................................193
Set volume ................................................................................................................................198
Setting Catooh......................................................................................................................... 40
Setting object volume ............................................................................................................. 47
Settings......................................................................................................................................183
Setups, drum kits, presets, and patterns ...........................................................................118
Share menu..............................................................................................................................208
Shorten or loop objects .......................................................................................................... 46
Show Media Pool... ................................................................................................................205
Show object marker > Show bar marker/harmony marker ........................................205
Show video monitor ..............................................................................................................206
Show welcome dialog .............................................................................................................211
Shuffle mode ............................................................................................................................. 69
Simplify object presentation ................................................................................................160
Slider (Fader) ...........................................................................................................................166
Smart preview for the included samples. ................................................................... 32, 50
Snap/Grid ..........................................................................................................................25, 214
Software Instruments ................................................................................ 17, 23, 32, 38, 102
Some advice on creating ring tones ................................................................................... 172
236

Song Maker........................................................................................................................ 61, 197


Sound synthesis........................................................................................................................ 111
Sound Warper................................................................................................................. 122, 139
Soundpool DVD Collection .................................................................................................226
Soundpools ................................................................................................................................ 32
SoundVision............................................................................................................................... 35
Split .......................................................................................................................................42, 45
Split objects ...................................................................................................................... 45, 193
Standard layout...................................................................................................................... 204
Start introductory video..........................................................................................................211
Stomp boxes.............................................................................................................................155
Stretch......................................................................................................................................... 42
Support ..........................................................................................................................................4
Synth objects........................................................................................................................... 103
Synthesizer............................................................................................................................... 109
Synthesizer plug-ins ............................................................................................................... 119
System Requirements ........................................................................................................... 223

Takes ........................................................................................................................... 34, 48, 193


Templates ........................................................................................................................... 32, 38
Tempo & beat recognition .................................................................................................. 200
Tempo and pitch .................................................................................................................... 198
Text objects and title templates......................................................................................... 164
Text to speech...........................................................................................................72, 191, 197
Time Display.............................................................................................................................. 29
Timeline and grid...................................................................................................................... 25
Timestretch and pitchshift................................................................................................... 199
Timestretch/Resample........................................................................... 34, 59, 61, 140, 199
Tips for editing velocity ................................................................................................... 87, 88
Tips for Program Help........................................................................................................... 223
Title ............................................................................................................................................203
Title Editor........................................................................................................ 20, 161, 191, 203
Toolbar............................................................................................................................... 45, 214
Tools ............................................................................................................................................ 87
Track.......................................................................................................................................... 194
Track effects .................................................................................................................... 127, 167
Track headers and Instrument icons.............................................22, 23, 29, 83, 127, 167
Tracks.......................................................................................................................................... 22
Transport Bar (playback functions) .............................................................................. 15, 28
Transpose MIDI........................................................................................................................ 73
Tuner ..........................................................................................................................................154

Undo ........................................................................................................................................... 191


Ungroup objects ..............................................................................................................161, 193
Uninstalling the program...................................................................................................... 223
Index 237

Update program / Upgrade functions............................................................................... 212


Upload audio to Soundcloud...............................................................................................208
Upload project as MP3 to MAGIX Online Album.........................................................208
Upload song to Soundcloud ............................................................................... 171, 173, 208
Upload to Community ...........................................................................................................182
Upload video to Facebook. ..................................................................................................208
Use as background music....................................................................................................209
Use harmony recognition.........................................................................................................71
Using audio effects .................................................................................................................126
Using plug-in effects ..................................................................................................... 127, 129
Using the MIDI channel filter.................................................................................................83

Vandal - Amplifier .................................................................................................................. 155


Vandal SE .................................................................................................................................. 153
Various file list view modes ...................................................................................................36
Velocity......................................................................................................................................108
Video ................................................................................................................................189, 202
Video and bitmap formats....................................................................................................159
Video and Bitmap Objects....................................................................................................159
Video as AVI ............................................................................................................................180
Video as MAGIX video...........................................................................................................181
Video as Windows Media ............................................................................................178, 181
Video Compression................................................................................................................164
Video effects .............................................................................................................................161
Video export dialog ................................................................................................................179
Video monitor.........................................................................................................30, 159, 206
Video output ...........................................................................................................................206
Video scrubbing .......................................................................................................................161
View menu......................................................................................................................204, 218
Vintage Effects Suite.................................................................................... 122, 128, 129, 141
Vita Solo Instruments .............................................................................................................121
Volume ......................................................................................................................................198
Volume control..........................................................................................................................29
VST and DirectX audio plugins ...........................................................................................168
VST Plug-in Editor ...........................................................................................................79, 120

Watch more tutorials online... ............................................................................................. 212


What are VST and DirectX plug-ins?.........................................................................79, 120
Workflow of Remix Agent ......................................................................................................63

Zoom........................................................................................................................................... 24
Zoom buttons ............................................................................................................................25
Zoom Soundpool and Keyboard ........................................................................................204

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