I've been using Magix Audio Cleaning Lab (ACL) since it first came out. Like the old VW Beetle, development of ACL has been evolutionary versus revolutionary. Like the Beetle, they got it pretty spot-on the first time around.
If you have vinyl or tape you'd like to digitize, restore and potentially improve the sound of then ACL Mx is probably the best consumer-grade software made to do this ...bar none. To get software with higher capabilities you'd need to spend hundreds, if not more, for pro-grade audio restoration software.
Nothing is free ...and in this case the "cost" for the magic of Magix ACL Mx comes with having to *read* the quite extensive manual you print once the software is loaded. You need to learn the software. To get the very best results (and they are very good indeed) you have to be willing to read and understand how the various functions work (especially the noise removal functions) and be willing to manually set some parameters (again mostly noise removal) as opposed to letting the "automatic" features take reign. So if you're already thinking "Eeeewww ...I have to read!" or getting a headache thinking about technical tweaking then do yourself a favor and pass up on ACL Mx. You'll buy it, get ticked off 'cause it's not a one-button instantaneous fix or because the results you get ...by letting the software make decisions/adjustment for you ...aren't what you imagined. And then you'll come here and wrongly bad-mouth the software.
If on the other hand you're willing to learn the software, understand its features, how to use them effectively and you're willing to experiment a bit to get yourself up to speed ...then you'll find you can do some very nice restoration work on your old vinyl or tapes.
Now understand *no* consumer-grade audio restoration software is gonna turn that supremely scratched up 45 year-old copy of In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida you played non-stop on your cheapo turntable (the one you had to put a quarter on the needle so it would play the record) while using recreational ...well, you know ...no, ACL Mx will not turn it back into a pristine like-new recording. There's only so much this software can do ...but hey, give it a try you might be surprised.
Overall this latest version of ACL is a continuation of the evolutionary development of the software. If you're a long time user there's nothing radically different from any previous versions. If you're considering this software for the first time it's highly capable and you can get exceptionally good results ...especially considering its price. Don't let the learning curve scare you away. The curve is not that steep (this is not like learning PhotoShop) and with a little practice you'll be getting good results.
MAGIX Audio Cleaning Lab MX [Download]
3.8 | 28 ratings
Price:
Last update: 09-18-2024
About this item
This audio editing software offers a wide range of easy-to-use, effective tools and functions for editing, optimizing and converting all kinds of audio material as well as voice recordings.
Quickly and easily enhance the quality of your favorite songs, voice recordings or any other audio footage.
Fully automatic assistants as well as step-by-step wizards guide you through the editing process and ensure perfect sound cleaning.
Choose from more than 60 brand new helpful presets for fast and effective sound optimization and let the program do the work for you.
Make noise visible with the integrated direct spectral cleaning feature. The spectral view displays the track's frequencies. You will immediately recognize specific noises such as clapping and coughing and can seamlessly remove them from your recording.
Quickly and easily enhance the quality of your favorite songs, voice recordings or any other audio footage.
Fully automatic assistants as well as step-by-step wizards guide you through the editing process and ensure perfect sound cleaning.
Choose from more than 60 brand new helpful presets for fast and effective sound optimization and let the program do the work for you.
Make noise visible with the integrated direct spectral cleaning feature. The spectral view displays the track's frequencies. You will immediately recognize specific noises such as clapping and coughing and can seamlessly remove them from your recording.
Top reviews from the United States
Mike
Like a Beetle.
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2013E. Sims
Update as Good as Previous Version
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2013I. M. Listening
Good Product
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2012MassSound
Audio Cleaner
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2014