Logic Pro X is the primary recording app for music production on any Apple device. It is a powerful software which offers you the best features and has been popular among the music producers. If you are a beginner, then you must go through the offers and decide why Logic Pro X should be your ultimate DAW choice.
Let’s dive into this guide and help you get the basic information before you get started with this DAW – Logic Pro X.
In This Article:
Logic Pro X – Basics
If you have a basic knowledge of audio production, then you can easily use this DAW. Logic Pro X is not a free app; you must purchase and install it on your Mac to access the features. It comes with a 90-day trial period to help you understand whether the app is going to serve your purpose, and after that, you need to make the full payment.
If you are planning to record music often or set up a home recording studio, then you must willingly spend on Logic Pro X. But, if you are not interested in serious audio production, then check how this application performs and switch to any other free DAW. Otherwise, this tool is going to be a very powerful option in terms of pro-level recording at an affordable price.
At a glance – How does Logic Pro X work?
Before you start using Logic Pro X, you must get through the facts – how it looks and works on your Mac. It has very easy-to-access features and a user-friendly interface, and the design is relatively seamless compared to other DAWs.
Logic Pro X cannot be used on Windows or iOS and is strictly based on Mac platforms. You do not need to install the app as it comes pre-installed. You will also not get any mobile version to run the app on iPhone or iPad.
How to initiate a project?
You must install it and launch the app if it is not installed already. The first window that appears is the Project Window. Here, you get to choose various templates and projects. This will help you to grasp the option to open any project, start working on it, and save the ongoing work.
You can find plenty of templates to get you started. If you have never used this app before, you can choose Electronics, Songwriter, Hip Hop, Multitrack, etc. On the project window, you will also find the option “New project”. When you select it, a blank recording project will appear without any template setting. This will help you to start from scratch.
You need to select the type of project, and the main window will open in full. Here, you can carry out all the aspects, such as recording, mixing, and editing any audio project. You will also find a Quick Help tool, which helps you learn about the basic functions and features of Logic Pro X. Select the “question mark” icon at the top left corner to access the pool of features. You can also find information about how the tool works by hovering the cursor on the “?” icon.
Logic Pro X provides you with a self-tutorial option where you can customize the basic functions of the DAW. So, take your time, walk through all the features and elements of the project window, and then start recording your first project.
How to set up a recording session on Logic Pro X?
When you are using Logic Pro X, you need to go through a basic recording session setup. Here, you can start a virtual project that can be of any length, small or large.
So, when you launch the app, you will find Logic Pro X is guiding you with some basic steps to initiate the project. Streamline your recording setup process, and you can use the project template. It is indeed a good initiative for the beginners.
When you step into the project window, you will find many ways of setting up recording sessions. You can use these methods to quickly edit your tracks and save them. The best part about Logic Pro X is that you do not need any microphone or instrument to start the recording process.
The DAW provides you with many software instruments that you can use directly in the box to channel your creativity. You can also use an external microphone or instrument. However, for that, you need to go through easy-to-follow steps. You need to select an input source or audio interface when you start the project and then connect the microphone or any other instrument to the DAW. If you want a basic audio session, learn to record a guitar or microphone.
Do remember, while you are setting up a recording session, you must include – how many tracks you want, what are your input sources for each of these, and how you will be monitoring the tracks while you are recording. You can also create samples or other electronic music on Logic Pro X. Thus, the setup process is quite easy, and it takes only a few attempts to get ready with your first recording session. This application will help you brush up your skills and make you a better musician.
What are the advanced recording features in Logic Pro X?
When you launch the Logic Pro X, it helps you to use an immense set of capabilities. It is a professional-level audio production tool where you learn about more complex techniques that will prove useful in the long run.
You can use the editing and mixing feature, along with utilizing EQ and plugins, which will add depth to the recording. With EQ and reverb, you can make any track sound much richer. It will also allow you to alter the frequencies, and with the in-built reverb plugin, you can customize the sound.
With the large variety of plugins, you get to add texture to the recorded tracks. There is also a possibility to purchase and add third-party plugins to enhance the variety of sounds. Here, you get to learn about accounts and microphone placement. So, if you are choosing this to be a career as an audio engineer, then Logic Pro X can help you improve your skills. You also get to change the tempo of the project and learn how to bounce tracks.
How to use software instruments or MIDI on Logic Pro X?
DAW comes with software instrument features where you get to explore many instruments and sounds and add them to any project, which acts as a foundation. There are many software instruments that you can download and access, and these come with the purchased application.
You can also use all of them at once or individually after downloading them when it comes to recording projects. This instrument acts similarly to any real instrument. Thus, you get immense possibilities when you are starting as a beginner to use the Logic Pro X. So, start recording and practicing by setting up a track. You can also use the keyboard to control the features or use a MIDI keyboard or controller.
The process is quite simple – You have to connect the MIDI keyboard to the Mac and then start with your projects. You don’t need many skills to play the keyboard or piano. All you have to do is use the keyboard to control the software. There are different types of MIDI controllers that can be attached to any Logic Pro X-based studio, and these are quite affordable. It also helps you to enhance your abilities and, thus, brings in a need for a solid investment.
You can use these MIDI files to write chords, progressions, and melodies. You can explore or practice different tones by connecting a guitar and choosing any amp sound. You can also make beats and add different drum machines to get started.
How can you edit and mix on Logic Pro X?
To start the work, record all the tracks in an audio format. Now begins the editing process. Here, you get to alter the waveform of the recorded track, address the volume of a track, and learn other features that will enhance the edited version of the record.
It might seem to be time-consuming, but it will provide a new outcome to the original track. However, you must save the raw version before you begin the project, as editing means you are going to alter the track in Logic Pro X. You get features like fading and clipping a track and also how to access a track and make basic edits. The editor also provides you with autotune or de-esser to clean out the recordings. This will enhance and smoothen the editing process.
Logic Pro X is a powerful editing tool where you get to boost the track sound and prepare it for mixing. You get to learn about a feature called Flex Pitch and also how to use it to tighten the out-of-tune sounds. You get similar other tools as well that are essential for editing.
Now, it’s time for mixing, starting from the basic level Logic Pro X features to balance the different aspects of the sound here. You get to mix tactics and tools, learn how to make vocals and explore different aspects of mixing a single-voice track. Start with blending personal preferences and strategies to get an intended outcome.
There are also many plugins that you can use for mixing, and the most used one is Denoiser. Get to know about group tracks and freestyles and how to bounce your track. The entire process might take a generous amount of time, but it is essential to create an enhanced audio outcome.
Finally….
Based on the features and aspects that Logic Pro X is providing, it is indeed a professional tool that you must try. It will be a stepping stone for your audio production career, and you can also expand the functions and features while using external equipment. The features are flexible, and keeping in mind the beginner’s requirement, the tool also comes at a budget-friendly price. To keep up with your workflow, you get to add different third-party tools, use keyboard shortcuts, or explore the forums and videos dedicated to Logic Pro X.
What is the best way to start learning Logic Pro X?
To start learning Logic Pro X, you must start by recording a project and then explore the features of the app. The interface is quite user-friendly, and you can also take the help of the Quick Help tool that comes along with the Logic Pro X. Other than this, you can also watch online videos or sign up for courses to help you learn about Logic Pro X.
