MAGIX resurrects a modernized ACID Pro with new sound engine
Developer MAGIX keeps reinvigorating those old Sony audio applications it acquired a few years ago. After Soundforge, which made an impressive comeback, good old ACID Pro comes next in line. Oh yes, the loop-based DAW and many’s first-ever experience with a digital audio workstation (okay, that would probably be Sony Acid Studio, but still!) is back with a vengeance. Left behind by Sony in 2008, the software has been reinvented in version 8. But, make no mistake, this is absolutely ACID Pro as you remember it — just up with the times.
For starters, the sound engine has been upgraded to 64-bit processing and the user interface has seen a facelift — it still looks very familiar, but you can tell it’s gone through a bit of modernization here and there. ACID’s goal has long been ease of use, and that element is certainly preserved here. The DAW can record 24-bit, 192kHz audio and will be able to host VST3 plug-ins later this year, following a free update. MIDI and audio editing have seen improvements as well.
ACID Pro 8 also comes with a suite of instruments and effects. There are the DN-e1 virtual analog synthesizer, Vintage Effects Suite for emulated outboard processing, the Vandal guitar amp, the Vita 2 sampler and 11 Vita instruments such as Pop Drums and Cinematic Synths. a 9GB loop library has been included as well.
Overall, we are glad to see ACID back and kicking. It’s an excellent entry-level DAW with enough flexibility to handle bigger projects as you progress. It’s also a very quick and easy loop arranger type of program, as well as a very comfortable composing environment. There are very little distractions and hassles in comparison to bigger DAWs like Logic Pro and Cubase, and what’s more, ACID kills for remixing. You literally have to slice up and re-arrange the loops as you see fit! Very little menu diving or confusion of any sort. We think ACID is still relevant, and its latest incarnation is a wonderful means for younger producers to discover this genuinely nice piece of software.
Price and availability
ACID Pro 8 is available now, priced USD 150 and only on Windows. A free trial version can be downloaded. Additionally, there’s a subscription plan called ACID Pro 365. For USD 8 a month, you get ACID Pro 8, all future updates, full support and additional instruments & effects. Now here’s a DAW one can afford!
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