Magix Music Maker 16 Premium

Music Maker 16 Premium allows people to make music in two ways: by arranging small snippets of music, called samples, or by using virtual instruments called synthesisers (or a combination of the two).

The interface has been greatly improved since the last time we looked at Music Maker – for example, the right-click menu for samples is much less confusing.

The program also has a basic mode for beginners, though this limits compositions to samples, not the synthesisers. The small box on the bottom right of the window can be used to show help and tips as well as the Peakmeter or video preview.

There are ten different styles of samples available, from film scores to electronica via 1960s soul, and there is a demo song for each style.

Seven synthesizers are included, most of which were included in previous versions such as the ‘Vita’ for orchestral instruments and guitars, and the Livid drum machine. If you have a Midi keyboard you can record using one, but instruments can now be played and recorded using the computer keyboard as well.

If you play a real-life instrument the program can record that (or you can add vocals) and effects can be added. The new amp simulator is a great improvement over previous versions though it was disappointing that we couldn’t preview the sound – you can only apply it after the recording is made.

Photos and videos can be added to productions and there are plenty of effects. Finished productions can be exported as audio or video files or uploaded directly to Youtube.

The problem for Music Maker is that there is some fairly stiff competition at this price from Ableton Live Intro (£100) and Steinberg Sequel 2 (£70). Music Maker is easier to learn but is more limited than Ableton Live, certainly when it comes to working with recorded audio.

There is a cheaper version available for £50 with fewer samples and synthesisers and no support for VST instruments, but it’s a cheap way to get started and the upgrade to the Premium version is also good value.

A trial version of Music Maker 16 Premium can also be downloaded.