Convolution reverbs are awesome. They really made mixing inside the box sound as good as using high end outboard gear. But one of my favourite uses for Logic’s convolution reverb, Space Designer, is as a speaker simulator. Take a listen. FYI, this is Fender Jazz Bass played with fingers (no pick), direct into Logic. I’m using the “Speaker 1” preset. No additional EQ or compression was used on either sample. This recording is an out take of Showroom’s The World Is Too Much With Us sessions.
Note: The difference is mostly in the low, low end so you won’t hear much difference listening though built-in computer speakers. Plug in a good pair of headphones or make sure you’re hooked up to some good monitors.
1. Original DI bass guitar
2. Processed bass guitar
The difference maybe subtle, but to me the processed bass has a lot more weight to it. I find it sounds more “real.” Of course, this won’t work in all situations, but if your bass is sounding thin and you’re looking for something phatter, give this a try. It’s usually best to blend the two sounds. Have fun! -mc
Well after much speculation, we are now able to see all that Logic Pro 8 has to offer. And perhaps the most surprising part of the announcement is the price: $499 for the full suite, and $199 for the upgrade. I thought it had to be wrong, but it seems Apple has actually cut the price in half and added some very helpful new features.
The consolodated window is a very welcome feature (thanks to the folks at MOTU for coming up with this — Digital Performer is way ahead of Logic here). Basically, this means you can access the mixer, arrange, transport, piano roll editor or whatever else you want to see in one window. There have been many times that I hit F9 (Exposé) only to find I have over a dozen windows open — and I’m not using 10 of them! The whole look seems a lot more “Apple,” meaning simpler.
The new multitake and comping tools also look amazing. I won’t try to describe them here. Check out the Logic Studio pages for more details.
The inclusion of Soundtrack Pro was not that surprising to me. I think this really allowed Apple to focus on Logic as a music production application and leave out features (and complexity) that would have duplicated Soundtrack Pro’s functionality.
The surprise for me, is a new application in the bundle called MainStage. This application basically allows you to use your favourite soft synths in a live performance setting without having to have Logic open. The look and feel of this app is also very simple — a welcome feature for live use.
The latest release of Logic is in no way a “Pro Tools killer,” but rather a very professional music production suite that allow both musicians and engineers a swiss army knife of tools to create — and perform — with ease and flexibility. I’ll be picking up my copy shortly. -mc
This is the post where I rant about not seeing a major update to Logic in about three years. And this is the post where I dream about some welcome improvements we should see in the next release. Even though the next major update may not be called Logic.
Improved Compressor
I have to admit, I actually like Logic’s built-in comp. It’s far from transparent and I find it reminiscent of classic dbx compressors. However, that’s the only sound it does well. The new revamped compressor should have a selection of “circuit types” to chose from. Whether they’re just approximations or modeled after specific hardware doesn’t really matter, as long as more options are given.
The new face of the Multipressor
The Multipressor is a plugin I love… when it’s not messing up the phase of the audio! Hopefully, the Multipressor will receive more than a cosmetic makeover. With this revision maybe it could be a contender to compete with Waves C4, Wave Arts MultiDynamics or TC Electronics Master X3. All I can say is I can’t wait to get it!
SpaceDesigner
Logic’s convolution reverb processor isn’t getting the cosmetic makeover that some other plugins are getting. It’s getting more under the hood.
Those familiar with Space Designer will be happy to see these improvements. Perhaps my favourite update is the inclusion of an EQ with the reverb. A new button is now at the top right of the display beside the “reverse” button that gives access to visual 4-band EQ. In addition, a 5.1 surround sound version will also be available.
These new Logic plugins will look very familiar to users of Apple’s Final Cut Studio as they’ve already been updated for Soundtrack Pro 2 in April of 2007. So now that the folks working in audio post have had a few months to enjoy the improved functionality of these plugins, isn’t it time to release them to the music producers? -mc
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Convolution reverbs are awesome. They really made mixing inside the box sound as good as using high end outboard gear. But one of my favourite uses for Logic’s convolution reverb, Space Designer, is as a speaker simulator. Take a listen. FYI, this is Fender Jazz Bass played with fingers (no pick), direct into Logic. I’m using the “Speaker 1” preset. No additional EQ or compression was used on either sample. This recording is an out take of Showroom’s The World Is Too Much With Us sessions.
