Review of
Logic Pro 6
An Outstanding Sequencer now Gives you More
by the Tweak
Apple Mac Pro 2.66GHz Desktop Computer
Two Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors up to 3GHz let you
effortlessly synthesize instruments and apply multiple effects. Up to
16GB of memory provide ample bandwidth for recording an unprecedented
number of tracks. PCI Express expansion slots support state-of-the-art
audio DSP and I/O solutions, while support for up to eight displays
lets you spread out all your tools and timelines. Run several applications
simultaneously, thanks to Mac OS X with Core Audio. And connect virtually
any audio, MIDI, or storage device using the optical digital and analog
stereo audio ports and conveniently located FireWire and USB ports.
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| The Competition
Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) Digital Performer Software Version 4
Digital Performer can record and play back digital audio
without any additional hardware installed inside your Power Macintosh.
Imagine being able to record anything: vocals, acoustic guitar, sound
effects, or anything else — right alongside your MIDI tracks.
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Steinberg Nuendo Recording Software
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Steinberg Cubase SX Recording Software
The new Cubase SX 2.0 unites the proven and the pioneering
in one fascinating new program. Cubase SX 2.0 is the next generation
of one of the world's most popular sequencers with a new revised user
interface and over 100 fantastic new features. Improvements such as
the new VST audio engine with 32-bit floating point audio resolution,
Freeze function for VSTi's, real multi-channel surround, Stacked Recording
mode and the freely configurable user interface leave Cubase SX 2.0
without peer among music workstations. And because Cubase SX is a native
application, you can choose which audio and control hardware you wish
to work with.
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Apple 30 Inch Cinema HD Display
Feast your eyes on more than 4 million pixels in the
first high-resolution 30 in. flat panel display designed for the personal
computer. The Apple Cinema Display line features a gorgeous new anodized
aluminum enclosure to complement the Power Mac G5 or PowerBook G4.
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Let's jump right in without any fluff.
There is one compelling reason to get Logic Pro 6 if you have never used a professional
level sequencer before: It includes everything you in need in terms
of software to create 100% original, professional sounding music. While
it is apparent that Logic Pro 6 is, second to Nuendo, the most expensive sequencer
package available. it should also be apparent that Logic gives you more
than any package on earth. You don't need more plugins (though you can
always add more if you want them) as the emagic stuff is first rate, I think,
the best package bundled with any sequencer. (And you guys know, I don't
often say something is "best"). As one package Logic Pro 6 gives you a massive
set of sound generators and processors; you add the computer, audio interface,
mic preamp and talent.
Logic Pro 6 is actually version
6.4 and is not to be confused with Logic Platinum 6, which ran for versions
6.0 to 6.3. Though this is just an incremental decimal jump, there
is a massive difference...read on. The Platinum name is now gone,
and so are the Silver and Gold versions. These are replaced with
Logic Express, which is Logic6SDnow the only other sequencer
in the Logic line.
The huge news is that you now get
all of Logic's plugins and virtual instruments, many of which previously
required a separate purchase. You get the ES1, ES2, EXS24MK2, EVP88, EVD6,
EVO20, and yep, Space Designer as standard equipment. Heh, its like
buying a car and getting all the luxury items thrown in free. We are
beginning to see a different kind of marketing strategy here, perhaps the
influence of Apple's marketing muscle is beginning to be felt. In any case
this move is bound to shake up the sequencer industry. Logic is now
in a class all its own--the total studio package for your Mac.
Otherwise, Logic Pro 6 is not a lot different
than Logic Platinum 6. It looks the same but does feel a little better
and on my system it is quite stable. You can check out my earlier
review of Logic 6.3 to
see the changes that occurred since
version 5 (which was
the last PC version).
The Competition
You know that Logic is only a Mac sequencer
now, so that limits the competition to the following: MOTU Digital
Performer 4, Nuendo, Cubase SX2, and ProTools LE (which requires a Digidesign
audio interface, such as the Digi 002 or 002r. You can see the products
over in the sidebar to the right.
Which DAW and OS for Logic?
Apple
Mac Pro 2.66GHz Desktop Computer
Two Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors up to 3GHz let you effortlessly
synthesize instruments and apply multiple effects. Up to 16GB of memory
provide ample bandwidth for recording an unprecedented number of tracks.
PCI Express expansion slots support state-of-the-art audio DSP and I/O solutions,
while support for up to eight displays lets you spread out all your tools
and timelines. Run several applications simultaneously, thanks to Mac OS
X with Core Audio. And connect virtually any audio, MIDI, or storage device
using the optical digital and analog stereo audio ports and conveniently
located FireWire and USB ports.
Which audio interface for Logic?
Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 828MKII Firewire 24/96 Audio Interface (Macintosh
and Windows)
This is a much more thorny area as it is
with all sequencers, particularly if you are running OS X. Apple's
Core audio at this point only lets you define one audio interface inside
of Logic, so you should make it one that has the features you need.
I am using a MOTU 828mk2 and it is working great. It's important to
note that with the G5 Apple changed the configuration of the PCI slot.
This means that most PCI soundcards and audio interfaces designed for PC
computers are not going to work. Some companies offer a swap or upgrade
to G5 compatible PCI cards (M-audio and MOTU do this). Firewire and
USB interfaces make good choices. As always, do your research before
deciding.
"
Pros and Cons
Perhaps the biggest con of the package
is that not much has happened in terms of new features in Logic Pro 6.
Even GarageBand has automatic time stretching in the arrange with Apple
Loops. Logic is not there yet. With other sequencers like Sonar
and Cubase SX2 having updated their software mixers lately one can only
wonder why emagic is not following suit. We'll have to wait till version
7 before we see any significant features added. Still though, don't
think that Logic's look is crude because of this. Indeed, Pro 6 is
a beautiful looking as well as functioning application. Eye and ear candy
are everywhere. For now, the new features are the inclusion
of the plugins and software instruments. And indeed, unless you already
had them all, this is plenty. As should be known Logic will not let
you run VST plugins or VSTi software synths. However, with the VST
to AU shell by FXPansion, this issue is 100% solved. Also, in terms
of 3rd party soft synths and plugins, the Native Instruments whole line
and the Waves full line is now AU compatible.
Tweak's Conclusion
I went for it myself and have no regrets.
I am biased, but I do feel that Logic is the easiest sequencer to use on
the market, once one gets to know it. Now it is also the most powerful
out of the box with its generous supply of plugins and software instruments.
Compare it to Digital Performer, and Cubase-the only real competition on
OS X. What Logic has going for it is that neither can touch it with the
sheer number of supplied instruments and processors. Where they can
compete is in features and how well they are implemented.
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