AnalogMagik Version 2 is a Windows-based turntable cartridge calibration software designed by Richard H. Mak and a team of engineers. It is a natural continuation of Version 1 which seeks to improve turntable cartridge setup accuracy. It offers a scientific and repeatable method of calibrating every cartridge setup parameter, including:
Turntable Speed
Channel Balance
Azimuth / Vertical Tracking Angle / Stylus Raking Angle using 1 test track
Adjusting alignment to account for Zenith Angle imperfecitons
Anti-Skating
Optimizing Phono Stage Loading
Optimizing Phono Stage Gain Setting
Vertical Tracking Force
Measuring Vibrations
Determining Resonance Frequencies
AES Wow & Flutter
After you have performed a basic alignment on your turntable's cartridge using an appropriate alignment tractor, our software and Test LPs will attempt to optimize and fine-tune all the above setup parameters to achieve a more accurate analog cartridge setup.
Simply follow the onscreen instructions, and the program will guide you through all the test functions. It will also tell you what "optimal" numbers to look for, and what cartridge adjustments you need to make to get there.
AnalogMagik V2 comes with the software program, a USB license key, and 2 Test LPs (33 1/3 & 45 rpm). Please note that the Acoustical System SMARTractor is a separate tool which we recommend, but it is not part of the AnalogMagik product package.
AnalogMagik is designed to work with a Windows based Laptop, and and the ART PHONO PLUS souncard.
How is AnalogMagik different from other tools on the market?
Nearly all available tools on the market will fine tune only one or two specific parameters in isolation. For example, there many tools which will allow you to determine Azimuth, but they will leave out Anti-Skating, Vertical Tracking Angle, and Vertical Tracking Force. Users will have to resort to inconsistent and non-scientific methods to setup the rest of the parameters, leading to a sub-optimal setup.
How does AnalogMagik achieve an optimal setup?
We believe an optimal setup is one which allows for the accurate retrieval of recorded signals on an LP. This requires minimizing distortion levels in not just one, but ALL the setup parameters. Setup parameters such as VTA, VTF, Azimuth, Antiskating, etc........ They are all dependent and inter-related to each other, and no parameter can be optimized in isolation. A true optimal setup will find the optimal point which delivers low distortion numbers on not just one, but as many parameters as possible.
For example, assuming you discovered that the optimal Azimuth angle requires you to tilt the cartridge by 2 degree, but as a result, causes a degradation to VTA/SRA, Anti-Skating, and VTF readings, AnalogMagik will not consider this as the optimal setup. But if you tilt the cartridge by only 1 degree which causes a slight degradation to azimuth readings, but if this will improve VTA/SRA, VTF, and Antiskating readings, this in our opinion, is a more optimal setup because it takes into account multiple setup parameters as a whole, without over emphasizing on one specific parameter.
Only a tool which can perform scientific and repeatable methods on ALL parameters will allow you to do this, using a consistent method based on scientific measurements.
AnalogMagik Version 2 is the world's first and only software which allows users to measure Azimuth Left and Right channel, and VTA/SRA's Intermodulation Distortion analysis altogether in 1 single test track. Users can now perform 3 measurements using 1 single test track, in 1 go and on the fly!
What is the difference between
Version 1 and Version 2?
5 years into the release of version 1, we have gathered nemerous suggestions and feedback from users of Version 1. We listened to our customers and have added a number of new features into Version 2:
Mininum Gain level indicator
Channel Balance between Left and Right Channel
"Auto Stop" function, where AM2 will automatically stop collecting data when enough data has been collected to calculate results
Zenith Angle Function: Fine tunning of cartridge alignment angle to account for stylus zenith angle imperfections
Combined Azimuth measurement of both Left and Right channel at once using 1 test track
Combined Azimuth and VTA measurments of 3 test at once using 1 test track
Print Screen function
Before buying AnalogMagik V2, we recommend you to read the System Requirements, Will AnalogMagik work with my system?, FAQ and "Before Buying AnalogMagik" section of our website so that you understand what is required, and what is to be expected of AnalogMagik.
Unlike buying an Amplifier or a Speaker, AnalogMagik involves a steep learning curve on a difficult subject. Most users without turntable setup experience will need a crash course on the subject.
AnalogMagik - Not Just An Ordinary Distortion Analyzer
If you own hardware-based distortion analyzers or computer-based Oscilloscopes & Spectrum Analyzers, why do you need AnalogMagik?
Any distortion analyzer can compute data, you can probably duplicate some of our test functions using the myriads of computer and hardware-based analyzers out there. Many of them are free. However, all of them will lack the most important thing: the complex algorithm, proprietary filtering, and mathematical averaging required to analyze data coming from the TEST LPs designed to work with our algorithms. Knowing how to interpret such data in a meaningful way, is a very difficult task. An ordinary distortion analyzer does not have the appropriate filtering to deliver consistent and repeatable results. Just throw in a slightly warped record and your results will be off.
AnalogMagik contains proprietary complex algorithms built into the programming and specific settings to account for the following:
a proper sampling rate
a proper sampling period
complex filtering for noise, clicks & pops, and statics
complex mathematical averaging
incorporate the effects of warp records, and off-centered spindle holes
mathematical standard deviation
eliminate the detrimental effects of line electric noise
eliminate the effects of hum
Do not be surprised to see slightly different results when you use AnalogMagik vs other distortion analyzers. Our complex programming will greatly improve the accuracy and consistency of the results, which an ordinary distortion analyzer will not do for you. We have spent thousands of hours perfecting the special algorithm specifically designed to work with the signals on our test LPs. The tracks on the LP are also strategically located at certain locations optimized for certain signals.
In our laboratory, we have utilized $ 35,000 laboratory-grade hardware distortion analyzers to perform the same tests, but the results are less stable and less repeatable than AnalogMagik because the trick lies in the proprietary mathematical algorithms. Without them, you can spend hundreds of hours with an ordinary computer analyzer simply to establish a correlation.
In other words, we have done the hard work so that you won't have to.
AnalogMagik's 2 Test LPs - Both 33 1/3 rpm & 45 rpm
180G Virgin Vinyls
Why do we give you both a 33 1/3 rpm and a 45 rpm Test Lp? The forces experienced by a cartridge's stylus, is different under different turntable speeds. For example, under 45 rpm, the dragging force is greater than when under 33 1/3 rpm, which will cause the VTA/SRA angle to change ever so slightly. A faster speed will also increase Centripetal Force, which may require a slightly different Anti-skating as well as Azimuth setting.
For those with multiple tonearms and cartridges, a 45 rpm test LP will allow users to optimize a specific arm/cartridge combination to play 45 rpm records.
Our LPs are pressed with the highest quality 180G virgin vinyl. Please note, if you use other test LPs with a different thickness, it will give you different setup results on ALL parameters.
Establishing Correlation, & Obtaining
Meaningful Results
The most import element in cartridge setup is to establish a correlation between a change you make, versus the results displayed on screen, or an audible sonic change.
Some adjustment parameters involved highly sensitive measurements which are influenced by a number of factors which are beyond our control. Some parameters are highly sensitive to changes (such as Speed, Azimuth, or Wow & Flutter), while others do not always yield a strong correlation (VTA & VTF). This is highly dependent on cartridge quality, tonearm design, as well as the inherent noise level of the system.
AnalogMagik DOES NOT GUARANTEE meaningful results can be obtained in all parameters, but taken as a whole, if you can obtain meaningful results in as many of these parameters as possible, we believe it will result in a more accurate setup.
Detailed information has been provided on each of the program's test functions, we encourage you to read them carefully to understand the theory behind it, and the correlation each test function attempts to establish.
It is very common for users to discover very bad numbers to start, or they may be unable to establish a correlation with a parameter, this is normal. As you go through the test parameters to make fine adjustments, the numbers will begin to make sense. As you move closer to an accurate setup, the correlation becomes stronger. Sometimes this may take 3-5 hours.
Remember, AnalogMagik is a tool that tells you where your setup is at, it does not do the setup for you. Your setup skills and equipment quality will determine good or bad numbers.
Lastly, AnalogMagik is an ongoing project, we are constantly improving our website and program. We often make changes to improve our algorithms to increase the accuracy of test results. As we gather more user feedback resulting in positive changes to our algorithms, we will provide updates free of charge as long as it does not involve major programming changes.
We have created a series of free Turntable Cartridge Setup Video Tutorials which you guide you through the entire cartridge setup process using AnalogMagik V2, with new concepts which has never been introduced anywhere else. They will also give you some general information on how to use AnalogMagik. Our goal is to demistify the turntable cartridge setup process and to equip you with the right tools, you can be a setup guru!
FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE VIDEOS ANYWHERE YOU LIKE !
The AnalogMagik Software and Test LP Retail Box comes with:
1) AnalogMagik V2 Software Download Link & Soundcard Driver Download Link
2) USB License Key which you will need to operate the program
3) 2 Tests LPs (33 rpm & 45 rpm)
To operate the program, you will need a Windows Compatible Laptop and a Soundcard. The program is not an APP and it is not compatible with Apple Notebooks or handheld devices such as iPhone or Android phones.
The program will only run on a Windows-based program compatible with Win7 or above, not Apple, Chromebook, Linux or other operating systems. The Laptop will need 2 USB 2.0 or 3.0 input, one for the license key connection and one for the soundcard. If you only have 1 USB input, you can use a USB splitter bar or Y Splitter.
Will AnalogMagik work in my system?
Will AnalogMagik work with my system? Does it work with Tangental tonearms? How do I know AnalogMagik is accurate? Why should I use a distortion analyzer?
To answer these questions, please see the NEXT PAGE.
Laptop or Notebook requirements:
Please do not use 3rd party programs such to run AnalogMagik on an Apple Laptop. We strongly recommend using a dedicated laptop such as the Lenovo Ideapad which is often on sale on Bestbuy or Amazon for US$200-350. We do not recommend using old laptops or laptops which may have their sound configuration altered by unknown programs which may interfere with standard windows sound configurations.
We do not recommend Microsoft Surface or HP laptops. We have not tested the software on all the laptops on the market, but we have developed it on Lenovo Ideapad, so we strongly recommended a dedicated Lenovo Ideapad.
Due to the complexity of the computations, the intensiveness of CPU usage, you may encounter stalling or system hangups if you use a very old laptop for the task. In our own setup, we use a dedicated Lenovo notebook with nothing else but AnalogMagik installed.
Soundcard Requirement: You can purchase the soundcard from us or from Amazon HERE.
We have designed the program to work specifically with the ART Phono Plus sound card which you can purchase from us or from Amazon. We have tested the software on Lenovo Ideapad and the Art Phono Plus soundcards and it is a configuration which we are most comfortable with.
Those who buy AnalogMagik have probably invested a lot of money into their turntable and cartridges. Considering a Lenovo Laptop is only US$200 to $350, and an Art Phono Plus is only approx. US$100 from Amazon, we strongly recommend users to use this soundcard.
If you use any other soundcard, the program may not work or the results may not be accurate. We strongly discourage you from using any other soundcard, and we will not provide supoort for other soundcards.
Please note that the ART PHONO PLUS is a separate product, you are responsible for following the ART PHONO's instructions to get it to talk to your laptop. Please first contact ART PHONO for support if you run into connection issues between your laptop and the ART PHONO.
Basic Understanding of Windows Operation and Installation.
AnalogMagik requires users to have a basic understanding of Windows, general program, and soundcard installation. If you do not know how to use Windows, install drivers, or to get the soundcard to talk to Windows, please do not buy the program.
Windows is a Microsoft Product, and ART PRO PHONO is an ART PRO product, please contact Microsoft and ART PRO if you run into problems getting the soundcard to talk to windows.
AnalogMagik support begins AFTER your soundcard has established a signal connection between your laptop. We do not provide telephone step-by-step walk-through support on issues such as:
How to align a cartridge (Please see our support videos for this)
How to connect your cartridge to your phono stage
How to install a program or a driver on windows
Identify what is an input or the difference between XLR or RCA
Where is the START button on Windows.
What is a CONTROL PANEL on Windows.
How to get ART PHONO to talk to Windows (Please contact ART PRO for this).
AnalogMagik is an ongoing project, and we are constantly revising and improving on the measurement algorithms. Users will be provided with free updates periodically. Please remember to completely uninstall previous versions of the program before installing a new version.
Unless there are new functions added or significant changes made which require us to incur substantial investments, all updates will be provided for free to all customers.
AnalogMagik Support Expectation & Agreement:
Please note that support will only be provided to friendly customers with mutual respect. We will not tolerate verbal abuse, unreasonable expectations of 24/7 standby telephone support, or a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire turntable cartridge setup and program installation process.
We will answer all emails on a best effort basis, but customers which require basic step-by-step walk-through support on Windows, or Soundcard support beyond AnalogMagik, can purchase a support package. Please email to inquire.
We reserve the right to terminate support for customers who are rude, hostile, racist, or with a condescending attitude - All support services will be terminated.
Test LPs and USB License Key
We do not recommend using any other test LPs with the program as there are special algorithms embedded in our programming designed with special filters and averaging functions, designed only to work with the AnalogMagik Test LPs. The results may not be accurate with other 3rd party test LPs.
The USB License Key is required for the installation and operation of the program. We do not provide replacement license keys so please make sure you store the license key carefully, namely back to the lower corner of the LP box after each use.