COMPLETE SET OF PROFESSIONAL MUSIC APPLICATIONS
Most people who know me think of me as a video guy. But some may not be aware that for much of my life, I’ve been a musician—behind the instruments, not at the control boards and mixers. So when it comes to music-creation software, I’d consider myself “amateur to semi-pro,” and I believe it’s folks like me that Apple had in mind with the latest update of Logic Pro, now called Logic Studio.
The new Logic Studio consists of Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, and Soundtrack Pro 3 and the first thing noticeably different from previous versions of Logic Pro is the redesign of the interface and ease of use. Next is the addition of MainStage and all of Apple’s Jam Packs.
As a self-taught audio-recording engineer, I’ve used the standards, such as Pro Tools, Cubase, and Ableton Live. I’m producing podcast themes or “quickie” music beds, however, so I usually revert back to the simplicity of GarageBand. I’d given up on previous versions of Logic because they were too complex and foreign. Now, after a few years spent in Soundtrack Pro (via Final Cut Studio) and GarageBand, Logic Pro 9 is a snap. Without any manual or tutorial, I jumped right in with my Korg M3 keyboard and recorded my first piece. This was fairly easy because of the new streamlined workflow and the fact that all of the essential editing and mixing tools are right in front of you—not hidden three submenus deep. When beginning a new project, you even have the option of using a template wizard to get the jumpstart you need.
One of the most mind-blowing features of the new Logic Studio is its vast library of instruments and loops—40 GB, give or take. For the first piece I created in Logic Pro 9, I used my keyboard as a real instrument; however, when I plug it in as a MIDI controller through USB, I have at my disposal an extensive library of sounds and effects built right into the software. This alone is a huge advantage that Apple has over the competition; but it doesn’t stop there. With MainStage 2, my MacBook Pro is now a virtual bank of guitar amps and synthesizers that I can quickly set up and tear down at a live gig. Not a musician? No problem. Apple has also included all five Jam Packs so that you can take prerecorded music and create your own jams without the instruments.
In the past, Logic has retailed for about $1,000, so you’d think that the price tag might have escalated. But…how about $499? That’s right. There’s absolutely nothing—ahem—logical about that, but I’m certainly not complaining.
Now, of course, Logic Studio isn’t by any means perfect. For instance, although Logic Pro 9 is more streamlined, with everything within reach, it means that you need a lot of screen real estate to give all the tools some “breathing room.” Also, as cool as MainStage is, it seems powerful enough only for fun jam sessions, not center stage performances.
There will be those—probably the true day-to-day professional musicians— who will criticize Logic Studio. Yet, with all the changes and competitive pricing, I think Apple’s target audience is the amateur to semi-pro musicians (like me) who are looking for a fast, efficient, but powerful, recording tool in their arsenals.—Jason Scrivner
Company: Apple Inc.
Price: $499
Web: www.apple.com
Rating: 4
Hot: Jam packs; price; easy workflow; instruments
Not: Requires lots of screen space; not for big performances
I have been using Logic since version 7, and it is the best software for music production on the Apple. There is no other software that offers the amount of instruments, loops and effects as Logic Studio. If you were to buy the included jam packs only from the Apple site, it would cost the same as buying logic, so think of it as getting free software with your jam pack Apple loops.
You also get Quicktime pro, Compressor 3, MainStage 2 for creating instruments and vocals for live use , and Soundtrack pro for synchronizing audio and video, and Wave burner for mastering your productions to CD. How can you go wrong. Over 200 new features since the last version. S stars hands down the best pound for pound daw out there, Period!
I’ve used Logic since it was made by eMagic, before eMagic was purchased by Apple, but I have been gradually migrating back to another application that goes back to the Atari ST and Commodore64 days. Really, any music production software on the Mac is excellent. Each has it’s strengths. Logic’s _main_ strength is actually the ability to create environments – similar to having the world’s largest, and most flexible patch bay. It is inaccurate, though, to state that it is the only package to come with 40GB of samples/loops. Other applications come with 40-60GB, and for $100 more, another comes with an excellent orchestral library. I would likewise give Logic 5 stars, but at least 2 other applications warrant 5 stars and pound for pound are equivalent to Logic.