Review: Maxwell Render 4

The latest version of Maxwell produces beautiful results without the speed hit. Could it be the new king of the renderers?

Our Verdict

Not much has changed, but the addition of Multilight and GPU rendering mean that Maxwell 4 ought to be your new go-to renderer.

For

  • Choice of CPU or GPU for rendering
  • Multilight for re-lighting
  • New searchable materials library
  • Multiple host support

Against

  • No GPU rendering support for Mac

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Maxwell Render has long had a reputation for its high-quality results, but at the expense of speed. However, this latest version demonstrates that Next Limit has listened to its users, adding major speed enhancements alongside many other changes. 

The majority of time lost while working on a CG project is usually down to test renders, either looking at lighting or checking materials. In recent times, a couple of different solutions to this have arisen.

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The Verdict
8

out of 10

Review: Maxwell Render 4

Not much has changed, but the addition of Multilight and GPU rendering mean that Maxwell 4 ought to be your new go-to renderer.

Rob Redman

Rob Redman is the editor of 3D World and ImagineFX magazines and has a background in animation, visual effects, and photography. As a 3D artist he created the mothership in the Webby winning Plot Device and was animator on the follow-up; Order up. He has created training for Cinema 4D and Blackmagic Design Fusion artists. He's been a published product and food photographer since the age of 15. As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Rob is also an avid beard grower.

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