Is Logic Able To Do????, Comparing PT capa to Logic capa Options

[mikenienaber]

Hi,
I'm specing for a home project Studio. I'm a Protools operator by day so I know it pretty well. I want to use Logic as my platform at home for reasons concerning cash for an HD suite (dont have the cash!). I have a few editing questions for you guys Im hoping you can answer before I buy Logic.
*Can Logic record at half speed like PT (record ready; shift-spacebar)
*Does an auxillary channel use up a voice?
*What file formats can Logic inport? Digi requires you to by Digitranslator for OMF files and an MP3 plug to import MP3's at a lovely Digi price:)
*Compare midi editing capa please
*Are AU plugs as 'nice' as RTAS?
*Are VST's usable in Logic?
*Logic bundles a nice large plug package, are the plugs any good to a serious studio?
*Ive demoed Logic at a mac store, it seems quite illogical at times. Does it take a while to get into it?


Thats all I can think of just now.
Inout would be awesome please
Mike, Cape Town South Africa.

[bigyello]

hey mikenienaber -

logic is a very different environment than protools. it is first and foremost the best sequencer in the business. so when it comes to working with audio, it can seem non-intuitive, esp for someone who tracks in protools all day.

i dont know the answer to all of the questions, but here are some.

aux - does not use up a voice. you do not have that limitation in logic, as you do in protools. just keep adding it on!

file formats - logic pretty much imports everything, at least OMF and mp3 natively. u can drag and drop.

AU plugs are for the most part pretty good. they do not have the same due diligence put on them as RTAS' do, so there is no guarantee of pro-level quality, like there is with protools. for the most part, they are of much higher quality than VSTs. definately worth auditioning some.

VST's can be used with an AU to VST wrapper. i use the one from fxpansion.

the plugs that come with logic are pretty good. i personally am not in love with the synths (sound like software to me), but i've heard some pretty amazing results, if ur willing to put the time into it. and i actually rather like the EVP88, but its a little quiet.

the fX processors are pretty good. i find myself using the delays quite a bit, and some of the comps are pretty decent. (its no avalon, mind u).

that said, i LOVE logic. its an amazing composition tool, and terrific at tracking, mixing, and even mastering (if ur wiling to put the time in). I do agree that protools handle audio much better, but if ur just going to track and mix, why not get a DIGI02 or something that runs protools le? Logic's MIDI control and capabilities are far superior to protools, so if ur going to include synths (hardware and software), then logic is a solid choice.

when u get the chance, read the manual. the amount of flexibility can actually be pretty daunting when u get into it.

-bigyello

[gdoubleyou]

Logic is a more full featured DAW, even Logic express allows up to 255 audio tracks. Most of the commercial plugs available in RTAS format are available as AUs.

The quality of the effects in Logic Pro are excellent, you only have to buy 3rd party plugs if you want to.

The virtual instruments rival the ones from native Instruments. The EXS24MkII needs an interface update, but does come with a library of usable sounds. and there are several 3rd party libraries available.

[mikenienaber]

Hey guys,
Thanks for such indepth response...Ive been away for a while I downloaded the reference manual (all 750 pages, and am still only on 432).
What I forgot to inform you guys about me is that I'm a sound designer as well and plan to arrange designs around video/films etc. What I found in Logic manual is that it is predominantly music based. Sure it imports video (QT only) but there isn't much to say about syncing audio and the editing of audio is pretty 'dull' for lack of better word.
I have emailed the Mac programmers and given them a wish list of updates for Soundtrack (rewire with logic and other editing fiddlys) but them I got a shock to read that Soundtrack is now discontinued?! Is this true?!!!
It would be Ideal to rewire Logic with soundtrack as the master don't you think?
The reason I want to move over to Logic is also the prospect of acquiring A Focusrite Saphire. It is ideal with onboard DSP routing to the unit of its own plugs. My home rig was a 002 for a year and I loathed designing films on it with the limited voices (32 only!) It sucked DSP like a bitch as well! I was lucky enough that my boss let me do some important work on his HD3 Procontrol rig for free sometimes.
I am at a cross roads..
Help me out guys!
Lucky I only have to whip the cash out in June as I'm on a feature from now til then and we are in a commercial tools studio for the post
I have time to think....
Lucky I

[gdoubleyou]

Soundtrack Pro is now bundled with the Final Cut Pro suite. There are still standalone versions of STP available, I found STP at my local CompUSA. I say find a copy as soon as possible, the Apple Stores have pulled it from their shelves.

If you do find it, then you would qualify for the $199 upgrade to the FCP suite!
http://www.apple.com/universal/crossgrade/

Also take a look at DSP Quattro for sound design, supports AU, VST effects and instruments.
http://www.i3net.it/Products/dspQuattro/As...asp?Language=EN

[airhon99]

hi every one...

- No logic cannot record at half speed easly as protools
- The plugins are very god, but not so good as protools
- stay away from saffire!!!!!!!!!!! the internal effect are a bad idea
- if u wont processing power use a UAD card. and buy a cheap mbox or a digi 002
- the files import is a way better then protools
- Logic is not sample based sequencer, but have a good latency compensation

i hope it helps

[Fader8]

What I forgot to inform you guys about me is that I'm a sound designer as well and plan to arrange designs around video/films etc.

Hi,
I use Logic for sound design for video/film. Its massive MIDI capabilities are useful here in controlling my outboard sound design gear, eg Kyma, Kurzweil, etc. I'll do partial stems in Logic but compile them in Soundtrack Pro or right in Final Cut Pro. Logic itself isn't well optimized for film work, but it has it's advantages otherwise. I use 2 RME Hammerfall DSPs for lots of I/O routing, highly receommended, also UAD and TC Powercore.

However, if all you do, and I'm not knocking this, is sequence stock sounds with dialog and music to film, then Logic really isn't the best solution. In fact, when I'm doing just that, I'll fire up Protools LE/002r or Soundtrack Pro (now that I have it). But you won't even get close to clawing Logic from my cold dead hands.

I've neverfelt the need to rewire Logic to ST Pro, but that's just the way I work.
Good luck.

[mikenienaber]

Thanks Fader8 for your input.
I'm a little sceptical about soundtrack pro, as o this very forum guys have knocked its editing capabilities and other stuff. (like automation doesn't follow the audio etc.) I realize now after reading the WHOLE logic reference manual that it is geared for composition and not sound design and final mix. So I think for those things ill have to use tools, and maybe try Logic in comping.
What do you think of the focusrite saphire to run logic thru?
Mike

[Fader8]

> I'm a little sceptical about soundtrack pro

Yea, it's not great but it's certainly an improvement over the original Soundtrack. I think its functionality should eventually be absorbed into FCP.

> I realize now after reading the WHOLE logic reference manual that it is geared for composition and not sound design and final mix.

Yes, that's no secret, however so much confusion is created as many people compare Logic and Protools features out of ignorance. They're really two different animals altogether. Logic is awesome at composing and scoring music, even for surround although there's room for improvement there, and it's fine for the final mix of a music stem. Protools is simply awesome for dialog editing and sound FX sequencing. So, I do the bits in each one and then bring them together in STP or FCP with minimal editing.

Neither is good at designing sound FX, and neither is particularly good at mastering music for commercial release. Fortunately there are other tools out there for that.

> What do you think of the focusrite saphire to run logic thru?

Saffire Pro 26? How many mic pre's do you need? How much I/O? If you need more, can you add another and not bog down the firewire bus making it problematic to use external firewire drives? There's alot of choices. I put rock solid drivers at the top of my priority list. Check out the RME Fireface 800:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/firewire/ff800.htm

Let me know what you end up doing.