Today, I’ll discuss some of the major points of contention between the Logic Pro 8, Apple’s latest offering of its flagship computing system, and Digidesign’s Pro Tools 8 LE recording system.
As former Pro Tools users have switched to Logic, I’ll start with what I believe to be Logic Pro 8’s greatest strengths. In the first place, Logic is the sum of the contentions of easy use. In my opinion, this is what is greatly appreciated by critics of logic. Regardless of your experience in the related industry, there is a logic to the pro-quality application that is easy to understand and intuitively perceived for those who want to dig deeper. Unlike Pro Tools systems, no special hardware is required to run the logic or edit the run. The interface, although jarring at first, keeps track of loads of great information and can be customized in seconds using all the same Apple features you’re used to.
This brings me to the most critical point of logic, Apple exclusivity. Many of the industry, to whom I have tried to persuade, to change the logic, we wish the same unfortunate question over and over again; “Do they ever have a PC version?” No matter how hard I try to convince them to switch to a Mac-based system, a lot of their success is based on their familiarity with their system and how quickly they can move through their workflow with that system. An overhaul of all their savings, options, settings, with the fear of change and the time spent getting up to speed, keeps many from ever even seeing what Logical Pro 8 has to offer. Although Logica is compatible with all hardware and audio interfaces I’ve ever encountered and even though Pro Tools was originally designed for use on the Mac, the change is rough enough to put some off.
Now the Pro Tools report. In my experience, the number one reason anyone should use a computer system, Mac or PC, is the global flag argument. The rest of the team/people who use Pro Tools work so they have to keep up with them. In one sense, this is true. In other words, this is mostly from the truth. It is true that only Pro Tools sessions can be opened, but Pro Tools can take almost any audio file at a time without problems. Logic has the ability, like Pro Tools does, to export individual tracks, regions or channels as individual audio files, which can then be dropped into a Pro session Instruments and outputs, like the same sound recording directly in Pro Tools. There is a restriction that projects from Infected Logic cannot be edited as complete projects in Pro Tools, and vice versa. The fundamental difference is in the types of files that I doubt will be put in place any time soon.
Until recently, the main argument against Pro Tools was the lack of built-in tools, plug-ins and generally the expensive climb to get such. In Pro Tools 8, these issues have been addressed and many well-designed tools and plugins have been included. However, there are many gaps in the effort. Even using new effects and tools, I still feel as if Digidesign’s hardware is their own and that their software still sounds a little “dead”.
Logic has kept the standard of high-quality content included and includes some of the best tools, generators, effects and recording tools I’ve ever seen. I bought a plug that cost hundreds of dollars, which does not sound like a standard, equivalent included. This, coupled with the infinite nature of the EXS24 software model allows for a unique library of tools, both sampled and seeded.
Now who is the big one? $$$, Money, Price, Price, Price, whatever you want to say. How much is it and is it worth?
The humble opinion of the writer, where the choice is clear. The full, latest version of Logic Pro 8 is available in the Logic Studio software suite for $499.00 from the Apple website. This is one purchase, you install the software and then you pick up your hardware and you’re ready to go. For the Instrument, however, this does not make it easy for you. First, you must have a Pro Tools approved interface to use the better versions of Pro Tools, LE and HD or an M-Audio interface such as M-Powered Pro Tools. Then, download, upgrade, or restore your operating system to the version that Pro Tools requires. Once you’ve done that and paid well over $500 for the interface and Pro Tools 8 installation (if you’re lucky) and quite possibly an upgrade to your OS, you’ll need to buy an iLok key to use any of the best Pro Tools and Partner features. running Pro Tools can be enough. do it some other way.
What is the best one for you?
So how do you decide?
If you already own a Mac, the option should be obvious. The integration of logic is unique, the price is unbeatable and the campaign’s use and depth of design keep many prosand‘s loved ones satisfied. If you’re a PC user, Pro Tools is certainly a high-quality recording system that should be given credit, but I Consider switching to a Mac as part of things .
The choice is yours, both disciplines are full of depth, extraordinarily useful and capable of pro-quality music. Logical Mac seems to follow the mantra of surface level simplicity with surprising depth and the Pro Tool is considered by many supporters and enthusiasts to be the “industry standard”.
Any user with some patience will be happy with either system, but I have to recommend Logic, if not for accessibility alone, then for the depth and power of its synthesizers and plug-ins included.
