APPLE CHOICE
Real improvements for Apple’s pro music software
The new iMac Pro – plus, all the latest hardware and software reviews
Logic Pro X, a menu bar enhancer, network security and more
£199.99 (free to existing Logic Pro X users) FROM Apple, apple.com/uk needs macOS 10.12 or later
Space Designer has gone Retina, and it’s joined by some great new plugins
Point releases usually mean minor changes, but Logic Pro X 10.4 delivers big improvements. The first new feature is tempo detection, which listens to you play and adjusts the tempo accordingly. You can fine-tune its analysis, and it copes admirably with subtle or dramatic changes. It also works with imported audio, making it easy to add extra instruments or automation to existing recordings, and you can even create djay Pro-style seamless mixes by daisy-chaining audio files together and having Logic adjust their tempos accordingly.
You can record performances before adding instruments and Drummer tracks. Talking of Drummer, there are two new styles – roots and brushy jazz – alongside two new brush kits. You also get two new virtual instruments – Studio Strings and Studio Horns – which offer realistic performance and lots of customisation.
The Space Designer reverb plugin’s interface is now designed for Retina displays. It‘s joined by great new plugins: ChromaVerb, Vintage EQ, Step FX and Phat FX. ChromaVerb is a rebooted PlatinumVerb with a very flexible algorithm that can create interesting effects.
Vintage EQ is fun. There are three modes to choose from: console, graphic and tube, each of which delivers the warm output of classic hardware – for example, the console EQ is modelled on the Neve preamps of classic rock, and delivers a warm, crunchy tone.
Apple previously acquired and integrated Camel Audio’s Alchemy plugin with Logic, and now it has done the same with Camel’s Space and Phat, aka Step FX and Phat FX. These are multi-FX plugins that let you chain effects together. In the latter that means bandpass filtering (filtering of frequencies outside a given range), distortion, compression, lowfrequency oscillation and limiting; in Step FX you can filter, delay, modulate and edit steps. Both plugins have X/Y controllers. Phat is good on bass drums, guitars and bass guitars, where it adds subtle warmth and extra kick, while Step offers fun with filters.
Check your compatibility
If you’re using High Sierra or plan to upgrade to it, check with your hardware and/or plugin makers about compatibility: since upgrading our MacBook Pro we’ve experienced large, apparently unsolvable issues in Logic with our processor overloading, even on simple projects.
Still, we’re impressed that Apple decided to make this a free update if you own Logic: other firms may well have held back until Logic Pro X 11. It makes an already superb music production studio even more compelling.