Mixcraft – Music making at its finest? Review!
If you’ve been waiting for a program to contend with Apple’s Garage Band, then you’re in luck, because here’s something all music-makers can enjoy. Hell, it’s something I can enjoy, and I don’t know the slightest thing about making music. I’m talking about Mixcraft. A PC alternative to Mac’s Garage Band, and a fine alternative at that.
Right after you install this baby, either out of the box, through direct download, or my favourite: torrent with a serial number, you have a large variety of loops at your disposal that can be placed on a music board. You can add as many as you like, and overlap them, edit them, and change their pitch, to create the best sound possible.
Mixcraft is so full of options, you’re bound to find something new to love each time you open it up. If you start really exploring deeper you can do amazing things with this software but it’s also really ‘pick-up and use’ friendly. To quote a friend “it’s so easy, my mother’s dog could make something in Mixcraft.” and it’s probably true too. And in this case, it’s a good thing. A very good thing.
Mixcraft’s simplicity makes it a real gem. The day I downloaded the program, I tried my luck putting together a little demo of a song, and the results were quite positive. (judging by the few people I asked for feedback). I might not be winning a Grammy award anytime soon, but it shows that even someone such as myself can create something pretty cool this program. (You can listen to my song below)
Other features include the ability to download loops and add them to your project. And guess what? The program can even use Garage Band loops. Looks like Apple just got its teeth kicked in. But hold on a second! Most loops cost money don’t they? I don’t want to pay money just for loops!
Have no fear, boys and girls. Here’s a little tech tip for you!
What you will need:
*Firefox
*Patience
*Not a care in the world for the ‘law’
Firstly, go to this website: http://www.downloadhelper.net/ Download Helper is a Firefox extension that allows you to download media files (even previews / media that doesn’t come with a download option) directly to your computer. This works great for Youtube, Myspace, hell, even Facebook videos. With this, you are pretty much God.
Next, all you’ll have to do is find a site that has loops which allows you to preview them, or listen to them in full, but makes you pay for downloading. All you have to do is listen to the loop once, open downloadhelper, click to download, and then reap the rewards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfKBaf4A8s0
Within only a few hours, your loop library should be larger than most, and best of all, you’ll have more variety in your tracks. Sadly, there’s just one problem. The files won’t be added to the Mixcraft program themselves. You need to open the file manually and add it to the project each time you want to use it. This can be tedious, and something that *needs* to be fixed in future versions.
The addition of being able to use midi instruments is a big step forward to say the least. Have a keyboard lying around? Use it with Mixcraft, you can make a variety of sounds ranging from piano, guitar, drums, electric guitar, to just about anything. The opportunities are nearly endless… nearly.
You can also download users individual modifications, (which is good) as well as different effects to give your project the sound it deserves. Get ready to make something intense! If you’re looking to add lyrics however, you’re going to have to really work on editing down the track so that you can fit in the actual vocal elements. But, like any music program, you can obviously hook up your microphone and record yourself.
You have to take charge! Speaking of taking charge, I have a story to share. Last night, coming home from University on the bus, there was some rowdy teenager who opened up the window. This caused the wind to blow into the bus, sending chills through the air. I watched from afar as an older black man shivered and held onto the collar of his coat. Two other people, a larger-sized couple, were also annoyed. I had to take charge!
I walked the three feet over to the window, and closed it, annoying the boy. He looked at me and opened it again, only for me to close it once more. The boy sighed, and moved to another seat, not opening the window. It was then at that point, the old black man gave me a nod in respect and returned to reading his book.
Mike – 1
Annoying Kid on Bus – 0
The People – No number can define how they felt.
Of course, this is a very average, and very random way of saying that people have to take charge! I made a management decision and did what was best for the people on the bus. And when I stepped foot on the bus, I went to vote. Of course, the dude I voted for ended up losing to some brain-dead HST-supporting, pussy-whipped liberal, but it could be worse. I could be dead…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRfa1LQ17ck (cool metal song done on Mixcraft)
Anyway, Mixcraft is a program that I strongly recommend for music-making if you work on a PC. The features are all there, the formats are there, it’s fast, reliable, and rarely crashes. I haven’t even really scratched the surface of what makes this program so good.
Anyone can use this thing! But like chess, it’s easy to learn, but hard to master. You have to keep playing with it to make sure you can use it properly. Kind of like your penis. Okay, bad joke. There are women who read this column!
Point is, try it out and see if you like it. Its guaranteed you’ll find something to like about it. It beats all the PC alternatives, and can be picked up pretty cheap… that is, if you choose to pay for it. Like I did. *shifty eyes*… What?
Mixcraft’s going to get an 8.5/10 and a strong recommendation. If you like music, this is one for you.
As always, may the force be with you. See you next week.
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Roni
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Aaron
