Apple’s professional audio editing software, Logic Pro X, got a sizeable update today, bringing a host of new features to make editing and mixing music even easier.
Logic Pro X version 10.4.2 now allows users to save space on their Mac’s hard drive by relocating the Sound Library to external storage. There’s also a ton of performance fixes as well as tons of tweaks aimed at making editing faster.
Along with the Logic Pro X update, Apple also came out with a huge update for MainStage 3. While not as popular as Logic Pro X, Mainstage 3 has a big following among DJs because it turns the Mac into a live performance device. Mainstage puts a full-screen interface on the Mac with flexible hardware control and a huge collection of plug-ins.
Both updates for Logic Pro X and MainStage 3 can be downloaded for free from the Mac App Store if you’ve already purchased the software.
Here’s the list of all the new Logic Pro X features:
- • The Sound Library can be relocated to an external storage device
- • Smart Tempo can analyze tempo data across multi-track recordings to define the Project Tempo
- • Imported multi-track stems can follow or define Project Tempo
- • Smart Tempo now analyzes the tempo of MIDI performances recorded without a metronome
- • Alchemy provides drag and drop hot zones that let you select re-synthesis and sampling options while importing audio
- • Alchemy allows numerical editing of parameter values
- • Dragging one automation point over another now aligns them vertically
- • New mixer mode allows channel strip fader and pan controls to be used to set send level and pan
- • Automatic Slurs can be applied to selected notes in the Score Editor
- • Add a photo to track or project notes to help remember key session details or studio hardware settings
- • This update also contains numerous stability and performance improvements
And for MaingStage 3 users, here are the new goodies you’ll be getting:
General
- • Channel Strip MIDI input inspector allows any MIDI CC data to be filtered, transformed or passed through
- • Text notes can be added to the bottom of channel strips
- • The Metronome is now fully configurable, with separate settings for Bar, Group, Beat, and Division
- • This update also contains numerous stability and performance improvements
Sound Library
- • The Sound Library can be relocated to an external storage device
- • 2 vintage brush kits for Drum Kit Designer
- • More than 800 new loops in a variety of instruments and genres
- • New Visions library for Alchemy adds 150 cinematic presets
Plug-Ins
- • ChromaVerb is a sophisticated new algorithmic reverb with a colorful, interactive interface for creating rich acoustic spaces
- • Space Designer offers a new design and a scalable, Retina interface
- • Step FX adds rhythmic multi-effect processing using 3 powerful step sequencers and an X/Y pad
- • Phat FX makes your tracks bigger and bolder using 9 effects that add warmth and punch to your sounds
- • The Vintage EQ Collection provides 3 accurate models of vintage analog EQs from the 1950s to the 1970s
- • Studio Strings and Studio Horns are deeply sampled, realistic ensemble instruments with custom articulation controls
- • Mellotron is now available as a standalone instrument plug-in
- • Retro Synth now offers 18 different filter models
- • The length of individual steps in the Arpeggiator plug-in are adjustable
- • Loopback now applies a small crossfade at each loop cycle to reduce the likelihood of clicks or other audio artifacts
Alchemy
- • Alchemy provides drag and drop hot zones that let you select re-synthesis and sampling options while importing audio
- • Alchemy allows numerical editing of parameter values
- • Alchemy adds 12 new synthesized formant filter shapes
- • Alchemy now offers a side chain input that can be used as a source for envelope followers
- • Alchemy includes an automatic time align feature for improved morphing
- • New additive effects in Alchemy expand the options for filtering and modulating sound
