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Getting started with Logic Pro and looking for some hardware help

LukeMan970

LukeMan970

Jun 22, 2005
341
15
Seattle, WA
#1
Hey everyone, I just bought Logic Pro and now I'm looking for some help picking out an audio interface and a keyboard. I'm pretty new to all this so I don't need a really advanced interface that will record 16 tracks at once, but one or two tracks at once would be nice.

I'm also looking to purchase a keyboard or midi controller combo. I really don't know much of what I need in this department as I'm a novice keyboard player at best but I want to get into that as well. If anyone can give me a recommendation on these two pieces I would be very appreciative.

Are these the only two parts that I need to record with (as I'm going to record from the XLR port on my amp initially) or is there anything else I need?
 
#2
I have the RME Babyface. Highly recommended. They routinely update their drivers, and are very quick to personally respond on their forums. Also it comes with a completely awesome routing program called TOTALMIX, and of course they make their own drivers and hardware in house. Not to mention when you decide to grow your setup, the Babyface can be expanded to a 10 input device! And can also be used with their more upscale devices. Can't say much of that about the Duet(which I had and returned!!).
 
#4
I should have specified a price range too I guess. I'm not looking for top of the line stuff to begin with (although that RME looks pretty awesome :hyper:) Do you guys know of a keyboard more in the $400-500 and less range and an interface that's in the same range? $750 used for that babyface is still prettys steep right now.
 
#5
I've had the best luck with motu interfaces and logic. 100% solid for years. The notation keyboard controllers are awesome, and have automap that self configures the sliders and buttons to logic.

That's what I've found to I've me the least headaches with logic. I've been nursing it for over a decade now.
 
#6
I would go m-audio.

It's not going to win any quality awards but they're used by everyone. I believe you can get a keyboard that's also an interface as well, don't quote me on that. Their keyboards can run through USB as a midi controller and their audio interfaces are affordable.

I have MOTU **** but I'm a dp guy and their stuff while much better is also much more expensive.
 
#7
mcglyph said:
I have the RME Babyface. Highly recommended. They routinely update their drivers, and are very quick to personally respond on their forums. Also it comes with a completely awesome routing program called TOTALMIX, and of course they make their own drivers and hardware in house. Not to mention when you decide to grow your setup, the Babyface can be expanded to a 10 input device! And can also be used with their more upscale devices. Can't say much of that about the Duet(which I had and returned!!).
Click to expand...

Hey Mcglyph - What gear will you purchase to expand input and output capabilities?
 
#8
Logic plus MOTU = made for each other. Seriously, not only do MOTU interfaces work seamlessly, but they are one, if not the first company to update their drivers when a new Mac OS comes out. They are way ahead of the game on that end. They have a great warranty program too. I've tried everything over the years, thinking something newer and fancier will be better, and end up right back with an Ultralite or 828 every time. Pay now, or pay later, they are great bargains in my opinion.
 
#9
To begin with... (opion)

1-Get some type of mutli-track interface USB.. Lexicon Omega or Alpha are nomrally affordable.... put a wanted ad here.. just be careful that you can blend your recording work with the playback

2-Keyboard... something with 49 full size keys... and USB... M-Audio Radium are commonly found for $50 or so

3-VSTi ... there are some very cool demo-wear vsti soft synths... just something that does organs... something that does pianos ... and something that does a rhodes is more than enough to get started.,

For about $150 (or $100) you can get started.

-----

I own (and love) high end gear... have Motu, Protools, Ableton, etc.

The reality is that MOST people never get beyond just laying down some simple tracks in Audacity.... There's an entire breadth of knowledge that comes into play (kind of boring for most) before the nuances of a Nord Keyboard (yes have one) and Motu interface are noticed.

I'd start small-buy used.. get the hang of it... then decide if you're winning grammy's or laying down concepts.
 
#10
MOTU starts at $250. I figure if he's using LogicPro, which is NOT a beginner-get-started kind of program, then he's fairly serious about learning how to do all this. I've bought so many cheaper interfaces, only to quickly wish I had something better. So either go really cheap, $99, or get something that you will love. It's the in between that's always been a waste to me. If it's super cheap, I just tell myself it's cheap, enjoy it for what it is and be happy. But spend $200, and hope it sounded like $500 – that's where I go crazy.
 
#11
mfromwhere said:
I would go m-audio.

It's not going to win any quality awards but they're used by everyone. I believe you can get a keyboard that's also an interface as well, don't quote me on that. Their keyboards can run through USB as a midi controller and their audio interfaces are affordable.

I have MOTU **** but I'm a dp guy and their stuff while much better is also much more expensive.
Click to expand...

The Axiom series are actually quite nice keyboards I found. I only sold mine because I bought a Nord for gigging, but the action on the M-Audio was really nice.
 
#12
Understand...

I've seen used Lexicon type interfaces in the 25-35 range... At this price, guys like you and I have them in the drawer to take somewhere, lend out etc.

When we don't know about where/how Logic is (borrowed, stumbled upon, stolen, old, brand new) etc... I didn't assume that he was a tenured dude.

Like noted, I own very high end gear (yes I believe an Ultralight is the best value for home recording)... when asking about keyboards and interfaces, it is timely to remind folks there is a ton of never used in the box gear on classifieds as folks stop when they learn they have to read.

I just sold an MBox 2 for 65 shipped.... this is considered by many to be a superior interface compared to the Lexicon Omega I saw at MusicGoRound for $45 a few days back.

IF the OP wants to pop for an Ultralight (Motu) .. Pm me... it's sitting in the rack used just a few times...
 
#13
Thanks for the advice you guys! I'm pretty new to recording (home or any kind really) but I do want some stuff that I'll be happy with for a long time. I've bought gear before that was cheap hoping it would sound better and have always been disappointed. Right now I've been looking at a Motu Audio Express (MOTU.com - Audio Express Overview but I am interested in that Ultralite if you're selling it airhead:hyper:

For a keyboard/MIDI controller I've been looking at one of these two M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Musician's Friend

or M-Audio Axiom 49 2nd Gen 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Musician's Friend

Both of which look pretty good to me as a pretty novice keys player. If you guys have any suggestions or if you think I need anything else to get started recording let me know.
 
#14
The M-audio line of midi controllers is pretty nice and works pretty well with Logic. If you want to play the parts in real time without using midi merge or overdubs I would recommend you get the 61 keys version of the axiom.

If you're new to recording and to Logic, I would recommend you take a look at the Lynda.com training videos, they have very easy to understand step by step videos that will get you up and running in no time.
 
#15
So I think I've pretty well decided I'm going to get the Motu Express 6x6 as my interface (what with the tax returns coming out and all). I like the size and apparent ease of controls on the front. My only question is the mic/instrument inputs on the back. They don't look like typical 3 hole XLR plug ins and was just hoping someone could let me know if they are simply that or another type of connection?
 
#18
FWIW. I use the apogee one interface with logic pro. I can send some samples if you like. An engineer friend reccomended it. I used a motu 828 with DP and now have a metric halo interface that i used with DP also...i dont rewcord more than a track at a time and apogee has 1/4 inch input and xlr
 
#19
why not go for a midi keyboard, the instrument plugins for logic are great and realistic...I have a M-audi keystation 88, if you decide to go that way let me know and I can cut you a good deal on it. The best interface I ever owned was a Focusrite LS 56 running pro tools 9, the preamps and ad/da are comparable to RME! If you want a lot of advice go to gearslutz and ask around, granted you will get the same spread out answers as hear! Good luck!
 

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