- Dan Lister
We've been using Logic Pro for a good few years now. Over 7 to be exact. We first started using Cubase but after making the move to Mac OS, we switched to Logic Pro. The new version of Logic Pro X has been 6 years in the making and for what we've used in the new version, Logic Pro X is a welcomed upgrade. After using Logic Pro X for a few weeks, we've already been presented with two new versions since the initial launch. It's great to Apple updating the app frequently as Logic Pro wasn't updated enough. New features include things such as Track Stacks, Drummer, Drum Kit Designer, Retro Synth, Arpeggiator and more powerful tools such as Flex Editor and Smart Controls.
Drummer
Drummer brings a virtual professional drummer to your Logic project. We've been using Drummer to quickly record ideas or help new artists lay down parts of their song. With 4 styles and around 5 different drummers for each style, you get a wide variety of beats and parts. Once you've laid down your parts, Logic allows you to tweak each region. You can change a region's complexity or loudness. You can also make the snare and bass drum follow other instruments. For example, we tend to let each region follow the bass guitar. Not happy with the drum sound but you've achieved the perfect drum region? With Drummer, you can convert each region to MIDI to route through other instruments.
Mixer Signal Path
Logic's mixer has been completely redesigned. Apple have simplified the track mixer and have made it much more logically. The signal path of each track now represents the order of each track's inputs, effects, sends and outputs. The allows producers and engineers to understand their project easier and make amendments. Adding a new send to the tracks and having it displayed at the correct position within the signal path lets you understand how it will affect your sound.
Track Stacks
Track stacks allow produces to group multiple tracks together so that sounds can be combined from multiple instruments from a single input. The are two types of stacks: Summing and Folder. Folder tracks allow the grouping of multiple tracks for simultaneous control, much like Folders from previous versions of Logic. Summing tracks can record and playback MIDI on it's master track, routing all tracks through one bus. This allows producers to save complete sounds over multiple instruments to their Library.
MIDI Effects
They have finally arrived. We've been waiting for MIDI effects for a long time. Producers can now apply MIDI effects to audio tracks. Our personally favourite is the Arpeggiator which allows you to arpeggiate your tracks. We've been using it mostly with synthesizers to create a stepped sequence effect. The Scripter plugin is another MIDI effect we love. The ability to write custom effects is a welcomed addition and fits in perfectly with our skill set. We've been writing with JavaScript for quite a while and the opportunity to write Logic plugin's in JavaScript is awesome.
Logic Remote
Logic Remote is a free iPad App which allows users to control their instances of Logic Pro X over a wireless network. We've found it's great for recording ideas on your idea. Recording your own vocals and controlling Logic at the same time is a welcomed feature. You'll get access to the mixer and transport bar. Access to your project's Markers makes it easy to record at different locations in your song through the Logic Remote. Smart Controls as well as instruments are accessible from the remote. Garageband users will be pretty familiar with the layout of instruments and controls on the remote app. And last but no means least, key commands is our most favourite feature of the Logic Remote. You can access all of Logic Pro X's key commands from your app. You can add more by tapping any empty area and assigning your own function.