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"!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.2

Preferences v1.2

Read Me (template and preferences)

__________________________________________________________________

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.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.2

Preferences v1.2

Read Me (template and preferences)

___________________________________________________________________________

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".

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.1

Preferences v1.1

Read Me (template and preferences)

__________________________________________________________________

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!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Logic Pro 8 downloads:

Project Template v1.0

Preferences v1.0

__________________________________________________________________

Logic Studio: Giving More For Less

Q: Is it worthwhile to upgrade to Logic Studio?

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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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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Reverberation Logic

Q: What is reverberation?

A: Reverberation is one of the most commonly used effects in music. Also known as reverb, it is the natural reflection of sound in an acoustic space. As a microphone typically captures only the direct sound from the source (without the room reflections), recordings without any reverb mixed in will sound very dry and unnatural. On the other hand, too much reverb will simply smear up the clarity of the mix, making it sound like the neighbor's karaoke nightmare (often with maximum effects to mask the bad singing)!

Example 1: Dry (minimal or no reverb).mp3

Example 2: Natural (a little reverb).mp3

Example 3: Smeared (too much reverb).mp3

Q: Does Logic have any reverberation effect?

A: Yes, Logic comes with several reverb plug-ins such as PlatinumVerb, GoldVerb, SilverVerb, EnVerb and AVerb. However, the Space Designer is only available in Logic Pro while the Apple QuickTime synthesizer also has a built-in reverb effect.

Premium Reverb Plug-in: The PlatinumVerb is a powerful reverb plug-in that is available in both Logic Pro and Logic Express.

Reverb from External Synths: Built-in reverb from the QuickTime synth (an external device) can be dialed-in via the Track Mixer’s Reverb Send knobs, i.e. the top row knobs with the green outline (a default setup in the Logic Notes song template).

Q: What is Space Designer?

A: Space Designer is Logic's convolution reverb plug-in. While conventional reverberation effects are based on reverb algorithms, Space Designer uses Impulse Responses instead, which are actually reverb samples, i.e. recordings of physical spaces such as auditoriums, halls and rooms.

During the convolution process, every sample in the audio input is multiplied by each sample in the Impulse Response (IR). Needless to say, overlaying the IR onto the input signal in real-time is a processor-intensive task. But with the availability of more powerful computers, convolution reverbs have become increasingly popular in recent years.

New Realism in Reverberation Technology: The Space Designer is a convolution reverb plug-in based on Impulse Responses (only available in Logic Pro).

Logic Pro 7 comes with a 400MB IR library. Consisting of stereo 24-bit audio files in AIFF and WAVE formats (beneath the SDIR file extension), these reverb samples are recordings of actual concert halls, cathedrals, recording studios, vintage reverb devices, tunnels and conventional rooms, among others.

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

A: 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. Open the Audio Mixer or press 9 (to select Screenset 9) if using the Logic Notes song template.

2. Insert the desired reverb plug-in into an empty Bus channel strip.

3. Assign the selected reverb Bus (with the default Post fader option) to the desired Audio Track and Audio Instrument Sends slots.

4. Adjust the Send Level knob (in each assigned track) together with the Bus Volume fader for the desired reverb mix. (Also ensure that the plug-in’s Mix parameter, i.e. the dry/wet (direct signal/reverb effect) balance, is set to 100% for maximum effect.)

Aux Send Reverb: The Audio Mixer shows the PlatinumVerb plug-in inserted into Bus 1, with 3 Audio Tracks and 3 Audio Instruments sending various signal levels into Bus 1 (which is the reverb bus).

Reverberation is a subtle effect where it often stays in the background. Sometimes, we do not even notice it is there until it is removed from the mix. We cannot do without it, yet we cannot have too much of it either. As with everything else, the effect has to be there in just the right amount for proper balance. Happy mixing.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________

Introducing Logic 7

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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