When it comes to recording software, some of the big news has been the release of Pro Tools 11, but Apple has gotten in on the upgrade action, as well. Logic Pro X was released in July, almost four years to the date after the release of Logic Pro 9.
We’ve written about the advantages (and some disadvantages) of Logic before, but it clearly is one of the top DAW software packages on the market, and many producers and engineers prefer it to any other software. Here’s a look at what’s new in the 10th version of the software.
The first thing you’ll likely notice about the new version of Logic is the new look of the recording interface. While familiar enough that you know it’s a Logic workspace, the updated controls bring a new look to the software that hasn’t really been changed for the past few updates. Though Apple says you can use Logic the same way you’ve been used to, the new version comes with more customizable options that you can use to match the settings to your workflow.
Over on the mix window, the look also has been updated, but Apple says its new streamlined workflow is the real draw for the new look. The process has been simplified so that no keyboard modifier must be used to open, close, bypass or re-order plugins. And kudos to Apple for adding a gain-reduction meter right on the mix window so you can see how those compressors are reacting in real time.
Track Stack is a new feature that offers a different way to group similar tracks such as drums for easier mixing. The feature helps keeps your screen free of clutter, but Apple says it still offers easy control of all tracks.
Also related to tracks, any track can be set as the “Groove Master.” After this is done, you can select any other (or all other) tracks to follow the timing of this track. This can give a more realistic feel to your final track, particularly if you are using virtual instruments.
Speaking of virtual instruments, Apple Logic Pro X has quite a few new options in this department. One of the most talked about upon release is Drummer, which allow you to dial in a virtual drummer for any song. You can choose from a plethora of drum kits, and Drummer offers a ton of control over the type of beat that is played, as well as more intricate details like how hard the drummer hits the drums.
For the guitarists, seven new virtual stompboxes are available, including Tube Burner, Dr. Octave pitch shift and Tie Dye Delay.
While the keyboard options haven’t changed that much, the interface controls on them have been updated to provide easier control. The controls of the retro synths also have been redone, allowing you to control them much in the same way you would those instruments you are trying to re-create.
Like the previous version of Logic Pro, X costs $199.
