Customer Reviews

Logic Studio Upgrade From Logic Express [Old Version]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had Logic Express 8, so not only would this be an upgrade, but an update as well. According to the website, this upgrade package would even work from older versions of Logic Express. Given that buying an older version of Express and upgrading can be cheaper than buying Logic Studio directly, I thought this must be too good to be true. I called Apple, and the person I spoke to wasn't sure it would work, either.

Well, I just got my copy yesterday, and I can vouch that it works perfectly, at least for upgrading/updating Logic Express 8. When you consider the overwhelming array of instruments and software that you get with Logic Studio (9 DVDs worth!) this makes it just about the best deal in software I've ever seen, even at this three figure price. It's like having a recording studio and the worlds biggest hardware rack right in your laptop.

If you've been playing around with Logic Express, and are thinking about getting Logic Studio, I can assure it's worth it, especially through this upgrade path. If you're new to Logic, I recommend getting a used copy of Logic 8, and then if it turns out you'd like to get the full version, you'll be able to get Logic Studio 9 for probably less than buying it outright.

I upgraded from Logic Express 8 when I ran into a one-day sale at one of the daily deal sites. I couldn't resist. I didn't buy Logic Studio when I first got Logic because as a typically-overextended working parent, I didn't think I'd have time to get into the extras. To a large extent that's true. All of them are there, it's just a matter of discovery.

I want to talk about what this Studio offers a synth-noodler that Express doesn't, in other words, what do you get for the extra $2xx? Forget all the non-instrument stuff, there's plenty to justify the price. I'm just talking about instruments. The first thing is the modeling synth, Structure. Structure is deep, it has some diverse tones, but for some reason, I found it a little boring. The biggest change from a noodler's prospective is the increased content for the EXS-24 sampler. With all those DVD's worth of content, I was expecting more, but honestly there's enough to keep you busy for a long time. If you like to play in classical or soundtrack styles, you'll like the added Jampack sounds. They still could use a good GM2, or XG extended General Midi soundset, but you can roll your own without too much trouble. The basic EXS library is expanded in Studio, especially the synthesizer-type sounds. Especially noteworthy are the LA (think Roland D-50) and evolving digital sounds.

Next question, is the upgrade the BEST use of $2xx? That's not an easy question. There's some good stuff out there from other manufacturers, and some good sales going on. Native Instruments KOMPLETE 6 - The Native Instruments Collection Software is available for not a lot more. IK Multimedia is running a sale this summer. Arturia Analog Experience, The Factory is a lot of fun. For less than the upgrade, you can get Korg's Legacy Collection Korg KLCDE Legacy Collection Digital Edition Synthesizer Software OR Korg Legacy Collection - Analog Edition Powerful Production Package edition (my preference is digital).

I want to answer a couple questions I had before I bought that I couldn't find the answer to. Is there a paper manual in the upgrade box? No. I would have given the upgrade 5 stars with a paper manual. Lack of a manual cost it a star. Can you install the upgrade on a different computer than the one you have running Logic Studio? Yes. You just need to have your original Logic Studio box with a serial number.

Summary: Here's my suggestion for synth noodlers: If money is no object, go with Logic Studio. If money is tight, go with Logic Express. Fill out your instrument collection at sites like sf2midi, then if you are feeling constrained consider upgrading to Studio. If you are basically happy with your Logic Instruments, but looking for something completely different, take the money you would have otherwise used on the Studio upgrade, and buy the soundware from other manufacturers. In this way you'll not only be getting diverse toys, you'll be helping to support a Mac-based music software industry.

Coming from a couple decades of using Cakewalk programs on PCs I found it extremely frustrating when I first began attempting to learn Logic Express 8 a couple years back, in fact, it didn't get much use. The switch to Macs, however, kept me coming back to mess with it and eventually I began to know my way around it somewhat.

I've tried a number of different sequencers on both PC and Mac at this point. I still like Sonar Producer because it's the one I'd become most familiar with but I've also found MOTU Digital Performer to be tops for live performance applications. When it comes to Logic Pro 9 I think it's strength is the ability to lay out new song ideas quickly with the easy access to, and ability to quickly audition, Apple midi and audio loops.

I haven't spent any real time with Main Stage and will not comment on that or other parts of the Logic Studio package. I will say, it's a huge package with a lot of content (9 DVDs full!).

It's a must for serious Mac using music composers.

It's unbelievable what you get in the upgrade. I recommend logic studio to everyone. It's amazing that professional grade software is available at this price. I love writing orchestral music, and Logic gives me everything I need. I have used other software and my friend uses pro tools. Logic is by far a million times easier to understand and use. It let's me completely focus on the music, and not get stressed out from trying to work the software.

I love logic. Logic has changed my life. Having such a huge sound library at my disposal, the possibilities are truly endless. Easy to learn. This musician friendly software is a must for anyone who is interested in music production.

If you are a musician and are interested in DWS SW, look no farther. If you don't have a Mac- shame on you. Go get a Mac and this product. You'll thank me later.

I bought this for use with my iMac and Yamaha Motif XS8 - months ago. Still cannot get the Motif MIDI'd up with Logic. Support is virtually non-existant. Documentation sucks. Maybe someday I'll get this all to work, but until then, it's worthless bloatware.

Apple really needs to get their act together. It should not be this hard to use Logic with a Yamaha Motif - which is, by the way, probably THE industry standard pro keyboard out there.

Had I known the issues I would have, I would have stayed on Windows.

Garbage.