Logic and MIDI user guide

What does MIDI stand for and how does it work?

MIDI stands for Musical Digital Interface and works by sending
messages to devices over USB or MIDI cable such as a personal
computer running software that listens and send information to
MIDI devices. The basic MIDI keyboard doesnt produce sound
however when MIDI information is sent to an electric module it is
then capable of producing an array of digital of sounds that
resemble traditional instruments. These waveforms are also
known as voices or timbres.

What does logic do?

Logic express is a software platform where you
can create music. You can save and bounce a
project which then allows you to put your
music on many platforms such as soundcloud,
itunes, youtube etc. Logic also allows you to
use devices such as MIDI, a synthesizer or a
module as well as being able to use editing
tools and instrument tools which gives you the
freedom to create what you like.

How to start making music on Logic

would like to create.

sure that before
the Create button you
clicked on software
instrument which is
second option located
how many tracks you

When you open logic a box with three

options will automatically pop up. To
start creating your project click on the
box Empty project. Thi will lead you
another box asking how many tracks
you
Make
clicking
have

the
under
want to
create. This enables you to use all
the instruments. However if you
would like a microphone click the
option Audio. You can add in
another track whenever even after
clicking create. Once you have
clicked create you should come up
to a page where can start creating
music. In the right hand corner
there is a pink and blue button
with the words Media under it. If you click on that button it will
direct you to four options, if you then click on Library it will give
you a multitude of instruments to choose from.
Saving your work
Saving your work is simple and wont take you any longer than a
minute! Just click on File which is in the left hand corner, then
click on Save as and write whatever you want to name your
project as then click Save. Also if you want to find somewhere
you can easily access your project click the Where button before
saving and choose somewhere where you would like to save your
project then click Save. REMEMBER to keep saving your work

throughout working on your project so you still have it if the

system crashes.
Using logic
Firstly, you have a

Tool Bar.

This is where you can bounce the track you created allowing you
to convert it into an MP3 file and upload it to whatever music
platform you like. The Colours button allows you to colour code
the notes and sections obviously so you can make notes next to a
piece. The Media buttons directs you to different instruments
you can use.
Secondly, you have the Transport Bar.
This is where you can record, repeat, play, pause, stop, change
the beat of your track, rewind and fast forward.
Thirdly, you have the Work Station.

This is where you layout your project. The light gray box with the
words Audio on it is called a Playhead which indicates what
instruments are being played. The number at the top are the Bar
Rulers which have 4 beats in each bar.

Lastly, you have the Tool Menu.

If you click on the mouse icon located to the
right hand side you will be directed to a
multitude of options which allow you to cut,
glue, erase, create, text, flex, pencil, zoom and
fade. For example if a track is too long and
needs to be cut at any point use the Scissors
tool.

Here is some extra information you will need:

Working in real time can allow you to work on Logic Express
projects in real time, adding to, and editing audio and MIDI parts
while the project is playing, and hearing the results of our
changes immediately. Using existing loop libraries on Logic
Express directly supports Apple Loops files, and is compatible with
a wide variety of existing audio files types, including those
created in recycle. Creating a track can sometimes be easier with
the help of a Metronome. It
gives you a guidance of how
many beats you have in a
bar. You can speed it up or
slow it down depending on
your beat.

Adding prerecorded media

Prerecorded audio plays an important part in modern music today.

Mixing existing audio loops provides a quick way for laying down
project foundations. Logic express offers a large range of audio
loops to help start with your projects.

Importing Compressed Audio Files

Logic express allows you to play back
AAC
iTunes/Logic encoded files
Stereo files encoded at 48 or higher kbps
Mono files encoded at 32 or more kbps
44.1 kHz files, MP3, sample rates: 8 kHz 11.025 kHz, 12
kHz, 16, kHz, 22.05 kHz, 24 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
64 kHz, 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz
Compression format MPG 4 AAC
Apples lossless files
These files are not automatically converted when imported into
Logic Express and the compressed audio files is added to the
Arrange area and region encompasses when the complete audio
file is created. You can edit this in the same way a normal audio
region in the Arrange area. You can rename, loop it and cut it etc.
Working with tempo and audio regions
The length of imported audio regions and the project tempo are
directly linked. If you change the tempo at a particular project
position. The length of regions at and after this position changes.
You wont hear a difference in the playback speed of the imported
audio but all MIDI or software instrument sections will be out of
sync with all audio regions. Audio regions that are lengthened (by

increasing the tempo) may overlap with other section on the

same track, resulting in the earlier region being played in full at
the expense of the beginning of the following section.

Working with a video

Working with video on logic is easy!
All you have to do is click on File
then Open movie. It will come up as
shown in the picture. You can then
create music to go with you vide of
choice.
Conclusion
Logic Express I only compatible on Apple software so check before
you purchase. It is a very useful programme for people interested
in music and producing and is very easy to understand and use.
You have a wide variety of things to use which can help you
change things on your track such as editing and effects buttons.
Logic goes well with MIDI keyboards which enables you to create
all sorts of different types of music.
By Taite Imogen Edwards