Q: What is Logic 7?
A: Welcome back to Logic Notes with Sze. As it is the beginning of a new semester, it is only fitting to explain what Logic 7 is, what it can do and also highlight some of its features and applications.
Logic 7 is the complete music production software for Apple computers. It provides integrated MIDI sequencing, music notation and digital audio production capabilities, all within one application.
Logic 7 comes together with an extensive variety of effect and virtual instrument plug-ins, a fairly large sample library, support for Apple Loops (refer to the Apple Loops & Instant Gratification article for more info) as well as mixer and plug-in (effect and instrument) automation.
Logic 7: The all-in-one tool for all things audio, including audio for video post production.
Q: What is Logic 7 used for?
A: As a premier audio production tool, Logic 7 can be used for virtually any music production task. Some examples of these tasks would include:
- digital audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering
- audio sfx for video post production and scoring for video
- MIDI recording and sequence editing
- music notation editing with lyrics, chord symbols and drum notation
- virtual synthesizer and effects programming
Q: What is the difference between Logic Pro 7 and Logic Express 7?
A: Logic Pro 7 is Apple’s fully professional music production application while Logic Express is the scaled down and more affordable version. However, despite a less comprehensive toolset, it (Logic Express) still shares the same user interface as Logic Pro and is equipped with core features and tools that are more than capable of performing the standard music production tasks (e.g. 24/96 audio resolution, over 3GB sample library, Apple Loops support, video track, automation capabilities, etc).
The Logic 7 Family: The first difference between Logic Pro and Logic Express is… the size of the box. :-)
Q: What is WaveBurner?
A: WaveBurner is a CD mastering software that comes with Logic Pro 7. It is designed for optimizing stereo song mixes (e.g. level, tone, song order, pause length, fade-in/out, etc.) for the audio CD medium.
WaveBurner: The audio CD creation tool for mastering and burning your music production project to disc.
Q: Besides an Apple computer, does Logic 7 need any other equipment in order to work?
A: No, Logic 7 can run without any additional equipment. But as it is a software application, its performance is dependent on the supporting hardware. Hence, adding the following optional but recommended hardware devices will enhance the functionality and quality of the music production process:
- MIDI controller (e.g. MIDI keyboard to record the MIDI notes)
- MIDI interface (to connect to external MIDI equipment such as a keyboard synthesizer. However, this interface is not required if the MIDI device has a USB port or if the audio interface has built-in MIDI ports.)
- audio interface (for high quality audio recording with built-in mic preamps and for playback output. This will replace the computer’s built-in but noisy mic/line-in and line-out interface.)
- microphone (to record audio such as vocals)
- large capacity, external FireWire hard drive (for audio files only, to improve system performance)
- powered speakers and headphones (to listen to the playback)
Q: Is there any Logic product demo that I can see and hear?
A: Yes, there is. Many ICOM students have not seen the Logic Express 7 demo song, even though it is on their Logic DVD. And while the new m-Mobility students wait for their Apple MacBook Pro computers and Logic software, they can view the Logic Express 7 demo song below, as well as several others of my favorite demos from previous versions of Logic. These demos have been recorded into a video format so that they can be watched by anyone, including those who do not have the Logic software (QuickTime 7 required).
Logic Express 7 demo song (17")*
Logic Platinum 6 demo song
Logic Platinum 5 demo song
Emagic video
REX Appeal (third party) demo song
* Special thanks to Wee Jon and Chun for loaning their 17” MacBook Pro and Logic Express for the video recording.
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Logic 7 downloads:
Logic Pro template v1.2
OR
Logic Express template v1.2
Logic Pro preferences v1.1
OR
Logic Express preferences v1.1
Read Me (template and preferences)
Plug-in presets from Logic Platinum 6
Read Me (plug-in presets): refer to Q3
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