Apple Logic Pro X 10.5

Let’s not kid ourselves, Apple are hardly a small independent developer doling out updates as a labour of love, but even the cynics amongst us have to acknowledge the generosity in the company releasing Logic 10.5 as a free update. Combining a significant overhaul to the DAW’s sampler, new sequencing and control tools, and the workflow-upending addition of a new clip launcher view, 10.5 has more than enough significant content that Apple would have been justified in selling it as Logic 11.

While Apple would naturally play it down, one of the most significant aspects of 10.5 is how much it brings Logic in line with the capabilities of Ableton Live. Not only does the clip-launching Live Loops view replicate a core part of Live’s workflow, but the new Sampler and Quick Sampler have more than a little of the Sampler/Simpler about them.

In all it nicely adds to Logic’s offering for electronic and dance music producers, making it the most well-rounded DAW on the market now.

BEST FOR… USE WITH iOS

Logic’s free iOS app companion, Logic Remote, was already a handy tool for controlling mixer elements and playing smart instruments. The arrival of Live Loops has made it more appealing than ever, allowing iOS users a virtual Launchpad-like tool for performing and jamming with the DAW.