For several years, the software music production Apple Logic Pro X is one of the company’s quiet gems. When it comes to quality, value for money, and the continual addition of new features, the Logic program takes the gold medal.
Now, with Apple Silicon support to match your creative ambitions, plus loads of fun new features, Logic Pro X is the best version of the program ever.
Logic Pro has a free trial version, but after that you will have to make a one-time purchase payment (€199.99) to be able to use it whenever you want. All updates to the program are included in that first payment, which makes it an excellent value for money program.
New features and fixes
Thanks to regular updates from Apple, Logic is an increasingly complete program. In fact, it has reached a point where it is surprising that Apple is still able to add new features and tools to this software.
Logic Pro’s major release, 10.7, includes support for Dolby Atmos in the Mixing Panel, as well as over 2,800 new loops and support for Apple’s Silicon processor. These new additions come in version 10.6, which adds the step sequencer in Logic Remote to trigger audio on iPad, and the great addition of Live Loops in version 10.5, which makes it easier than ever to create a track.
It still has a steeper learning curve than its free sibling GarageBand, but it’s also true that Logic Pro X has become super accessible.
Spatial audio tools
If you have a pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, you know how impressive Spatial Audio technology can be. Whether it’s sounding like you’re in the middle of a conversation between two people while listening to a podcastor having the feeling of being in front of a live concert while a band plays, has come a long way in just a few years.
Logic Pro X will now allow users to create Spatial Audio mixes, with expanded pan controls and plugin expansions. You can even export in Dolby Atmos, which can make video content feel that much more alive, whether it’s a home movie or a blockbuster.
However, as you can imagine, you will need a compatible headset to be able to listen to your work while you make changes.
Expanded sound library
Logic Pro X has never been shy about offering different sounds. While other audio apps store new library additions behind more expensive packages or subscription services, Apple has released a large number of free sounds in its 10.7 release.
There are more than 2,800 new loops in many genres, as well as 230 new instruments and audio patches, 50 new kits battery and much more. It’s a pretty amazing addition to an already impressive library.
Apple Silicon Compatibility
Apple’s M1 architecture means that Logic now runs much smoother than before. Jumping around the workspace is seamless (especially on the latest MacBook Pro), and being able to quickly export a track to share with colleagues or friends is great.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is the advance in energy efficiency. Whether with an M1, the Pro, or the Max versions, you’re less likely to have to search for a charger every couple of hours. The most demanding users will still want to stay in the studio, but it will make it easier for them to record while they are away.
Live Loops and Sampler
Introduced in Logic Pro 10.5, Live Loops and Sampler are new and intuitive ways to use Logic Pro X.
Live Loops allow users to activate cells in a grid. The grid can be made up of your own recordings, loops, or samples, and is ideal for creating a complete track from disassembled parts and disparate elements. You can also add instant filters, gates, and more using Remix FX, so you can customize the sounds within the Live Loops settings.
There’s also the Sampler, which uses drag and drop to create a series of samples on a keyboard. Flex Time is also integrated, allowing a wide range of sample lengths without altering the pitch.
Integration with iPad and iPhone
Logic Remote has been a companion app for iPhones and iPads for years, but in the last couple of years it’s come into its own.
Part of it is due to the aforementioned Live Loops feature. Triggering sounds from an iPad, using multi-touch to activate each one, is not only more accurate than regular triggering, it’s also more fun.
The same goes for the step sequencer, which brings the capabilities of the drum machine to your phone or tablet.
Verdict
As we said at the beginning of this review, Logic Pro X is one of Apple’s most polished products. We’re not shy about pointing out when the company charges too much for its devices, but the division of software really has the upper hand at the moment.
Each of the latest versions has added not only a large number of stability improvements, but a large number of changes. Not everyone will want to trigger things from their other devices, or create Spatial Audio mixes, but that’s the joy of Logic Pro X: it can do exactly what you want, and other things you had no idea you wanted, too.
Logic Pro X was a five-star product before the update, but now that this update has arrived, and is completely free for existing users, we may need to start rethinking the maximum number of stars that can be awarded.
For tips on hardware suitable for these types of tasks, read our guide to the best Mac for music production. And for our thoughts on suitable alternatives to Logic, read the best music production software for Mac.
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