The long awaited release of Logic 8 was a slow and frustrating one. Logic users were left twiddling their thumbs as updates for rival DAWs shot up around them. I’m guessing this is way Apple did it so quietly, and why it’s so cheap. But neither of these reasons should put you off. We got a personal demonstration from Apple themselves, and we were left walking away thinking this might be the best DAW on the market.

As with everything in the music tech world, and otherwise, it depends what you need it for. But I can say with, with quite a bit of confidence, that you guys are gonna love it.
It’s already been heavily reported all over the net, so we’ll take a look at some of the more low-key but still exciting features. After all, it’s the little things…



Setting up in Logic has never been an easy task. Apple designed previous versions this way so that, despite the difficulties, it was ultimately very rewarding. But it left new users raising their eyebrows, clicking randomly and hoping for the best (that’s what I did at first anyway).
So, in Logic Pro 8, Apple have introduced a load of new templates, much like their other ‘Pro Apps’, when you load up the software.
Here’s a look at what it looks like:







There are loads to chose from, and obviously, you can start from a blank one and set it up like before, if you’re set in your ways. Seperated by Styles, Composer and Production, it’s there to get you working in the software as fast as possible. It looks pretty nifty too, but is definitely aimed at newer users, or users who are constantly switching between what they’re using it for. Still, a welcome addition.

Although they definitely won’t admit it, it’s clear Logic have taken a few pages from Ableton’s books. The handy browser window Ableton boasts so well has found it’s way into Logic’s new interface.

Along with that, another handy Live feature, named in Ableton as the ‘Sample Display/Note Editor’ window has also been included in Logic Pro 8. Simply double clicking on an audio or MIDI file in the arrangement window pops it up at the bottom of the screen for editing. Nothing new, certainly welcome.

On first impressions, it seems Apple have set a new standard for multi-taking and quick comping. Having not got to try it for myself in a real recording environment it is tough to say, but from first glance, it seems to make a hell of a lot of sense.