Filed under: Software, Reviews, Music
Count The Beats: Logic Studio, are you in love? (Poll)
Here at TUAW, we've not given Apple's Logic Studio a great deal of coverage recently. In particular, back in July 2009, Apple released its latest iteration of the popular music production software, Logic Pro 9 (alongside the upgrade to all its various virtual studio components too), and not much has been mentioned about it since. With Pro Tools' much vamped version 8 released at the beginning of 2009, and, more recently, the introduction of Reason's new DAW Record (not to mention all the other powerful DAW's out there), we thought it was high time to take a good look at the new features of Apple's flagship music production solution.
Since Logic Studio boasts over 200 new features, and takes a one-size-fits-all approach (basically everyone will find something different to take away from this enormous package), we're not going to do a comprehensive review (well, not at this stage anyway). Instead, we'd love to hear from you (sitting in your dark studio making funny noises and dreaming of Grammy's) to share with us how these new features are working out in the real world.
What's that awesome new feature you keep on going back to? What's the most annoying problem that disrupts your work flow? From the tones of 'Pedalboard' and 'Amp Designer' to being a master of time with 'Flex Time,' how is it all working out for you?
Apple describes Logic Studio to be "...a complete set of professional applications that lets you write, record, edit, mix and perform. It's also the largest collection of modelled instruments, sampler instruments, effect plug-ins, and audio loops ever put in a single box. So it's easy to get amazing sounds and amazing-sounding recordings. Now you can tackle any stage of your project yourself - without losing your inspiration along the way. " Do you agree with this statement?
If Logic 9 isn't your DAW of choice, or you haven't yet upgraded, now's your chance to tell the world why your DAW is genuinely better. Or why you're sticking to your Logic 8 guns because you think Logic 9 (Studio) isn't worth the upgrade. This isn't a time to gloat and sneer (I'm looking at you Pro Tools people in the corner, you're always up for a fight!!!), but rather to get some genuine conversation going on what really works and what doesn't on our beloved Mac platform.
In the future we're aiming to do a series on the various components of Logic Studio. To get to grips with the nitty gritty of what each application has to offer. If you work professionally, and rather closely, with one of these apps then let us know, we'd love to hear from you.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
??? said 8:45PM on 11-16-2009
I honestly want to give Apple the finger for this. They should have given some advance notice for this release, and they gave none. NONE. Not even the authorized retailers I'm in contact with knew about the release until about a day or so before it happened. Engineers I knew who were Logic users had to scramble so that they wouldn't lose clients. I know some people who bought Logic Studio 8 only a couple weeks before the release, some with academic licenses (so they can't return it), and they're pissed. It's a travesty that Apple did that. It's another kick to the curb for pro engineers.
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kyle p snyder said 12:28AM on 11-17-2009
This is such a typical reaction to an Apple product release. Shocking, Apple didn't email you their product development time-line. Guess what? They never will, so get over it. As far as your resellers are concerned, they knew about the upcoming release and were even trained about the product far in advance, but were unable to tell you about it before the release. It might be unfair, but those are Apple's rules. I'd be surprised if Apple releasing new software really hurt your bottom line, since no engineer in their right mind upgrades within the first few months. But, if it's really been that hurtful to you, you could always move to a different DAW (ProTools?) or email SJ and let him know your thoughts.
??? said 3:11AM on 11-17-2009
Kyle, all you did was prove the point by being a zealot. What we're asking is not a freaking development timeline. Just an announcement that this release is happening, say, a couple weeks or so in advance. It's obvious they've been working on this, so why not let us know? There need not be an Aluminum and Glass Curtain on everything Apple does. Not everything has the high-profile, high-profit-margin aspect that requires utter secrecy before being dropped like bricks.
psj78 said 5:12AM on 11-17-2009
Apple should do like some other application developers, like Parallels. I bought the upgrade for Parallels Desktop 4, and about 3 weeks later they released version 5. I was a bit sour at first. Then an email popped into my inbox from Parallels. Hey you boughy/upgraded your software after 1 october, so you get version 5 for free. Here's your key.
Nate said 8:48PM on 11-16-2009
I have been using Logic regularly since the eMagic days. I initially liked using Logic as an alternative to Pro Tools that seemed equally powerful but gave the user more options in terms of interfaces.
Once it became Apple software, I was pleased that they continued to improve the program while making it more of an 'Apple-esque' program in appearance and functionality.
I love Logic even more now because Apple chose to take advantage of its various other software packages and add-ons and sell the Logic Studio bundle with everything but the kitchen sink!
A friend of mine bought Logic 6 back around 2002 for a grand. Now you can pay half as much and get the same solid, and certainly improved piece of software with many useful extras.
Lastly, Logic is FAST. I can bounce a track with a lot of tracks, soft synths, and effects loaded on to it in a matter of minutes. It's super solid and reliable, as well.
If you didn't notice, I enjoy Logic.
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G said 8:49PM on 11-16-2009
Logic user since version 4, Cubase and SMPTE Track before that, and I'm not interested in switching. Good competition should make Logic better. Love it? Hmm.. Logic still has some bone-headed legacy stuff like the 31 character file name limit which really annoys when importing audio or bouncing many remixes. And just try to explain to a newbie how to set up an arpeggiator. A friend and I discussed the recent upgrade, as he's still on 8 and I'm on 9, and we couldn't make the case since he's not a guitar player (yes, there's more-but not much). Meanwhile, core DAW features are getting stale when they could be diving into how we work and making our actual workflow better. Check out DP's pre-rendering, for a good example.
Apple has done a great job of rounding the corners with 8 and 9, but Logic still needs a good turn upside-down to shake the crumbs out.
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Logan said 8:57PM on 11-16-2009
I've upgraded to 9, but I wouldn't say I'm "IN LOVE." (There isn't a choice for that.)
This is my first time using any form of Logic, though. It's still a bit overwhelming moving from GarageBand. The interface loses a lot of intuitiveness in Logic, but it's definitely very powerful. It's the kind of software that has a big learning curve.
That said, I'm not a professional by any means, and really only purchased it because the university gives such a good discount (I got it for $75). I'm sure professionals with more time would find Logic 9 extremely useful.
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ianlive said 9:39AM on 11-17-2009
I am pretty new to DAW's and only have a small bit of experience with GarageBand for podcasting and voice overs.
I recently purchased my first electric guitar and after doing the math on how much it woulds cost me to get even one alternate sounding amp and a few pedals/stomp boxes, it became pretty clear that Logic was a bargain.
My only complaint with using it as an effects system is having to turn off my Mac, plug in my M-Audio firewire interface (as M-Audio recommends), turn the Mac back on, power up up Logic and adjust the audio settings for my input before being able to rock out. I wish it was as fast as jacking my guitar into my real amp, but it seems to be worth the wait.
I can't yet say how it behaves for recording and editing but the guitar effects with Amp Designer and Pedal Board are incredible and the attention to detail in the UI design of the real world modelled amps and pedals is absolutely off the hook. It's almost prettier than the real thing and with the click of a mouse I can go from 70's funk to modern rock. I'm speechless.
I do notice the older bits of the UI that are likely a relic of previous incarmnations but I have read that the code is really soolid and it doesn't behave like a 10 year old application.
I would love to see the UI borrow even more elements from GarageBand as I feel that GB and iMovie have two of the clickest UI's in Apple's line.
Here's to diving into this beast of an app.
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grifmusic said 10:36PM on 11-16-2009
Always been Digital Performer user but did buy Logic 7 but never got around to installing it. But now both Logic and DP have been updated so each has new toys, but Logic's seem more complete and more numerous. Will have to try it one of these days...
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Eric said 11:29PM on 11-16-2009
Sorry, but it still is ProTools for me. At least for audio editing. The wealth of plugins, and the quality of them. McDSP especially (only for PT).
I bought Logic 8, but I don't really use it. I do use Digital Performer for midi stuff as it seems to be pretty darn close to looking/feeling like PT.
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Aaron Willis said 10:26AM on 11-18-2009
McDSP is making AudioUnit plug-ins now. My Logic install has never been happier! We switched from a TDM rig in the main suite, and an LE rig in the B suite when ProTools jumped to HD several years ago. Just couldn't handle the upgrade, cost wise. With Logic having a great array of plug-in's included, plus being hardware independent, we saved a ton of money. ProTools is great for editing, post, etc. Logic is great for composition, score, etc. They're just different tools, with different strengths.
Andy said 1:15AM on 11-17-2009
I've been using Logic since version 7, and am now stuck with 8 because I'm still using a PBG4. Logic 8 (Express unfortunately) is awesome, but I prefer running Ableton Live with such a limited computer (version 6.0.10).
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Corgy said 1:01AM on 11-17-2009
I'm stuck with Logic 8 due to my PowerPC, but I suppose I'm somewhat in love.
A couple of wishes though:
A checkbox to disable the warning on startup that some audio units failed validation.
VST support! Supposedly Logic used to support them, but decided to cut the feature in favor of their AU format. So I am stuck with using FXPansion's VST to AU Adapter.
Does anyone know if the former has been added to Logic 9? I'm not holding my breath for the latter.
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Penfold said 1:27AM on 11-17-2009
Haven't used Logic itself in anger, but Mainstage saved my bacon last weekend.
Church gig early Sunday - spent most of Saturday night with my valve amp in bits, eventually resigned to the fact I wasn't going to fix it, resorted to Mainstage... Brilliant. Great sound, minimal lag, clear, no hiss/hum.
I'll go back to valves for some gigs, sure, but when life gets complex, there's Mainstage!
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SinisterJoe said 2:11AM on 11-17-2009
When I first started using Logic 7 I was confused by the UI but I figured I'd learn over time. 2 major versions later and I'm starting to believe the UI is just really bad. I understand how things work now but some simple tasks are way too convoluted -- way too much clicking, dragging popup windows around, lots of icons that don't really stand out as being distinct. It's pretty much a sterling example of how to design a bad GUI for a complex program. That being said some of the other DAW packages I've tried on Windows & OSX are actually far worse.
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HydrosonicMatt said 2:17AM on 11-17-2009
I think Logic 9 is a good step forward from 8. Is it a huge leap, no but they built in even more features that you pay extra for in pro tools such as flex time and sound replacement. See with logic thats free with the software, with pro tools you have to buy the plugins, then of course you need a $30 ilock to use them, ohh yeah and hardware to run it, Horrible hardware unless you spenk $20,000 on the 192 i/o and requisite audio cards.
I use both but man I hate pro tools, I was worried about upgrading to Snow Leopard Cause digidesign said Pro Tools wouldnt work with it. Really? The Standard for Audio Editing is written that poorly?
Ive pretty much migrated just about all I do for recording and mixing over to Logic and honestly it sounds better, When I mix in logic what I hear is what I get in the mix down, on PT not so much.
Logic 9 rocks in my book.
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Ness said 9:41AM on 11-17-2009
Been using logic since version 6 and the newest release really speeds things up compared to 8. some simple features like the elastic audio are amazing, the ability to quantize audio in a single click really saves time when your just writing. the other half of the giant upgrade is in mainstage. the first version (in 8) was barely useful only as a single instrument. now its pretty much ready for the mainstage. the looper is amazing and the ability to send midi out and rewire rocks!
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ianlive said 9:46AM on 11-17-2009
I am pretty new to DAW's and only have a small bit of experience with
GarageBand for podcasting and voice overs.
I recently purchased my first electric guitar and after doing the
math on how much it woulds cost me to get even one alternate sounding
amp and a few pedals/stomp boxes, it became pretty clear that Logic
was a bargain.
My only complaint with using it as an effects system is having to
turn off my Mac, plug in my M-Audio firewire interface (as M-Audio
recommends), turn the Mac back on, power up up Logic and adjust the
audio settings for my input before being able to rock out. I wish it
was as fast as jacking my guitar into my real amp.
I can't yet say how it behaves for recording and editing and the interface for that is a lot more intimidating that GB, but the guitar effects with Amp Designer and Pedal Board are incredible. The attention to detail in the UI design of the real world modelled amps and pedals is absolutely off the hook. It's almost prettier than the real thing and with the click of a mouse I can go from 70's funk to modern rock. I'm speechless.
I do notice the older bits of the UI that are likely a relic of
previous incarnations (much like Final Cut) but I have read that the code is really solid and it doesn't behave like a 10 year old application. On that note I have previewed some other DAW's and although the software itself might kick ass, the interfaces are generally pretty fugly and non -Mac like.
I would love to see the UI borrow even more elements from GarageBand
as I feel that GB and iMovie have two of the clickest UI's in Apple's
line.
Here's to diving into this beast of an app.
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Andrew Buckie said 10:14AM on 11-17-2009
I really like the package that Logic Studio has put together, some great sounding effects and instruments and the fact that you can accomplish just about anything you would like to without having to buy addons.
On the other hand the UI is the worst thing about it. Editing is a nightmare compared to some other packages and other things are not intuitive at all. Take for example changing an effect on a channel strip, every other application would have you right click, but in logic you click and hold, this must be due to the one button Mac thing but it is stupid.
Overall though I really do like logic for the sound and flexibility I can get out of it, it just seems like there are a lot of things they could have made easier.
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Jason said 5:48PM on 11-17-2009
I still know how to do far more in ProTools than in Logic even though I haven't used PT since version 6 and I hate PT just out of principal. I've been using Logic 8 for live recordings of our band for the last few months and there are just things that I can't figure out how to do. Things that should be simple. Granted, I haven't really NEEDED to do these tasks so I haven't spent the time looking for a tutorial. I'm just used to the PT interface and wish Logic was more intuitive in certain areas.
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