Emagic has announced Logic Audio 6 and Logic Gold 6 for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x. Both products are due in late April; final pricing hasn’t yet been set.
Logic Audio is a music production tool, while Logic Gold is MIDI/audio production software. Both are targeted to project studios with tight budgets. Emagic says that the new versions of both applications will come with several features included with Logic Platinum 6 (the company’s flagship software for computer-based music production), such as enhanced processor efficiency and better editing and mixing capabilities. The updates also include some Mac OS X only features, such as Channel EQ and MP3 import/export functionality and two new setup and file management functions: Setup Assistant and the Project Manager.
Logic Audio 6 and Logic Gold 6 both feature:
A “Freeze” feature that lets you “freeze” an audio or audio instrument track, and maximize the CPU (central processing unit) resources available. Tracks using complex software instruments and effect plug-ins can have their CPU load reduced to the minimal demands of an unprocessed stereo audio track via “freezing,” according to Emagic. If you want to make changes, the track can be “unfrozen” at once. A new Arrange Channel Strip that lets you perform on-the-spot changes to the mix, even as you’re editing in the Arrange window. Choose a track in the Arrange window and the Logic products will display the corresponding mixer channel in the parameter section of the window. The ability to save all media files in a single project folder. The capability of Time Stretching directly in the Arrange window: the length of an audio file or loop can now be adapted to the chosen bar length/tempo. Simplification of positioning and editing of objects, and selection of areas in the Arrange and Matrix windows, thanks to a Smart Snap feature. The ability to zoom into the waveform display of an audio region at sample-level resolution, while in the Arrange window. An Offline Bounce feature that lets you bounce faster than real-time, or to bounce songs that would otherwise cause system overloads. A new Channel EQ Plug-In that combines filters with a FFT-Analyzer and which uses new algorithms. A new One Fader Automation facility that lets the currently selected automation parameter be manipulated by any controller. Emagic was bought by Apple last July. The company now operates as a wholly owned division of Apple.