Is MixPad really free?
What is MixPad?
MixPad is an audio mixing and editing software developed by NCH Software. It allows users to record, edit, and mix audio files on their Mac or PC. MixPad was first released in 2004 and has gone through several iterations over the years. The latest version, MixPad 5.56, was released in 2021.
MixPad is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners. It provides a multi-track mixing interface that allows you to drag and drop audio clips onto different tracks. You can record vocals, instruments, and other audio directly into MixPad. The software includes editing tools like cut, copy, paste, and trim, allowing you to easily arrange your audio clips. MixPad also comes equipped with a library of sound effects and supports VST plugins for additional effects and instruments.
One of the standout features of MixPad is its versatility. It supports a wide range of audio formats including WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, and more. You can export your mixes in any of these formats or even extract the audio from video files. MixPad is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. There is also a free mobile app called MixPad Multi-Track that allows you to mix audio on your phone or tablet.
The Free Version of MixPad
The free version of MixPad comes with a robust set of features for basic multi-track audio mixing and editing. According to the MixPad website https://www.nch.com.au/mixpad/index.html, the free version includes unlimited track mixing, VST plugin support, audio effects like reverb, echo, and compression, and the ability to save mixes as MP3, WAV, or WMA files. Some key features of the free MixPad version include:
- Multi-track mixing and editing up to 64 tracks
- Support for common audio formats like MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA, AU, and more
- VST plugin support for adding effects and virtual instruments
- A library of built-in sound effects like reverb, echo, and compression
- Mastering tools like normalization and volume control
- Ability to share mixes directly to sites like YouTube and SoundCloud
So in summary, the free MixPad gives users a fully capable mixing studio for basic multi-track editing and mastering. The main limitations come in the form of restricted export options and lack of technical support compared to paid versions.
Limitations of the Free Version
The free version of MixPad has a number of limitations compared to the paid versions. One of the biggest limitations is the number of tracks available for mixing. The free version only allows for 10 tracks, while the paid versions offer 24-96 tracks depending on the version (Source).
The free version also does not include many of the advanced audio effects and plugins that come standard with the paid versions. Effects like reverb, echo, normalization, and mastering EQ can only be accessed in the paid versions (Source).
Additionally, the free version limits the ability to export finished mixes. You can only export mixes as .wav files in the free version, while the paid versions allow export as .mp3, .wma, and other popular formats.
Finally, the free version is limited to Windows operating systems. The paid versions are available for Mac, Android, and iOS as well (Source). So if you want to use MixPad on anything besides Windows, you need a paid version.
Paid Versions of MixPad
MixPad offers paid premium versions with additional features beyond the capabilities of the free download. There are three paid versions available: MixPad Masters Edition, MixPad MultiTrack, and MixPad Sound Effects (MixPad Multitrack Recorder Versions – NCH Software).
The MixPad Masters Edition provides advanced audio editing tools like frequency spectrum analysis, batch processing, audio repairing, and unlimited tracks. It also includes royalty-free sound effects and music loops. This version costs $74.99 as a one-time payment.
MixPad MultiTrack offers customizable shortcuts, low latency monitoring, and support for VST plugins. It costs $74.99 as a one-time fee.
The MixPad Sound Effects version includes additional royalty-free sound effects and music loops starting at $29.99.
All paid editions allow saving to YouTube and SoundCloud, have expanded export file type support, provide tech support and upgrades, and remove in-app advertisements.
Cost of Paid Versions
MixPad offers paid versions with additional features beyond the free version. There are three pricing tiers:
The Standard version costs $49 and adds support for more audio formats, unlimited tracks, pitch shifting, audio effects, and more. See https://www.goodfirms.co/software/mixpad for details on the Standard version.
The Pro version is priced at $99 and builds on the Standard version by adding automation, sidechaining, send tracks, and other advanced options suited for professional use. Check https://mixpad-software-mixer-audio-multitraccia.updatestar.com/ for the full feature set of the Pro version.
At the top end, the Masters version costs $249 and is designed for recording studios, offering unlimited tracks, advanced mastering tools, more plugin effects, and support. The Masters version aims to provide the full suite of mixing and mastering capabilities needed by professionals.
So in summary, MixPad offers three paid tiers scaling up in features and pricing from $49 to $249 to suit different users’ needs. The higher versions add advanced tools, effects, and customization for power users and recording studios.
Free vs Paid Version Comparison
The free version of MixPad allows users to record, mix, and edit audio files with basic functionality and limits. Some key differences between the free and paid versions include:
Tracks allowed – The free version is limited to 12 tracks per project, while paid versions allow for unlimited tracks (Buy MixPad).
Plugin support – The free MixPad does not support VST plugins, while the paid versions allow VST support for advanced editing and effects (Differences between free version & purchased version?).
Audio quality – The free version exports audio at 128kbps MP3 quality, while paid versions can export up to 320kbps MP3 quality for better sound (MixPad Reviews and Pricing).
Usage rights – The free version is for non-commercial use only. Paid licenses allow commercial use and monetization of projects.
The paid versions of MixPad offer more advanced features, flexibility, and quality for power users and professionals. However, the free version provides sufficient functionality for basic projects and non-commercial use.
Platform Availability
MixPad is available to download for free and/or purchase for the following platforms and devices according to the NCH Software website Download MixPad Now – PC or Mac:
- Windows PC
- Mac OS X
- iOS mobile app
- Android mobile app
- Kindle app
So in summary, MixPad can be used on desktop platforms like Windows and Mac OS, as well as mobile platforms like iOS and Android. The software is versatile in its availability across different devices and operating systems.
Ease of Use
Based on user reviews, MixPad is generally considered very easy to use, especially for beginner and intermediate users. Many reviews praise its intuitive interface and layout. According to one Amazon customer review, “Mixpad is great, easy to use, great sound, write files out no problem. Why use a four track or other when you can do all this on your laptop, love it.”
On Slashdot, another review states “Positive: Ease of use. No pushing you to buy all features work well. Simple clear but by no means lacking. Couldn’t ask for more.”
One Amazon reviewer says, “This mix pad recording studio is great. It comes with a lot of presets and easy to start. This program will walk you through the basics and lets you record your …”
Based on these and other reviews, MixPad seems to provide a user-friendly experience for home studio recording and mixing, with an interface that most users find intuitive and easy to navigate.
Audio Quality
According to user reviews, the audio quality of mixes exported from the free version of MixPad leaves much to be desired. Many users report issues with distortion, clipping, and loss of quality when exporting mixes as MP3 or other compressed formats. As one MixPad forum user noted, “When I try to export them (convert) to MP3 or wav files, the quality drops tremendously, and it seems like the places where multiple tracks overlap just become a distorted mess.” Source
The loss in quality seems to stem from limitations in the MP3 encoder included with the free version of MixPad. Upgrading to a paid version provides access to premium encoders that greatly improve exported audio quality. As per the MixPad support documentation, “The free version of MixPad limits exports to low quality MP3 and WAV files. To export high quality audio, you will need to purchase the full version.” Source
Overall, while MixPad’s free mixing capabilities are quite robust, you’ll need to upgrade to preserve audio quality when exporting your final mixes. The premium encoders in the paid versions deliver excellent quality MP3, WAV, and other audio file exports.
Final Verdict
In summary, MixPad can be considered a free music creation and audio editing software, but the free version does have some limitations. The free version provides enough features for basic audio editing and music production, including multi-track mixing, audio effects, and export options. However, certain advanced features like pitch shifting, removals, some plugin effects, and stem export are only available in the paid versions.
For non-professional and hobbyist use, the free version of MixPad should suit most basic needs. But musicians, podcasters, or audio production professionals would benefit from unlocking the full capabilities with a paid subscription or lifetime purchase. While the free version is quite capable, the limitations may be frustrating if trying to produce highly polished and complex audio projects.
Overall, MixPad does deliver a surprisingly full-featured free offering while still pushing users to upgrade for more advanced functionalities. For simpler projects, MixPad’s free version provides enough to get started without payment. But investing in a paid version unlocks MixPad’s full potential for limitless audio production and editing.