Logic Studio vs Logic Express

crimson_basser · #1 12-02-2008, 10:01 PM

What are the differences? Perks/Downfalls of each?

What would I be missing if i got Express? Could i easily supe it up?

Please, dont bash and tell me to get something else, please answer if you have experience with either or, or have something useful to add.

Thank you

fretlessrock · #2 12-03-2008, 07:05 AM

If you have experience with GarageBand and want to move up to a better set of instruments, effects, and tools, then Logic Express makes a lot of sense. Also, the upgrade cost is the difference between Express and Studio (Studio - 499, Express - 199, Upgrade - 299), so you aren't throwing your $$ away if you want to ease into the move to Studio, or feel that you might not need all of the features. Definitely spend some time comparing them on the Apple site, and poke around on the Logic user forums.

DocBop · #3 12-03-2008, 09:42 AM

Best to go to Apple site and compare Express and Studio, Studio has more of everything and is an amazing deal for the money when you compare to the other pro software packages.

Pro's and Con's of any record package all depend on what you plan to do with it. Logic is more geared toward composers and film scoring. Where something like PT is geared toward traditional record and editing. So you are more into writing and having lots of loops, VI's, and MIDI tools Logic is the way to go. When you get Logic get a copy of David Nahani's book its the best way to get up to speed fast with Logic.

MysticMichael · #4 12-03-2008, 12:12 PM

If you can swing it, go for the Studio version. I've attended a couple of Logic workshops at the Apple Store here in NYC, and I can tell you: It's got everything!

That said, if $$$ is really tight, you could always get the Express version and easily upgrade later...

MM

sonic assassin · #5 12-03-2008, 01:49 PM

ive never dealt with express, but i do use logic pro 8 and garageband and love them both.

+1 on the upgrade when you've got the money thing

depalm · #6 12-03-2008, 02:06 PM

Logic Studio is in fact a suite of programs like Logic Pro, Sound Track, Compressor, Apple Loops Utility etc...

Logic Pro is a very powerful tool and if you're serious about audio recording you should buy it. It's a great bang for the buck comes with several plug-ins and software instruments (synths, sampler, drum machine).

Besides that there's also a huge sound library that you can install and start to make music out of the box.

The learning curve is a bit difficult and demands a powerful machine to run it.

Logic Express is a semi-pro version, less effects, less editing tools. But for composing and recording at home/rehearsal is also great.

crimson_basser · #7 12-03-2008, 08:57 PM

Well, my main use personally will be for traditional tracking, mixing etc

Though, having the ability to do midi work etc etc with programmed instruments and plugins is also very useful, as we do a lot of this in my band (my guitarist does that stuff very well)

So, should i be looking into a different software? Or use this for one, and something else for tracking?

Im kind of new to the softwares (and this whole recording game) and not sure what would be best suited.

Like i said, i will be concentrating on tracking, mixing etc. But having the ability to do other things is handy.

What should i do?

Another issue i have is which computer to go with? Should i wait and save up for the Mac Pro or go with one of the stronger Imacs?
Obviously the MacPro would be best case scenario, but is it necessary?

vin*tone · #8 12-04-2008, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_basser

Another issue i have is which computer to go with? Should i wait and save up for the Mac Pro or go with one of the stronger Imacs?
Obviously the MacPro would be best case scenario, but is it necessary?

Thats a tricky one. If you check out Barefeats.com they have a comparison b/w the Pro and the imac- and the Pros were clocking around twice as fast for CPU intensive apps which utilise all cores.... ie: Logic. Remember- the Pros have 8 cores, imacs have 4. Imacs also have a 4 gig RAM limit. CPU power is good when you need to be calculating 35 plugins on the fly.

That said- imacs still pack a hell of a punch. I have one at work and its slinky. Get a 24" model and its got nearly as much screen real estate as my venerable G5 with 2 x 17" monitors. If you check out this question on audio sites you'll get a heap of replies saying just do it- get an imac.

depalm · #9 12-04-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_basser

Well, my main use personally will be for traditional tracking, mixing etc

Though, having the ability to do midi work etc etc with programmed instruments and plugins is also very useful, as we do a lot of this in my band (my guitarist does that stuff very well)

So, should i be looking into a different software? Or use this for one, and something else for tracking?

Im kind of new to the softwares (and this whole recording game) and not sure what would be best suited.

Like i said, i will be concentrating on tracking, mixing etc. But having the ability to do other things is handy.

What should i do?

Another issue i have is which computer to go with? Should i wait and save up for the Mac Pro or go with one of the stronger Imacs?
Obviously the MacPro would be best case scenario, but is it necessary?

Logic pro is a pretty much complete piece of software and you can do almost anything with it. It's extremely versatile and you can easily configure it to your needs.

Traking and mixing is a breeze with Logic. Its compressors and equalizers are one of the in market today. The Space Design is a fantastic sounding reverb.

Logic is awesome working on midi and audio.

If you're gonna work just with audio tracks and eventually a software instrument an iMac or a Macbook Pro with a fast HD and as much memory as you can should do the trick.

But if you're gonna work with lots of software instruments (Synths, Sampler, Drum Machine) plus audio plug-ins (Guitar Amp, Reverb, Delay etc...) than I'll suggest you to buy the Mac Pro with lots of RAM and faster HDs.

best

Floridabwoy · #10 12-04-2008, 05:37 AM

sorry.. but Abelton Live 7 kicks Logic & Cubases ass.

depalm · #11 12-04-2008, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridabwoy

sorry.. but Abelton Live 7 kicks Logic & Cubases ass.

Oh yeah? Could you be a little more specific please?

"kicks Logic & Cubases ass" doesn't communicate an awful lot… it would be good if you could point the differences between these softwares.

dmilt23451 · #12 12-04-2008, 12:28 PM

With out going into detail I will say this...before you buy either go look at Pro Tools 8, a lot of people are knocking it for copying logic (although the similarities are there most DAWs have been reworking the same ideas that one comes out with).

Pro Tools will have all of the benefits of Logic Studio, plus all of the advantages of Pro Tools.

sonic assassin · #13 12-04-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridabwoy

sorry.. but Abelton Live 7 kicks Logic & Cubases ass.

fail.

atheos · #14 12-04-2008, 01:34 PM

The awesomeness of Logic Studio can be described with only two words: Space Designer.

No, seriously, that's the best plug-in reverb there is, Apple could sell the plug-in alone for $500 (like e.g. Waves does) . Instead you get the whole freakin' suite.

Well, Studio has 5.1 support too if that matters anything. I only wish Apple will fix the audio editing, it's kind of sucky when compared to Cubase or Pro Tools.

depalm · #15 12-04-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atheos

The awesomeness of Logic Studio can be described with only two words: Space Designer.

No, seriously, that's the best plug-in reverb there is, Apple could sell the plug-in alone for $500 (like e.g. Waves does) . Instead you get the whole freakin' suite.

Well, Studio has 5.1 support too if that matters anything. I only wish Apple will fix the audio editing, it's kind of sucky when compared to Cubase or Pro Tools.

Agree with you on SD quality, it's a great impulse response plug-in.

Disagree with you on editing, I can edit on Logic as fast and well than I do in PT.

IMHO is all a matter of getting used to the tools.

best

depalm · #16 12-04-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmilt23451

With out going into detail I will say this...before you buy either go look at Pro Tools 8, a lot of people are knocking it for copying logic (although the similarities are there most DAWs have been reworking the same ideas that one comes out with).

Pro Tools will have all of the benefits of Logic Studio, plus all of the advantages of Pro Tools.

And also the disadvantage of PT.
PT 8 is also very powerfull but only works with Digidesign hardware and unless you get a full HD system you will be stuck to 32 or 48 tracks max.

dmilt23451 · #17 12-04-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

And also the disadvantage of PT.
PT 8 is also very powerfull but only works with Digidesign hardware and unless you get a full HD system you will be stuck to 32 or 48 tracks max.

Technically thats incorrect PT8 LE with the complete production toolkit you can do 128 audio tracks.

But that's neither here nor there since the OP is asking about Logic.

Back to the point...I highly suggest Logic Studio, I use it almost every day (along with PT), and it is great for composing and scoring film.

MakiSupaStar · #18 12-04-2008, 05:58 PM

I'm moving toward Ableton. Small footprint regarding file size and CPU/RAM use. An almost infinite amount of possibilities when you start working with it, and it's got a great interface. It's takes some getting used to. There is a big learning curve (as there is with Logic), but I think in the long run, I'll be happy.

The only thing I haven't been totally stoked on is the lack of modeling capabilities re:amps and guitars(bass and regular). Apparently you can buy packs to add this into the program. I've just been setting up my rig (which I love) and recording it that way. So no worries there. As far as editing goes (compared to GB, which is what I'm currently using), it's lighting fast, and really really precise. AND if you can't lock and synch your tempo after all that, it has a really great engine for synching and quantifying beats and tempos that is mind boggling.

A little more in depth than it just "kicks ass", but it is worth looking into. I haven't checked the cost of Logic, but this is about 480 bucks, IIRC.

Charling · #19 12-04-2008, 08:46 PM

if you are only looking to track and you dont need to have the extra programs that come with studio then the only real difference between logic studio and express is the absence of some plugins, such as the highly rated space designer and the awesome sculpture, and a few very useful but not actually vital functions in the wave editor. as well as the usual track count liitations. generally i would say go for express for now, you will lose barely any money if you choose to upgrade and if not you have saved yourself a packet!

logic studio is, however, as a complete package, an absolute gem.

those championing ableton beware, it is NOT a recording program and is very limited in that area, it is missing basic functions for the recording of bands etc. That's to be expected, its not designed for recording. I love ableton and i use it regularly for live electronica shows and playin around with loop based music, but compared to cubase, logic and pro tools it is toy when it comes to serious recording!

crimson_basser · #20 12-04-2008, 10:01 PM

Again, my main uses for a program are mainly going to be recording, mixing etc.

Having the ability to do composing stuff, midi work, looping would all be secondary to me. Though having that capability would be needed (more so the midi and composing stuff, with VST instruments, my guitarist and i program orchestral parts for our songs)

Im not dead set on getting Logic or any other program yet, im not very familiar with these programs, their own strengths/weakness etc. So im trying to get as many opinions as possible.

I just heard that Logic was good, so i figured id ask you guys, as i dont trust salesmen.

So for my needs, would Logic be a good program?

I should also mention, i have a Presonus Firestudio Project. So as far as i understand, ProTools is out of the question? I hear they dont work together.

Anyways, thanks for all the input guys, its really helping a lot.