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Magix
Magix
Magix
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Magix Software GmbH (or simply Magix, stylized in all caps) is a German software company specializing in video editing, audio editing, DAW and photo slideshow software.[1] The company is based in Berlin, with locations in Madison, Wisconsin, Dresden and Lübbecke, as well as Huizen in the Netherlands.[2]

Key Information

Product history

[edit]

In 1994, the first edition of Magix Music Maker was released.[3] Starting in 1996, the Magix product range was extended to include software for designing, editing, presenting and archiving photos and videos[clarification needed]. Magix products and services were first offered in other European countries and the USA starting in 1997.[citation needed]

In 1997, the first video editing software by the company, Magix Movie Edit Pro (also known as "Magix Video Deluxe" in Europe), was released.[4] In 2002, the first version of Magix Photos on CD & DVD (now known as "Magix Photostory Deluxe") was released. This program is for creating photo slideshows.

Magix has also released VR video editing software and several Android mobile apps (Camera MX, Acid Beatbox, Looply for music, video editing and animation for younger audiences).

In May 2016, Magix acquired Vegas Pro, Movie Studio, Sound Forge and ACID Pro from the Sony Creative Software product range.[5][6]

In May 2018, private equity firm Capiton announced that it had acquired a majority stake in Magix Software GmbH together with its management.[7][8]

In 2023, Magix filed for insolvency and in 2025, VEGAS Creative Software and Magix Software GmbH were acquired by RM Equity Partners.[9]

Product overview

[edit]
Video Editing
VEGAS Pro
Video Pro X
Magix Movie Edit Pro (Video Deluxe)
Vegas Movie Studio
Fastcut
Video Easy
Music Production & Editing
Music Maker
SOUND FORGE
ACID Pro
Music Maker Jam
Photo & Graphic Designing
Photo Manager Deluxe
Photostory Deluxe
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer
Page & Layout Designer
Designer Pro X
Web Designer

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Magix

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
MAGIX Software is a German multinational software company founded in 1993, specializing in applications for , audio production, photo management, , and web services. Originating from a collaboration between developers in and entrepreneurs in , the company began with the launch of its flagship product, Music Maker, derived from the Samplitude audio algorithm. Over its more than 30 years of operation, MAGIX has evolved from a startup into a global provider serving 35 million users and thousands of broadcasting companies, with offices in , the , , and other locations across , , and . Following insolvency proceedings in 2023, the company was acquired by RM Equity Partners in January 2025. The company employs approximately 200 staff (as of 2025) and focuses on innovative, award-winning software solutions that support creative workflows for storytelling, brand promotion, and digital media production, including cloud-based tools integrated with platforms like and optimized for hardware from partners such as , , , Acer, and . Key products include the professional video editing suite , audio editing tools like and , digital audio workstations such as Samplitude and Sequoia, and consumer-oriented applications for music creation and photo slideshows. These solutions have been utilized in high-profile projects, including Oscar-winning films and chart-topping music releases, emphasizing both traditional desktop software and cross-platform apps for movies, podcasts, and soundtracks.

Company Overview

Founding and Headquarters

Magix Software was founded in as a firm specializing in applications. The company originated from a collaboration between West German entrepreneurs Jürgen Jaron and Dieter Rein, and East German developers Tilman Herberger and Titus Tost from , forming a that bridged post-reunification divides in the early . This partnership leveraged the developers' expertise in advanced mathematical algorithms for audio processing, initially adapting professional tools for broader accessibility. Initial operations were based in , , where the company established its presence amid the burgeoning sector. From the outset, Magix adopted a centered on delivering affordable, user-friendly software to both consumer and professional markets, emphasizing ease of use over complex professional workflows. As of 2025, Magix maintains its headquarters in at Quedlinburger Straße 1, continuing to serve as the central hub for its global operations.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Magix Software operates as a () under German law, with its headquarters in , . The company maintains a structure that includes domestic branches in and Lübbecke, alongside international subsidiaries to support global operations, including a U.S. entity and an office in . Historically, Magix began as a privately held entity founded in 1993, later receiving investment from Capiton AG starting in 2018. Following financial challenges, the company filed for insolvency in 2023, leading to a restructuring process. In early 2025, RM Equity Partners, an investment firm based in Ruggell, Liechtenstein, acquired Magix Software GmbH through its affiliate Erento GmbH, marking a shift to private equity ownership and enabling post-insolvency recovery. As of 2025, the leadership team is headed by Robert Rutkowski, who was appointed CEO following the acquisition to oversee strategic growth in digital media tools. Gary Rebholz serves as for Video, bringing over two decades of experience with the company's VEGAS product line. The executive team also includes Tom Sperner as Chief Marketing Officer, Konrad Cerny as , and Niko Poljansek as . The company employs over 350 people across its operations as of 2025, supporting development and distribution of software worldwide. This workforce is distributed among its German headquarters and international locations to facilitate localized support and innovation.

Historical Development

Early Years and Initial Products

Magix originated in the post-reunification era of Germany, a time of rapid technological integration and economic transformation following the fall of the in 1989. Founded in 1993 in through a pivotal collaboration between two developers from in the former and two entrepreneurs from , the company was established to make advanced tools accessible to everyday users, capitalizing on the burgeoning digital . Responding to the surge in digital multimedia technologies during the mid-1990s, Magix prioritized consumer-oriented software that simplified complex audio production. The company's inaugural product, Music Maker, was launched in 1994 as an entry-level derived from the professional Samplitude software, which had been developed earlier by one of the founders. This adaptation allowed non-professionals to compose, edit, and mix music using intuitive loops and effects, marking Magix's debut in the competitive consumer software market. The company quickly pursued international growth within , with products first becoming available in additional European countries by 1997. During these formative years, Magix encountered significant challenges, including the need to differentiate in a landscape increasingly dominated by established players like , whose professional tools such as —released in 1991—were setting standards for and .

Expansion and Key Milestones

In the early 2000s, Magix marked a pivotal diversification from its audio-focused origins by launching , including the introduction of tools such as Movie Studio in 2001/2002, which introduced comprehensive tools for consumer video production and . This expansion enabled Magix to address the growing demand for accessible solutions, integrating video capabilities with existing audio and photo tools to create unified workflows for users. In 2006, Magix AG went public on the , marking a significant milestone in its growth, before delisting in 2014. By 2010, Magix had achieved significant global , including entry into the U.S. and European markets in the late 1990s, and Asian markets in the 2000s, supporting a broader international user base through localized offerings and distribution networks. Magix established key partnerships with hardware manufacturers, offering special OEM versions of its software for integration into suites and devices, enhancing compatibility and bundled offerings for end-users. These collaborations, ongoing since the , allowed Magix to embed its tools in hardware ecosystems, facilitating seamless creation on devices. In 2018, Magix celebrated its 25th anniversary, highlighting two and a half decades of with over 350 employees across offices in , the , and , reflecting substantial growth in its operational scale and product development. This milestone underscored the company's evolution into a leading multimedia software provider, with a portfolio spanning video, audio, and photo editing tools developed over the years.

Acquisitions and Recent Changes

In 2016, MAGIX acquired key product lines from Sony Creative Software, including the full Vegas Pro, Movie Studio, Sound Forge Pro, and ACID Pro suites, which were subsequently rebranded and integrated into MAGIX's multimedia portfolio to expand its professional video and audio editing offerings. The accelerated demand for remote creative tools, contributing to significant user growth in the music and video production software markets, where increased home-based content creation drove adoption of platforms like those offered by MAGIX. Following financial challenges, MAGIX filed for in December 2023 and pursued restructuring under self-administration, culminating in its acquisition by RM Equity Partners in early 2025. This transaction, managed through RM Equity's affiliate Erento , appointed Robert Rutkowski as CEO and directed investments toward scaling digital operations, including subscription-based SaaS models and cross-platform application development to support the . By mid-2025, these changes enabled key milestones, such as the integration of advanced AI features across MAGIX's software lineup—including speech-to-text transcription, automatic subtitle generation, realistic voiceovers, and style transfer effects in products like Video deluxe 2025 and Movie Studio 2025—powered by cloud-based services from Microsoft's Azure Cognitive Services. This shift emphasized cloud-enhanced functionalities to improve accessibility and efficiency for users transitioning to hybrid workflows.

Product Portfolio

Video Editing Solutions

Magix offers a range of solutions tailored to different user levels, from professional filmmakers to hobbyists, emphasizing intuitive workflows and advanced capabilities. The flagship product, , is a professional-grade non-linear editor designed for complex projects such as feature films, commercials, and broadcast content. It features a multi-track timeline that supports unlimited video, audio, and effects tracks, enabling precise layering and synchronization for intricate edits. also provides native 8K video support, allowing smooth playback and rendering of high-resolution footage with for efficient handling of demanding workflows. For consumer users, Movie Edit Pro serves as an accessible entry point, prioritizing ease-of-use with a dual-mode interface that includes a simple for quick assemblies and a full timeline for detailed adjustments. This software supports basic to intermediate editing tasks, such as trimming clips, applying transitions, and adding titles, making it suitable for beginners creating home videos or content without a steep . Magix's video editing portfolio evolved significantly following its 2016 acquisition of the Vegas product line from Creative Software, which integrated the established into its ecosystem and spurred ongoing development. By 2025, updates in 23 introduced AI-driven stabilization to reduce camera shake in footage automatically, alongside enhanced tools featuring a unified panel with color wheels, curves, and HDR support for professional corrections. These advancements build on earlier versions, incorporating a new Core Engine that accelerates color processing up to four times faster. Integration with web services enhances collaboration and distribution in both VEGAS Pro and Movie Edit Pro, including VEGAS Hub for and project backups, as well as direct exporting to platforms like and for seamless sharing. VEGAS Pro Connect further facilitates team workflows by allowing remote feedback and file exchanges.

Audio and Music Production Tools

Magix offers a range of audio software tailored for both professional and entry-level users, emphasizing tools for recording, editing, and music creation. The company's audio lineup includes advanced editors for precise and manipulation as well as intuitive platforms for loop-based song assembly, supporting workflows from studio mastering to casual beatmaking. SOUND FORGE serves as Magix's flagship professional audio editor, renowned for its capabilities in high-resolution recording, editing, and mastering. It supports up to 64-bit/768 kHz, enabling detailed waveform analysis and processing for audio professionals and content creators. Key features include spectral editing through integration with SpectraLayers Pro 11, which allows for visual frequency-based repairs and creative in the Pro 18 Suite edition. The software also provides robust plugin support via VST and ARA2 compatibility, incorporating high-quality tools such as iZotope 11 Elements for mastering and Celemony Melodyne essential 5.3 for pitch correction. In contrast, Music Maker targets hobbyists and beginners with a user-friendly interface for loop-based music composition. It features drag-and-drop workflows, over 260,000 sounds organized into genre-specific Soundpools, and virtual instruments like the VITA series—including Cinematic Synth and Concert Grand—for quick track building without prior experience. The 2026 edition introduces enhanced loop browsing, effects chain presets, and Beatbox Pro 3 for custom drum patterns, making it accessible for creating full songs in four simple steps. Magix acquired from Creative Software in May 2016, gaining ownership of the Pro and Audio Studio product lines to expand its offerings. Since the acquisition, enhancements have focused on AI-driven tools and expanded compatibility; for instance, the 2025 Pro 18 update added text-to-speech synthesis in over 100 languages and integration with Storyblocks for royalty-free assets. ACID Pro 11 is another key offering, a loop-based (DAW) designed for creative music production. It enables users to compose, arrange, record, mix, and master tracks with flexible sample and loop manipulation, innovative effects like , and support for multitrack editing, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals in electronic and beat-driven genres. In 2025, Samplitude and Sequoia, previously part of the Magix portfolio, were acquired by . Samplitude Pro 2025 is a professional DAW featuring object-based editing, multitrack recording, and advanced mixing tools, with recent updates including improved workflow efficiency and support for immersive audio. Sequoia 17 serves broadcast and mastering professionals, offering high-precision tools for , handling, and integration with industry standards like ADM for immersive formats. Complementing its desktop tools, Magix provides cross-platform mobile apps for audio production, such as Music Maker JAM, a free beatmaker available on Android and . This app enables users to remix tracks using loops from various genres, with in-app purchases for additional sound packs, supporting on-the-go creation of beats and songs.

Photo and Graphic Design Software

Magix's photo and graphic design software portfolio centers on the Xara brand, which provides integrated tools for , image manipulation, and layout creation tailored to both professional and hobbyist users. Xara Designer Pro+ serves as the flagship application, combining capabilities with advanced photo editing features in a single platform. It supports quick vector drawing using tools like QuickShape and freehand options, along with effects such as blending, transparency, feathering, and 3D extrusion for creating scalable illustrations suitable for print and . For photo editing, the software includes non-destructive tools like Magic Erase for removing unwanted elements, background removal, color selection, and intelligent that adjusts aspect ratios without , enabling efficient upscaling and enhancement of images while maintaining quality and reducing file sizes by up to 10 times. Complementing the pro-level tool, Xara Photo & Graphic Designer+ offers an affordable entry point for users focused on web and projects. This suite provides comprehensive functions, including real-time scaling, rotation, red-eye removal, shadow and highlight adjustments, and one-click enhancements via an integrated photo tool. It also incorporates vector drawing elements, such as SmartShapes and bitmap tracing to convert raster images into editable vectors, alongside live effects for artistic transformations like or caricatures. The software supports multi-layer compositions and plug-ins, making it versatile for creating graphics for websites, brochures, and without requiring advanced programming knowledge. Magix has developed tools under the Xara umbrella since the early , with Xara Web Designer+ emerging as a key product launched in to simplify no-code creation. This tool evolved from earlier Xara roots dating back to the , but its web-focused iteration under Magix ownership since 2007 emphasizes drag-and-drop interfaces, responsive templates, and SEO controls like meta titles, descriptions, and canonical tags. Users can build sites with modular blocks, flex layouts for mobile adaptability, and optimized handling, supporting self-hosted fonts and integrations for forms and payments. For consumer photo projects, Photostory Deluxe 2025 allows users to create animated slideshows from photos and videos, featuring one-click , customizable effects and transitions, and sound integration, and animated travel routes via MAGIX Travel Maps. It supports intuitive workflows for adding texts, titles, and professional enhancements, ideal for personal mementos and storytelling. In 2025, Magix introduced updates across its Xara photo and graphic lineup, enhancing mobile compatibility through improved responsive design features and integrating via Xara Cloud for seamless access to templates, assets, and collaborative editing. These enhancements, including version 25's modular website blocks and smoother document layouts with advanced tables, allow for better cross-device workflows and real-time sharing of designs.

Market Impact and Reception

Awards and Industry Recognition

Magix software has been instrumental in numerous high-profile productions, contributing to Oscar-winning films and Grammy-winning musical projects, underscoring its professional-grade capabilities in multimedia editing. The company's Next earned a for the NAMM TEC Awards in the Workstation /Recording Devices category in 2020, recognizing its innovative audio separation powered by zynaptiq® STEM MAKER. SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 14 received Videomaker's Editor's Choice award as the best enthusiast , praised for its comprehensive tools in recording, editing, and effects processing. In 2024, awarded Magix Sequoia Pro a 4.0 rating, highlighting it as the industry standard for mixing and mastering classical recordings, live broadcasts, and distribution. Magix has accumulated over 1,100 awards across its product innovations, reflecting sustained industry endorsement for its video, audio, and photo editing solutions.

User Community and Criticisms

Magix boasts a global user base exceeding 35 million individuals, encompassing a diverse range of creative professionals and enthusiasts who utilize its multimedia tools for video, audio, and photo editing projects. This adoption reflects the company's position as a mid-tier alternative to dominant platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer, particularly appealing to semi-professionals seeking cost-effective, feature-rich solutions without the enterprise-level complexity. With its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, Magix maintains a particularly strong foothold in Europe, where it supports thousands of broadcasting companies and creative teams through localized products and partnerships. The Magix thrives through official platforms like the magix.info forums and dedicated sections, enabling users to share knowledge, troubleshoot issues, and access step-by-step guides for software integration and best practices. These resources promote and have sustained engagement among a broad spectrum of users, from hobbyists to production teams. Brief praise for intuitive product features, such as streamlined editing workflows in , often emerges in community discussions as a key draw for this demographic. Criticisms of Magix have intensified following the company's filing in December 2023 and its acquisition by RM Equity Partners in early 2025, which prompted a pivot toward subscription-based licensing for select products like Pro 365. Users have voiced concerns over this shift from traditional perpetual licenses, arguing it increases long-term costs and limits flexibility for non-professional creators. Additionally, recurring reports highlight stability issues in software updates, including crashes and compatibility problems with newer hardware, which have eroded trust among long-time users despite ongoing efforts to address them through patches. In August 2025, Magix sold its professional audio products Sequoia, Samplitude, and Music Studio to , further reshaping its portfolio and drawing mixed reactions from the audio production community. While some users welcomed potential specialized development under the new owner, others expressed concerns over product integration, support continuity, and the fragmentation of Magix's ecosystem.

References

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  3. https://www.russmediaequitypartners.com/news/rm-equity-partners-acquires-magix-software-gmbh-and-appoints-a-new-management-team-led-by-robert-rutkowski
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  9. https://www.mainsights.io/ma-news/rm-equity-partners-acquires-magix-software-a-video-and-music-editing-software-company-backed-by-capiton-since-2018-which-filed-for-insolvency-in-2023
  10. https://www.lincolninternational.com/transactions/magix-software-has-been-sold-to-rm-equity-partners/
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