Sample Alchemy in Logic Pro for Mac

Sample Alchemy is designed to allow you to quickly resynthesize a single sample and transform it into a unique playable instrument. It provides a variety of synthesis techniques, such as granular, additive, and spectral synthesis, which can be combined to create a wide range of sounds, including unique sound beds, pads, effects, and rhythms.

You can control up to four independent sound generation sources using handles. Labeled A, B, C, and D, the handles control separate layers and can be placed at precise points on a waveform.

The five flexible play modes offer different ways to play back a sample and interact with it, from Classic mode, which lets you play the sample from start to finish, to Loop mode, where you place the handles on the waveform to create up to two snippets of looped audio. In addition, Scrub mode lets you move the handles across the waveform to trigger it as if scrubbing through tape, and Bow mode replicates the bow action used to play stringed instruments. Finally, Arp (arpeggiator) mode can generate repeating patterns of notes that cycle through different sections of the sample, creating intricate sequences based on MIDI notes.

Sample Alchemy is a sample-based instrument, so you can quickly begin creating sounds by loading samples and loops directly from the Loop Browser, Finder, or regions in the Tracks area. Sample Alchemy works best with monophonic instruments, vocals, or found sounds. When you record your instruments or vocal samples directly in Logic Pro for Mac, you can conveniently drag audio regions straight into an instance of Sample Alchemy.

You can use Sample Alchemy in a number of ways in your projects, such as building unique playable instruments or recording automation of the handles to add unique sound effects and synth elements. Here are a few examples of the types of sounds that you can create with Sample Alchemy:

• Rich and complex synth pads

• Evocative keys

• Rhythmic and evolving arpeggiator patterns

• Unique and playable effects

• Dynamic and evolving soundscapes

• Big fat basses

• Vocal-like formants

Additionally, with a library of predesigned sounds and a wide variety of sound-manipulation tools such as filters, synthesis effects, and modulators, Sample Alchemy allows you to create sounds tailored to your needs.

If you’re new to synthesizers, see Synthesizer basics overview, which introduces you to the fundamentals and terminology of different synthesis systems.

If you’re new to using plug-ins in Logic Pro, see Add, remove, move, and copy plug-ins in Logic Pro for Mac.