MachStudio Pro 2: realtime 3D graphics rendering, now 100% free

MachStudio Pro 2 is a powerful 3D visualization package that had hitherto cost $4000 but recently been released to the public absolutely free. Excellent news for anyone interested in architectural 3D graphics rendering or 3D animation.

This software emphasizes real-time graphics processing that leverage the horsepower of powerful graphics GPU’s (a 1 GB DirectX 11 compliant video card is the minimum requirement to run it). It promises to reduce render times times that would have taken days or hours to minutes or seconds, freeing the user to focus on the creative process itself; working with their graphics exactly as they would appear in the final output.

I am not a 3D artist, but coming across a program like this one makes me wish that I were. Although I did download the 500 meg+ program, looked at some tutorials, and downloaded and played with some assets, I am not qualified to review this programs and will not attempt to do so.

But the main concept behind MachStudio Pro 2 is this: with graphics cards getting ever more powerful, this program aims to harness that power to the best possible effect, making it easy for users to put their energy into the content they are creating rather than the process of 3D rendering, which is optimized for them and taken care of by the software. Matters like complex lighting, caustics, cameras, shaders, materials, ambient occlusion, and color grading can now be taken for granted as the user keeps the focus on the final product.

If you’re interested to see some of the professional 3D graphics generated by this software check out the professional showcase page and the MachStudio Pro YouTube channel.

Also, if you work with other free 3D graphics software and you end up trying this one I would love to hear from you.

Compatibility: minimum requirements Windows Vista Business (with DirectX 11) or Windows 7, 32 bit or 64 bit (a single installer will install appropriate version). Intel Pentium 4 or higher, AMD Athlon 64, or AMD Opteron processor; 2 GB RAM.

Minimum Graphics card: 1 GB DirectX 11 compliant video card (tested w/ ATI and NVIDIA).

Visit the program home page to download (appox. 504 megs).