Logic and MIDI user guideWhat does MIDI stand for and how does it work?

MIDI stands for Musical Digital Interface and works by sending messages to devices over USB or MIDI cable such as a personal computer running software that listens and send information to MIDI devices. The basic MIDI keyboard doesn’t produce sound however when MIDI information is sent to an electric module it is then capable of producing an array of digital of sounds that resemble traditional instruments. These waveforms are also known as voices or timbres.

What does logic do?

Logic express is a software platform where you can create music. You can save and bounce a project which then allows you to put your music on many platforms such as soundcloud, itunes, youtube etc. Logic also allows you to use devices such as MIDI, a synthesizer or a module as well as being able to use editing tools and instrument tools which gives you the freedom to create what you like.

How to start making music on Logic

When you open logic a box with three options will automatically pop up. To start

creating your project click on the box ‘Empty project’. Thi will lead you another box asking how many tracks you would like to create. Make sure that before clicking the ‘Create’ button you have clicked on software instrument which is the second option located under how many tracks you want to create. This enables you to use all the instruments. However if you would like a microphone click the option ‘Audio’. You can add in another track whenever even after clicking create. Once you have clicked create you should come up to a page where can start creating music. In the right hand corner there is a pink and blue button with the words ‘Media’ under it. If you click on that button it will direct you to four options, if you then click on ‘Library’ it will give you a multitude of instruments to choose from.

Saving your work

Saving your work is simple and won’t take you any longer than a minute! Just click on ‘File’ which is in the left hand corner, then click on ‘Save as’ and write whatever you want to name your project as then click ‘Save’. Also if you want to find somewhere you can easily access your project click the ‘Where’ button before saving and choose somewhere where you would like to save your project then click ‘Save’. REMEMBER to keep saving your work throughout working on your project so you still have it if the system crashes.

Using logic

Firstly, you have a Tool Bar.

This is where you can bounce the track you created allowing you to convert it into an MP3 file and upload it to whatever music platform you like. The ‘Colours’ button allows you to colour code the notes and sections obviously so you can make notes next to a piece. The ‘Media’ buttons directs you to different instruments you can use.

Secondly, you have the Transport Bar.

This is where you can record, repeat, play, pause, stop, change the beat of your track, rewind and fast forward.

Thirdly, you have the Work Station.

This is where you layout your project. The light gray box with the words ‘Audio’ on it is called a Playhead which indicates what instruments are being played. The number at the top are the Bar Rulers which have 4 beats in each bar.

Lastly, you have the Tool Menu.

If you click on the mouse icon located to the right hand side you will be directed to a multitude of options which allow you to cut, glue, erase, create, text, flex, pencil, zoom and fade. For example if a track is too long and needs to be cut at any point use the ‘Scissors tool’.

Here is some extra information you will need:

Working in real time can allow you to work on Logic Express projects in real time, adding to, and editing audio and MIDI parts while the

project is playing, and hearing the results of our changes immediately. Using existing loop libraries on Logic Express directly supports Apple Loops files, and is compatible with a wide variety of existing audio files types, including those created in recycle. Creating a track can sometimes be easier with the help of a Metronome. It gives you a guidance of how many beats you have in a bar. You can speed it up or slow it down depending on your beat.

Adding prerecorded media

Prerecorded audio plays an important part in modern music today. Mixing existing audio loops provides a quick way for laying down project foundations. Logic express offers a large range of audio loops to help start with your projects.

Importing Compressed Audio Files

Logic express allows you to play back

AAC

iTunes/Logic encoded files

Stereo files encoded at 48 or higher kbps

Mono files encoded at 32 or more kbps

44.1 kHz files, MP3, sample rates: 8 kHz 11.025 kHz, 12 kHz, 16, kHz, 22.05 kHz, 24 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz

Compression format – MPG 4 AAC

Apples lossless files

These files are not automatically converted when imported into Logic Express and the compressed audio files is added to the Arrange area and region encompasses when the complete audio file is created. You can edit this in the same way a normal audio region in the Arrange area. You can rename, loop it and cut it etc.

Working with tempo and audio regions

The length of imported audio regions and the project tempo are directly linked. If you change the tempo at a particular project position. The length of regions at and after this position changes. You won’t hear a difference in the playback speed of the imported audio but all MIDI or software instrument sections will be out of sync with all audio regions. Audio regions that are lengthened (by increasing the tempo) may overlap with other section on the same track, resulting in the earlier region being played in full at the expense of the beginning of the following section.

Working with a video

Working with video on logic is easy! All you have to do is click on ‘File’ then ‘Open movie’. It will come up as shown in the picture. You can then create music to go with you vide of choice.

Conclusion

Logic Express I only compatible on Apple software so check before you purchase. It is a very useful programme for people interested in music and producing and is very easy to understand and use. You have a wide variety of things to use which

can help you change things on your track such as editing and effects buttons. Logic goes well with MIDI keyboards which enables you to create all sorts of different types of music.

By Taite Imogen Edwards