MiXimum

Behind every audio masterpiece there is a specialized computer application that helped assemble it. MiXimum is one of them and promises to deliver a complex environment in which you can test out you music mixing skills.

The application's interface is fitted with an abundance of sliders and knobs, each having a different effect on the result. Available tools are stored in tabs and you can choose a list mode, wave, vinyl or console.

You can create a playlist and quickly select songs you want to mix. Two audio files can be simultaneously loaded, each with its own playback options and volume sliders. Several preset effects are available to choose from and you can bring up an equalizer to further enhance sound.

Even though you find tools for nearly any adjustment you need to make, the overall design leaves a little something to be desired. Too much color tends to be confusing and unless using the help manual you might end up not knowing what each function does.

The only way to save a copy of your jam session is to use the integrated recorder. The newly created file is automatically stored in the active playlist, with a message box telling you where to find in on your computer, but no option to open the location or choose another directory.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that MiXimum wants to make music mixing feel fun, but it only manages to do the contrary. Items in the user interface are hard to spot and use, with each element having a different color, creating only confusion. It's only good if there's nothing else to use.