
I previously commented about AnalogMagik version-1 in this post.
If you read between the lines, you would have been correct to infer that my response was lukewarm.
Privately, I advised my customers that I lamented the demise of Feickert's Adjust+ software which is much more user-friendly than AnaloMagik (both versions 1 and 2).
Version-2 the TL;DR
Version-2 receives a qualified recommendation.
We would be remiss to not mention that subscribers to our mailing list qualify for discounts on products in our Accessories section of our Products page (including AnalogMagik, Audiodesk record cleaners, the Feickert protractor, and more).
You'll also receive a download link to a sample setup report which documents our setup approach along with a tool section guide - including directions for building your own azimuth gauge, a parts list for purchasing a USB microscope and stand, and more.
A "subscribe" link is in the footer of every page on our site.
The details follow. You may want to brew a cup.

Was I Spoiled?
Some of my reticence with version-1 no doubt had to do with how much more user-friendly the Adjust+ is, and having used it for years, I’ve developed an efficient workflow with it.
Version-2 still requires considerable attention from the user (get out a pad and pencil) as it doesn't summarize the data for you. You need to observe and record variances in real-time; through the duration of a test track.
On the AnalogMagik website, they set expectations of a 5 hour setup process.
This may be fine for the hobbyist who sets up a cartridge once or twice a year, but try fitting 5-10 setups per week into your busy schedule if each setup takes this long.
Learning Curve
No doubt, my efficiency would have improved with practice, but there never seemed to be time for this. As I noted in my introductory post, my intent was to dig into version-1 to enforce experimental discipline - this, to better assess the worth of the version-2 upgrade.
The version-2 records sat on my shelf for nearly six months. The records waited ... and waited.
An Opportunity Presents Itself
Last month, setup of an Ikeda 9C-III passed my way. If you're unfamiliar with these cartridges, they have no cantilever, and this prompted me to install version-2 - to better assess the zenith setting. I could no longer wait to master version-1.
Note: while version-1 does not “officially” have a zenith function, you can work with the software to set it. Cumbersome as version-1 was in general, I found myself employing a similar zenith workaround with my Adjust+ software. The Adjust+ doesn't have a dedicated zenith function.
In any case, the dedicated zenith function in version-2 had my attention, and this was the opportunity to evaluate it.

Workflow - Microscopes Help

SRA referenced to 92 deg. angle
My workflow at present mirrors my Adjust+ method. After setting basic geometry with my protractor, I set SRA with a microscope. I do this before breaking out either the Feickert or AnalogMagik.
If your microscope technique needs improvement, this may not save you any time, but to this point, I’ve not had one instance where I had to correct the setting I established with the 'scope.
You can read more about SRA and record pressing variations in part-1 of this series.
Wack-a-Mole
Using the 'scope for SRA is a key element in my workflow, because iteratively working 3 variables (SRA, azimuth, zenith) can compound the difficulty in performing a setup.
The process devolves into a game of wack-a-mole in much the same way that using a two-point protractor can be ambiguous for many. A two-point protractor is very good at telling you that you’re “off”, but it takes a bit of practice to determine which of the three parameters (pivot-spindle, overhang, zenith) require correction.
Similarly, having to iterate back and forth between SRA, azimuth and zenith with AnalogMagik can be quite time consuming. In the setup reports I issue to my customers, I emphasize the interaction between all setup parameters. The AnalogMagik and Adjust+ display this in bold relief.
As we noted above, you’ll find a tool list (which includes a guide to microscopes) in the appendix of the sample downloadable setup report our mailing list subscribers have access to. None of these parts are sold by me, but I publish this bill of materials as a service to our customers.
Divide and Conquer
If your microscope technique is solid, you'll reduce the problem to two variables (azimuth and zenith) - simplifying the process. Note that I still verify my SRA with the A-M software while working through the setup. Some stylus profiles can be difficult to measure with a 'scope.
Soundcard and Computer Requirements
One thing I didn’t touch on previously is the recommended sound card - the ART USB Phono Plus. It’s much simpler to use than the Soundblaster card I had been previously using.
Soundblasters are geared towards gamers, and they require you to dive into the menus to disable various sound effects. The worst part of the Soundblaster cards is their instability. After every Windows update, I found myself menu diving to reestablish communication with the Adjust+ software.
Given the grief I experienced with the Soundblaster, I understand why the AnalogMagik crew is reluctant to be a Windows help desk.
The fact that they developed their own driver for the sound card is to be applauded however, and this is not an insignificant advantage over the Soundblaster sound cards.

Note that you're not limited to using the ART USB sound card, but it will simplify your life.
If you follow their installation sequence (loading the custom soundcard driver before installing the software), you should have no problem. Famous last words, I realize.
I frequently field questions about the “requirement” for a dedicated PC.
I agree that AnalogMagik should specify the system requirements (or at a minimum, recommended models). The good news however, is that I know of no one who has experienced the need for a dedicated laptop. Early on, I used a very old laptop (ca. 2015) which I wiped clean and reinstalled Windows on. It had plenty of processing power.
Am I a Believer?
With the demise of the Feickert Adjust+, you're left with no choice.
If you’ve spent multiple thousands on your cartridge, then using AnalogMagik to perform your setup will finally reveal its secrets. It won't be pain-free however, but it's the only game in town.
I'll cover other features along with tips and tricks in a follow-up post in part-3 of this series.