Re: the Logic rant thread...are things better/worse?

[max cooper]

I'm about to go out and get CubaseSX and an X-Firewire card for my Rosetta 800, but seeing as I have a dual 2 Gig G5 with a load of RAM, I'm wondering how Logic is doing now. I've been using PTLE for a couple of years, but now it seems silly to continue since it seems like the Rosetta is made for just about every DAW except PTLE.

So how are things with Logic lately?

[timtoonz]

Okay, I'll try... How are things?

Um, good. Kinda'. It depends.

I'm a long time Logic user, occasional 'basher', sometime supporter. I just finished a really intense TV composing gig and for the most part Logic 7.1 performed like a champ (on a dual 1 Ghz G4 with 2 UAD-1 cards).

It really depends what kind of stuff you're doing. If you're more into 'live' audio with multiple players, comping lots of live drum tracks, etc.. then I dont think Logic's got anything over the competition. You're probably better off in SX, Nuendo or PT for that.

But if you're into synths (I am), use loops (I often have to) and need lots of open ended flexibility (which is otherwise known as '8 ways to do everything' ergonomic confus-orama), then Logic is the way to go. At least in my experience, 7.1 is very stable except for 1 or 2 well known and easily avoided bugs. The mixing environment and controller support (US2400) is excellent, the media management has really improved (using 'save as project, multiple bounces simultaneously etc), and the built in plugs and synths like EVB3, EVP88, Space Designer, etc. are addicting and eventually indispensable.

So, that's one user's opinion. If it suits what you do, and you can get your headd around the complexity of it all, it's a very powerful tool. Add the UAD-1s' and it's quite hard to beat.

But if I was starting from scratch today would I choose it over the competition? That's a trickier one.

Hope some of that helps. Or at least muddies the waters in an interesting way.

T!

[Sobe]

http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/trial/

[Toad]

If you read the "Logic Sucks" thread, you'll see that by the end, it was discovered
that Logic actually RULES!!!!!!

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by timtoonz

It really depends what kind of stuff you're doing. If you're more into 'live' audio with multiple players, comping lots of live drum tracks, etc.. then I dont think Logic's got anything over the competition. You're probably better off in SX, Nuendo or PT for that.

Yeah, that's me, for the most part. I've never used a loop unless it's come to me as a complete track. I mostly use PTLE as if it were a tape machine. I'm a midiot, although I'm coming around. I even own a couple of virtual instruments now! Still can't use Beat Detective to save my life! (Yeah, I know it's not just a midi application.)

Originally Posted by Sobe

http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/trial/

Arrrgh. I stare at the demo page and before I even install another DAW, exhaustion sets in. Am I really up to learning a new system? Is this a crazy notion?

Originally Posted by Toad

If you read the "Logic Sucks" thread, you'll see that by the end, it was discovered
that Logic actually RULES!!!!!!

Yeah, I did get through the whole thing. I thought I'd post this as a new thread for those who were no longer reading that one.

Thanks for the info.

So what about switching DAW's? I know I'd rather be able to use two or three anyway, but how much downtime do you guys who have done it think it cost you?

And BTW, what about stuff that comes with Logic Pro now, like synths, plugins, any of it useable?

[steveH]

Logic's soft synths, sampler, effects...ALL very usable.

But if you're an ALL audio guy, then I don't see why you'd go to Logic. I feel it's mostly for composers using midi protocol to get it all happening with soft synths, romplers, samplers.

If by chance you're thinkin to get into that sort of thing, then go Logic. You won't be disappoited...or at least any more disappointed than using any other software. Most things will RAWK and some bug issues will always be there.

And they'll always bundle the bug fixes with new features making you spend more money to buy the fixes....err...I mean upgrade.

If composing features is what you want go Logic hands down.

I have heard if you're writing to picture MOTU DP is the ticket. I don't use it, so no idea.

[C_F_H_13]

If you decide to go the logic route, I highly recommend this book:

http://www.peachpit.com/title/0321256077

I've been a PT user for many years and the idea of 8-12 windows as opposed to 2 was daunting to say the least. This book goes from the very basics (this is what we call a "transport") to setting up the enviroment and some cool midi/audio editing tricks.

Yes it's a beginner book in terms of what you CAN learn, but I think it's the absolute necessary stuff that it really focuses on.

I switched to Logic Pro about 3 weeks ago, and I'm not really missing pro tools at all.....except beat detective....but you've already pointed out that you don't use it.

Good luck man!

[Roger Starr]

Max,

If you will be working with Apple then I would simply go for LP7.1, a good all in one solution for a very good price. SX is great and has a better audio engine, but does not have the quality of plug ins LP7.1 has (Steinberg in that sense refers to third party companies who are specialized in that, which makes a lot of sense too). Also, SX runs fine on Apple, but does has a better performance on PC.

Regards,

Roger

[Ruudman]

Originally Posted by Roger Starr

SX is great and has a better audio engine

True or taste?
Discussed on daw related forums all over.

ruudman

[Yutaka]

Originally Posted by max cooper

So what about switching DAW's? I know I'd rather be able to use two or three anyway, but how much downtime do you guys who have done it think it cost you?

Hey Max,

On the learning curve, I'd say SX is pretty easy to learn. If you have an experience using PT, chances are you can learn the basic stuff to run a session within a few hours if not quicker. If you want to go deeper, there's tons of stuff to learn to run it better, but the stuff to get your work done is very easy to find and to learn.

You may miss the Playlist feature in PT, but there's another feature in SX called "lanes" that handles multiple takes really well. It's kinda like having all the playlist for the track displayed at the same time, and comping a single track material this way is very easy and simple. It's a bit difficult to explain in words, but you can download a manual from Steinberg site to check it out. (OTOH, I think managing multiple takes of, say a whole drum kit, is much better with the Playlist thing.)

I'm running SX 3.02 on G5 2GHz DP. It may not be as fast as on PC, but I can get things done. I'm very happy so far with this setup.

[jdunn]

I'm mixing a music only project in Logic right now. It's been pretty smooth, but now it's starting to bug me. I think I just need to learn the automation better though, that's mainly what it is. I do wish the fader resolution was better, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. It's not bad.

So I think I overwrote some mute automation or something. If I can solve it and it starts getting easier, I'll stay with Logic. If it's gets more and more annoying, I'm trying Cubase SX or Nuendo.

G5 dual 2.0/Lynx AES16

[TonyBelmont]

I think SX3 is probably more of what you are looking for.... I use both and can say that they both are great programs. SX will seem more familiar for someone coming from PT and is much easier to learn. Logic is great for all the midi stuff... I have been using it more and more and have become a big fan. But, since you aren't using a lot of loops and soft synths, you should go for SX3... You may want to download the Logic Express demo just for sh!ts and giggles, though.

[Roger Starr]

Originally Posted by timtoonz

But if I was starting from scratch today would I choose it over the competition? That's a trickier one.

Interesting, well what then?

Roger

[jdunn]

Thanks for the info Tony. That sounds good, I think I'll look into SX3. If I really like it and decide I need the import options, I'll get Nuendo later maybe.

I am doing alright in Logic now. One of the keys is to have your Environment tweaked to perfection before you start mixing (and save them as Templates). If you try to add stuff later, it can get difficult.

I should be sleeping.

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

But, since you aren't using a lot of loops and soft synths, you should go for SX3... You may want to download the Logic Express demo just for sh!ts and giggles, though.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going for it (the demo). I think it's probably gonna be SX3 and an X-Firewire card, though.