Using Multi-Timbral Instruments and Key Commands in Logic 9

Q: How do I apply a multi-timbral software instrument in Logic?

A: The new Logic Project Template v1.1 has been updated to include a multi-timbral setup in the Environment. The MIDI Channel of a Software Instrument channel strip has been set to All (to enable multi-channel operation) while a Multi-Instrument object has also been cabled to that Software Instrument channel strip, for multi-track access (via Logic's External MIDI tracks) to the multiple parts/channels of the assigned instrument plug-in.

The Logic Environment shows a Multi-Instrument object (bottom) connected to the Software Instrument 255 channel strip. With a multi-timbral instrument plug-in (e.g. Kontakt 4) inserted, Instrument 255 would be set to All MIDI Channels (in the left parameter box) for multi-channel operation.

However, due to the "Omni" (i.e. all) MIDI channel setting of the Software Instrument channel strip, any volume or panning changes on each channel will also cause the instrument channel strip to change its overall volume and pan accordingly. A multi-output instrument should then be used to provide independent volume and pan control - in the mixer, just click on the '+' button (below the solo button) to add Aux channel strips for accessing the additional outputs (automatically assigned) of the plug-in instrument.

The '+' and '-' buttons (in Inst 255) add and remove Aux channel strips to access the multiple outputs of the instrument plug-in. Meanwhile, the External MIDI tracks (on the right) are used to access the multiple parts of the multi-timbral instrument.

Q: I upgraded my Logic Pro 8 to Logic Pro 9. Are the key commands in Logic 8 and Logic 9 the same?

A: No, the Logic 9 key commands have been further streamlined for better consistency and to accommodate new features. However, upgrading from Logic 8 does not reset your key commands to those of Logic 9 (the existing Logic 8 key commands are retained).

To switch to the Logic 9 key commands, click on:

1. Preferences > Key Commands (Option K)

2. Options > Presets > U.S.

The U.S. Key Command Preset is different from Initialize All Key Commands, whereby it (U.S. preset) conforms to the Key Commands used in Apple's official Logic 101 book (Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 9 and Logic Express 9 by David Nahmani).

Q: In Pro Tools, the Playback Cursor returns to the starting point when stopped (Insertion Follows Playback button deselected). Can Logic's playback do the same too?

A: Yes, Logic's playback controls can be customized to enhance workflow. For example, the Logic Pro 9 Preferences v2.0 download contains several additional Key Commands to complement the standard Spacebar (Play or Stop) shortcut:

• Command Spacebar (Play or Stop and Go to Last Locate Position)*

* Logic's playback will now behave like Pro Tools as described above. However, this keyboard shortcut is also used for the Show Spotlight Search Field and would have to be disabled (via the following) to avoid conflict:

Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard): System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight

Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard): System Preferences > Keyboard & Mouse > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight

This will also enable the same shortcut to be used to toggle the record button in Pro Tools.

• Option Spacebar (Stop or Play From Last Position)

The Command Spacebar shortcut for Show Spotlight Search Field (in System Preferences) should be disabled or changed, to avoid conflict with the same Pro Tools or Logic (customized) key command.

Other existing and new Key Commands (in the Logic Pro 9 Preferences v2.0 download) that may be useful include:

• Shift Enter (Play from Selection)

(Shift Fn Return for laptops)

• > / < (Forward / Rewind)

• Option > / < (Forward / Rewind by Transient)

(Logic's equivalent to Pro Tools' Tab To Transients shortcut)

• Option Control → / ← (Zoom Horizontal In / Out)

• Option Control ↓ / ↑ (Zoom Vertical In / Out)

• R (Record), C (Cycle Mode), S (Solo Mode), K (Metronome Click), M (Mute), Control S (Track Solo), Control M (Track Mute), G (Global Tracks), Esc (Tool Menu), I (Inspector), Control Z (Auto Track Zoom), A (Track Automation), Command F (Flex View)

• various Editor, Lists and Media pane toggles:

X (Mixer), P (Piano Roll), N (Score), E (Event), Option M (Marker), T (Tempo), U (Signature), B (Bin), O (Loops), Option L (Library), F (Browser)

For a complete list of Logic Key Commands, go to:

Preferences > Key Commands (Option K)

Logic's Key Commands list can be easily customized (add/change/delete) via the Learn and Delete buttons on the right.

Q: The Help files in Logic 9 are very slow. Is there any way to speed up this sluggish response?

A: The sluggish HTML Help files in Logic 9 (and in other Logic Studio applications) can be substituted with the PDF version of the same user manuals. These PDF files are far more responsive and can be downloaded via the Logic Studio Resources webpage at:

http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/resources

The Logic Pro 9 User Manual is one of many PDF manuals for Logic Studio that is available for download from Apple's website.

Q: Some of the factory presets from Logic 8 and Logic 7 have been altered or are no longer found in Logic 9. Do you still have those old presets?

A: The older Logic presets can be found in the Logic 6-8 Settings download, which contains Channel Strip Settings, Plug-In Settings and Sampler Instruments copied from previous versions of Logic, e.g. the original version of Eighties Metal (Channel Strip Setting from Logic 8) and In Yo Face (Guitar Amp Pro Plug-In Setting from Logic 7).

Q: Whenever Logic starts, a bouncing folder icon named CoreMIDIServer.framework appears in my Dock. What is it and how can I get rid of it?

A: The CoreMIDIServer.framework icon bounces in the Dock whenever Logic (or other non-Pro Tools MIDI applications) is launched. It is caused by the DigiDioMidiDriver.plugin installed by Pro Tools 8.0.3, which is for use with the Digi 002 and 003 family interfaces.

The CoreMIDIServer.framework icon that appears in the Dock is caused by *Digidesign's MIDI driver.

* Digidesign is now known as Avid.

However, this bouncing CoreMIDIServer icon has been resolved in Pro Tools 8.0.4 and does not appear anymore in the Dock. To ensure maximum compatibility, users are advised to upgrade to Pro Tools 8.0.4 (instead of deleting the MIDI driver).

Q: After typing-in new parameter values, plug-ins in WaveBurner 1.6 still revert back to their previous values (i.e. typed, plug-in parameter values do not stick). Can this problem be fixed?

A: Yes, simply upgrading WaveBurner 1.6 (CD mastering software in Logic Studio) to v1.6.1 will allow plug-in parameter values to be typed-in and retained. In addition, the WaveBurner 1.6.1 update also includes bug fixes for inconsistent waveform display in the Mix Lane, WaveBurner hanging (freezing) when the Digidesign audio driver is selected, etc.

The WaveBurner 1.6.1 Update installer can be downloaded from:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL956

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Logic Pro 9 downloads:

Project Template v1.1

Preferences v2.0

Read Me (Template & Preferences Locations)

Logic 6-8 Settings

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Logic Studio and Logic Pro 9: Enhanced & Refined

Q: What is contained in the new Logic Studio?

A: The new Logic Studio comes in a physically smaller box (compared to the previous Logic Studio as the printed manuals are no longer included) but the software content has been increased to 9 DVDs, requiring a total of 47GB in hard disk space:

• 1 DVD (9GB) of applications and required content (Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, Soundtrack Pro 3, Compressor 3.5, WaveBurner 1.6, other utility applications, etc.)

• 7 DVDs (38GB) of optional sound library content, some of which can be installed onto an external hard drive (Jam Pack collections, sound effects, surround music beds, EXS24 samples, impulse response files, etc.)

• 1 DVD of demo content

The smaller Logic Studio box now includes a set of 9 DVDs and 3 booklets (installation and exploration guides).

Q: Are there any changes to the new Logic Studio pricing?

A: The pricing structure for the new Logic Studio (containing Logic Pro 9) remains the same as the previous Logic Studio (with Logic Pro 8):

• Logic Studio Full Version: US$499

• Upgrade from an earlier Logic Studio/Logic Pro: US$199

• Upgrade from Logic Express: US$299

Meanwhile, the pricing for Logic Express 9 also remains the same as before:

• Logic Express 9 Full Version: US$199

• Upgrade from an earlier Logic Express: US$99

Q: What are the new features in Logic Pro 9?

A: On the surface, Logic Pro 9 looks and feels very similar to Logic Pro 8. Although there are more than 200 new features and enhancements in the new Logic Studio, most of the changes in Logic Pro seem to have been made deeper down under the hood.

At first glance, the most visible changes in Logic Pro 9 include the:

• Bold white frame: Highlights the active area of the window (i.e. window area with key focus).

• Flex Time (via the Flex toolbar button): Logic's equivalent to Elastic Audio in Pro Tools and Audio Warp in Cubase. This feature allows different parts of an audio region to be time-stretched/compressed (without changing the pitch), e.g. to correct/tighten the timing of an audio recording.

• Notes area (via the Notes toolbar button): Provides both Project and Track Notes for comments.

A white frame surrounds the main Arrange area in the center, with Flex Editing applied on the selected track while the Notes area is on the right.

Further exploration in Logic Pro 9 will reveal more changes, and some of the more significant ones include:

• Varispeed: Varies the playback speed of the entire project (including Flex-disabled audio tracks). Acting much like a tempo control for audio recordings, Varispeed is my favorite new feature in Logic Pro 9, with 3 modes available for selection:

- Speed Only (i.e. no change in pitch)

- Varispeed (Speed and Pitch)

- Varispeed and MIDI (transposes non-drum MIDI notes to the nearest semitone to match the pitch-shifted audio tracks)

While Varispeed (Speed Only) has received highly encouraging feedback from my colleagues and myself, its parameter controls are hidden by default but can be easily displayed by customizing the Transport Bar.

The Varispeed controls in the Transport Bar turn orange when enabled.

• Click Zones: This is Logic’s equivalent to the Smart Tool in Pro Tools, but with an additional Loop tool. Enabling the Fade Tool Click Zones and the Marquee Tool Click Zones preferences will allow the mouse pointer to change into 5 different tools (Fade, Loop, Pointer, Marquee and Resize) when moving it vertically along the end border of an audio region.

• Amp Designer and Pedalboard: These are 2 effects plug-ins which have been specially developed for guitarists. The Amp Designer allows a mix and match of amp heads, EQs, reverbs, speaker cabinets and mics while the Pedalboard provides various types of stompboxes.

The Amp Designer (top) and Pedalboard (bottom) plug-in windows in Logic Pro 9.

• Drum Replacement/Doubling: Replaces or doubles problematic audio drum tracks with EXS24 samples triggered by MIDI notes. These trigger notes are automatically generated for transients above an adjustable threshold (with note velocities in proportion to the transient amplitudes) and are fully editable.

Drum Replacement/Doubling auto creates an EXS24 track with MIDI notes (in green region) to trigger samples for replacing/doubling the drum transients. Different Sampler Instruments can also be selected from the Library list on the right.

• Convert Regions to New Sampler Track: Assigns slices of an audio region to different notes of a new EXS24 instrument. These assigned notes will be automatically inserted into a MIDI region to trigger all slices for seamless playback. Alternatively, the audio slices can be resequenced or used for creative effects such as vocal stuttering.

Convert Regions to New Sampler Track auto creates an EXS24 track with ascending MIDI notes (in green region) to trigger every slice of the audio region (which is then muted) for seamless playback (or for further editing).

Instead of audio slices, an entire audio region can also be assigned to a note for real-time triggering.

• Chord Grids: The Chord Grid Library comes with more than 4,600 chords for use in the Score editor. Meanwhile, the Chord Grid Editor can be used to edit and add new chord grids to the library.

The Chord Grid Selector displays all the chords in the Chord Grid Library and can also playback the selected chord for preview.

• Duration Bars and Guides: The Duration Bars show MIDI note lengths in the Score editor and can be graphically edited while the Guides option displays the horizontal alignment of musical symbols (chord symbols, dynamic markings, etc.) to their assigned beat positions.

The selected note (highlighted in magenta color) has a shorter Duration Bar while the Guide for the A chord symbol (in the same measure) indicates a horizontal position offset.

• Jam Pack Voices: Consisting of 1,700 Apple Loops and numerous Channel Strip Settings and Sampler Instruments, this latest Jam Pack collection has now been included into the new Logic Studio library.

Many more new features and enhancements have been incorporated into Logic Pro 9 but they are just too numerous to list.

Q: Are there any changes in the new MainStage?

A: Yes, Logic Studio now contains MainStage 2, whereby some of the changes include:

• A streamlined user interface: Divided into the Patch List on the left, Channel Strips on the right, Workspace in the top center and Inspectors in the bottom center of the window.

The MainStage 2 user interface (in Edit Mode) consists of the Patch List on the left, Workspace at the top, Inspectors at the bottom and Channel Strips on the right.

• All plug-ins: Includes all previously unavailable high latency effects except surround plug-ins. E.g. Pitch Correction has now been made available for use in MainStage 2. The cumulative plug-in latency for each channel strip will also be displayed (in ms) above the name label.

• Playback and Loopback: These are 2 live performance plug-ins which are only applicable to MainStage 2 (not available in Logic Pro 9). Playback is an audio file player which can playback backing tracks while Loopback is a live loop recorder which can record and overdub audio signals to create loops spontaneously onstage.

The Playback (top) and Loopback (bottom) plug-in windows in MainStage 2.

• Screen Controls Palette: Contains a bigger selection of Screen Controls (when in Layout Mode).

The Screen Controls Palette contains a total of 60 Screen Controls.

Q: What are the changes made to the Logic Pro 9 Project Template and Preferences downloads?

A: The new Logic Project Template v1.0 has been updated for use in Logic Pro 9, with Varispeed controls added to the Transport Bar, Duration Bars and Guides enabled in the Score editor, etc.

Meanwhile, the new Logic Preferences v1.0 file has also been updated for Logic Pro 9, with Click Zones enabled, key command assignments for Forward and Rewind By Transient (Logic's equivalent to Tab To Transients in Pro Tools), etc.

As with previous Logic Project Templates and Preferences, downloading the files would require placement into the appropriate folders:

• Unzip the Logic template download and drag & drop the Project Templates folder (containing the Logic 9 template) into:

Users/your user account/Library/Application Support/Logic
 


• Drag & drop the Logic Preferences file into (replace the existing file):

Users/your user account/Library/Preferences

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Logic Pro 9 downloads:

Project Template v1.0

Preferences v1.0

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Using MainStage for Live Performance

Q: What is MainStage?

A: MainStage is an application software that has been optimized for use in live performance. It is a part of the Logic Studio package and can access instrument and effects plug-ins (although processor intensive effects are excluded from MainStage v1) in a similar way to the Logic Pro application. Functionally, MainStage thus becomes a software-based sound module and/or effects processor on stage.

The keyboard layer patch (top) functions as a sound module while the guitar rig patch (bottom) functions as an effects processor.

Q: How do I connect my MIDI keyboard controller to MainStage?

A: If a USB port is available, use that to connect the MIDI keyboard to MainStage. But if there are no USB ports, then a MIDI Interface will be needed to connect a MIDI port (on the keyboard) to the USB port (on the computer).

However, most ICOM students already own a Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro - a FireWire audio interface with built-in MIDI ports - which can be used in place of a dedicated MIDI Interface. Setting it up is just a matter of plug and play - simply connect the:

- FireWire port on the Mbox 2 Pro to the FireWire port on the computer.

- MIDI Out of the keyboard to MIDI In on the MBox 2 Pro.

No other setup is required (assuming that the Mbox 2 Pro is already working properly with Pro Tools). In addition, MainStage's instrument sounds (audio signals) can also be output via Mbox 2 Pro (see next question below for further instructions).

Q: How do I connect my microphone or guitar to MainStage for effects processing?

A: An audio interface will be needed to input high quality audio signals (mic, guitar, bass, etc.) into MainStage. For ICOM students who already have the Mbox 2 Pro (both FireWire and USB audio interfaces can be used), simply follow the steps below:

- connect the FireWire port on the Mbox 2 Pro to the FireWire port on the computer.

- connect the Monitor Outputs on the Mbox 2 Pro to the sound system inputs.

- select the Mbox 2 Pro audio driver

(go to: MainStage > Preferences, Audio/MIDI, Audio Output AND Audio Input: select "Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro" for both).

- connect the mic / guitar output to the Mic (back panel) / DI (front panel) input respectively on the Mbox 2 Pro (press the Mic / DI source selector button on the front panel to select the relevant input).

The MainStage Preferences window shows Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro as the selected device for both Audio Output and Input.

Q: What is a buffer and what is the best buffer size?

A: A buffer is a small amount of RAM that is used to hold data temporarily in a queue to supply a continuous stream of audio signals. The amount of data that is put on "standby" is determined by the buffer size (typically ranging from 32 - 1,024 audio samples).

If the buffer size is too small, the audio data in the queue may be used up before the CPU is able to refill that buffer. This interruption will result in a gap in the audio stream which is heard as a pop, click or even distortion in more severe cases.

However, if the buffer size is too large, there would be too much latency, which is the time delay between the input (audio signals from the mic, guitar or MIDI signals from the keyboard controller) and the output (sound at the speakers). This is because more data in a bigger buffer will take a longer time to be used up before the next buffer (containing your newly played audio signals) is accessed.

Therefore, the best buffer size setting would usually be the smallest possible buffer size (to minimize the latency) without any audible glitches (buffer large enough to provide sufficient time for the CPU to process the audio signals with all the necessary plug-ins and to refill that buffer before the data is used up). This optimal buffer setting would vary depending on each computer's specification and configuration, and is best obtained by testing various buffer sizes with musical input (from a mic, guitar, MIDI keyboard controller, etc).

Q: What is the organizational structure of a MainStage file?

A: A MainStage file is known as a Concert and opens in Edit Mode by default. Within each Concert are Sets (folders) of individual sounds called Patches.

The MainStage Patch List shows the hierarchy of a Concert, Set and Patch.

Each Concert also contains a Layout which provides the MainStage visual interface with Screen Controls such as keyboards, faders, knobs, buttons, pedals, drum pads and other objects.

Q: How do I assign a hardware controller to a Screen Control?

A: Assigning a (connected) MIDI hardware controller to a MainStage Screen Control is a fairly simple process:

- go to Layout Mode

- select the desired Screen Control

- enable the Learn button

- move the desired hardware controller

- disable the Learn button

The Screen Control selection and the Learn button both turn red when learn mode is enabled.

Q: What other points of interest should I be aware of when using MainStage?

A: If you are using a MIDI keyboard controller, the unique Floating Split Point enables the key range boundary of an instrument to be extended, as you play within 1 octave of the keyboard split point (number of key extensions adjustable in the Floating Split parameter).

Also, if you are creating a new Patch, the big library of Channel Strip Settings can be used to provide a good starting point and are easily accessible:

- in Edit Mode, click the Setting button near the top of the channel strip, or

- select a channel strip and select the desired setting from the Channel Strip Settings column browser (below the main Workspace/Parameter Mapping area).

The Floating Split parameters are located in the Channel Strip Inspector (bottom left) while the Channel Strip Settings browser (bottom center) corresponds to the selected Channel Strip (right).

During your live performance, remember to quit all other applications. More opened applications mean having less CPU and memory resources available to MainStage.

Q: What is your opinion of the new Logic Studio?

A: The recently released Logic Studio package contains Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2 and new versions of other pro applications as well. It appears to be an exciting release, especially for guitarists, with the inclusion of the new Amp Designer and Pedalboard effects plug-ins.

With MainStage 2 now being able to use ALL of the Logic Studio effects plug-ins (except for surround plug-ins), the previously unavailable Pitch Correction plug-in could be a welcome addition for vocalists. However, some processor-intensive plug-ins can introduce latency and it remains to be seen if live pitch correction can indeed be applied smoothly in MainStage 2.

I can only write more after I have received my copy of Logic Studio "9". In the meantime, I will continue to look forward to checking out Apple's claim that the new Logic Studio is, "all things to all musicians"!

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Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.2

Preferences v1.2

Read Me (template and preferences)

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Troubleshooting QuickTime & Quantizing Audio in Logic 8

Q: Why does my Logic sequence (using the QuickTime GM synth) sometimes playback with only the piano sound even though there are proper Program Change headers in the tracks?

A: Page 914 of the Logic Pro 8 User Manual states:

"The first note is used to initialize the relevant MIDI channel of the QuickTime synthesizer, and is not played."

As such, any Program Change header preceding the first note is also rendered ineffective when that MIDI channel is initialized by the note.

To enable the QuickTime sequence to playback with the correct sounds, either:

- playback a few notes at the busiest part of the sequence (to initialize all the channels first) before restarting the sequence (complete with Program Change headers), OR

- insert a dummy note (velocity value 1) before each Program Change header.

Q: Isn't QuickTime Pro included in Logic Studio? How do I upgrade my QuickTime Player to the Pro version?

A: The Logic Studio installation will automatically upgrade your QuickTime Player into QuickTime Pro (no separate installation/registration code is required).

To view your QuickTime Pro registration information, open the QuickTime Player application and go to:

QuickTime Player > Registration

The resulting QuickTime Preferences window will then show that your QuickTime Pro is already registered to:

Apple Pro Apps User

(whereby Logic Studio is an Apple Pro Application).

The QuickTime Pro Registration window.

Q: How do I enter a Diminished chord symbol and a Bar Repeat sign (for the chord symbol) into my Logic score?

A: The Diminished symbol can be inserted as a text character simply by pressing Option-0 as you are entering the chord symbol itself.

However, the Bar Repeat sign for a chord will require the use of a music font such as Maestro (which comes with the Finale notation software):

1. Insert a standard Text object (instead of a Chord object) and press Option-].

2. With the inserted Text object selected, goto: Text > Fonts and select the Maestro font and an appropriate font size.

Logic's Score Editor displaying a Diminished chord symbol and Bar Repeat sign.

Q: Can Audio Tracks be quantized? How do I quantize my audio recordings?

A: There is more than one way to quantize an Audio Track in Logic 8, but my favorite method is the Enhance Timing plug-in. It provides easy and non-destructive timing corrections to tighten up a rhythmically loose performance in an audio recording. However, this Enhance Timing plug-in can only be inserted into the first insert slot of the channel strip (not available for selection in other insert slots).

Similar to the Swing Quantization function on MIDI tracks, the Grooveshifter plug-in can also be inserted after the Enhance Timing plug-in to create a swing feel in the Audio Track, and with the addition of accents as well.

The very simple Enhance Timing (top) and Grooveshifter (bottom) plug-in windows in Logic 8.

Unquantized Drums (mp3) Quantized (mp3) Swing (mp3)

(The above drum and bass audio tracks were recorded from the Emagic Logic 5 MIDI Tutorial).

Q: What are the updates in the new Logic Project Template and Preferences file?

A: The updated Logic Project Template v1.2 contains new, improved settings to the Chord Symbol Alignment (for MT010 assignment 2) and Sync Mode (for automatic Tap Tempo detection).

Meanwhile, Logic Preferences v1.2 has been updated with a new record mode default (Record Toggle) and a new Tap Tempo key command (Option-T).

(Note: Just select My Templates > Autoload when prompted during Logic 8 startup, for a one-time only setup.)

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Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.2

Preferences v1.2

Read Me (template and preferences)

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Making Sense of Logic 8

Q: Logic 8 is so different from Logic 6... I don't know how to use Logic anymore.

A: Although Logic 8 is quite different from previous versions of Logic, it is not necessarily more difficult. It just looks more complex (e.g. with several additional buttons in the Toolbar) compared to older versions of Logic, but many of these additions simply make various features easier to access with 1-click buttons (instead of navigating through multi-layered menus).

Buttons are also used to toggle (open/close) various retractable panes within a consolidated Arrange window. This single-window design greatly reduces screen clutter from opening too many separate windows.

Dividing the consolidated Arrange window into different areas will help reduce the confusion over having too many controls. The main Arrange area (tracks and timeline) is the center of the window and is surrounded by the Toolbar (function buttons) at the top, Inspector (parameter boxes and dual channel strips) on the left, Transport Bar and Editor at the bottom, and Lists/Media browser on the right.

Consolidated Arrange Window: The Arrange area in the center is surrounded by the Toolbar (top), Inspector (left), Transport Bar and Editor (bottom), and Lists/Media browser (right).

Q: When the Jazz Kit instrument is loaded into the EXS24, there was an error message, "Audio file not found!" Why does this happen?

A: The "Audio file not found!" error message pops up because the required audio sample files are missing from the hard disk. Occasionally, reinstalling the sample library over the existing files helps but there is no guarantee that this will solve the problem.

The most reliable way is to manually copy the missing folders into the relevant Logic/GarageBand sample library. However, a 3rd-party software such as Pacifist would be required for this task. A US$20 shareware application, Pacifist (www.charlessoft.com) can open the Logic installer package and extract individual folders/files out of the installer DVDs.

Using Pacifist is a fairly simple process:

1. Click on the Open Package button.

2. Select Install Logic Studio (from the Logic installation DVD). Pacifist then loads the contents of the Logic Studio package.

3. Copy the name of the missing sample (from Logic's error message) into Pacifist's Find box. The search will locate the missing sample from the Logic Studio package.

4. Extract/drag the parent folder (containing the missing sample) into the relevant subfolder in this location:

Library/Application Support/Logic/EXS Factory Samples

or

Library/Application Support/GarageBand/Instrument Library/Sampler/Sampler Files

The audio sample files should now load properly the next time that same EXS24 instrument is selected again.

Interestingly, all the missing samples that I have had were from the GarageBand sample library. And when I performed a complete (instead of multiple partial) Logic Studio installation on another computer, I did not experience any missing sample at all.

Q: Do I need to update my Logic Studio software?

A: All users are advised to install the latest Logic software updates. Currently, there are 4 Logic Studio updates available - Logic Pro 8 (including Waveburner and Impulse Response Utility), MainStage, Soundtrack Pro 2 and Pro Applications (including Compressor 3) updates.

Meanwhile, there is also 1 Logic Express 8 update for users of that software.

Q: How can I add a guitar tab to standard music notation?

A: Selecting the Guitar Mix Score Style from the Display Parameter box will show the guitar tablature above a standard music staff. To display the guitar tab only (without the music note display), select the Guitar Score Style instead.

Guitar Mix Score Style: Displays music notation using a Guitar Tablature and Treble (-8) staff. The new Project Template also contains Guitar Mix 2 which uses a Guitar Tablature and Treble staff instead, i.e. 1 octave higher than the Treble (-8) clef.

Q: What has been updated in the new Logic Project Template and Preferences file?

A: Logic Project Template v1.1 contains changes to the track name displays, default Project Setting for Overlapping Recordings as well as new Guitar and Bass Tab/Mix Score Styles.

Meanwhile, Logic Preferences v1.1 have been updated with a couple of new key commands.

Q: What is the best way to insert a reverb plug-in?

A: This answer was originally posted in a previous Logic Notes article, Reverberation Logic, but the procedure has now been updated for Logic 8.

A reverberation effect is typically shared by multiple instruments. As such, it should not be put into an individual track’s Insert slot. Since a reverb plug-in usually consumes more processing power than an average plug-in, an insert effect system (which requires a separate plug-in for each track) will only put unnecessary strain on the host computer’s CPU.

Reverb is more commonly used as an aux send effect. Setting up this effect bus will enable a single plug-in to be shared by multiple tracks:

1. Select the desired Audio or Software Instrument track.

2. From the selected tracks' channel strip (left strip) in the Inspector, select an unused Bus (with the default Post fader option) in the Sends slot.

3. From the Aux channel strip (right strip) in the Inspector, select the desired reverb plug-in in the Inserts slot.

4. Adjust the Send Level knob in the assigned track's channel strip (left strip) together with the Aux Volume fader (right strip) for the desired reverb mix. (Also ensure that the plug-in’s dry/wet (direct signal/reverb effect) balance, is set to 100% (i.e. no dry signal) for maximum effect.)

5. Repeat steps 1, 2 (select the same Bus) and 4 to assign other tracks to share the same reverb plug-in.

Aux Send Reverb: Mixer shows the Space Designer plug-in inserted into the Aux 1 channel, with 6 Audio and Software Instrument tracks sending various signal levels into Bus 1 (which is input into Aux 1).

Q: How can I make audio regions follow Logic's project tempo?

A: If the audio file was recorded in the same project, simply enable the Follow Tempo checkbox (in the Region Parameter box). However, this Follow Tempo option is not available for imported audio files.

Alternatively, audio and MIDI regions can also be Time Stretched/Compressed by option-dragging the Resize Tool (at the bottom right corner of the region). This feature will then "make audio regions follow Logic's project tempo".

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Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.1

Preferences v1.1

Read Me (template and preferences)

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The Logic Pro 8 Project Template

Q: What is a Logic Project Template?

A: A Project Template is a Logic 8 file which provides a default starting point for your music projects. The Logic Notes downloadable template contains customized window layouts and zoom levels, track colors, a pre-configured GM QuickTime Synth as well as a hidden automation setting, among other things.

Q: Is the Logic 7 Song Template compatible with Logic 8?

A: Logic 7 Song Templates can be opened in Logic 8. However, due to the new consolidated Arrange window in Logic 8 (which greatly simplified window layouts), many Screensets may not display the various windows correctly but would otherwise, still be largely functional.

On the other hand, Logic 8 templates are not backward-compatible (i.e. cannot be opened) with the older Logic 7.

Q: What are Screensets?

A: Screensets are customized screen layouts of Logic windows that can be stored and recalled just by pressing a number on the computer keyboard. The Logic Notes Project Template contains 9 Screensets which have been adapted and updated for Logic Pro 8 on the 15” MacBook Pro (1440x900 pixel screen resolution):

Screenset 1: Arrange

A general-purpose Arrange window whereby all the consolidated features can be opened for use at the click of a button.

Screenset 1

This Project Template has also been assigned various track colors, which are in contrast to the dull green regions in Logic's default templates. Simply click on the New Track and New Track With Duplicate Setting buttons to add more "colored" tracks (up to 24 Audio, 16 Software Instrument and 16 External MIDI track colors).

Screenset 2: MIDI Editing

Designed to show the interrelationships between the separate Event List, Score Editor and Piano Roll Editor when editing MIDI notes.

Screenset 2

Screenset 3: Consolidated Score

Takes advantage of the consolidated features of the main Arrange window to display the integrated Score Editor and Event List.

Screenset 4: Consolidated Piano Roll

Similar to the previous screenset in which the Piano Roll Editor and Event List are incorporated into the main Arrange window.

Screenset 5: Large Score

Utilizes a separate Score Editor window for large, music notation displays.

Screenset 6: Large Piano Roll

Similar to the previous screenset but using a large, separate Piano Roll Editor window instead for graphical editing of MIDI notes.

Screenset 7: Mixer

A consolidated Arrange window incorporating a Mixer.

Screenset 7

In addition to mixing, Screenset 7 also provides an easy method for inserting channel headers into External MIDI tracks. Simply pause-record at the start of the sequence and click on the desired mixer controls such as Program, Volume, Pan and Reverb.

However, the MIDI Automation Mode required to capture these mixer settings has been removed in Logic 8 and is not available anymore. Fortunately, this Project Template is able to exploit a Logic 8 loophole whereby the previously selected MIDI Automation Mode from Logic 7 still works, although it is now displayed as a question mark instead. And of course, the MIDI Automation Mode can also be used for recording real-time (i.e. live) mixer changes directly into MIDI Regions.

Screenset 8: Global Tracks

Displays the main Arrange window with all Global Tracks enabled.

Screenset 9: Audio Mixer Environment

Displays the Audio Mixer layer in the Environment window.

Q: What is the Logic preferences file used for?

A: This preferences file stores Logic's program preference settings such as its audio, display and Key Command (i.e. shortcut) settings. The Key Command list includes a "shorter" keyboard shortcut for Close Project as well as several new shortcuts, e.g. Play From Beginning, Select Overlapped Regions (to check for overlaps) and Align Object Positions Vertically (to align chords symbols in the Score Editor, especially useful for MT010 Assignment 2).

Q: There are 2 files available for download. Where should I place them after downloading?

A: The Logic template is named Autoload.logic and must be located inside a Project Templates folder while the preferences file is named com.apple.logic.pro.plist.

Just unzip the template download and drag & drop the Project Templates folder (containing the Logic 8 template) into the following location:

Users/your user account/Library/Application Support/Logic

Meanwhile, the Logic preferences file should be dropped into a DIFFERENT folder (replace the existing file):

Users/your user account/Library/Preferences

The downloaded Project Template will then be available for selection when a new file is opened (File>New) - just click on My Templates folder, and select the Autoload template.

As this is version 1.0 of the Logic Pro 8 template and preferences, updates would be expected as improvements to the layouts and settings are made, based on user feedback. And to the new users, welcome to Logic 8!

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Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.0

Preferences v1.0

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