Apple announces Logic Studio ($499; $199 upgrade from Logic Pro 7), a suite of tools comprising Logic Pro 8—a major upgrade with a new interface—and MainStage, a new live performance application. Logic Studio also includes Soundtrack Pro 2, Studio Instruments, Studio Effects, a Studio Sound Library and a powerful set of production utilities.
Logic Pro 8 offers an intuitive single-window interface, including snap-to-transient selection and sample-accurate editing directly in the Arrange window. New audio production tools include Quick Swipe Comping and dynamic channel-strip creation. Logic Pro 8 also includes end-to-end surround production capabilities with surround panning controls, multichannel tracks and buses, and support for True Surround software instruments and effects.
MainStage turns the Mac into a live performance rig. Screen controls link software plug-ins to hardware knobs, faders and buttons. Professional templates are designed to simplify set-up, and an interactive display is designed for distant viewing in dim light onstage.
Soundtrack Pro 2 offers professional editing tools, and film and video integration for post-production. Musicians can compose a score in Logic Pro 8, and then use Soundtrack Pro 2 to edit dialog, design sound effects and complete the mix in cinematic sound.
Studio Instruments with 40 instrument plug-ins include enhanced versions of Ultrabeat, Sculpture and ES2 synthesizers, and the EXS24 sampler. Studio Effects include a new Delay Designer plug-in that offers in-depth control over individual delay taps, and Space Designer, now with True Surround enhancements for multichannel audio processing. Logic Studio’s Studio Sound Library features content from the five Jam Pack collections and Final Cut Studio 2, for a total of 18,000 Apple Loops, 1,300 EXS instruments and 5,000 sound effects spanning a variety of genres and styles. Production utilities include WaveBurner for CD mastering, Compressor 3 for surround encoding, an Apple Loops utility and a new Impulse Response utility for capturing the acoustics of real performance spaces.
Customers who purchased Logic Pro 7 on or after August 1, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to Logic Studio ($9.95 shipping & handling). Full system requirements and more information on Logic Studio, including a list of certified, compatible hardware and software, can be found at www.apple.com/logicstudio.
