MAGIX Music Maker 2014 gains new loops, instruments, pitch correction tools

German multimedia specialist MAGIX has revealed the next generation of its flagship audio editor, MAGIX Music Maker 2014. As before, it comes in both standard and Premium editions, each of which sees some worthwhile gains with the new release.

If you like Music Maker’s loops, for example, you’ll love the extra choice you get this time around: there are 2,000 new loops and sounds with the regular edition, 5,000 if you opt for the Premium.

Both editions benefit from some capable virtual instruments in the DN-e1 analogue synthesizer, Electric Piano and Power Guitar (although you have to download the latter after installation, for some reason). The Premium version also gains the very retro Vintage Organ, while its new Pop Brass caters for all trombone, trumpet and saxophone needs.

Whatever your source material, some very useful new tools will keep your work sounding its very best. The ProAudio-based Vocal Tune can correct off-key notes in vocal or solo instrument recordings with a click; the Pitch Wizard helps you choose the best pitch for your project, and Music Maker’s Auto Mastering uses some well-chosen presets to deliver the right sound in seconds.

Both Music Maker editions gain the ability to import and edit songs from the Windows 8 Music Maker Jam app, so you can now start work on a tablet, and finish it off on your PC. And Music Maker 2014 further prepares for the future with a newly touch-optimised interface, which includes resized and repositioned controls, as well as gestures for scrolling, zooming and more.

One problem with all this power is that the already busy interface is now more complex than ever. If you found the program intimidating before, nothing is going to change this time around.

If you’re already a fan, though, MAGIX Music Maker 2014 looks like a useful upgrade, with welcome improvements across the board. Trial builds of the Premium edition are available now.