Logic Pro X User Guide
- Welcome
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- What is Logic Pro?
- Workflow overview
- Logic Pro project basics
- Advanced tools and additional options
- Undo and redo edits
- Manage Logic Pro content
- How to get help
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- Projects overview
- Create projects
- Open projects
- Save projects
- Delete projects
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- Play a project
- Set the playhead position
- Control playback with the transport buttons
- Use transport shortcut menus
- Use transport keyboard shortcuts
- Customize the control bar
- Change the LCD display mode
- Monitor and reset MIDI events
- Use the cycle area
- Use the Chase Events function
- Control Logic Pro using Apple Remote
- Control Logic Pro projects using Logic Remote
- Preview projects in the Finder
- Close projects
- View project information
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- Overview
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- Before recording software instruments
- Play software instruments
- Record software instruments
- Record additional software instrument takes
- Overdub software instrument recordings
- Spot erase software instrument recordings
- Use Note Repeat
- Record to multiple software instrument tracks
- Replace software instrument recordings
- Record multiple MIDI devices to multiple tracks
- Record software instruments and audio simultaneously
- Use step input recording techniques
- Use the metronome
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- Overview
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- Regions overview
- Select regions
- Select parts of regions
- Cut, copy, and paste regions
- Move regions
- Add or remove gaps
- Delay region playback
- Loop regions
- Repeat regions
- Resize regions
- Mute and solo regions
- Time stretch regions
- Split regions
- Demix MIDI regions
- Join regions
- Create regions in the Tracks area
- Normalize audio regions in the Tracks area
- Create aliases of MIDI regions
- Clone audio regions
- Change the color of regions
- Convert audio regions to Sampler sample zones
- Rename regions
- Delete regions
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- Overview
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- Add notes
- Select notes
- Snap items to the grid
- Move notes
- Copy notes
- Change the pitch of notes
- Resize notes
- Edit note velocity
- Quantize the timing of notes
- Quantize the pitch of notes
- Change note articulations
- Lock the position of events
- Mute notes
- Change note color
- View note labels
- Delete notes
- Time stretch notes
- View multiple MIDI regions
- Split chords
- Automation/MIDI area in the Piano Roll Editor
- Open other editors
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- Flex Time and Pitch overview
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- Flex Pitch algorithm and parameters
- Edit the pitch of audio in the Audio Track Editor or a zoomed in track
- Edit the pitch of audio in the Tracks area when the track is not zoomed in
- Correct the timing of audio regions with Flex Pitch
- Quantize the pitch of audio regions
- Create MIDI from audio recordings
- Change the gain of audio regions
- Use Varispeed to alter the speed and pitch of audio
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- Mixing overview
- Set channel strip input formats
- Set channel strip pan or balance positions
- Mute and solo channel strips
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- Plug-ins overview
- Add, remove, move, and copy plug-ins
- Insert a plug-in on a track using drag and drop
- Activate plug-ins on inactive channels
- Use the Channel EQ
- Work in the plug-in window
- Work with plug-in settings
- Work with plug-in latencies
- Work with Audio Units plug-ins
- Support for ARA 2 compatible plug-ins
- Use the Plug-in Manager
- Work with channel strip settings
- Surround panning
- Use the I/O Labels window
- Undo and redo Mixer and plug-in adjustments
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- Smart Controls overview
- Show Smart Controls for master effects
- Choose a Smart Control layout
- Automatic MIDI controller assignment
- Map screen controls automatically
- Map screen controls
- Edit mapping parameters
- Use parameter mapping graphs
- Open the plug-in window for a screen control
- Rename a screen control
- Use articulation IDs to change articulations
- Assign hardware controls to screen controls
- Compare Smart Control edits with saved settings in Logic Pro
- Use the Arpeggiator
- Automate screen control movements
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- Live Loops overview
- Start and stop cells
- Work with Live Loops cells
- Change loop settings for cells
- How the Live Loops grid and Tracks area interact
- Edit cells
- Edit scenes
- Work in the Cell Editor
- Record a Live Loops performance
- Change Live Loops grid settings
- Control Live Loops in Logic Pro with other devices
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- Overview
- Add notes
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- Part box overview
- View score symbols
- Select score symbols
- Add notes and rests
- Add notes and symbols to multiple Logic Pro regions
- Add key and time signature changes
- Change the clef sign
- Add dynamic marks, slurs, and crescendi
- Change note heads
- Add symbols to notes
- Add trills, ornaments, and tremolo symbols
- Add sustain pedal markings
- Add chord symbols
- Add chord grids and tablature symbols
- Add bar lines, repeats, and coda signs
- Add page and line break symbols
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- Select notes
- Move and copy notes
- Change note pitch, duration, and velocity
- Change note articulations
- Quantize the timing of notes
- Restrict note input to the current key
- Control how ties are displayed
- Add and edit tuplets
- Override display quantization using tuplets
- Add grace notes and independent notes
- Delete notes
- Use automation in the Score Editor
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- Staff styles overview
- Assign staff styles to tracks
- Staff Style window
- Create and duplicate staff styles
- Edit staff styles
- Edit staff, voice, and assign parameters
- Add and delete staffs or voices in the Logic Pro Staff Style window
- Copy staffs or voices in the Logic Pro Staff Style window
- Copy staff styles between projects
- Delete staff styles
- Assign notes to voices and staffs
- Display polyphonic parts on separate staffs
- Change the staff assignment of score symbols
- Beam notes across staffs
- Use mapped staff styles for drum notation
- Predefined staff styles
- Share a score
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- Environment overview
- Common object parameters
- Customize the Environment
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- Fader objects overview
- Use fader objects
- Play back fader movements
- Work with object groups
- Fader styles
- Fader functions: MIDI events
- Fader functions: range, value as
- Fader functions: filter
- Vector fader
- Special faders overview
- Cable switchers
- Meta event faders
- SysEx faders
- Work with SysEx messages
- Special functions
- Ornament objects
- MMC record buttons
- Keyboard objects
- Monitor objects
- Channel splitter object
- Physical input objects
- Physical input objects
- MIDI click objects
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- Key commands overview
- Browse, import, and save key commands
- Assign key commands
- Copy and print key commands
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- Global Commands key commands
- Global Control Surfaces Commands
- Various windows
- Windows Showing Audio files
- Main Window Tracks and Various Editors
- Live Loops Grid
- Various Editors
- Views showing Time Ruler
- Main Window Tracks
- Mixer
- MIDI Environment
- Piano Roll
- Score Editor
- Event Editor
- Step Editor
- Step Sequencer
- Project Audio
- Audio File Editor
- Smart Tempo Editor
- Sampler
- Step Input Keyboard
- Tool key commands in Logic Pro
- Touch Bar shortcuts
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- Working with your control surface
- Connect control surfaces
- Add a control surface to Logic Pro
- Automatic assignment for USB MIDI controllers
- Grouping control surfaces
- Control Surfaces preferences overview
- Modal dialog display
- Tips for using your control surface
- Control surfaces supported by Logic Pro
- Software and firmware
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- Learn about Effects
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- Learn about Amps and Pedals
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- Bass Amp Designer overview
- Bass amplifier models
- Bass cabinet models
- Build a custom combo
- Amplifier signal flow
- Pre-amp signal flow
- Use the D.I. box
- Amplifier controls
- Bass Amp Designer effects overview
- Bass Amp Designer EQ
- Bass Amp Designer compressor
- Bass Amp Designer Graphic EQ
- Bass Amp Designer Parametric EQ
- Bass Amp Designer microphone controls
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- Use MIDI plug-ins
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- Arpeggiator overview
- Arpeggiator control parameters
- Note order parameters overview
- Note order variations
- Note order inversions
- Arpeggiator pattern parameters overview
- Use Live mode
- Use Grid mode
- Arpeggiator options parameters
- Arpeggiator keyboard parameters
- Use keyboard parameters
- Assign controller parameters
- Modifier MIDI plug-in controls
- Note Repeater MIDI plug-in controls
- Randomizer MIDI plug-in controls
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- Use the Scripter MIDI plug-in
- Use the Script Editor
- Scripter API overview
- MIDI processing functions overview
- HandleMIDI function
- ProcessMIDI function
- GetParameter function
- SetParameter function
- ParameterChanged function
- Reset function
- JavaScript objects overview
- Use the JavaScript Event object
- Use the JavaScript TimingInfo object
- Use the Trace object
- Use the MIDI event beatPos property
- Use the JavaScript MIDI object
- Create Scripter controls
- Transposer MIDI plug-in controls
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- Learn about included Instruments
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- Alchemy overview
- Name bar
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- Alchemy source overview
- Source master controls
- Import browser
- Source subpage controls
- Source filter controls
- Source filter use tips
- Source elements overview
- Additive element controls
- Additive element effects
- Spectral element controls
- Spectral element effects
- Pitch correction controls
- Formant filter controls
- Granular element controls
- Sampler element controls
- VA element controls
- Source modulations
- Morph controls
- Master voice section
- Alchemy extended parameters
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- Logic Pro Quick Sampler overview
- Add content to Logic Pro Quick Sampler
- Logic Pro Quick Sampler waveform display
- Use Flex in Logic Pro Quick Sampler
- Logic Pro Quick Sampler Pitch controls
- Logic Pro Quick Sampler Filter controls
- Quick Sampler filter types
- Logic Pro Quick Sampler Amp controls
- Logic Pro Quick Sampler extended parameters
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- Sculpture overview
- Sculpture interface
- Global parameters
- Amplitude envelope parameters
- Use the Waveshaper
- Filter parameters
- Output parameters
- Use surround range and diversity
- Assign MIDI controllers
- Extended parameters
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- Ultrabeat overview
- Ultrabeat interface
- Synthesizer section overview
- Filter section controls
- Distortion circuit controls
- Glossary
Logic Pro Quick Sampler waveform display
You can see the current audio file in the waveform display and directly edit a number of sample playback parameters. If you are using a trackpad, you can zoom in or out with pinch gestures, or scroll using two-finger swipes or by dragging the scroll bar. If you are using a Magic Mouse, use a single-finger horizontal swipe to scroll, and a single-finger vertical swipe to zoom.
As you move the pointer across the waveform display, it changes in appearance and function. For example, the pointer will change to indicate that you can move a slice marker or fade marker. In addition, parameters and values related to the current pointer tool function are shown below the waveform display. Click or drag markers and handles in the waveform display to change values.
Tip: You can double-click on any marker handle to permanently display parameter values below the waveform display. Click the “X” icon at the left of the parameter display bar to revert to the default behavior and parameter view.
Note: Some editing features are available only in certain modes.
Waveform display parameters
Sample name field and pop-up menu: Load, choose, or rename an audio file or perform file handling tasks.
Reveal in Finder: Opens the Finder at the file folder location.
Rename Current File: Opens a file renaming dialog. Type the new filename and click OK or press Return.
Remove Current File: Removes the selected audio file, indicated with a checkmark beside the filename.
Clear History: Clears all but the most recently used file.
Load Audio File: Adds an audio file from any folder you select. You can also drag audio files directly into the waveform display area.
Snap pop-up menu: Choose a value. Edits to crossfade, sample, slice, or loop start and end markers in the waveform display automatically snap to the nearest possible value.
Zoom vertical button: Switch between the maximum vertical zoom view and the default waveform display view.
Zoom horizontal button: Switch between the last manually set zoom level, if applicable, and an optimized zoom level that shows the area between the sample start and end markers. When no manual zoom level is set, the entire audio file is shown.
Tip: You can use your trackpad to zoom in or out on the waveform display with pinch gestures, or scroll using two-finger swipes or by dragging the scroll bar. You can use a Magic Mouse to perform the following gestures: use a one-finger horizontal swipe to scroll, or a one-finger vertical swipe to zoom.
Action pop-up menu: Choose a sample handling, processing, or display function for the active mode.
Note: Control-click the waveform display to access shortcut menu items that apply to the active mode.
Use Quick Sampler start, end, loop, fade, crossfade, and slice markers
In Logic Pro X, you can use markers to alter audio playback. You can define the possible positions for markers using the Snap menu.
Note: Different marker types are shown in each mode.
Start and end markers: Drag the blue start or end marker to set the sample start and end point. Playback occurs between these markers. Hold Option, then drag either the start or end marker to move the entire audio section between these markers.
Note: The Option drag feature works only when the start and end markers are not set to encompass the entire audio file.
Loop start and end markers: Drag the yellow loop start or end marker to set loop boundaries. Playback cycles between these markers when you hold a note. Drag the yellow shaded area between the loop start and end markers to move the entire loop. Alternatively, hold Option, then drag either the loop start or end marker to move the entire loop.
Crossfade marker: Drag the gray crossfade marker to set the length of the crossfade at the beginning and end of loop boundaries, smoothing out audible glitches as the loop cycles across the loop end and start points.
Fade in/fade out markers: Drag the gray fade in or fade out marker to adjust the length of the fade at the beginning and end of the audio file segment between the start and end markers. Hold Option, then drag either fade marker to move both fade markers.
Slice marker: Shown in Slice mode. Drag any yellow slice marker to set its position. Click between slice markers to create a new slice marker.
Quickly zoom a portion of the waveform display
The zoom buttons and pinch gestures can be used to zoom the waveform display, but you can also do the following to quickly zoom a portion of the waveform:
Hold Control and Option, then drag in the waveform display.
The selected area is zoomed to fill the entire waveform display.
Use the Quick Sampler Action or shortcut menu
In Logic Pro X, you can use the Action or shortcut menu to choose a number of sample-handling commands that differ in Classic, One Shot, and Slice modes. Control-click in the waveform display to access available options from the shortcut menu.
Note: Not all commands are available in the shortcut menu. Some commands are available only in certain modes.
Add Slice Marker: Creates a new slice marker at the current playhead position in the waveform display.
Auto-Loop: Analyzes the audio content and automatically sets a loop. You can use the command multiple times to try different automatic loops.
Auto-Loop within loop area: Analyzes the audio content and automatically sets a loop within the area defined by the loop start and end markers. You can use the command multiple times to try shorter automatic loops.
Copy MIDI Pattern: Analyzes and copies slice markers to the Clipboard. You can paste the Clipboard contents to a MIDI or instrument track as a new MIDI region. This feature is ideal for creating perfectly synchronized instrument parts and for drum replacement, Foley, and other uses.
Create Drum Machine Designer Track: Creates a new Drum Machine Designer track that contains the current Quick Sampler content.
Crop Loop: Crops (cuts) the portion(s) of the sample outside the loop start and end markers.
Crop Sample: Crops (cuts) the portion(s) of the sample outside the start and end markers.
Delete Slice Marker: Deletes the highlighted slice marker. Move the pointer over a slice marker to highlight it. You can also double-click a slice marker to remove it.
Derive Tempo from Loop Length: Calculates a tempo for the audio file based on the Loop Length. If using the Follow Tempo button does not yield the desired results, you can choose this option to calculate a revised tempo at which the loop is aligned to the beat.
Display Seconds/Sample/Beats Units: Shows time, sample, or bar/beat values in the waveform display.
Display Stereo Channels/Mono Sum: Shows a stereo or summed mono waveform view in the waveform display.
Equal Power Crossfade: Sets the crossfade gain value behavior.
Initialize Synth Parameters: Recalls a neutral setting for all parameters in the Pitch, Filter, Amp, Mod Matrix, and LFO panes. This provides a “clean slate” when you are adjusting the parameters of your instrument.
Linear Crossfade: Sets the crossfade gain value behavior.
Optimize Sample Gain: Analyzes the audio content and sets automatic gain values.
Re-Analyze Transients and Tempo: Re-analyzes the current audio for transient and tempo changes, following edits you have made.
Reimport Optimized: Reimports the current audio with optimized tuning, loudness, and length characteristics of the source file. Quick Sampler automatically adds loop and crossfade markers to the waveform display for appropriate material and crops (cuts) silence at the beginning or end of the source audio, shortening the imported content.
Reimport Original: Reimports the current audio with the tuning, loudness, looping, and length characteristics of the source file.
Retune: Analyzes the audio content and sets the root key and tuning value automatically.
Write Sample Loop to Audio File: Saves the loop data to the file header of the audio file. To save the new audio file with a different name, click the Name field and choose the Rename Current Audio command.
Use slice markers to create new instruments and regions
In Logic Pro X, you can use slice markers to create Drum Machine Designer tracks and to create MIDI regions containing note-on events.
In the Slice mode waveform display, drag the slice handles to adjust existing transient and start and end markers. You can also choose a number of commands from the Action and shortcut menus. Control-click to access available options from the shortcut menu.
In Logic Pro X, do any of the following:
Click to the right of the start marker in the lower part of the waveform display, then drag a MIDI region to an audio track, a MIDI track, or a software instrument track.
A curved arrow is shown to indicate the region can be dragged to a track. A new MIDI region which contains note-on events that correspond to each slice between the start and markers is created on the target track. You can edit these as you can any other MIDI region.
Choose Create Slice Marker from the Action or shortcut menu to insert a slice marker at the pointer position, if required.
Choose Delete Slice Marker from the Action or shortcut menu to delete the highlighted slice marker. Move the pointer over a slice marker to highlight it.
Choose the Create Drum Machine Designer Track command from the Action pop-up menu.
You will see an analysis dialog. A new Drum Machine Designer track is created and a new MIDI region is created on this track. The MIDI region contains note-on events that correspond to each slice between the start and markers, and you can edit these as you can any other MIDI region. Individual audio slices are automatically mapped to pads in Drum Machine Designer, and you can edit, replace, process, or route these as you like.
Choose the Copy MIDI Pattern command from the Action pop-up menu to analyze and copy all slice markers between the start and end markers to the Clipboard.
You can paste the Clipboard contents to a MIDI or instrument track as a new MIDI region. This feature is ideal for creating perfectly synchronized instrument parts and for drum replacement, Foley, and other uses.