Download: Magix Independence Free

While there are some very good recording programs available at little or no cost, they often lack a selection of good quality Midi instruments to include in projects. Magix Independence Free fills this gap and, as the name suggests, won't cost you anything.

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Independence Free can be run in one of two ways. There is a standalone player or it can be used with other recording software that supports VST instruments. Both are available without having to customise installation.

Installation is simple, the worst part is the size of the downloaded content at 2GB. It is worth it however as it is made up of the sound samples. While Independence Free costs nothing to download and use, registration is essential if you want to use it longer than the very short trial. This only requires an email address and won't take long.

When the first message window appears, click on the Continue in Free Mode button. Select a new instrument to start the activation process for the Free version. Fill out the details in your browser and an activation code will be sent to you by email. Enter this in the Independence Free dialog to activate the software.

There are two ways of using Independence Free. It has a Live player that can be used without having to load any extra software. This is useful for practising and trying out the different sounds.

Independence Free is most useful when added to recording software as a VST instrument. It was easy to set up in Ableton Live; just tell Live the Independence Free installation folder.

There is a good range of instruments from pianos and guitars to synthesisers and drum kits. There are some demo tracks made with the instruments on the Independence website.

We've only really scratched the surface of what Independence is capable of by using Independence Free as a basic instrument. There are many more options ranging from adjusting the EQ to combining instruments.