The theoretical upper limit of RAM Logic Pro X (or other 64-bits programs) can access, is somewhere in the region of 16,000,000,000 Gigabytes (=16 Exbibytes). It'll be a while before personal computers (or any computer) can house that much RAM.
Is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X? Should you buy Logic Pro X? Well, let me ask you –
Latest Version: 10.4.8 Licence: $199.99 Rated 4.5/5 By 3,043 People. What does Logic Pro X do? Logic Pro X is the most advanced version of Logic ever. I am buying a Mac with the purpose of general use, photo storage and also to create music in Logic Pro X. I am trying to find out if MacBook with 8GB ram and 128gb SSD will have enough storage for that.
Is it worth it to own the best DAW ever created?
In my opinion – hell yeah!
Now before the armchair quarterbacks start revving up to let me know what's what, lend me your ear.
What Why Logic Pro Rules is All About
Why Logic Pro Rules is a blog dedicated to the most awesome Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) from Apple.
Though I have no statistical data to back me up whatsoever, I dare to believe Logic can go toe-to-toe with any DAW out there.
And while one DAW in particular is considered the 'industry standard,' I'd beg to differ. As the industry has been completely turned on its head, I'd reckon so has the 'standard.'
Anyways. As a longtime Logic fanboy, the one thing I've always wanted was a centralized hub for us Logic fans.
There are great forums and sites, sure! But a site dedicated to Logic with the beginner in mind, with unconditional love and support?
So let me get back to the question – is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X?
Why Logic Pro X?
Let's back-track for just a second…
If you had asked me 7 years ago if Logic Pro 9 was worth the money, I would've said yes.
But! After several years of owning LPX, I now understand why others weren't so hot on LP9.
LP9 was clunky. It lacked some basic functions of a DAW. And despite it's name, wasn't the most intuitive or 'logical' program on earth.
Plus, the interface was a bit like watching Star Trek: the Next Generation.
Though it looked 'futuristic' at the time, try watching an episode now. The show looks like the 90s idea of 'the future' – awkward and outdated.
But with LPX, all that has changed. At the time of this post, Logic is now sitting on version 10.3.2. How to get os x 10 12. And the Logic development team have made many an improvement.
So let's start with reason #1:
1. Logic Pro X Focuses on Being Beginner-Friendly
When LPX was introduced, the biggest deal was how different it looked from LP9. Take a look:
The differences were stark. And at first blush, many a Logic user were skeptical. Even downright upset!
Users complained about Logic not looking 'pro' enough to be a pro app.
But the changes in design had a major focus at its epicenter – the beginner.
Now, there's only so much anyone can do to make pro audio production 'easy'. But Logic did it's damnedest.
The Quick Help Button
LPX doesn't bank on only its snazzy facelift to make life easy for you. Instead it gives you your own personal guide through the massive program – the Quick Help button.
Immediately helpful, without the bug-eyed paperclip.
Hover your cursor over anything you see in LPX, and a helpful yellow bubble will pop up to tell you what you're looking at. This includes all the virtual instruments and plugin functions as well.
Still confused? While still hovering, you can hit ⌘ and / to see a more in-depth explanation.
Key Commands Are Logical
As you progress with any DAW, young grasshopper, you're going to learn about Key Commands.
Key commands are the shortcuts that will help you grow up to be a ninja in audio production.
Sure, you could use your mouse to open the mixer, duplicate a region, or hit the Record button…
But why do all that when you could do it with a single stroke of a key? For example, here are some key commands:
Open the Mixer – X
Duplicate Your Region – ⌘D
Record – R
The Logic team has tried to make their Key Commands easy and logical.
The first letter of the function you're looking for is often its key command. Is that key already used for a function? Then expect the first letter, plus a modifier. Modifiers include:
- Shift
- Control
- Option
- Command (⌘)
Some examples: soloing a region (Control, S), or opening a New Track (Option, ⌘, N).
Many of the other DAWs on the market are the opposite. Like:
- Record – ⌘, Space
- Mixer – ⌘, =
What the heck?
The best resource I've found for learning Logic key commands is this intuitive web app, aptly called Logic Pro Key Commands. Go and grow my young grasshopper.
Hiding/Showing Advanced Tools
When you first crack open LPX, you may recognize the interface from another Apple program. How much bandwidth does pubg use.
Garageband, the free DAW that comes with every Mac also received a facelift. Now, Garageband is clearly the little brother to the more robust Logic Pro X.
And to help the Garageband community graduate to LPX, they kept the look and feel the same.
So the Mute button continues to be a speaker with a slash through it. The solo button is still a pair of headphones. Menus like Functions and View have minimal options to not overwhelm you.
This way, you have an easier chance to quickly start recording and mixing.
But when you're ready to start breaking into Logic's more advance features, just head over to the Advanced Tools:
Logic Pro X > Preferences > Advanced Tools…
And enable Advanced Tools!
A juggernaut of functions is now enabled, such as Beatmapping, Project Alternatives, and more.
2. Logic Pro X is Cheap
Your idea of cheap and my idea of cheap may be completely different. But at the tune of $200, LPX is a steal.
Don't believe me? Let's compare the pricing of two other DAWs:
- Avid Pro Tools: $599
- Presonus Studio One 3 Professional: $399
- Avid Pro Tools HD: $2,499
Now the armchair jockeys are gonna wanna fight with me on these. So let's dig in:
Avid Pro Tools
Often heralded as the 'industry standard,' Avid gives you a couple price points to consider:
Pro Tools First
If you're looking to get your feet wet, Avid offers Pro Tools First. A free, downloadable version of Pro Tools.
The bummer parts about First are many. For example:
- You can only record up to 16 tracks into a project, with a maximum of 4 inputs,
- You can only save up to 3 projects, and
- You can't use most of the functions, instruments, or plugins typically found in Pro Tools
On the other hand, Garageband, which shares nearly all the same functions as Logic, lets you use all the tracks, plugins, and projects you want.
Subscribe to Pro Tools
Then there's regular Pro Tools, which you can either buy outright for $599, or subscribe on a month-to-month basis like Spotify for $29.99 per month.
$29.99 isn't so bad, right? But when you do the math, it's gonna cost you $359.88 per year. And you'll still have to pay for it the next year. And the next. And the next…
Buy Pro Tools
But say you're like, 'fine! I'll cough up the $599.'
Well, well, well my friends! Avid still doesn't let you use everything in Pro Tools.
Want every single blasted option or function? You'll need to graduate to an HD system. Not only is the system $2499 for just the software, but you'll have to buy hardware to even run it!
Presonus Studio One
As you can tell, I get pretty revved up about Pro Tools.
Presonus' Studio One is far more favorable in my book. None the less, it'll still cost ya.
Studio One Prime vs Artist vs Professional
First, Presonus offers Studio One Prime, a freebie version of their software. Once again, the program is very limited about what instruments, functions and plugins you can use.
Then we have Presonus Studio One Artist for $99. A much more robust program than Prime, while still limited. Unfortunately you can't use all the plugins and features, but you can use way more.
Want the rest of the program? Well then you'll want Studio One Professional – a $399 program.
Presonus has been doing some cool things with Studio One. For example, they've been busting out with new plugins like their VU Meter, Channel Strip, and Analog style plugins.
Unfortunately you'll have to buy most those plugins. They're not included in Studio One.
You know who doesn't make you pay for new features and plugins? Logic.
Buy once and reap the benefits with each new update. The only time you'll have to pay again is a major update, which will be Logic Pro 11. $200 every 5 – 7 years is pretty awesome.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the DAWs on the market. And I'm not trying to wage a DAW war.
But it should be indicative of Logic's value. Which leads to Reason #3…
3. Logic Pro X is a Songwriter's Dream
The awesome Logic team have spent their time since LPX's release on innovating. And the innovations they've built for songwriters are nothing short of amazing.
If you can't even accidentally write a riff with LPX, you're the one who's messing up.
Drummer
When LPX debuted, it hit us with a doozie innovation. It was such a doozie, that a lot of the community scratched its head and said 'wha….why?'
Oh, but I can say for certain I get it now. And that's Drummer.
Drummer is your personal AI drummer. A beat master who adapts and changes to tempo, style, part, and even to what you play.
Styles range from Singer-songwriter, to punk rock, to gritty hip hop.
Sure, you're gonna get hung up on the names and 'personalities' of the drummers. You're gonna say, 'Really? Logan? With that stupid handlebar mustache?'
Go with the flow man. I remember the days of having to build beats by scratch using the piano roll. Programming snare drum rolls that sounded like the kit had epilepsy, not humanity.
With Drummer, you don't have to program anything. The beats sound human and realistic. And you can add parts with a single click. But if you need to change a drum part to MIDI and fine-tune it, you can.
Virtual Instruments Galore
Here's just a taste of some of the instruments available to you my friend:
- Alchemy – a Synth Powerhouse
- Drum Kit Designer – a brilliant selection of acoustic drums
- Vintage Electric Piano – which comes with 19 different piano types
- Drum Machine Designer – A beautiful and succinct drum pad for electronic beats
- Retro Synth – An analog style synth that comes in 4 flavors
- Amp Designer – A massive selection of guitar amps
- Bass Amp Designer – An equally diverse selection of bass amps and tones
That's not even including the legacy instruments and synths like the EXS24. And on top of that Apple tosses in over 21000 royalty-free audio loops for you to write with to your heart's content!
Apple has devoted a lot of time and money for you and I to have an easy and fun time writing music. I, for one, am stoked.
And so much more…
The features in Logic are vast, and far too many to list in a single blog post. Subscribe so you don't miss out as I post tutorials about how to get the most out of Logic Pro X.
If you have a question, a request for a blog post, or a Logic myth you'd like debunked – please, fill out the form in the sidebar! Leave a comment! Email me!
Why Logic Pro Rules is all about spreading the love for Logic. So I'm here for ya.
Ridiculously powerful. Seriously creative.
Logic Pro X Review
Live LoopsFor spontaneous composition.
Live Loops is a dynamic way to create and arrange music in real time. Kick off your composition by adding loops, samples, or your recorded performances into a grid of cells. Trigger different cells to play with your ideas without worrying about a timeline or arrangement. Once you find combinations that work well together you can create song sections, then move everything into the Tracks area to continue production and finish your song.
Remix FX
Bring DJ-style effects and transitions to an individual track or an entire mix with a collection of stutters, echoes, filters, and gating effects.
Logic Remote
Control features like Live Loops, Remix FX, and more from your iPad or iPhone using Multi-Touch gestures.
Novation Launchpad
Live Loops supports Launchpad for a tactile experience. Use an 8x8 grid of colorful and expressive pads to dynamically trigger cells, input notes, adjust mixer levels and more.
Step SequencerPure beat poetry.
Step Sequencer is inspired by classic drum machines and synthesizers. Using the Step Sequence editor, quickly build drum beats, bass lines, and melodic parts — and even automate your favorite plug-ins. Add sophisticated variations to your pattern with a wide range of creative playback behaviors. Use Note Repeat to create rolling steps, Chance to randomize step playback, and Tie Steps Together to create longer notes.
Logic RemoteTouch and flow.
Logic Remote lets you use your iPhone or iPad to control Logic Pro on your Mac. Use Multi-Touch gestures to play software instruments, mix tracks, and control features like Live Loops and Remix FX from anywhere in the room. Swipe and tap to trigger cells in Live Loops. And tilt your iPhone or iPad up and down and use its gyroscope to manipulate filters and repeaters in Remix FX.
NewSequence your beats
Program drum patterns and melodic parts from your iPad or iPhone. Create dynamic rhythmic performances, and automate your plug-ins — all with a quick tap of your finger.
Multi-Touch mixing
Control your mix from wherever you are in the room — whether that's next to your computer or on the couch — with Multi-Touch faders.
Pair and play
Use a variety of onscreen instruments, such as keyboards, guitars, and drum pads, to play any software instrument in Logic Pro from your iPad or iPhone.
Key commands
Create at the speed of sound with key commands in Logic Remote. Choose from curated commands for popular workflows, or create your own custom set.
Sampler
We redesigned and improved our most popular plug-in — the EXS24 Sampler — and renamed it Sampler. The new single-window design makes it easier to create and edit sampler instruments while remaining backward compatible with all EXS24 files. An expanded synthesis section with sound-shaping controls brings more depth and dynamics to your instruments. The reimagined mapping editor adds powerful, time-saving features that speed the creation of complex instruments. Use the zone waveform editor to make precise edits to sample start/end, loop ranges, and crossfades. And save hours of tedious editing with new drag-and-drop hot zones.
Quick Sampler
Quick Sampler is a fast and easy way to work with a single sample. Drag and drop an audio file from the Finder, Voice Memos, or anywhere within Logic Pro. Or record audio directly into Quick Sampler using a turntable, microphone, musical instrument, or even channel strips playing in Logic Pro. In a few steps, you can transform an individual sample into a fully playable instrument. And with Slice Mode, you can split a single sample into multiple slices — perfect for chopping up vocals or breaking up and resequencing drum loops.
Drum Synth
This powerful but easy-to-use plug-in creates synthesized drum sounds. Choose from a diverse collection of drum models and shape their sound with up to eight simple controls. Drum Synth is also directly integrated into the bottom of the Drum Machine Designer interface — giving you a focused set of sound-shaping controls.
Drum Machine Designer
Redesigned to be more intuitive and integrated, Drum Machine Designer lets you effortlessly build electronic drum kits. Apply individual effects and plug-ins on each discrete drum pad to experiment with sound design and beat-making in new ways. You can also create a unique layered sound by assigning the same trigger note to two different pads. To help you quickly edit sounds, Quick Sampler and Drum Synth are directly integrated into the Drum Machine Designer interface.
DrummerCompose to the beat of a different percussionist.
Using Drummer is like hiring a session drummer or collaborating with a highly skilled beat programmer. Create organic-sounding acoustic drum tracks or electronic beats with the intelligent technology of Drummer. Choose from dozens of drummers who each play in a different musical genre, and direct their performances using simple controls.
Compositions and PerformancesYour studio is always in session.
Logic Pro turns your Mac into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects. Capture your compositions and performances — from tracking a live band to a solo software-instrument session — and flow them into your songs.
The ultimate way to record.
Seamless punch recording. Automatic take management. Support for pristine 24-bit/192kHz audio. Logic Pro makes it all easy to do — and undo. You can create projects with up to 1000 stereo or surround audio tracks and up to 1000 software instrument tracks, and run hundreds of plug-ins. It's all you need to complete any project.
Get the most out of MIDI.
Logic Pro goes beyond the average sequencer with an advanced set of options that let you record, edit, and manipulate MIDI performances. Transform a loose performance into one that locks tight into the groove using region-based parameters for note velocity, timing, and dynamics. Or tighten up your MIDI performances while preserving musical details like flams or chord rolls with Smart Quantize.
Industry-leading tools
As your song develops, Logic Pro helps organize all your ideas and select the best ones. Group related tracks, audition alternate versions, and consolidate multiple tracks. Lightning-fast click-and-drag comping helps you build your best performance from multiple takes.
Smart Tempo
Go off-script and stay on beat with Smart Tempo, a way to effortlessly mix and match music and beats without worrying about the original tempo. Record freely without a click track. And easily combine and edit MIDI and audio tracks — from vinyl samples to live instruments to multitrack audio stems — with constant or variable tempo.
Flex Time
Quickly manipulate the timing and tempo of your recording with Flex Time. Easily move the individual beats within a waveform to correct drum, vocal, guitar, or any other kind of track without slicing and moving regions.
Flex Pitch
Edit the level and pitch of individual notes quickly and easily with Flex Pitch. Roll over any note and all parameters are available for tweaking.
Track Alternatives
Create alternate versions of a track or multiple grouped tracks, and switch between them at any time to audition different options. Create, store, and select from different edits and arrangements of track regions to make it easier to experiment with various creative ideas.
Takes and Quick Swipe Comping
Click and drag to choose the best sections of each take to create a seamless comp, complete with transition-smoothing crossfades. Save multiple comps and switch among them to pick the one you like best.
Track Stacks
Consolidate multiple related tracks into a single track. Use a Summing Stack as a quick way to create submixes. Or create layered and split instruments.
Project Alternatives
Create as many alternate versions of a project as you'd like, each with its own name and settings but sharing the same assets — efficiently saving storage space. Load any version to make changes without compromising your original.
Track Groups and VCA Faders
Buy Logic Pro X Software
Manage large mixes with Track Groups and VCA faders. Assign any selection of channels to a track group, then control the levels or other parameters of all tracks in the group from any single channel in the group.
Automation
Apple Logic Pro X Price
Easily capture changes to any channel strip or plug-in parameter. Just enable automation, press Play, and make your changes.
Even more pro features in the mix.
Logic Pro is packed with incredible tools and resources to enhance your creativity and workflow as you sharpen your craft — even if you're a seasoned pro.
Graduate from GarageBand.
Logic Remote. Touch and flow.
MainStage
Sound as great onstage as you do in the studio.
Education Bundle
Five amazing apps. One powerful collection.
