Q: How do I apply a multi-timbral software instrument in Logic?
A: The new Logic Project Template v1.1 has been updated to include a multi-timbral setup in the Environment. The MIDI Channel of a Software Instrument channel strip has been set to All (to enable multi-channel operation) while a Multi-Instrument object has also been cabled to that Software Instrument channel strip, for multi-track access (via Logic's External MIDI tracks) to the multiple parts/channels of the assigned instrument plug-in.
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The Logic Environment shows a Multi-Instrument object (bottom) connected to the Software Instrument 255 channel strip. With a multi-timbral instrument plug-in (e.g. Kontakt 4) inserted, Instrument 255 would be set to All MIDI Channels (in the left parameter box) for multi-channel operation.
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However, due to the "Omni" (i.e. all) MIDI channel setting of the Software Instrument channel strip, any volume or panning changes on each channel will also cause the instrument channel strip to change its overall volume and pan accordingly. A multi-output instrument should then be used to provide independent volume and pan control - in the mixer, just click on the '+' button (below the solo button) to add Aux channel strips for accessing the additional outputs (automatically assigned) of the plug-in instrument.
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The '+' and '-' buttons (in Inst 255) add and remove Aux channel strips to access the multiple outputs of the instrument plug-in. Meanwhile, the External MIDI tracks (on the right) are used to access the multiple parts of the multi-timbral instrument.
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Q: I upgraded my Logic Pro 8 to Logic Pro 9. Are the key commands in Logic 8 and Logic 9 the same?
A: No, the Logic 9 key commands have been further streamlined for better consistency and to accommodate new features. However, upgrading from Logic 8 does not reset your key commands to those of Logic 9 (the existing Logic 8 key commands are retained).
To switch to the Logic 9 key commands, click on:
1. Preferences > Key Commands (Option K)
2. Options > Presets > U.S.
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The U.S. Key Command Preset is different from Initialize All Key Commands, whereby it (U.S. preset) conforms to the Key Commands used in Apple's official Logic 101 book (Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 9 and Logic Express 9 by David Nahmani).
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Q: In Pro Tools, the Playback Cursor returns to the starting point when stopped (Insertion Follows Playback button deselected). Can Logic's playback do the same too?
A: Yes, Logic's playback controls can be customized to enhance workflow. For example, the Logic Pro 9 Preferences v2.0 download contains several additional Key Commands to complement the standard Spacebar (Play or Stop) shortcut:
• Command Spacebar (Play or Stop and Go to Last Locate Position)*
*Logic's playback will now behave like Pro Tools as described above. However, this keyboard shortcut is also used for the Show Spotlight Search Field and would have to be disabled (via the following) to avoid conflict:
Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard): System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight
Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard): System Preferences > Keyboard & Mouse > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight
This will also enable the same shortcut to be used to toggle the record button in Pro Tools.
• Option Spacebar (Stop or Play From Last Position
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Command Spacebar shortcut for Show Spotlight Search Field (in System Preferences) should be disabled or changed, to avoid conflict with the same Pro Tools or Logic (customized) key command.
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Other existing and new Key Commands (in the Logic Pro 9 Preferences v2.0 download) that may be useful include:
• Shift Enter (Play from Selection)
(Shift Fn Return for laptops)
• > / < (Forward / Rewind)
• Option > / < (Forward / Rewind by Transient)
(Logic's equivalent to Pro Tools' Tab To Transients shortcut)
• Option Control → / ← (Zoom Horizontal In / Out)
• Option Control ↓ / ↑ (Zoom Vertical In / Out)
• R (Record), C (Cycle Mode), S (Solo Mode), K (Metronome Click), M (Mute), Control S (Track Solo), Control M (Track Mute), G (Global Tracks), Esc (Tool Menu), I (Inspector), Control Z (Auto Track Zoom), A (Track Automation), Command F (Flex View)
• various Editor, Lists and Media pane toggles:
X (Mixer), P (Piano Roll), N (Score), E (Event), Option M (Marker), T (Tempo), U (Signature), B (Bin), O (Loops), Option L (Library), F (Browser)
For a complete list of Logic Key Commands, go to:
Preferences > Key Commands (Option K)
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Logic's Key Commands list can be easily customized (add/change/delete) via the Learn and Delete buttons on the right.
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