Mixcraft
Encyclopedia
Mixcraft is a multitrack recording
application for Windows
. The software functions as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW
), MIDI sequencer, virtual instrument
host, non-linear video arranger, and as a music loop remix program.
The current version of Mixcraft is 5.2. Version 5 adds many new features over the previous version 4.5, including video scoring and editing, effects automation, a mixer interface, a virtual typing keyboard, and several new instruments and effects. Mixcraft 5 also includes features found in previous version of Mixcraft, including MIDI sequencing and VSTi virtual instruments. Mixcraft 5 includes 8 virtual instruments: a large extended General MIDI
sampled instrument library, an additional sample library featuring synthesizer pads, two polyphonic synthesizer
vintage synthesizer modellers, one of which models the classic Prophet 5 synthesizer, a virtual instrument that models the famous Minimoog
analog synthesizer, a modeled Hammond B3 emulator, Lounge Lizard electric piano
emulator, and a TB303 synth bass emulator. Mixcraft 5 also includes 20 audio effects: two guitar amplifier simulators, a vintage tube EQ emulator, a spectrum analyzer, and over a dozen traditional studio effects. There are also over 3300 audio loops (many of which have been produced by Jason Donnelly aka DJ Puzzle
) and sound effects included with the package. A new version of Mixcraft 5 (Mixcraft Pro Studio 5) extends the functionality by adding 3 additional virtual instruments including Pianissimo, a realistic Grand Piano and 4 extra professional mixing and mastering effects.
Version 5.0 has video sequencing, a new mixer, on-screen midi keyboard and automation enabling different effects to be applied to different parts of a track or globally for the entire recording
Version 4.0 added MIDI sequencing and VSTi virtual instruments. The final version in the 4.0 series was 4.5 build 118.
Version 3.0 contained many improvements over the previous version 2.51, including a new graphic user interface (GUI
), multitrack recording
, and support for music loops from Sony ACID Pro
and Apple GarageBand
.
Multitrack recording
Multitrack recording is a method of sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create a cohesive whole...
application for Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
. The software functions as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW
Digital audio workstation
A digital audio workstation is an electronic system designed solely or primarily for recording, editing and playing back digital audio. DAWs were originally tape-less, microprocessor-based systems such as the Synclavier and Fairlight CMI...
), MIDI sequencer, virtual instrument
Software synthesizer
A software synthesizer, also known as a softsynth is a computer program or plug-in for digital audio generation. Computer software which can create sounds or music is not new, but advances in processing speed are allowing softsynths to accomplish the same tasks that previously required dedicated...
host, non-linear video arranger, and as a music loop remix program.
The current version of Mixcraft is 5.2. Version 5 adds many new features over the previous version 4.5, including video scoring and editing, effects automation, a mixer interface, a virtual typing keyboard, and several new instruments and effects. Mixcraft 5 also includes features found in previous version of Mixcraft, including MIDI sequencing and VSTi virtual instruments. Mixcraft 5 includes 8 virtual instruments: a large extended General MIDI
General MIDI
General MIDI or GM is a standardized specification for music synthesizers that respond to MIDI messages. GM was developed by the MIDI Manufacturers Association and the Japan MIDI Standards Committee and first published in 1991...
sampled instrument library, an additional sample library featuring synthesizer pads, two polyphonic synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
vintage synthesizer modellers, one of which models the classic Prophet 5 synthesizer, a virtual instrument that models the famous Minimoog
Minimoog
The Minimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer, invented by Bill Hemsath and Robert Moog. It was released in 1970 by R.A. Moog Inc. , and production was stopped in 1981. It was re-designed by Robert Moog in 2002 and released as Minimoog Voyager.The Minimoog was designed in response to the use of...
analog synthesizer, a modeled Hammond B3 emulator, Lounge Lizard electric piano
Electric piano
An electric piano is an electric musical instrument.Electric pianos produce sounds mechanically and the sounds are turned into electrical signals by pickups. Unlike a synthesizer, the electric piano is not an electronic instrument, but electro-mechanical. The earliest electric pianos were invented...
emulator, and a TB303 synth bass emulator. Mixcraft 5 also includes 20 audio effects: two guitar amplifier simulators, a vintage tube EQ emulator, a spectrum analyzer, and over a dozen traditional studio effects. There are also over 3300 audio loops (many of which have been produced by Jason Donnelly aka DJ Puzzle
Dj Puzzle
DJ Puzzle is an American Disc Jockey and Music Producer from Chicago. He is best known for his production work on the Sony Sound Series loop library...
) and sound effects included with the package. A new version of Mixcraft 5 (Mixcraft Pro Studio 5) extends the functionality by adding 3 additional virtual instruments including Pianissimo, a realistic Grand Piano and 4 extra professional mixing and mastering effects.
Major features
Major features of Mixcraft include:- MIDI Recording and Sequencing. This feature allows you to record MIDI data played on one or more MIDI controller keyboard. Users can also enter and edit notes manually using a piano rollPiano rollA piano roll is a music storage medium used to operate a player piano, piano player or reproducing piano. A piano roll is a continuous roll of paper with perforations punched into it. The peforations represent note control data...
interface.
- VSTi Virtual Instrument support. This feature allows software-based musical instruments to be played, sequenced, and recorded inside of Mixcraft. Virtual instruments generate all instrument sounds entirely within the software.
- Multitrack RecordingMultitrack recordingMultitrack recording is a method of sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create a cohesive whole...
. This feature allows users to create recordings from multiple sound card inputs simultaneously. With a MIDI keyboard connected, one can record both through microphone and the keyboard at the same time.
- SonySony, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
ACID ProACID ProSony ACID Pro is a professional digital audio workstation software program. It was originally called "ACID pH1" and published by Sonic Foundry, but is now developed and sold by Sony Creative Software....
and Apple ComputerApple ComputerApple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
GarageBandGarageBandGarageBand is a software application for Mac OS X and iOS that allows users to create music or podcasts. It is developed by Apple Inc. as a part of the iLife software package on Mac OS X.-Audio recording:...
loop support. This feature allows audio loops from popular libraries to be imported and used within Mixcraft. Mixcraft will time stretch and pitch shift the loops to match the current project tempo and key. Throughout the project, the tempo and key can be changed.
- Automatic Remixing. This feature will attempt to detect the tempo and key of a prerecorded song, and change the tempo to match the project tempoTempoIn musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
. In this way, songs of varying tempos can be mixed and matched, and layered with new drum beat loops, to create a custom remix.
- Time stretchingTime stretchingTime stretching can refer to:* Audio timescale-pitch modification, in audio* Time stretching, in video* Time dilation, in physics * Time stretch analog-to-digital converter, in electronics...
and Pitch shifting. Mixcraft uses an advanced algorithm to provide high quality time stretching and pitch shifting while minimizing CPU usage.
- VSTVirtual Studio TechnologySteinberg's Virtual Studio Technology is an interface for integrating software audio synthesizer and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use digital signal processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software...
and DirectXDirectXMicrosoft DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. Originally, the names of these APIs all began with Direct, such as Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectMusic, DirectPlay,...
effects. Unlimited effects (e.g. reverb, delay, EQ) can be added to each track, and unlimited global effects can be added to the project. Mixcraft includes Plug-In Delay Compensation technology, and will work properly with time stretching DirectX effects.
- Support for multiple mixdown formats, including MP3MP3MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
, WAVWAVWaveform Audio File Format , is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream on PCs...
, WMAWindows Media AudioWindows Media Audio is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. The name can be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs. It is a proprietary technology that forms part of the Windows Media framework. WMA consists of four distinct codecs...
, and Ogg Vorbis file formats. Mixcraft will import audio in any of these formats, and will also import AIFFAIFFAudio Interchange File Format is an audio file format standard used for storing sound data for personal computers and other electronic audio devices...
files as well.
- Video Sequencing, editing video files, adding music, sound effects, and voice-overs.
- A large library of virtual instruments, loops, sound effects, and audio effects is included with Mixcraft. Sounds and loops within the library are downloaded directly within the application, minimizing the size of the initial installer.
Awards
- Mixcraft 5 was given Keyboard Magazine's top honor, their Key Buy award, by Craig Anderton in their May 2010 issue.
- Mixcraft 5 was given Computer Music Magazine's top honor, their Editor's Choice Award, along with a product review score of 9 out of 10, in the May 2010 issue.
- Mixcraft 5 was given Computer Music Magazine's Value Award in their May 2010 issue.
- Mixcraft 5 was given MusicTech Magazine's Value Award, along with a product review score of 8 out of 10, in their May 2010 issue.
- Mixcraft 4 was given Keyboard Magazine's top honor, their Key Buy award, by Craig Anderton in their May 2008 issue.
- Mixcraft 4 was given Computer Music Magazine's Value Award, along with a product review score of 8 out of 10, in their May 2008 issue.
History
Version Pro Studio 5.0, 3 New Virtual Instruments and 4 additional mixing and mastering effectsVersion 5.0 has video sequencing, a new mixer, on-screen midi keyboard and automation enabling different effects to be applied to different parts of a track or globally for the entire recording
Version 4.0 added MIDI sequencing and VSTi virtual instruments. The final version in the 4.0 series was 4.5 build 118.
Version 3.0 contained many improvements over the previous version 2.51, including a new graphic user interface (GUI
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
), multitrack recording
Multitrack recording
Multitrack recording is a method of sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create a cohesive whole...
, and support for music loops from Sony ACID Pro
ACID Pro
Sony ACID Pro is a professional digital audio workstation software program. It was originally called "ACID pH1" and published by Sonic Foundry, but is now developed and sold by Sony Creative Software....
and Apple GarageBand
GarageBand
GarageBand is a software application for Mac OS X and iOS that allows users to create music or podcasts. It is developed by Apple Inc. as a part of the iLife software package on Mac OS X.-Audio recording:...
.
See also
- Ableton LiveAbleton LiveAbleton Live is a loop-based software music sequencer and DAW for Mac OS and Windows by Ableton. The latest major release of Live, Version 8, was released in April 2009. In contrast to many other software sequencers, Live is designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for...
- ACID ProACID ProSony ACID Pro is a professional digital audio workstation software program. It was originally called "ACID pH1" and published by Sonic Foundry, but is now developed and sold by Sony Creative Software....
- Cakewalk SONARCakewalk SonarCakewalk SONAR is a digital audio workstation made by Cakewalk for recording, editing, mixing, mastering and outputting audio. The latest versions of the software are SONAR Home Studio 7, SONAR Home Studio 7 XL, SONAR X1 Producer Edition, SONAR X1 Studio Edition, SONAR X1 Essential Edition, and...
- Digital PerformerDigital PerformerDigital Performer is a full-featured Digital Audio Workstation/Sequencer software package published by Mark of the Unicorn of Cambridge, Massachusetts for the Apple Macintosh platform.-Ancestry:...
- FL StudioFL StudioFL Studio is a digital audio workstation developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. FL Studio features a graphical user interface based on a pattern-based music sequencer...
- Logic ProLogic ProLogic Pro is a hybrid 32 / 64 bit digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application for the Mac OS X platform. Originally created by German software developer Emagic, Logic Pro became an Apple product when Apple bought Emagic in 2002...
- Pro ToolsPro ToolsPro Tools is a digital audio workstation platform for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, developed and manufactured by Avid Technology. It is widely used by professionals throughout the audio industries for recording and editing in music production, film scoring, film, and television...
- REAPERREAPERREAPER is a digital audio workstation created by Cockos. It is distributed with an uncrippled evaluation license with a nag screen explaining the license cost. It is currently available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X...
- Steinberg CubaseSteinberg CubaseCubase is a music software product developed by Steinberg for music recording, arranging and editing as part of a Digital Audio Workstation. It is one of the oldest DAWs to still enjoy widespread use...
- Steinberg NuendoNuendoNuendo is a music software product developed by Steinberg for music recording, arranging, editing and post-production as part of a Digital Audio Workstation. The package is aimed at audio and video post-production market segments, but it also contains optional modules that can be used for...
- Comparison of multitrack recording softwareComparison of multitrack recording softwareThe following tables compare general and technical information among a number of digital audio editors. Please see the individual products articles for further information.-General:Basic general information about the software: creator/company, license/price etc....
External links
- Acoustica web site.
- Mixcraft download web page.
- Mixcraft magazine reviews including PDF files.
- Mixcraft the Garageband for windows.
- Mixcraft Pro Studio 5.
- Keyboard Magazine's Stephen Fortner January 2008 NAMM video interview about Mixcraft 4 - Part 1.
- Keyboard Magazine's Stephen Fortner January 2008 NAMM video interview about Mixcraft 4 - Part 2.
- Gearwire.com January 2008 NAMM video interview about Mixcraft 4.
- Sound on Sound Magazine's November 2007 review of Mixcraft 3.
- Jack Ludington's MediaBlab review of Mixcraft 3.
- ITP Technology review of Mixcraft 3.0 (4/5 stars).
- TechNewsWorld review of Mixcraft 3.0.
- Mixcraft 5 review.
- Podcast User Magazine review of Mixcraft 2.5.