I am a longtime Logic Pro user, and like many in the community I had been wondering when Logic Pro 8 would finally see the light of day. The anticipation raised my expectations quite significantly, both in terms of new features and fixes. From what I’ve seen from Apple’s announcement last week, it looks like it was worth the three-year wait.
Of course, my final judgement will have to wait until I have sufficient time to use the application, but, at first glance, Logic Studio offers some very compelling reasons to upgrade. Perhaps the biggest of all is the redesigned interface.
I really don’t like most of the pro audio interfaces on the market. Audio software companies want me to look through an endless array of windows to find the one I need, which is a complete waste of my time. And, while I didn’t necessarily hate Logic’s interface, but there was plenty of it to dislike.
I have taken more time than I should have to set up presets and workspaces in older versions of Logic (and other programs), but nothing stuck. When I look at Logic 8’s one-window interface—which brings the most used tools to the front—it looks like just what I have needed. Sure, there will be windows that I use that aren’t viewable via the primary interface, but I’m pretty sure that I can deal with that.
I also like the fact that Apple didn’t take anything away. I still have access to the Environment window or any other window if I really want it.
Logic 8 looks like it has a few new whiz-bang features too, like Quick Swipe Comping. Swipe over the best portions of each take to create a comp—are you kidding me? I know I’ll be using that.
By and large, though, it was the simpler things about Logic that make me giddy with anticipation: things like multi-take recording, portable preferences and recording a bus. I will now have the capability to record instruments like FXpansion’s BFD drum module into an audio track. These little things alone make me think the $199 upgrade will be worth it.
Let’s not forget Apple dropped the need for a USB security key: now, just type in your serial number and you’re done. It might not sound like a big thing, but try traveling and forgetting that stupid little key at home.
Considering the length of time it took to come out, I’m glad Apple made it a major upgrade and not a mix of bug fixes. I can’t wait to run it through its paces in my home studio. If you want a little deeper info about the upgrade, Apple has a nice group of videos on the Logic Pro site, as well as a comprehensive PDF detailing the new features.