Magix: The One-Stop Multimedia Software Shop

Magix: The One-Stop Multimedia Software Shop

If there’s one word that perfectly captures the digital age, it’s productivity. Nowadays, we can easily complete tasks with just the touch of a button. As a result, we become more productive, but still, have enough time to relax and enjoy the day.

This is especially true for creating and editing multimedia. Since most of today’s media creation tools can be processed digitally, artists now have more time for the creative aspect. They can rest easy knowing that they can get post-production help from companies like Magix.

About Magix

Magix is a multimedia software company whose expertise lies in the field of video, audio, and photo editing. Established in 1993, this German developer offers a wide range of products to choose from. Beginners, professionals, and art aficionados alike will have no problem looking for the perfect software to suit their needs.

With more than 25 years of experience under its belt, Magix now boasts a user community of over 15 million. They even have a knowledge database that users can access to learn from experts. And in 2016, they acquired ownership over a range of multimedia software including Sound Forge and Vegas Pro.

Among their variety of products, they are most notable for the Magix Music Maker, Magix Fastcut, and Magix Movie Edit Pro.

The Magix Edge

Now that we’ve established what Magix can offer, you’re probably wondering what makes them stand out from their competitors.

Magix offers the most extensive list of programs for everybody. They have tailor-made software from which users with carrying editing experience can choose from. They also coded intuitive features into their program, which helps guide users to produce professional work.

They also recognize the growing amount of users who prefer to work on mobile devices. Thus, they released mobile editing apps like Camera MX, Looply, and ACID Beatbox. VR-X Player, on the other hand, is one of the leading apps for editing virtual reality content.

For users who are only after limited features, Magix also offers a slideshow program, a webpage designer, and software that can digitize content from old Video Home System tapes.

Product Reviews

Magix boasts a comprehensive list of multimedia software, so I took the liberty of breaking down each of their products for you. Hopefully, this will guide you in determining which product best suits your needs.

Movie Edit Pro

The Movie Edit Pro is the first video editing software from Magix. It is known for its intuitive interface which helps make professional videos in just a few clicks.

Aside from having a library that boasts thousands of customizable templates, effects, and transitions, the software also has color correction tools and an easy-to-use interface that helps users track the progress of their project. It also has a built-in image stabilization program to correct shaky footages.

Movie Edit Pro allows users to capture content directly from a recording device or export content from other sources. It also supports a variety of file formats, including AVI, MKV, VOB, and WMV. Similarly, it allows users to save the file into their chosen format, burn it into DVD or Blu-ray, or immediately upload them to several streaming websites.

Although this software has a lot of advanced features, beginners will still find it easy to use. Movie Edit Pro gives users the option to switch between two editing modes: storyboard and timeline. For beginners, the storyboard mode is recommended, while the timeline mode is more suited for the more advanced users.

The software also has Plus and Premium editions which offer additional features like multi-camera editing, 360-degree editing, and travel route animation, to name a few.

Pros:

• Intuitive and responsive user interface
• Supports the most common file formats
• Extensive effects library
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not all streaming sites are supported for upload purposes
• You have to pay extra for additional features on Plus and Premium

Fastcut

For those with little to no video editing experience, Fastcut may be the better choice. This video editing software was created specifically for optimizing videos captured from smartphones or action cameras.

Like what its name implies, Fastcut delivers professional-level videos within seconds. It also offers a soundtrack library and a video editor which allows users to trim and rotate their recordings.

Fastcut itself is free, but a Fastcut Plus edition is available for a minimal fee. With Plus, users enjoy additional features like image stabilization, adding slow-motion effects, and other advanced edition options. Users can also create their own templates with Fastcut Plus.

Pros:

• Cheap — generally free, and a really affordable price for the Plus edition
• Perfect for beginners
• Fast video processing

Cons:

• Only available in limited operating systems
• Supports limited export file formats

Video Pro X

The Video Pro X is the most intuitive video editing software from Magix. It’s a professional-level software that gives advanced options to experienced users.

Since this is an editor that’s made for professionals, I’ll skip the basics and go straight to its winning features.

Video Pro X boasts an interface that displays a multi-format timeline and comprehensive track handling. It also offers multi-camera editing, three and four-point editing, time-stretching, and real-time image control. Multi-camera shots can easily be synchronized by scanning the audio for each recording.

Advanced color correction modes are also available, allowing users to create beautiful videos even when shot under low-light scenarios. It also features a 360-degree video editor which can edit and stabilize recordings from 360-degree cameras.

Pros:

• Extensive effects library
• Intuitive editing tools
• New updates are made available to existing users without additional cost
• Advanced and innovative features
• More affordable than other professional video editors

Cons:

• Only available to limited operating systems
• Not recommended for beginners

Audio Editors

Music Maker

The Music Maker is the first software released by Magix. It features a library containing virtual instruments, loops, and a limited number of effects and tracks.

This software is compatible with most keyboards and microphones, so the direct recording is possible. It also has a clean interface that is easy to navigate, so beginners won’t have a problem using it. Users can easily combine recordings and loops in just a few clicks with the software’s drag-and-drop function.

The Magix Music Maker also has an optimized music arranger, which helps users add effects and loops onto the track while keeping everything organized. Volume and trimming controls are likewise available.

It’s also worth noting that the Music Maker is absolutely free. However, there are also paid editions of this program which offers advanced options, which I’ll discuss separately.

Pros:

• Free
• Easy to use
• Supports most file formats for import and export

Cons:

• Limited access to sounds, loops, and effects library
• Not available for all operating systems
• May be too basic for advanced users

Music Maker Plus and Music Maker Premium

For an additional cost, users can already enjoy Music Maker’s Plus and Premium editions.

Both the Plus and Premium editions unlock Music Maker’s complete media library. This includes access to over a thousand sound pools, instruments, effects, and other features. On the other hand, the Premium edition has an additional Live Pad functionality which helps users create, modify, and remix beats according to their liking.

The Premium version can also be integrated with other audio finishing software to guarantee high-quality output.

Pros:

• Access to the complete media library
• More affordable than other competitors, considering what it has to offer

Cons:

• Not recommended for professionals who require complicated editing tools
• Not available for all operating systems

Related: Incredibly Useful Best Video Editing Software For Beginners

Sound Forge Audio Studio

Advanced hobbyists and professionals may prefer this software’s features more than Music Maker’s.

The Sound Forge Audio Studio boasts the ability to record audio at high-speed rates. This makes it the ideal software for recording songs and podcasts. It is also compatible with a wide selection of plugins and tools to add effects and maximize the user’s customization options.

For efficiency, Instant Action functionality has been coded into the program to help users access their frequently used tools and features. It also has a sophisticated interface which is not only navigable but also comprehensive enough to give the user an overview of his current project.

But perhaps the most iconic feature of the Audio Studio is its ability to restore cassette and vinyl recordings, and easily convert them into digital formats.

The Sound Forge Audio Studio is available to users at a really cheap price. And for those who prefer to use the software for a limited time, the Sound Forge Audio Studio 365 is available for purchase by subscription.

Pros:

• Gives users the option to purchase the full product, or to buy by subscription
• Navigable user interface

Cons:

• Only a limited number of file types are supported
• Not available for all operating systems

Sound Forge Pro

If you think the Sound Forge Audio Studio already offered a ton of features, wait until I tell you about the Sound Forge Pro.

This Pro edition boasts being a portable recording studio with recording speeds of up to 64-bit/768kHz. It gives the user a range of controls to make sure that they edit their content with utmost precision.

In addition to what the Audio Studio has to offer, Sound Forge Pro also allows scripting, batch processing, and POW-r dithering. It also supports spectrum analysis, voice activity detection, clipping identification, and over-modulation recognition. It also has a crash recovery feature in case of unexpected problems with the hardware.

Unfortunately, the Pro edition does not support cassette and vinyl restoration.

Sound Forge Pro also has a 365 version that is available for subscription. On the other hand, users who prefer additional integration with external plugins may opt for the Sound Forge Pro Suite, which is available at an additional cost.

Pros:

• Users can choose between three versions
• Supports more file formats than the Sound Forge Audio Studio
• Works with major operating systems

Con:

• The Suite version is already on the pricey side

ACID Music Studio

Another beginner-level music editing software from Magix is the ACID Music Studio.

As the name implies, this product is aimed towards music producers and enthusiasts. The ACID library offers over two thousand customizable loops for their users, with genres ranging from hip hop to rock. It also allows users to incorporate virtual instruments into their recording — which can range from classical to electric.

More importantly, the ACID Music Studio gives the user unlimited controls to guarantee that they can convert their ideas into music.

The ACID range also has Pro, Pro Next, and Pro Next Suite editions. All of these editions unlock access to an almost unlimited list of features, instruments, and effects. Only the Pro Next and Pro Next Suite offer professional loudness metering, while only the Suite version gives exclusive access to special instruments and plugins.

A 365 version is also available for the ACID Pro.

Pros:

• Relatively cheaper than similar software in the market
• Comprehensive loops library and editing tools

Cons:

• Not available for all operating systems
• Created mainly for musical projects

Samplitude Music Studio

Another music editor from Magix is the Samplitude Music Studio. Although this program does not have a library with thousands of loops, it has features that best suits artists who are more concerned with post-production editing.

The Samplitude Music Studio allows users to simultaneously record mono and stereo tracks. It also features automation lanes, where users can control volume, effects, and similar editing parameters. It also has professional mixing and mastering tools, improved MIDI options and functions, and an easy-to-access plugin browser.

The Samplitude line also has Pro, Pro Suite, and Pro 365 editions. All three editions give access to additional virtual instruments and plugins. However, only the Pro Suite and the Pro 365 offers access to special mastering tools and an encoder preview option.

Pros:

• Has the most comprehensive list of mixing and mastering features for budding artists and producers
• Gives users value for their money

Con:

• Limited availability to certain operating systems only

Sequoia

If there’s one software to top all of the software on this list, it’s the Magix Sequoia.

The Sequoia possesses all the features of the previous software I mentioned, but with additional functionality that’s unique to it. Aside from post-production editing, mastering, and mixing, the Sequoia also has an audio restoration function and a broadcast function.

The broadcast function makes it the ideal software for those who are into the live broadcasting business. Another notable feature is the Spectral Cleaning, which effectively cancels out noise from live recordings. This feature intelligently detects noise and automatically cancels it out.

The Sequoia also has built-in editors that remove white noise, clicking noises and other distracting elements. It also has a De-clipper Tool which clips out distortions and cleverly sews the audio into a clean single file.

It also offers source-destination editing, which gives users access to three and four-point editing.

However, I only recommend this software for businesses and experts who can truly maximize all their features.

Pros:

• The complete tool for editing, producing, and broadcasting
• Supports virtually all file formats

Cons:

• On the expensive side
• Not available for other operating systems

Photo and Design Editors

Photostory

The Magix Photostory line allows users to create slideshows from images, music, and videos.

The Photostory Deluxe has a built-in photo and audio editing software which makes sure that each element added into a slideshow is in accordance with the user’s imagination. It also has a media gallery that houses a variety of effects, transitions, and other decorative elements. Users can also make photo collages, and add catchy intros and outros.

An upgraded version of this software is the Photostory Traveller. In addition to the features of the Deluxe version, this program unlocks over 500 travel-themed design elements.

The Photostory Premium VR is another upgraded edition. It offers additional content pieces like sound effects and templates. It also allows the optimization of slideshows for virtual reality devices. Photos and videos may also be optimized for VR and 360-degree viewing.

Pros:

• Simple and easy to use design
• Great for beginners and professionals
• Extensive library of effects and customization tools

Con:

• Only available to limited operating systems

Xara Web Designer

Magix also offers a line for web developers. The Magix Xara Web Designer offers over 35 customizable website templates. Users can also choose from over 500 elements to spice up their pages.

The Xara Web Designer has a page editor that’s so simple to use that even those with no coding and design experience can build a professional website with just a few clicks. It also has a built-in photo editor to make sure that uploaded photos are of high quality.

The Premium edition of this software gives the user access to over 200 templates, advanced image editing tools, over a hundred photo filters, and animation effects.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require coding skills
• Produces quality pages without design experience

Cons:

• More expensive than other software offering the same features
• Only available for limited operating systems

Xara Designer

Xara also has a range of image editing and illustration software: the Xara Designer Pro X, the Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, the Xara Page & Layout Designer, and the Xara 3D Maker.

The Xara Designer Pro X is the primary image editor from Magix. Aside from the basic photo editing tools, this software also has a vector-based editor for added functionality. Users also have access to photo panels and frames to add pizazz to their projects.

SmartShapes also allows them to add various shapes and tables for added customization. Page templates and smart text tools are also incorporated into the software.

On the other hand, the Xara Photo & Graphic Designer is the best companion for illustrators. It has an interface that best suits logo making and sketching. Other notable features are the magic eraser and the smart background eraser.

The Xara Page & Layout Designer was created with those in the print design business in mind. The software has the most comprehensive features to help create stunning designs for business cards, newspapers, magazines, calendars, and similar products. It is compatible with professional color systems and supports conversion to several file formats.

And finally, the Xara 3D Maker turns objects into their 3D versions in just a few clicks. It boasts a media library of over 700 templates, over 400 texture designs, and various text styles — definitely more than what your average 3D makers offer.

Artists using the Xara 3D Maker can also add animated effects with its intuitive 3D animation tool. However, it only supports limited file formats for import purposes.

Pros:

• In general, all of the Xara Designer line offer users value for their money
• Easily navigable user interface

Cons:

• Not all file formats are supported
• Not compatible with other operating systems

Knowledge Database

Another thing I love about Magix is their knowledge community. In 2008, the company launched the Magix Community, which is an online forum where users can connect with each other.

In this forum, users get access to new information and tutorials for each software. Beginners can also post questions about the products they own, which are then answered by experts. Similarly, experts can also share editing tutorials and other tips to help beginners improve their craft.

Customer Support

I always consider a company’s support services when I write reviews. Fortunately, Magix has a decent customer support service to help users to get back on track.

Aside from their comprehensive knowledge community, Magix also has a complete Help Center which users can browse through to look for solutions to their problems. The Help Center is neatly organized according to which product you own, and eventually to the proper categorization of the problem.

In rare instances when the Help Center does not have the answer, users can always contact their customer support. However, they can expect replies within an average of two to four days — they can probably expect faster replies from experts in the community.

Verdict

The range of programs offered by Magix certainly does not disappoint. Beginners can always begin with the free versions of their software, while hobbyists and professionals can choose from a wide selection of software that best fits their needs.

As to the price range, I can say that Magix offers value for money. I made this conclusion based on the features offered by each product, and compare them with similarly-priced programs in the market.

As to usability, I can also say that Magix considers its users when designing their programs. Most of their beginner-level software is so easy to use that those with no design experience can still have fun with it. On the other hand, professional-level software may seem intimidating, but since it’s meant for those who are already experienced, navigating through it won’t be a problem.

And finally, the only downside I can see is that most of their software is only available to limited operating systems, with the exception of the Magix Sound Forge Pro.

Overall, I would recommend Magix for beginners and experts alike. For those who are not yet sure, if Magix software is best for them, you’ll be happy to know that the company offers limited free trials for all of their products.