A: This is the most frequently asked question that I get from ICOM students. Considering that Logic Studio consists of a software bundle of 7 audio production tools, with the software contents coming in 8 DVDs and taking up about 46GB of hard disk space when fully installed, all of which retails for less than half the price of the old Logic Pro 7... the answer is a foregone conclusion! (Yes, it is most definitely a highly worthwhile purchase/upgrade.)
Apple's comprehensive package at such an attractive price makes Logic Studio so tempting that many users would most likely overlook Logic Express 8!
Logic Studio: Apple's new flagship audio production suite includes the latest Logic Pro 8.
Q: How much is "less than half the price" (as mentioned above)?
A: Logic Studio retails at US$499 while the last published price of Logic Pro 7 was US$1,299. Meanwhile, the Logic Studio upgrade from Logic Express 7 costs US$299 (US$199 if upgrading from Logic Pro 7).
Of course, all ICOM students are eligible for special educational discounts via the college while new ICOM students are expected to get Logic Studio in their m-Mobility package.
Q: What are in the 8 DVDs? Why do they take up 46GB of hard disk space?
A: There is 1 DVD which contains the applications and tools (Logic Pro 8, MainStage, Soundtrack Pro 2, Studio Instruments, Studio Effects, Utilities, etc.), 6 DVDs containing the sound libraries (Jam Pack collections, sound effects, surround music beds, EXS24 samples, impulse response files, etc.) and 1 DVD containing the demo content.
DVDs "R" Us: The bulky but compact box contains a set of DVDs and manuals for the various applications and sound libraries that are in the Logic Studio package.
Logic Studio's standard installation requires 7GB of free hard disk space while it is the optional audio libraries that require a whopping 39GB! But fortunately, these can be installed onto an external hard drive which will free up disk space on the internal drive.
Q: What are the 7 audio production tools that are included in Logic Studio?
A: Logic Studio's audio production tools include the following:
1. Logic Pro 8 - The primary application in the Logic Studio package. A music production tool that integrates digital audio, MIDI sequencing and music notation into 1 application.
Logic Pro 8*: The new face of Logic.
2. MainStage - A new application that provides an easy-to-view interface designed specifically for live performance.
MainStage*: The nice, big display makes the window easy to read while on stage.
3. Soundtrack Pro 2 - An application optimized to perform audio post-production for film and video.
Soundtrack Pro 2*: Simplifies the audio post-production process of creating soundtracks.
4. Studio Instruments - A large collection of software instrument plug-ins, with several updated instruments including Ultrabeat, EXS24, Sculpture and ES2.
5. Studio Effects - A large collection of effect plug-ins, with the new Delay Designer, Surround Compressor and many more updated plug-ins.
New Effect Plug-ins*: The Delay Designer (left) is a multi-tap delay plug-in while the Surround Compressor (right) is a multi-channel compressor plug-in.
6. Studio Sound Library - A huge (39GB) collection of optional audio content: 10GB for Jam Pack collections, 16GB for sound effects, 6GB for surround music beds and 7GB for other optional content (EXS24 samples, impulse response files, etc).
7. Utilities - A software bundle of several utility applications: WaveBurner 1.5 for CD mastering, Compressor 3 for surround sound encoding, Impulse Response Utility for creating Impulse Response files, Apple Loops Utility for converting audio files into Apple Loops as well as an upgrade to QuickTime 7 Pro for additional audio and video export options.
Q: What's new in Logic Pro 8?
A: A major change in Logic Pro 8 is in its new user interface - it is based on a single-window design with a consolidated Arrange window. Retractable panes minimize the clutter of opening multiple windows whereby the mixer and graphic editors can now be selectively displayed below the Arrange area, media browsers and list editors on the right and the Inspector on the left (for parameter settings and dual channel strips).
Consolidated Arrange Window*: Logic 8's new single-window interface.
Also new in Logic Pro 8 is the multitake recording feature. Expandable take folders are automatically created during the recording process and can be manipulated (moved, edited, etc.) just like the audio regions. Complementing this is Quick Swipe comping, which easily builds an ideal composite track simply from the selections of the best takes (or sections of each take).
Logic Pro 8 has made it even easier to time-stretch/compress an audio region (without changing the pitch) simply by option-dragging the region-end directly in the Arrange window. In addition, Apple has also replaced the XSKey (a USB dongle) with a serial number, thus freeing up a USB port and reducing the hassle of carrying an extra piece hardware.
XSKey: The old Logic Pro USB dongle is history now as it is no longer used in Logic 8.
Q: What are the changes to Logic Express 8?
A: Firstly, Logic Express 8 retails at US$199 while the last published price of Logic Express 7 was US$379. (The upgrade price from Logic Express 7 is US$99.)
In terms of features, Logic Express 8 shares a similar user interface as Logic Pro 8, with changes such as the new consolidated (single-window design) Arrange window, multitake recording, Quick Swipe comping and easy option-dragging of region ends directly in the Arrange window to time-stretch/compress audio regions (without changing the pitch).
Several plug-ins that were previously available only in Logic Pro 7 are now available in Logic Express 8. The Ultrabeat, ES2, Pitch Correction and Ringshifter are new plug-ins while the EXS24, Guitar Amp Pro and Channel EQ with FFT analyzer are upgrades from stripped-down plug-ins.
Ultrabeat: A drum machine/synthesizer plug-in that is now available in Logic Express 8.
Logic Express offers an inexpensive way to get started with Logic but with the narrowing price difference, Logic Studio has stolen the limelight with its massive audio production package. Apple has left the competition to play catch-up and it will be interesting to observe how the market reacts to this new development over year 2008.
* Picture courtesy of Apple.
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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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