The sleek interface and intuitive design of Apple’s Logic Pro make it arguably the best choice of digital audio workstation for Mac users. Like any DAW, the sheer number of parameters and options can be overwhelming. We’ll go through the basics as well as some key features to look out for to give you a boost up the learning curve.
How to Create a New Project
Once you’ve opened up Logic, a pop-up menu will appear. Here, you can decide what kind of tracks you’d like to appear in your new project. If you’d like to add certain track types to an existing project, press theplusicon in the top-left of the Workspace Area to bring up the distinct track types.
SelectAudiofor live recordings,Software Instrumentfor digital instruments,Drummerfor ready-made drum loops,External MIDIto connect your MIDI keyboard, andGuitar or Bassto connect your guitar to Logic.
How to Configure Your Project Settings
Now that you’ve created your tracks, you’ll want to configure the settings before you start recording and creating.
First, decide on a tempo. Click and drag on theTemponumber in the top-center of your screen to change it. Then, choose how many beats per bar you want from the drop-down menu on the right. Click on the metronome marker (or pressK) next to the1234icon to hear the tempo when you press play.
If you change your tempo mid-way through a creation, all your audio regions will become distorted as you try to match the new tempo. If you forget to set the tempo beforehand, you can copy and paste your audio and MIDI regions to a project with the right settings. You can also use theGlobal Tracksbutton to plot out any tempo changes easily.
I/O Buffer Size
When you’re recording audio tracks, go toLogic Pro > Settings > Audioin the menu bar near the top. Navigate to theI/O Buffer Sizeand select64or128from the drop-down menu. This will reduce recording latency, which is illustrated by the parameter below—this will help you out when editing the timing later on.
On the other hand, when you’re mixing, you’ll want to select the maximum I/O Buffer Size,1024. This will help avert the dreaded System Overload error pop-up and is necessary for multi-track projects. Just remember that the Audio settings you select in one track will carry over to other projects.
If you’re connecting up a microphone to your DAW, remember that you’ll want to set theInput Device(in your Audio Settings) to the microphone or your input monitor, and yourOutput Deviceas theBuilt-in Outputif you’re using headphones or an aux to speakers.
You may need to arm your track so that it records with the microphone; press thevertical lineicon next to theRicon in the Track Header or Left Channel Inspector.
Check outthe optimal recording equipment to get you started in Logic Pro.
How to Start Recording and Creating
Now that your settings and tempo are in order, it’s time to start creating. PressRto start recording andspacebarto stop/start the playhead. For audio tracks, remember to fade in/out audio regions to avoid pops or clicks. Learn tofade your audio in Logic in secondsto save time.
For software instrument tracks, you’ll want to find the right sound first. Open up the stock library by pressingY. For more Logic synths and third-party instruments, pressIto open up your Channel Strip Inspectors on the left (if it’s not already open) and select theInstrumentdrop-down menu belowMIDI FX. you’re able to find your third-party instruments in theAU Instrumentssection at the bottom.
Use your MIDI keyboard to record your software instruments. If you don’t have a MIDI keyboard, pressCmd + Kto open up the Musical Typing Keyboard. Once you’re happy with your MIDI track, you may want to select it and pressCtrl + B; this will convert it into an audio track which can alleviate stress on your CPU and enable audio region editing tools.
PressOto open up the stock loops that come with Logic Pro. There, you can refine your search depending on the genre, key, and other parameters you’re after. To save yourself some time, check out some ofthe most useful keyboard shortcuts in Logic Pro.
How to Work With the Track Options
To duplicate the settings and characteristics of one track onto a new track, select the original track and press theplus sign with two rectanglesabove the Track Header section. You can also holdOptionand drag a Track Header to duplicate it (including all its regions).
Another worthwhile technique is toCtrl + clickon a Track Header and hover overTrack Header Components. Here, selectOn/OffandFreeze. These two options will appear in the Track Header and let you activate/deactivate tracks and freeze them in place which reduces the load on your CPU. As your projects increase in size, this becomes increasingly important.
If tracks start to clog up your screen,Ctrl + clickon a track and selectHide Selected Track. Double-click on the Track Header to rename a track, press theMicon or key to mute it, orSto solo it. On the right, you’ll find the volume fader and a panning dial.
How to Navigate the Editor Areas
The central area when you open up your project is called the Workspace Area. PressTto open up the tool menu; this lets you change between the standard Pointer tool and other tools such as the Scissors or Marquee tools.
Iopens up the Left and Right Channel Strip Inspectors on the left-hand side. The Channel Strip Inspectors are where you’re able to add Audio and MIDI FX. You can also add a Channel EQ by clicking theEQbox.
You can also create aux tracks by using theSendsbutton and selecting an available Bus. This works well for effects like reverb, distortion, and delay which you place on the aux track and use the bus dial to mix the effect signal with the original track signal.
Click on the arrows next toRegionorTrackalong the top to open up their respective Inspectors. One valuable technique you should try out is using the Region Inspector on audio tracks to reverse your audio.
Eopens up the Track Editor Window for Audio tracks and the Piano Roll Editor for MIDI tracks. These windows generally let you edit regions with greater precision. Check out thebest Logic Pro MIDI editing tools to improve your MIDI regions.
The Best Features to Try Out in Logic Pro
As you familiarize yourself with Logic, use theQuick Helpbutton in the top-left (thequestion markicon) and hover over unknown features for a text explanation in the top-left.
To give your project a sense of dynamism and vitality, you will want to learnhow to use automation. This enables you to alter any parameter of your tracks (such as volume or panning) or effects over time. To enable automation, pressA. Then, choose the parameter you want to automate in your Track Header.
Another feature you’ll want to master is Flex Mode; pressCmd + Fto enable it, and select a Flex Mode in your Track Header. Learnhow to use Flex Pitchto ensure your audio tracks are all in tune and are tonally sound. Similarly, learnhow to use Flex Timeto make sure your audio recordings are perfectly synced to your desired tempo.
Start Creating and Experimenting in Logic Pro
Once you’ve set up the right track types and project settings in Logic Pro, it’s time to select your sounds and start recording. Edit your audio and MIDI regions in their editor windows, and use effects in the Channel Strip Inspectors. Then, experiment with automation and Flex Modes, and you’re well on your way to creating high-quality productions.
