The MAGIX experiment detects scattered or produced particles using a pair of identical magnetic spectrometers that can rotate around the target's center. These spectrometers consist of a quadrupole, followed by two dipole magnets, that focus particles of different momenta to separate positions in the focal plane, which is horizontally oriented due to the special shape of the magnet's pole pieces. Due to the well-known magneto-optics of the spectrometers, the coordinates at the interaction point can be accurately calculated from the measured coordinates (impact position and impact angles) in the focal plane using a tracking detector. A set of high resolution gas detectors is used for that purpose.

The two spectrometers, located on opposite sides of the beam line, can rotate independently around a common pivot point, allowing a wide angular range from 15° to 165° with respect to the beam line. Directly connected to the scattering chamber, they share the same vacuum as the target, minimizing the material for scattered particles to cross before detection.