Last updated on December 6th, 2024 at 09:46 am
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Starting to use a projector for sewing doesn’t have to be expensive! This Magcubic projector review shows you how a budget projector can be just the right fit for your sewing room!
Sewing spaces are different from movie watching spaces. You don’t have an entire room to project a large image. Most sewists are limited by the distance from their ceiling to cutting table.
I’m constantly on the lookout for projectors that can focus in closer ranges and that create a decent size for sewing. The Magcubic projector checks all the right boxes and is available in multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Let’s take a deeper dive!
Magcubic
The Magcubic projector is a small, low-cost projector that is a great option for sewing. The 0.9 throw ratio creates large image sizes in a short distance, making it a great choice for a variety of sewing setups.
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Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
The Magcubic is an impressive budget projector with a great short-throw lens. It is a low-cost projector that is small and lightweight. The image size is outstanding and the brightness is best for dim environments.
The Magcubic projector will make a great addition to most sewing rooms and setups.
Throw Ratio and Image Size
Short-throw projectors are any projector that has a throw ratio below 1.0. The Magcubic projector has a 0.9 throw ratio.
The chart below will show you the approximate size image you can get with the Magcubic projector. But, you can also use the formula to determine the image width.
Throw distance ÷ Throw Ratio = Image Width
To account for mounting space, subtract about 9” (23cm) from your ceiling distance. This will give you the lens-to-table distance.
This table will also give you an idea of what to expect!
*All dimensions are approximate, actual sizes may vary slightly. The dimensions are based on a 0.9 throw ratio and 16:9 aspect ratio.
Features:
Native Resolution: 720 pixels (great for sewing projectors)
Keystone: Auto keystone correction or Manual-Feature that is typically not included in lower end projectors.
Streaming Apps: not needed for sewing, but includes Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more streaming apps.
Throw ratio: 0.9
Weight: 1.46lbs (0.662Kg)
Connections: HDMI, USB, Miracast, Airplay, DLNA-Apps from the app store need to be downloaded onto the projector to use Miracast and Airplay.
Ease of Calibration
The auto keystone correction on this projector worked surprisingly well! The screen was automatically adjusted to a mostly perfect rectangle.
From there, I connected the projector to my computer and used Pattern Projector to calibrate. Within a few minutes calibration was complete and I was ready to sew my first project on the Magcubic HY300 projector.
Brightness and Contrast
The brightness and contrast are areas where this projector really didn’t impress me, but what can you expect from a budget projector? During the review, I tested the Magcubic to have about 79.5 Lux Lumens. (Yoton projector with about 73.5 Lux lumens and 129 lux lumens for the Vivimage Explore 2).
I was able to see lines with some light in the room, but you will have better results with a dim room. The photo below shows a pattern projected in a dark room.
Connectivity
The Magcubic has all the connections you can want including HDMI and screen mirroring for computers, tablets, and phones.
In the app store, you will need to download the Miracast app to connect to Windows computers and Android devices. If you are using an Apple device, you will need to download the AirPin app in the app store on the projector. Both of these apps are free.
Once I downloaded the apps and connected my device, the screen was responsive and the connection worked well.
Body Design
The Magcubic projector is compact and circular. The angle of the projector can be tilted, but the increments are not precise. However, the keystone can be adjusted if you can’t find the perfect position.
The projector is designed to be placed on a table without the need for mounting. But, there is also a mounting hole on the bottom of the stand.
This can be mounted in a variety of ways for projecting onto fabric. Make sure to checkout the section on mounting to see examples!
Recommendation
The Magcubic makes a fabulous sewing projector! The large image size is the best feature of this projector! The compact size and auto keystone features are great for a variety of sewing projector setups!
I do recommend having a dim environment, working at night, or having curtains on large windows for the best experience. Direct light or posting the projector very far from your cutting surface will make it more difficult to see the pattern lines.
If you want a great image size in a projector on a budget, then this is the projector for you!
Mount Recommendations
Typically this projector should be mounted directly above the center of the cutting surface. But, the ability to tilt the projector in the stand and use keystone correction make other projector setups an option!
Tripods, desk clamp mounts, tension rod, ceiling, and wall mounts will all work for this projector!
*If you want to mount it on the wall, your table should be against the wall too!
It has a single mounting ¼” point on the back.
Tension rod and tripod mounts do not need an extension arm for this projector. Mount the projector and point it to your cutting mat. Let the auto keystone work it’s magic! You can also adjust the keystone manually if you need.
One of the most popular way to mount this projector is using the custom mount sold here on Projector Sewing! This mount is attached to the ceiling above your table and the projector is attached to the mount. The projector can be easily taken on and off the mount if you decide to use it for a movie night.
Remember if you choose to take down and setup your projector each time you sew, you will need to “re-calibrate” the projector. But, with Pattern Projector or Project & Cut the process is quick and simple!
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Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Custom sewing projector mount for ceiling mounted projectors. Fits most mini projectors recommended for sewing!
Alternative Projectors to the Magcubic
Looking for an alternative to the Magcubic? The closest option to this projector is the Yoton (or Akiyo) and a great alterative. The image will not be as large since the Yoton has a throw ratio of 1.2.
There are many other similar looking projectors available online. Most of them have similar features, but others that I tested had lagging and slow operating software. If you can’t find the Magcubic in stock, you can try a similar one. Make sure to test out the operating system on the projector during the return window! On I tested was the Polosch. Many features were the same, but the projector menu was often unresponsive.
The Magcubic also has a HY320 model. This model is 1080p native resolution and costs a little bit more. The HY320 model is not wireless, so you will need to use a cable to connect to your device or add your own casting device to it. The HY320 model also doesn’t have a mounting hole on the bottom which makes finding a mounting solution for sewing more difficult.
Have more in the budget? Check out these awesome options for short-throw projectors.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative to Magcubic (HY320) Wired |
$89.99
$80.99 |
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Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sewing projector that produces a large image and works for most sewing spaces, than the Magcubic is the one for you!
- 【The Freestyle Projector】Magcubic latest…
- 【WiFi6 & BT 5.0 Video Projector】Magcubic…
- 【Auto Keystone Correction】 The HY300 mini…
- 【Multifunctional Smart Projector】 This…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just fyi, the HY320 wired projector does not have a hole in the base for mounting. I’m still tempted by their claim of brighter light. So I might try and figure out how to rig it up to my ceiling anyway.
That’s odd that they don’t have a mounting hole for the HY320. Thanks for the heads up!