PRODUCT
TESTS
Acoustica Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio DAW
By Paul Lau
M
ixcraft 9 Pro Studio continues Acoustica’s ascendance in
recent years as one of the premiere DAW developers in
the PC world. Whether you are a novice or seasoned pro,
there are useful tools for everyone in this latest version.
First Impressions
I was first impressed by how streamlined and clean-looking Mixcraft 9
was in terms of its interface and visuals. The layout of the screen panels
invites smooth movements and offers quick and easy transitions.
So what else does the new Mixcraft 9 offer beyond a sleek look?
We should probably ask what it doesn’t do…
We can start with the endless audio and MIDI tracks, which al-
low you so much freedom in the endless landscape of your music
creation. But it’s more than that! With the live instrument panel, it’s
more than a recording DAW; it’s your performance hub for setting up
sounds to translate to your studio or live performance via controllers
like Ableton’s Launchpad or your favourite keyboard controller. The
programming is quite simple and the assignment of knobs and faders
in any studio or live application is quick and easy!
The straightforward MIDI editing and notational part of the
program allow for algorithmic MIDI programming via a mouse or
keyboard controller and can be done quite efficiently and easily,
especially with step-recording (for those not too proficient in playing
keyboards or in time).
Also impressive are the many palettes of sonic colours that Mixcraft
9 has to offer. Even before you start recording your own audio tracks,
there are 7,500 quality and useful instrument loops to whet your
appetite for inspiration and creativity. Among the available virtual
instruments is a treasure trove of high-end, sample-based instruments
like the Acoustica Pianissimo Virtual Grand Piano along with all kinds
of classic synths and organs, strings, guitars and basses, drums and
percussion, and more.
Another cool feature in Pro Studio (but not included with the more
basic Recording Studio version) is Voltage Modular Ignite, a modular
synthesizer with 45 different modules that offers precise control for
anyone that loves to tweak in the realm of synthesis!
Even with the mountain of FX plug-ins from previous versions
included, Mixcraft 9 includes new and useful offerings like: Acoustica
Vocoder, Toneboosters plug-ins like compressors, de-essers, paramet-
ric EQs, and reverbs, and more.
In Use
I really enjoyed the flexibility of the new detachable panels. These
days, with a multi-screen set-up being accessible, you can customize
your workspace and visual workflow to your liking. I personally like
my plug-ins on the left side on one screen and virtual instruments on
the right with my tracks and mixer in the middle. And being able to
dock and undock the transport anywhere is awesome!
The new mixer design affords better visual awareness of knob and
fader levels, which translates to where your mix is as individual tracks
and as an entire mix. I also appreciate the ability to re-arrange the
sections of the mixer to my desired order. In general, Mixcraft 9 Pro
Studio shines in terms of customization and personalization.
The new Curved Automation and Tempo and Pitch Automation is
such a creative tool. It enhances the ability to create smooth, complex
curves for all types of automation – a step up from the usual straight
line that creates unique new possibilities for your music. And with the
new ability for tempo and pitch automation on all audio clips and
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND
master tempo envelopes, you get smooth tempo transitions with
interesting audio enhancement characteristics throughout a track.
The ability to convert any monophonic audio clip into MIDI notes
with a single click is such a game-changer. Making your audio editable
like a MIDI file is just so helpful in efficient music production. Imagine
having a live bass track that has a few notes just a little astray from
the kick drum. You can convert to MIDI and then quantize or drag-
and-lock the bass and kick for a tight groove. Or, in the writing stage,
you can sing a lead line and then audition different instruments for
it to find your ideal tone.
Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio also includes Melodyne, offering world-class
pitch correction capabilities. The suite of plug-ins and effects also
results in a pretty robust mixing and mastering workflow. Finally, with
the onboard video editing capabilities letting you create, produce,
and score to video, we have pretty much all of our production bases
covered.
Summary
Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio is incredibly conducive to creativity and effi-
ciency. It’s very easy to use and a lot of fun to play with and explore,
making it just as conducive to a fast, efficient workflow as it is down-
the-rabbit-hole creativity and inspiration.
Check out Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio from Acoustica – a DAW for our times.
Paul Lau B.Sc.
Musician/Producer/Film Composer
MIDI/Digital Audio Specialist (www.powermusic5.com)
Member of the cool Christian pop band Scatter17 (www.scatter17.com)