User manual APPLE LOGIC EXPRESS 7.2 - NEW FEATURES

New Features in Logic Express 7.2 K Apple Computer, Inc. © 2006 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple. The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the "keyboard" Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors. Apple 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014-2084 408-996-1010 www.apple.com Apple, the Apple logo, Final Cut, Final Cut Pro, FireWire, iBook, iMac, iTunes, Logic, Mac, Macintosh, Mac OS, PowerBook, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Finder and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products. LP00002 1 Contents Preface 7 8 11 11 11 13 14 15 15 19 19 20 21 22 22 23 23 24 26 26 27 27 29 30 30 32 33 35 35 New Features in Logic Express 7.2 Logic Express 7.2 Features Overview General Improvements Plug and Play of Audio Interfaces Interface Changes Hidden Menu and Scroll Bars in Screensets New Auto Hide Dock Preference Editing Enhancements Key Command Enhancements Loop Length Editing Creating Multiple Tracks Marker Functionality Automation Tool Removing Movies Arrange Region Handling Working With Audio Direct Playback of Compressed Audio Files Working With the Follow Tempo Function Faster Overview Creation Renaming Split Stereo Files Working in the Mixer Windows Using Channel Strip Performances Multiple Selection of Channel Strips Automating the Bypass Status Support of Stereo ReWire Objects Hand Tool in Track Mixer and Arrange Channel Strip Bouncing Enhancements Importing Files Importing MIDI Files Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 3 Chapter 6 37 37 38 39 39 39 40 40 41 41 43 44 48 61 62 62 63 63 65 65 65 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 68 68 69 69 71 74 74 75 76 77 78 80 Control Surface Support Additional Control Surface Support Working With the Track Control Bar New Key Repeat Function Intermediate Stop at Default Value Modal Dialogs Display Mackie Control Mode Support Controller Assignments Editor Enhancements Using Apple Loops Green and Blue Apple Loops Adding Apple Loops Working With the Loop Browser Creating Apple Loops Global Tracks and Apple Loops Converting Apple Loops to Audio Files Apple Loops and Sample Rates Fading Apple Loops Apple Loop File Paths Updated File Paths Preferences Song Templates Plug-in Settings GarageBand Instruments Channel Strip Settings EXSP Instruments EXSP Sample Conversion User Icons Control Surface Plug-ins Tuning Tables Default Directories Plug-in Enhancements Working With the AU Manager Working With Plug-in Delay Compensation Adjusting Plug-in Parameters With the Mouse Wheel Support of Generator Audio Units Plug-ins EXSP24 mkII GarageBand Instruments Bass Amp New Ducker Plug-in New Speech Enhancer Plug-in Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 4 Contents 80 81 82 82 83 83 Appendix 85 Enhance Timing Effect Vocal Transformer Effect Enhance Pitch Effect Mix Slider of Platinum Verb and Tape Delay Audio Units Multi-Channel Instrument Support Conversion of EVP73, EXSP24, and ET1 Audio Units Plug-ins Corrections to Logic Express 7 Documentation Contents 5 This document describes features not covered in the Logic Express 7 manuals. It contains detailed information about the improvements and changes found in the Logic Express Updates that have been released since Logic Express 7. Important: The descriptions in this document supersede the relevant sections of the Logic Express 7 manuals! For late-breaking information about Logic Express 7.2, please refer to the Late-Breaking News document. This document is published online and may be updated as additional information becomes available. You can access the Late-Breaking News document by choosing Help > Late-Breaking News in Logic. For the latest information about product updates, tips and techniques, visit the Logic Express website at http://www.apple.com/logicexpress. This document combines the Logic Express 7.1 and Logic Express 7.2 new features descriptions and the Logic Express 7.0 and Logic Express 7.1 Late Breaking News document. This is to provide a single, unified reference that contains all new feature descriptions and changes that would otherwise have been spread across four separate manuals. If you are only interested in changes made since Logic Express 7.1, please refer to the following section. It provides a high-level feature list for Logic Express 7.2. For detailed information about these features and changes, follow the links to the respective sections. The updated documentation also includes a comprehensive Apple Loops chapter. This provides a one-stop-shop for all topics relating to audio in this format. Preface 7 New Features in Logic Express 7.2 Logic Express 7.2 Features Overview This section provides a summary of the Logic Express 7.2 features. For more information on these features and their use, see the corresponding chapters in this document. Playback of compressed file formats Logic Express 7.2 allows the direct playback of compressed file formats, such as AAC. These files no longer need to be automatically converted when imported. For detailed information, see "Direct Playback of Compressed Audio Files" on page 23. Channel Strip Performances Logic Express 7.2 allows you to switch Channel Strip settings via MIDI program change messages. For more information, see "Using Channel Strip Performances" on page 27. Toggling the Insert slot bypass status Logic Express 7.2 allows you to toggle the bypass status of Audio Object Insert slots using MIDI controller value 64. For more information, see "Automating the Bypass Status" on page 30. Support of stereo ReWire Objects Logic Express 7.2 now offers support for stereo ReWire Objects, providing additional flexibility and simplifying use of ReWired applications such as Reason. For more information, see "Support of Stereo ReWire Objects" on page 30. Auto Hide Dock preference Logic Express 7.2 offers a new Auto Hide Dock preference, allowing you to hide the Dock while running Logic, making more screen space available. For more information, see the "New Auto Hide Dock Preference" on page 14. Enhanced Control Surfaces support Logic Express 7.2 now supports the iControl GarageBand control surface distributed by M-Audio. For information about individual control surface assignments, or how to change the default assignments, please refer to the Control Surfaces Support document--found in the Documentation folder of the Logic Express 7 Installation DVD. Furthermore, Logic Express 7.2 offers the Track Control Bar: This is a colored bar that indicates Arrange window tracks that are actively being accessed by a control surface. For detailed information, refer to "Working With the Track Control Bar" on page 38. Logic Express 7.2 provides updated control surface plug-ins that support the Key Repeat function (if useful and/or applicable to the device). When active, the key command function being triggered via a controller assignment is continuously executed for as long as the button or switch is held down. For details on working with the Key Repeat function, see the "New Key Repeat Function" on page 39. 8 Preface New Features in Logic Express 7.2 Key command changes The Logic Express 7.2 Update features the following key command changes:  Go to Song Start--New  Remove Movie--New  Save as Performance--New  Go to Selection End--New. This Sample Editor key command sets the SPL to the end of the selected audio file section. The Goto Selection key command has been renamed as Go to Selection Start. For a complete list of all key command changes since the Logic Express 7.0 release, please read about the "Key Command Enhancements" on page 15. New Ducker plug-in This plug-in automatically reduces the level of a music mix while an announcement (a voice-over) is being made. Once the announcement has finished, the music mix volume will return to its previous level. Details on working with the Ducker plug-in can be found in the section entitled "New Ducker Plug-in" on page 78. New Speech Enhancer plug-in This plug-in enhances the intelligibility and sound of speech recordings made with built-in Macintosh microphones, such as those found in iBooks and PowerBooks. For details on working with the Speech Enhancer plug-in, read about the "New Speech Enhancer Plug-in" on page 80. Loop Browser offers new sound effects categories Logic Express 7.2 ships with a number of additional Apple Loops designed for use as sound effects. These loops can be found in the Loop Browser's new Sound Effects view--which displays new Loop Browser buttons, with special tags for effects and jingles. You can activate this Loop Browser view by clicking the View button that features the Bell icon. Clicking the Note icon switches to the Button view of previous Logic versions. For further information, see "The Loop Browser Interface" on page 44. Follow Tempo option for Apple Loops The Region Parameter box of looped (not-one-shot) Apple Loops now offers the Follow Tempo option. If this option is disabled, the Apple Loop will not follow the song tempo and key. For information on Follow Tempo, please read "Working With the Follow Tempo Function" on page 24. For information about Apple Loops, please refer to "Using Apple Loops" on page 41. State of "Faster overview calculation" option is saved Logic now remembers the state of the Faster overview calculation option in the Overview creation dialog. For further information, see "Faster Overview Creation" on page 26. Preface New Features in Logic Express 7.2 9 Enhanced AAC Sound Settings Window Logic Express 7.2 features an improved, unified AAC Sound Settings window that simplifies the creation of this compressed file type. For more information, see "Streamlined AAC Sound Settings Window" on page 33. Support for up to 32 mono outputs for Audio Units instruments Logic now supports up to 32 mono outputs for multi-channel Audio Units instruments. For further information, read about "Audio Units Multi-Channel Instrument Support" on page 83. 10 Preface New Features in Logic Express 7.2 1 General Improvements 1 This chapter describes all general enhancements that have been made since Logic Express 7. These changes streamline and simplify the use and setup of Logic. They include:  Plug and play of audio interfaces  Interface enhancements  Preference and song setting enhancements Plug and Play of Audio Interfaces Logic Express supports plug and play for audio interfaces, making it possible to connect and switch on a new/additional audio interface while Logic is running. An alert appears when you connect a new device, and will prompt you to select and confirm the audio interface/driver that you would like to use. Interface Changes The Logic interface has been enhanced in the following areas since the release of Logic Express 7:  Many dialogs provide additional audio file handling options.  Menus have been cleaned up, some menu items have clearer names.  Parameter boxes: Parameters that only have two states are displayed as checkboxes. Read the following sections for details. 11 Dialog Enhancements A number of changes have been made to the following Logic dialogs:  Sample Editor: Audio File > Save Selection As, Audio File > Save a Copy As. Both dialogs allow you to set the desired sample rate, stereo conversion and dither type for the destination file. The dialogs also feature an "Add resulting files to Audio window" option. Some file dialogs feature additional file conversion settings.  Audio window: Audio File > Save Region As, Audio File > Copy/Convert File As: Both dialogs offer the file conversion menus outlined above for the Sample Editor, enabling one or multiple selected Regions/files to be converted or copied. The Copy/ Convert File As dialog also provides an "Add resulting files to Audio window" option.  Arrange window: The Audio > Convert Regions to New Audio Files dialog offers the file conversion menus outlined above for the Sample Editor.  The global File > Export > Region as Audio File dialog offers the "Add resulting files to Audio window" option. Menu Changes The Audio > Audio Settings menu item was removed, as it duplicated the Logic > Preferences > Audio functionality. The Logic > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Scan and Logic > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Install menu items have been moved into the local New menu of the Setup window (Logic > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Setup). The local Matrix Editor View > White Background menu item was renamed to View > Bright Background. 12 Chapter 1 General Improvements Parameter Boxes All parameters that only have two states (on/off, for example) are enabled/disabled with checkboxes. Simply click on the box to activate (checked) or deactivate (unchecked) the parameter. Parameters that have been updated to operate in this fashion include:  Region: Loop  Arpeggio Object: Repeat  Display parameter in Score Editor: Interpretation, Syncopation, No Overlap, Lyric Hidden Menu and Scroll Bars in Screensets Logic Express allows you to save the state of hidden menu bars and scroll bars in Screensets. Hidden menu bars and scroll bars are also saved when you close a window. As an example: Hide the menu bar and scroll bars of the Arrange window and close it. When you reopen the Arrange window, the menu and scroll bars remain hidden. To hide a window's local menu and scroll bars: m Option-Command click the window's title bar. This function is handy in situations where you would like to configure small floating Environment windows containing Fader Objects--used as switches, for example. Chapter 1 General Improvements 13 New Auto Hide Dock Preference The General pane of the Display preferences in Logic Express 7.2 offers the Auto Hide Dock option. Auto Hide Dock preference Activation of this preference automatically hides the Dock while Logic is running, maximizing onscreen space for Logic windows. To activate the Dock Auto Hide preference: 1 Choose Logic > Preferences. 2 Click the Display button. 3 Activate the Auto Hide checkbox in the Dock section of the General pane. Note: This option is also available in the Logic Setup Assistant. 14 Chapter 1 General Improvements 2 Editing Enhancements 2 This chapter outlines the editing enhancements made since Logic Express 7. These changes encompass a number of new or altered key commands, new track creation facilities and improved marker handling, among others. Key Command Enhancements The following section outlines all key command enhancements made since the release of Logic Express 7. This includes several new key commands which may accelerate your workflow and a new key command warning, which can help you to keep track of key command assignments. Additional Key Commands The following tables list all key commands that have been added since the release of Logic Express 7. Global Menu Functions The following global key commands have been added. Key command Open Global Preferences Open Audio Preferences Open MIDI Preferences Open Display Preferences Open Score Preferences Open Video Preferences Open Automation Preferences Open Control Surfaces Preferences Open Surround Preferences Open Synchronization Song Settings Open Metronome Song Settings Open Tuning Song Settings Function/Explanation Opens the respective preferences. Opens the respective song settings. 15 Key command Project Settings Clean Up Project Consolidate Project Rename Project Save as Project Save a Copy as Save as Template Function/Explanation Opens the Project Settings window. Displays all unused audio files or EXS instruments in your project folder, allowing you to delete them. Moves all files associated with a project into one folder. Opens a dialog that allows you to rename your project. Saves a song or project. If the open song isn't already a project, the song is assigned project status. Allows you to save a copy of a song or project under a different name. Saves the song (inclusive of all mixer, track and environment settings) as a template, which can be used for future projects. Adds an audio file to your project. Launches the Loop Browser window. Displays the Step Input Keyboard window. Switches the Plug-in Delay Compensation preference between "All" and "Audio tracks and instruments" Import Audio File Loop Browser Open Step Input Keyboard Toggle Plug-In Delay Compensation: All/ Tracks and Instruments Arrange menu The following local Arrange menu functions (Arrange window) are also available as key commands: Key command Create Multiple Tracks Delete Redundant Audio Tracks Open in Apple Loops Utility Copy ReCycle Loop Paste ReCycle Loop Search Zero Crossings Function/Explanation Opens a dialog that enables you to sequentially create the defined number of tracks. Removes unused audio tracks. Opens the selected Audio Region in the Apple Loops Utility. Self-explanatory. Self-explanatory. Enables/disables automatic searches for zero crossing points in audio files and Regions. Enabling this facility makes the creation of smooth audio loops easier. Hyper Editor The following local Hyper Editor functions are also available as key commands: Key command Create Hyper Set Create GM Drum Set Function/Explanation Allows you to define a limited number of MIDI controllers as a Hyper Set. Self-explanatory. 16 Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements Key command Create Hyper Set For Current Events Clear Hyper Set Function/Explanation A Hyper Set is created, based on controller information that exists in the selected Region(s). Removes all controller definitions from a Hyper Set. Track Mixer All Filter buttons can be switched on and off via key commands. Key command Toggle MIDI Instruments Toggle Audio Tracks Toggle Audio Instruments Toggle Audio Aux Toggle Audio Busses Toggle Audio Outputs Function/Explanation Shows/Hides MIDI instrument channel strips. Shows/Hides audio track channel strips. Shows/Hides audio instrument channel strips. Shows/Hides auxiliary channel strips. Shows/Hides bus channel strips. Shows/Hides audio output channel strips. Channel Strip settings The following key commands have been added: Key command Next Channel Strip Setting Previous Channel Strip Setting Next Channel Strip Setting or Plug-in setting or EXS Instrument Previous Channel Strip Setting or Plug-in setting or EXS Instrument Save Channel Strip Setting as Copy Channel Strip Setting Paste Channel Strip Setting Save as Performance Function/Explanation Loads the next Channel Strip setting in the list of settings. As above for the preceding setting. Loads the next Channel Strip or Plug-In setting (or EXS Instrument) in the list of settings. As above for the preceding setting. Allows you to save a Channel Strip setting under a new name. Copies the selected Channel Strip setting into the Clipboard. Pastes the Channel Strip setting from the Clipboard into the selected channel strip. Saves the Channel Strip setting as a numbered (and named) Performance setting, allowing you to access it via a program change message. Drag menu All Drag menu entries can be chosen via key commands. Simply search for Drag in the Key Commands window to find them. Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements 17 Sample Editor The Sample Editor offers the new Go to Selection End key command, which moves the SPL to the end of the selection (within an audio file). The Goto Selection key command has been renamed as Go to Selection Start. New Key Command Warning In circumstances where an existing local key command combination is used while assigning a new global key command, the following warning message will appear: You have three options: Cancel, Replace, or OK.  Cancel does not alter existing assignments.  Replace will substitute the existing shortcut (assigned to the chosen key command combination) with the selected function.  OK will assign the key command combination to the selected function, while retaining the existing key command/function (in a different class). Important: There is a hierarchy of key command classes, which are not merely separated into global and local key commands. As an example, there is a key command class that applies to all windows that display Regions. This class has higher priority than global key commands, but a lower priority than local (Arrange, Score, Matrix, and so on) window key commands. 18 Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements Loop Length Editing The Loop feature of Logic has been enhanced with an easy to use Loop Length Editing function. To set the length of a looped Region: 1 Move the cursor to the end of the Region that you want to loop. The cursor will change into a circular arrow (a loop) when positioned in the upper half of the Region. 2 Click-hold and drag the end of the Region to the desired length. Note: Whenever you move the cursor into the upper half of the looped area, it changes to a circular arrow, allowing loop length changes. If you want to select the looped Region (to move it, for example), click in the lower half of the looped area. You can also Shift-click in the upper loop area to select the Region. The cursor will only turn into the circular arrow (and offer the Loop Length Editing functions) when the track is of sufficient height. If the track height is minimal, Optionclick on the end of the Region to access the Loop Length Editing function. This also applies if automation data is visible on a track. Important: Deactivation of the Region Loop parameter resets the loop length. The next time the Loop parameter is used, the Region is repeated until it encounters another Region on the same track or the Song End point is reached. Creating Multiple Tracks This facility, accessible via the Tracks > Create Multiple menu option in the Arrange window (and corresponding key command), does exactly what it says. When selected, a dialog box opens, allowing you to choose the:  Driver: This pull-down menu allows you to select the audio hardware driver that you wish to use for your newly-created tracks.  Track Type: This pull-down menu allows you to choose between Audio, Audio Instrument, and Auxiliary tracks.  Number of Tracks: Type in the desired number of tracks. Eight (8) is the default. Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements 19  Mode: Simply click on the desired Mono or Stereo radio button, to create multiple mono or stereo tracks of the chosen type. The Create Multiple Tracks function is intelligent in the way it handles tracks, and underlying Audio Objects. To explain; imagine a song that contains four Audio tracks in the Arrange, but there are actually eight Audio Objects set up on the Environment's Audio Layer. Use of the Create Multiple Tracks function to add another four tracks to the Arrange will work as expected. The four existing tracks use Audio Objects 1 to 4, and the newly-created tracks use Audio Objects 5 to 8. Marker Functionality The Marker facilities of Logic Express 6 have been reinstated in Logic Express 7.1. Markers are very useful for tagging particular time positions or sections in a song. They appear as text strings in the Bar Rulers of all Logic windows that contain them. To create a marker: 1 Position the mouse cursor over the lower third of the Bar Ruler at the desired song location. 2 Press Option-Command and click. 3 Type the marker name into the Marker field. The length of the marker is set automatically: the marker extends to the start point of the next marker, or to the end of the song or folder, if no ensuing markers exist. To delete a marker: m Grab it with the mouse in the Bar Ruler, and drag it down, out of the Bar Ruler. Release the mouse button when the cursor turns into a hand containing two arrows (see screenshot below). 20 Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements Newly created markers are automatically named "Marker ##" The "##" value indicates . their order of appearance in the timeline, which will be displayed in the Bar Ruler as "Marker 1," "Marker 2" and so on. The number always refers to the actual order of all markers in the song, including renamed markers. To edit a marker name: 1 Double-click on the marker while holding down Control-Command. 2 A text entry field opens, allowing you to edit the marker's name. To change a marker's position in the Bar Ruler: 1 Press Command and click-hold the marker in the Bar Ruler. 2 Drag the marker to the left or right. To set the SPL to a marker: m Press Command and click the marker in the Bar Ruler. The SPL is set to the start point of the clicked marker. Double-clicking starts playback at the marker start point. Note: You can drag a marker up into the top third of the Bar Ruler. This will set a cycle area that matches the position and length of the marker (and thus the locator positions). If the sequencer is stopped when performing this action, the SPL will be moved to the cycle area start point. Automation Tool The Arrange Toolbox in Logic Express features the Automation tool. This tool performs a number of automation tasks. When track automation is activated via the View > Track Automation menu option, a pull-down menu below the Toolbox allows you to define the functionality of the tool Curve If you choose this option, you can use the Automation tool to bend the line between two nodes or any selection (more than two nodes). There are four different curve types available: convex, concave, and two different types of S-curves. Note: This function is also available when using the standard Pointer tool, by pressing Option-Control. Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements 21 Select If you choose this option, you can use the Automation tool to rubber band any selection (of nodes) in the automation data. A click on a Region selects all currently visible automation events within the Region borders. Once an area of (or the entire) Region is selected, you can freely move the selection to the left or right. With Option pressed, you can copy the selection to a different location. Please note that both operations will delete all nodes in the destination area. Shift-clicking with the Automation tool selects other areas, in addition to an existing selection. This enables you to simultaneously edit non-adjacent selections. Shift-clicking on a node with the Automation tool--in front of, or following, a selection--extends the current selection. Removing Movies The Options > Movies menu features a Remove Movie function, which allows you to completely remove a movie from a song or project. All references to the movie in the project or song are deleted. This function can also be initiated with the Remove Movie key command. Arrange Region Handling The handling of Regions in the Arrange window has been improved: selected Regions that overlap with unselected Regions are shown "on top" . 22 Chapter 2 Editing Enhancements 3 Working With Audio 3 Many audio editing facilities have been enhanced since the release of Logic Express 7. Logic Express 7.2 introduces direct playback of compressed audio files and split stereo file renaming enhancements, among others. Direct Playback of Compressed Audio Files Logic Express 7.2 allows you to directly play back the following compressed audio file formats:  AAC  Apple Lossless files These files are no longer automatically converted when imported into Logic. The compressed audio file is added to the Arrange window and a Region that encompasses the complete audio file is created. You can edit this Region in the same fashion as a "normal" Audio Region in the Arrange window: You can cut it, loop it, rename it, and so on. Note: It is not possible to assign fades to compressed audio files, nor can you destructively edit them. Audio Regions that point to compressed audio files are denoted by the following symbols: 23 The Project Manager can organize these compressed audio file types. The Audio File category in the Browse view now offers the Compressed subcategory. The Find mode Audio File filter also includes a new Compressed checkbox: Activate it to search for all compressed AAC and Apple Lossless audio files. You can convert compressed AAC and Apple Lossless audio files by doing one of the following: m Select the Audio Regions pointing to the desired audio file in the Arrange window, then choose Audio > Convert Regions to New Audio Files in the local Arrange window menu (or use the Convert Regions to New Audio Files key command; the default assignment is Control-F). The part of the audio file spanned by the Audio Region is converted to a new audio file. m Select the audio files in the Audio window, then choose Audio File > Copy/Convert File(s) in the local Audio window menu (or use the Copy/Convert File(s) key command). Important: Compressed audio files protected by the DRM (Digital Rights Management) scheme can not be opend in Logic. Music bought in the iTunes Music Store is usually protected by DRM. Working With the Follow Tempo Function Audio files created in Logic Express 7.1 or Logic Express 7.2 can follow the song tempo (including tempo changes) and the first key signature set in the Global tracks. As an example: If you record a bass solo at 100 bpm, you can change the song tempo to 120 bpm and the bass solo will automatically be played back at the new tempo. The function works for all audio files that were recorded in, or bounced/exported from, Logic Express 7.1 and Logic Express 7.2. The function only works in the parent song (the song the audio files were created in). If you drag a file recorded in a given song to another song with the Finder, the file can not follow the song tempo. Bounced/ exported files can only follow the song tempo, if the "Add resulting files to Audio window" option was enabled in the Export/Bounce window prior to the bounce/ export. Files copied between two songs retain the ability to follow the song tempo. The song's tempo information is used to tag the beats in the recording. The function works best if your audio files match the song tempo as precisely as possible. The longer your audio files are, the more RAM is required for this functionality to work properly. To make an audio file follow the song tempo and first key signature: 1 Select one of the audio file's Audio Regions in the Arrange window. If your audio file was created with one of the methods outlined above, the Follow Tempo option appears in the Region parameter box. 24 Chapter 3 Working With Audio 2 Enable the Follow Tempo option in the Region Parameter box. All audio files that follow the song tempo and first key signature are indicated by the following symbols in Logic: Note: Follow tempo is actually an audio file tempo operation, not a Region function, but was included in the Region parameter box for convenience. It is synchronized for all Regions that make use of the same audio file. Follow Tempo and Apple Loops The Follow Tempo option does not create an Apple Loop! Remember: Apple Loops follow chord changes--should you record a solo over an arrangement consisting of Apple Loops with transposition changes over time, you might want to enable Follow Tempo for your solo, but you won't be happy with the double transpositions that will occur... To create an Apple Loop, please use either of the following options:  Choose Region > Add to Apple Loops Library in the Arrange window. This method sets transients that are based on the song's tempo information.  Choose Audio > Open in Apple Loops Utility in the Arrange window. This functionality allows you to set the transients manually--independent of the song tempo. Please see "Creating Apple Loops" on page 48 for more information on creating Apple Loops. The Region Parameter box of looped (not-one-shot) Apple Loops also offers the Follow Tempo option. If this option is disabled, the Apple Loop will not follow the song tempo and key. Disabling the Follow Tempo option for a looped (not-one-shot) Apple Loop does not convert the Apple Loop to a "standard" audio file. Chapter 3 Working With Audio 25 Faster Overview Creation The Overview Creation dialog features an additional option which accelerates overview creation. This makes overview creation as fast as the "foreground" overview creation of Logic 6 (at the cost of slowing down other operations, but not blocking user interaction completely). Logic remembers the state of the "Faster overview calculation" option. Renaming Split Stereo Files You can now independently rename disconnected stereo files. Warning: If you rename only one file of a disconnected split stereo file pair, it will not be possible to reconnect the disconnected split stereo file. 26 Chapter 3 Working With Audio 4 Working in the Mixer Windows 4 Logic Express 7.2 allows you to switch between Channel Strip settings by sending MIDI program change messages. It also allows you to toggle the bypass status of Insert slots with one controller value. The following chapter outlines all mixing and bouncing enhancements made since the release of Logic Express 7. This includes support of stereo ReWire Objects, the Hand tool in the Track Mixer and Arrange window channel strips, Surround Pan window and Bounce window improvements. Using Channel Strip Performances You can now switch between Channel Strip settings by sending MIDI program change messages. This allows you to select your favorite "sounds" (consisting of a complete Channel Strip setting that can contain a software instrument and effect plug-ins) by pushing a button on your MIDI keyboard. This facility is named Channel Strip Performances. Important: Only program change messages sent on MIDI channel 1 will switch between Channel Strip Performances. All program change messages sent on other MIDI channels are forwarded to Audio Units instruments, if applicable. Channel Strip Performances can be used for all Audio Object types. They are saved in the Performances subfolder (in ~/Library/Application Support/Logic/Channel Strip Settings/Audio Object name). The Performance names start with the corresponding Program Change number (as examples: 001Piano, 045FlangeGuitar, 111ArcoCelloHall). There are 128 Performances (corresponding to 128 available program change events). To create a Performance setting: 1 Configure a channel strip that you would like to have available as a performance (by opening a Channel Strip setting from the factory library and making changes according to your needs, for example). 27 2 Open the Channel Strip Settings menu by clicking the word Insert on any channel strip, then choose "Save as Performance" . 3 In the ensuing dialog, enter a Performance name, choose a program change number and click OK. You can also set the program change number by sending it from your MIDI controller. Note: By default, the dialog will suggest the lowest, unused program change number. An alert will advise you of any attempt to insert a program change number that is already assigned. Click Overwrite if you want to replace the existing Performance assigned to this program change number. As soon as an Audio Object receives a program change message on MIDI channel 1 that corresponds to an assigned Performance number, it will load this Performance. Note: If an unassigned program change value is sent, the channel strip ignores the message, and the currently loaded Channel Strip Performance setting remains in place. 28 Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows All saved Performance settings appear in the Performances folder of the Channel Strip Settings menu. Multiple Selection of Channel Strips The Multiple Selection of channel strips function (in the Mixer windows) has been enhanced: Clicking a channel background (without Shift held) also allows you to select further channels by dragging over them (in the background). Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows 29 Automating the Bypass Status Logic Express 7.2 allows you to toggle the bypass status of Audio Object Insert slots with a single controller value: namely controller value 64. The addition of this feature results in the following behaviors for controllers 56 to 60:  A value of 0 switches bypass off.  Values 1 to 63 and 65 to 127 switch bypass on.  Repeated use of value 64 switches between the two bypass states. This facility allows you to switch the bypass state of Insert slots 1 to 5 with a single button, assigned to controllers 56 to 60, sending a value of 64. (Earlier versions required that two different values be sent; one to activate, and one to deactivate, the bypass status.) The following table lists the controller number used to switch the Bypass status of the corresponding Insert slot. Insert No. 1 2 3 4 5 CC No. 56 57 58 59 60 This feature may prove particularly useful if you use a control surface that doesn't provide feedback. Imagine the following situation: you press the button on your control surface, sending a value that switches the bypass status of an Insert slot to off. The bypass status for this Insert is reactivated (turned to on, with the mouse) in Logic. Your control surface will not reflect this change, if it doesn't support feedback, leading to nothing happening when pressing the appropriate button on your control surface. This new facility allows you to use one button to toggle the bypass status--regardless of state (bypass on/off ). Note: This facility also applies to the Mute and Solo buttons: If controller 9 sends a value of 64, the Mute button status is switched, if controller 3 sends a value of 64, the status of the Solo button is set to on/off--dependent on the current Solo status. Support of Stereo ReWire Objects Logic Express 7.2 supports stereo ReWire Objects. This allows you to assign ReWire stereo streams to a single Audio Object and configure the Audio Object as stereo. 30 Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows Note: ReWire is a system from Propellerhead Software that allows you to stream audio data between two audio applications in real time. You can use ReWire to stream audio data from Propellerhead`s Reason software into Logic, for example. Further information about ReWire is found in the Logic Pro 7 Reference Manual. To use stereo ReWire Objects in Logic Pro 7.2: 1 Start Logic, then start your ReWire application. Logic displays the audio returns of ReWire-connected applications as Audio Object channels. 2 Select the desired Audio Object in the Environment, then choose the ReWire channel in the Channel menu of the Object Parameter box. If you choose a stereo ReWire channel, the Audio Object displays the Mono/Stereo button. 3 Click this button to configure the Audio Object as stereo. The button will show two interlinked circles, indicating that it is a stereo Object. You are able to insert stereo plug-ins, as in normal stereo audio tracks. The level meter will divide into two discrete meters, the pan control will work as balance control. Note: Logic can only work as a ReWire host application, which means that you can stream audio into Logic, but you can not stream audio from Logic into another ReWired application. Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows 31 Hand Tool in Track Mixer and Arrange Channel Strip The Track Mixer Hand tool is used to move and copy plug-ins between channel strips. To move a plug-in between two Insert slots: 1 Click the Hand tool in the Track Mixer Toolbox. 2 Select the (source) plug-in label and drag it to the desired target slot. During the drag and drop operation, the potential destination is displayed as an orange rectangle (empty slot) or line (when placing an effect between two Insert slots--see below). Pressing Option during dragging copies the plug-in, rather than moves it. You can also use the Hand tool in the Arrange window's channel strip by pressing Command (or right-clicking) when the cursor hovers over the Instrument or Insert slot. Note: The Hand tool is the second default tool in the Track Mixer. Pressing Command while clicking enables you to switch from the Pointer tool to the Hand tool. This allows you to move plug-ins by Command-dragging them, and to copy them by OptionCommand-dragging them. If you drag a plug-in label onto a used plug-in slot in the same channel strip, the plugins are swapped. When dragged between different channel strips, the existing plug-in is replaced. Placing Effects Between Used Insert Slots If you drop an effect between two used Insert slots, the effect is inserted into a new slot between the two used slots. The effects below the insert point are shifted down by one slot. If the effect's source location is above the destination location, all plug-ins between the source and destination locations are shifted up one position. If the plug-in's source location is below the destination location, all plug-ins between the source and destination locations will be shifted down one position. Note: If all 5 Insert slots are used, you can not place effects between Insert slots. 32 Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows Bouncing Enhancements The Bounce facilites in Logic have been enhanced in the following areas since the release of Logic Express 7:  AAC bounce options are now available in a single Sound Settings window.  The Bounce dialog`s Device menu allows you to choose between any recognized CD burners connected to your system.  The default values for bounce start and end positions take a wider selection range into account. Streamlined AAC Sound Settings Window The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) bounce options are now available in a single Sound Settings window. Note: AAC provides high-quality audio encoding, well suited for Internet, wireless and digital broadcast applications. To access the AAC Sound Settings window: 1 Choose File > Bounce from the main menu bar (or use the Bounce key command). 2 In the Bounce dialog, activate the AAC option, choose a file name and destination, then click Bounce. The AAC Sound Settings window offers the following settings:  Format: Displays the selected compression codec.  Channels: Allows you to choose between a mono or stereo output file.  Rate: A number of predefined sample rates are available in this pop-up menu, ranging from 8000 Hz to 48,000 Hz. The Recommended option will select a rate based on choices made in the Advanced Settings. Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows 33  Show Advanced Settings: Activate this checkbox to show further AAC settings in the area below.  Quality (Sample Rate Converter): Sets the quality of the sample rate conversion. Reducing the quality accelerates the conversion process, but at the expense of audio quality. Keep this set to Best whenever possible.  Bit Rate Format: You have a choice of Constant or Variable Bit Rate: Variable Bit Rate (VBR) encoding compresses simpler passages more heavily than passages that are (more) harmonically rich. Not all AAC players can decode VBR-encoded AAC data, which is why this option is set to Constant Bit Rate by default.  Target Bit Rate: Sets the bit rate for the AAC export. The more kilobits per second, the better the audio quality.  Precedence: Allows you to connect the bit rate and sample rate options. If you set Precedence to Sample Rate, the available Target Bit Rates are dependent on the selected Sample Rate. If you set Precedence to Bit Rate, the options available in the Sample Rate menu are dependent on the chosen Bit Rate setting.  Quality (AAC Encoder): Sets the quality of the AAC encoded bitstream. Reducing the quality accelerates the conversion process, but at the expense of audio quality. Set to Best whenever possible. Choosing the CD Burner The Bounce dialog in Logic Express offers a Device menu in the Burn options, which allows you to choose between any recognized CD burners connected to your system. Start and End Position Default Values The default values for the Start and End Position fields of the Bounce dialog also take Arrange window selections into account. This means that the default Start and End Position values are set in the following ways:  If the Cycle function is engaged, they will be set to the locator positions.  If a selection (of one or more Regions) is made in the Arrange window, they will be set to the selected area.  If neither of the above is valid, the Start and End Position values will encompass the entire Logic song. 34 Chapter 4 Working in the Mixer Windows 5 Importing Files 5 The importation of MIDI file data has been improved since Logic Express 7. These enhancements make it easier to import event-based MIDI data into Logic Express. Importing MIDI Files Opening and importing MIDI files behaved in a similar fashion in earlier Logic versions. Both the Import and Open commands loaded all data (including global information, such as tempo events) into a new song. This may not be the behavior one would normally expect from an "import": usually an import only loads MIDI Region data (notes, controller, SysEx, pitchbend, specific meta events) into an opened song. This import behavior was available in previous Logic versions: when you dragged a MIDI file from the Finder into the Arrange window, only MIDI Region data was loaded. The MIDI Import menu command of Logic Express 7 initiates a "true" import. To import a MIDI file, either: m Choose File > Import from the main menu bar (or use the Import key command), then select the desired MIDI file in the ensuing file selector box. Note: You can only import MIDI files if a "target" song is already open. If no song is open, the File > Import item is dimmed. The MIDI file is placed at the SPL position, rounded to bars. m Drag the desired MIDI file from the Finder into the Arrange window. The mouse position--when the mouse button is released--determines the position (rounded to the nearest bar) and destination of the first track in the imported file. Both methods only load MIDI Region data (notes, controller, pitchbend, SysEx, certain meta events), with global data (such as tempo events, signatures, chords, track names, SMPTE start and so on) being ignored. If you want to load all information contained in a MIDI file, you must open it. 35 To open a MIDI file: 1 Choose File > Open from the main menu bar (or use the Open key command), then select the desired MIDI file in the ensuing file selector box. If a song is loaded, a dialog will ask if you want to create a new environment or copy the current environment for the MIDI file. 2 Do one of the following:  Click Copy to replicate the existing environment. The tracks of the MIDI file are automatically assigned to suitable instruments.  Click New to load the environment of the default song template (this template is based on choices made when you ran the Logic Setup Assistant). The MIDI file is loaded as a new song that contains all MIDI events--inclusive of time positions and channel assignments, names of individual tracks, names and positions of markers, tempo changes and copyright marks. 36 Chapter 5 Importing Files 6 Control Surface Support 6 The extensive support for control surfaces has been further enhanced since the release of Logic Express 7. Direct support for a number of control surfaces has been added, and several key usability and assignment facilities have been improved. These include the track control bar and key repeat functions. Additional Control Surface Support In order to keep Control Surface support current, the following control surfaces are now directly recognized by Logic:  M-Audio iControl  Tascam US-2400  Tascam FW-1082  Frontier TranzPort  JL Cooper CS-32  JL Cooper FaderMaster 4/100  Korg microKONTROL  Korg KONTROL49 Note: For further information about the individual control surfaces, please refer to the Control Surfaces Support document--found in the Documentation folder of the Logic Express 7.2 Installation DVD. 37 Working With the Track Control Bar When a control surface is connected to Logic Express 7.2, the Track Control Bar is displayed in the Arrange window. This bar indicates the tracks that are currently being accessed by your control surface. This bar is available for all control surface devices connected to your system. The Track Control Bar of each control surface can be assigned a different color. The bar color is set in the Device parameter box. To change the Track Control Bar color: 1 Choose Logic > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Setup to open the Control Surfaces Setup window. 2 Select the appropriate control surface icon. The Device Parameter box appears, featuring the Color option. 3 Click the Color option. This launches a color palette, allowing you to choose or create the desired color. 38 Chapter 6 Control Surface Support New Key Repeat Function Logic Express 7.2 provides updated control surface plug-ins that support the Key Repeat function (if useful and/or applicable to the device). When active, the key command function being triggered via a controller assignment is continuously executed for as long as the button or switch is held down. The length of time before Logic begins to repeat the assignment is determined by the Key Repeat Rate--set in the Mac OS X Keyboard & Mouse preferences. The duration that the button/controller must be held for, before the assignment is repeated, is set with the Key Repeat Rate slider in the Keyboard & Mouse preferences. As an example: The Logic Express 7.2 key command assignment for the Zoom buttons in the Logic Control plug-in supports the Key Repeat function. You can simply hold down the Zoom In button and Logic will zoom in until the Zoom In button is released. This mirrors the behavior of the Zoom key commands. In earlier versions, you had to repeatedly press the (Logic Control) Zoom buttons to zoom in/out more than one level. Intermediate Stop at Default Value Pressing the Option button on your control surface, while editing a parameter assigned to a rotary encoder, enters "Relative Controller mode" In this mode, a turn to the right . sets the encoder to its maximum value. A turn to the left sets the encoder to its minimum value. Logic Express 7.2 enhances this mode: it now also stops at the encoder's default value. As an example: When the Pan knob is somewhere left of center, turning the encoder to the right--with Option pressed--will initially set the pan parameter to its center (default value) position, with a further right-turn setting the full right (maximum value) position. Modal Dialogs Display All modal dialogs (except file selector boxes) are now shown on control surfaces that feature LCD text displays. All text fields are shown in the display's upper row (if applicable to the device). If the dialog text does not fit into the LCD's upper row, it will start scrolling after three seconds. You can scroll the dialog text manually with the appropriate control (see assignment tables in the relevant Control Surface Support documentation). Manual text scrolling disables automatic scrolling.  If there is an Enter or OK button on the control surface, it triggers the dialog's default button, where applicable.  If there is a Cancel or Exit button on the control surface, it triggers the button labeled Cancel or Abort, where applicable. Chapter 6 Control Surface Support 39  All buttons (push buttons, including Enter/default and Cancel, as well as checkboxes and radio buttons, but not pop-up buttons) are shown in the display's lower row (if applicable to the device). Pressing a control surface button below the display triggers the appropriate button/function in the dialog, where relevant. Following use of the Enter/Cancel button on the control surface (or with the mouse), the dialog will disappear, and all controls and displays will return to their previous state/mode. Mackie Control Mode Support Logic Control, Logic Control XT, Mackie Control Universal and Mackie Control Extender (all with firmware version 1.02 or higher) units no longer need to be switched to Logic Control mode, to be recognized by Logic. If you use software that requires Mackie Control mode: 1 Switch to Mackie Control mode. (Details can be found in your control surface documentation). 2 Delete the Logic Control control surface in the Control Surfaces Setup window. 3 Turn on the power for your control surface. It will automatically be installed as a Mackie Control. The functionality of both modes (Mackie/Logic Control) is identical. Note: If you don't use software that requires Mackie Control mode, there's no need to change anything. Controller Assignments Editor Enhancements The Easy View of the Controller Assignment window has been simplified. The Control Name field has been removed, because Easy View is generally used for unsupported control surfaces--such as the controllers on your master keyboard or other fader boxes. The Track parameter allows you to choose between selected (which is the default, if creating assignments on the selected track) or a fixed track number (if you want to set up your controls as a mixer surface). The Learn Message button has been renamed to Learn Mode (because you can create multiple assignments while it's enabled). Assignments created for a specific plug-in are only active if the plug-in is present on the specified track. This enables you to use the same controller messages for different plug-ins--to control the cutoff frequency of ES1, ES2, or EXS24 via the same knob, for example--depending on which software instrument is inserted in the selected track. Your assignments are stored as preferences, making them available in all songs. 40 Chapter 6 Control Surface Support 7 Using Apple Loops 7 The support of Apple Loops in Logic Express brings a range of flexible options to your music-making palette. This chapter covers their use in Logic Express, information on Apple Loop creation and further material that will aid you in making the most of the facilities available. Logic Express ships with a number of Apple Loops, as does GarageBand. Apple Loops are AIFF format audio files that contain PCM audio data. Apple Loops can be used in any audio application that supports AIFF files. In comparison with "standard" audio loops, Apple Loops have a significant advantage: they can contain additional information that Logic Express uses for a variety of purposes, including automatic time and pitch shifting, indexing and searching. Two important data types that Apple Loops may include are; metadata tags and transient markers. Logic Express uses metadata tags to help locate files when using the Search features of the Loop Browser. Transient markers indicate where beats occur in the file. Logic Express uses this information, in conjunction with the metadata tags, to match the file's tempo and key to the song tempo and key, thus ensuring the best possible playback quality. Green and Blue Apple Loops There are two types of Apple Loops: those featuring a blue sound wave icon and others with a green note icon (these icons are shown in the Loop Browser). Green and blue Apple Loops in the Loop Browser Both contain uncompressed PCM audio data, and both may contain additional information for time stretching, transposition, indexing and searching. 41 Green and blue Apple Loops can be added to audio tracks. They look like normal Audio Regions, but can be easily identified by the Apple Loop symbol in the upper right corner. They follow the song key and tempo. Stereo Apple Loop symbol Mono Apple Loop symbol Apple Loops that feature the green icon can also be placed on Audio Instrument and MIDI tracks. On such tracks, these files can be edited just like other MIDI Regions, including individual note editing. Green Apple Loop placed on an Audio Instrument track Another interesting thing about the green Apple Loops is that if dragged onto a "blank" Audio Instrument track (one with an empty channel strip), the corresponding instrument, effect(s) and input setting are automatically inserted. These instruments can be played in the same fashion as Logic Express audio instruments. Green Apple Loops carry all information contained by the blue Apple Loops, but also contain a MIDI Region plus software instrument and plug-in settings. Green Apple Loops are known as SIALs (Software Instrument Apple Loops). Tip: When you place SIALs on audio tracks, they are imported as Audio Regions. This reduces the audio processing required for playback. 42 Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops Adding Apple Loops There are several ways to add Apple Loop files to your Logic song. Logic Express offers a special Loop Browser that enables you to search for Apple Loops, using key words for instrument, genre, mood, and other descriptors. You can also import Apple Loops in the same way as audio files. To add an Apple Loop to your arrangement, do one of the following, m Open the Loop Browser by choosing Audio > Loop Browser (or use the Loop Browser key command). Select the desired Apple Loop file, and drag it into the Arrange window, where you can drop it at the desired position. More information on the Loop Browser is found in the section on "Working With the Loop Browser" on page 44. m Drag the desired Apple Loop file directly from the Finder into the Arrange window. m Select the Pencil tool, and Shift-click on the desired track in the Arrange window (or choose Audio > Import Audio File from the main menu bar; you can also use the Import Audio File key command). This will launch a standard file browser. Browse to the folder in which your Apple Loops reside (See "Apple Loop File Paths" on page 63 and the information on the Jam Pack Management pull-down menu in the Loop Browser section.) When you add an Apple Loop to an audio track, it is automatically matched to the tempo and key of the song. This functionality allows you to play back several Apple Loops simultaneously, and have them sound good, even if they have different tempos and keys. When you add a SIAL to an Audio Instrument track, it is displayed as a MIDI Region. If the track's channel strip is empty, the corresponding software instrument, effects and settings are also loaded. Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops 43 Working With the Loop Browser The Loop Browser is designed to make finding Apple Loops an intuitive and fast process. You can search for loops by using keywords, perform text searches, preview loops, view information about loops, and limit the display to loops from a specific Jam Pack or loop library. To open the Loop Browser, do one of the following: m Choose Audio > Loop Browser. m Use the Loop Browser key command. The Loop Browser Interface The default view of the Loop Browser shows a matrix of 54 buttons, each featuring a category name. Simply click on the desired button(s) in the matrix to narrow your search for appropriate Apple Loops. Activated buttons are highlighted. Multiple categories can be selected, either in conjunction with the Jam Pack Management, Scale and Signature pull-down menu options, or not. View buttons Signature menu Jam Pack Management menu Search field Scale menu Category buttons "Play in" menu Volume slider Apple Loops file list Displays all Apple Loops that match the set search criteria 44 Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops The View buttons at the top left switch between three view types. The first button from the left, featuring the three rectangles, switches to a standard Mac OS X column file menu that is hierarchically separated into All, By Genres, By Instruments, By Moods, and Favorites search criteria. The second button from the left (featuring the note icon) switches to the "normal" Matrix view mode, showing musically-related categories. The third button from the left (featuring the bell icon) switches to Sound Effects view, offering effect-related category buttons such as Explosions, Foley, or People. You can replace a displayed category via the shortcut menu that opens when you Control-click (or right click) on any category button.You can choose from:  Genre: This sub-menu offers musical categories, and for example includes Rock/Blues and Electronic.  Instruments: Bass, FX, Vocals, and the Textures and Jingles options are available, amongst others.  Descriptors: The options in this sub-menu cover the "mood" of Apple Loops, and include Dark, Relaxed, Grooving, and others. Basically, the Loop Browser displays all indexed loops in the system. When a high number of Apple Loops is installed on your system, this might become rather complex to administer. To keep things tidy, the Loop Browser offers advanced loop management tools. The Jam Pack Management pull-down menu allows you to limit the display to loops from a specific Jam Pack or other folder. Jam Packs are professionally-created genre or instrument-specific Apple Loop collections, available from Apple. Simply select the desired option from the Jam Pack Management menu. You can choose between:  Show All: Choose this default option to display all Apple Loops on your system. It is extremely handy if you are unable to locate a loop that you know is installed and indexed on your system, but do not know what Jam Pack it belongs to.  My Loops: Choose to display all Apple Loops in the ~/Library/Audio/Apple Loops and ~/Library/Application Support/GarageBand folders (~ denotes the User name).  GarageBand: Choose to display all Apple Loops installed with GarageBand.  Jam Pack x: Choose to display all Apple Loops from a specific Jam Pack.  Vendor x: Choose to display all Apple Loops from a specific third-party vendor. Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops 45 The Scale pull-down menu offers Any, Minor, Major, Neither and Good For Both options. Use of these options limits the search for Apple Loops to the selected Scale type, within the chosen category. As an example, if Country, Acoustic and Relaxed categories were selected, you would be presented with twenty or so files that matched your choices. Selection of the Minor Scale option would reduce this list to ten possible Apple Loops, making the task of auditioning and selecting the most appropriate material faster. The Signature pull-down menu performs a similar task to the Scale menu, but limits searches to Apple Loops that match the selected time signature. The Search field is used to find Apple Loops by name or partial name: Cancel button  Type in the desired search term, and press the Return key. Any files that match your search term will be displayed in the file browser at the bottom of the window.  The Cancel button to the right (which appears as soon as any text is entered) clears any entered text. It also clears the search history. The "Play in" pop-up menu determines the playback key of the selected Apple Loop. Choices include: Song Key, Original Key, and C through to B. The Volume fader adjusts the playback level of the selected file in the Loop Browser window. The list at the bottom of the window displays all Apple Loops that match the criteria set with the parameters discussed above.  Clicking on any of the column titles will sort the list of results by Name, Match, Tempo, Key and so on.  Clicking on the arrow in any selected column title will sort the list in ascending or descending alphabetical, match percentage, tempo, key, beat or favorite order.  Columns can be resized by dragging the vertical lines between column titles.  Selection of any entry in the list of files will automatically begin playback. You can stop playback by clicking on the speaker icon in the left-hand column.  The Fav (Favorites) column offers a checkbox for every displayed loop. Simply check this box to add the loop to the Favorites category (for more information, see "Working With Favorites" on page 48). 46 Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops Adding Apple Loops to the Loop Browser Logic Express must index Apple Loops before they are shown in the Loop Browser. Loops can reside in any directory, but you need to tell Logic Express where to find them. To add Apple Loops to the Loop Browser: 1 Open a Finder window alongside Logic Express. 2 Navigate to the folder that contains the Apple Loops. 3 Select the Apple Loops in the folder and drag them into the Loop Browser. The loops are added to the Apple Loops library and indexed. When this process is finished, the loops will be available directly in the Loop Browser. If you drag a single loop to the Loop Browser, the loop will be copied to ~/Library/ Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops/SingleFiles. If you drag a folder of loops that are located on the same drive and partition as the Loop Browser, the loops will be left at their current location, and an alias of the folder will be created in ~/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops. If the loops are located on a different drive or partition, you'll be asked whether you want to copy them to the loop library, or index them at their current location (loops added from optical media will always be copied).  If you choose to copy them, the folder containing the loops will be copied to ~/ Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops/.  If you choose to index them at their current location, an alias to the folder will be created in ~/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops/. Acid Loops in the Loop Browser The Loop Browser also displays Acid Loops. Acid Loops don't contain "tags" like Apple Loops. In Acid Loops, this information is derived from the surrounding folder structure (especially the names of folders), which must comply with certain standards. This means that it's not possible to drag an individual Acid Loop file into the Loop Browser. As such, you need to drag the entire CD (or folder) that contains the Acid Loops into the Loop Browser. Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops 47 Working With Favorites The Fav (Favorites) column in the list at the bottom of the Loop Browser offers a checkbox for every displayed loop. Simply check this box to add the loop to the Favorites category. This facility is ideal for compiling a collection of Apple Loops that you use regularly. As a producer of dance-floor music, you may often construct songs by starting with drum loops. You could conceivably have a basic "four on the floor" kick pattern, eighth and sixteenth note hi-hats, two or four beat snare or clap patterns and so on, and use these favorite loops as a groove construction kit--at least while creating your shell arrangement. These loops can be easily replaced or added to as your project advances, but the use of favorites may form a great starting point for many of your songs. Creating Apple Loops You may wish to create an Apple Loop from an existing audio recording as Apple Loops offer the advantages of automatic time stretching and transposition over other audio file formats. You can save both Audio and Audio Instrument Regions as Apple Loops in Logic. The set transients are based on the song's tempo information. For more information on this method, see the following section. You can also use the Apple Loops Utility to create Apple Loops from Audio Regions. The Apple Loops Utility is a companion application to Logic Express that allows you to manage metadata tags and transients in audio files. The Apple Loops Utility offers sophisticated tag editing functions for audio files. You can, for example, set the transients manually--independent of the song tempo. (for more information read "Creating Apple Loops in the Apple Loops Utility" on page 52). 48 Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops Note: The Apple Loops Utility does not allow you to create SIALs. Which tool to use, and when to use it? As mentioned above, Logic Express offers Apple Loops creation facilities, and the separate Apple Loops Utility also allows you to construct your own Apple Loops. You have a fairly simple decision path to follow:  If you want to create an Apple Loop from an audio file that matches the song tempo, use the Apple Loop creation utilities available in Logic Express.  If you want to create a Software Instrument Apple Loop (SIAL), use the Apple Loop creation utilities available in Logic Express.  If you want to create a non-looped Apple Loop from an audio file that does not match the song tempo, use the Apple Loop creation utilities available in Logic Express. Non-looping Apple Loops (or one-shots) do not follow the song tempo and key. This is useful if you want to add discrete, non-musical sounds (such as sound effects) to the loop library, which should not be altered by the tempo and key properties.  If you want to create a looped Apple Loop from an audio file that does not match the song tempo, use the Apple Loops Utility. Read the following section if you want to create Apple Loops in Logic. Information on "Creating Apple Loops in the Apple Loops Utility" can be found on page 52. Creating Apple Loops in Logic When you save a Region as Apple Loop in Logic Express, the Region is added to the loop library and appears in the Loop Browser, allowing its use in other songs. The tempo information of the song is used to tag the transients of user-created Apple Loops. This function works best if your audio files match the song tempo as precisely as possible. Note: User-created Apple Loops behave exactly like the Apple Loops that ship with Logic, GarageBand and Jam Packs: They follow the tempo of your song and match the song key (as defined by the initial key signature). To create an Apple Loop in Logic: 1 Select the Audio or Audio Instrument Region in the Arrange window. 2 Choose Region > Add to Apple Loops Library in the local Arrange menu. 3 In the Add Region to Apple Loops Library dialog:  Type in a name for the loop, choose the scale, genre, instrument category, instrument name and appropriate mood descriptions--to simplify searches. Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops 49  Set the file type, which can be One-shot or Looped. If the length of the audio file is not precisely trimmed to contain a number of whole bars, One-shot is selected automatically, and the file type buttons are dimmed. Note: One-shots do not follow the song tempo and key. This is useful if you want to add discrete, non-musical sounds (such as sound effects) to the loop library, which should not be altered by the tempo and key properties. These types of loops still contain metadata tags, allowing easy searching and categorization in the Loop Browser. 4 Click Create. The loop is added to the Loop Browser. It will be stored in ~/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops/SingleFiles. You can find it by using the keyword buttons, menus, or by typing the name in the Search field. If you drag the loop into the Arrange window, the Apple Loops symbol is shown beside the file name. As one-shots are handled like normal audio files, the usual stereo or mono Region symbol is shown alongside the file name (rather than the Apple Loops symbol). 50 Chapter 7 Using Apple Loops