Logic Pro 9 Am considering buying Logic pro 9 Studio

E

Edgold

Logician
I have an Intel duo-core iMac (4 GB memory.) and have checked that I can use this product.

I am a classical-style composer and MIDI sequencer. My website is:

http://www.egoldmidincd.com

...just to show the sort of things I do.

I have two old Roland sound modules and other samples as well. (I also have an old unused Mackie mixer.) I don't perform live but mainly need both a graphic and non-graphic sequencer with other samples a plus (especially a decent oboe sample!). It needs to be able to play and import SMFs many of which I already created.

I've no idea how I'd connect the mixer and sound modules if I decided to use them again or what shape they are in.

Would Logic Pro be the best option for me? If not, what would anyone suggest?

Thanks,

Edward Gold
 
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Logic would probably be ideal for you, though the samples that come with it are many and quite good, you may sooner or later want to investigate some third party software sample libraries.

I remember when Logic first got software instruments and mix plugins, I still kept my old mixing desk and modules, but they just gathered dust. However instead of your mackie desk (which presumably is analogue) you will need a good quality analogue/digital interface with mic preamps.
 
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Thanks Pete. The Mackie is the Micro Series 1202-VLZ and is very dusty indeed. I believe it's digital but is not the more recent Pro version.
 
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Maybe start with Logic Express...

You could upgrade later from Logic Express to Studio if you need the extra features. You will need a USB or Firewire interface to connect your MIDI modules to your computer, and the initial savings in the software could buy you a basic module to get started.
 
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JuanTahnahmahrah said:
You could upgrade later from Logic Express to Studio if you need the extra features. You will need a USB or Firewire interface to connect your MIDI modules to your computer, and the initial savings in the software could buy you a basic module to get started.
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Thanks. I have some modules already but I think I need to consider a MIDI interface. Before buying Logic, I'd better ask about that and anything else I might need.
 
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Looking at it the specs of that mixer I'm sure that mixer is not digital but you can use the mic preamps, so you won't need a digital converter with mic amps, just with line inputs (the number depending on how many inputs you need at once)

MIDI interface? I presumed if you are already doing MIDI sequencing you have an interface to the computer, or are have you been using a stand alone sequencer (that takes me back!)

Yes, if you are going to use the modules you'll need a basic MIDI in/out USB converter, however I'd put money on you getting Logic and realising after a couple of weeks that you are better off ditching the old Roland modules.

But if you have a MIDI keyboard, you'll still want to get that into the Mac, so you'll either need a converter or trade the keyboard in for a USB keyboard. Then you are MIDI free, it all happens in the box.

The problem with external modules, is that when you come to do a mix, it's far easier to bounce down within Logic direct to a digital file in your computer, and any external sound sources such as MIDI modules have to be routed in to the computer and either have the audio outputs recorded as audio tracks, or (if you have enough inputs on your A/D converter, you can run them in live.

But all of that is a hassle unless they have sounds on those modules that are better than what you get from Logic's software instruments and samples or 3rd party plugin instruments and samples. And I think that is unlikely from old Roland modules. having said that I did hang on to my XV5080 for a few years, but I really didn't like using it once I discovered how useful it is to keep the entire mix in Logic. Total recall of any mix is a good enough reason for me.
 
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Thanks again Pete,

I guess what I'm basically concerned about is exporting to a standard midi file outside of Logic. In truth, I haven't used the modules in some years but I'm concerned about compatibility and instrumental balance if someone else imports it into another program.

I currently use an inexpensive software, Harmony Assistant with Gold Base 2 sounds put out by Myriad Software, plus occasional sound effects imported from outside (I don't expect the sound effects to export of course. I would use the sound module as a reference, that's all. I agree, though, that it's probably not worth bothering about.

Of coure, when I first began MIDI sequencing way back in '96, the Mac didn't use samples that I recall unless Sound Blaster was a sort of sampler. (No, I didn't use SB ever.)
 
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Edgold said:
Thanks again Pete,

I guess what I'm basically concerned about is exporting to a standard midi file outside of Logic.
Click to expand...

Aha, OK my misunderstanding.

If what you want to do is create MIDI files for general MIDI, then Logic Pro is probably overkill.
 
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Pete Thomas said:
Edgold said:
Thanks again Pete,

I guess what I'm basically concerned about is exporting to a standard midi file outside of Logic.
Click to expand...

Aha, OK my misunderstanding.

If what you want to do is create MIDI files for general MIDI, then Logic Pro is probably overkill.
Click to expand...

No, I didn't mean that. I want a strong and flexible sequencer that also creates decent scores for printing and can also create audio files mp3, aiff etc. HA is often hard to use and has strange limitations whcih are sometimes nearly impossible to overcome.

I expect to purchase Logic studio this afternoon or evening at the local Apple Store.
 
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Edgold said:
I expect to purchase Logic studio this afternoon or evening at the local Apple Store.
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Great.

I suggest once you have it be prepared for some serious time learning it with the manual, especially the software instruments and EXS24 in your case, we'll be happy to help.
 
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