Course 6: Logic Course - Intermediate

Having mastered MIDI, this course introduces students to audio recording and editing in Apple Logic. These techniques are essential if you want to record vocals, guitar or other instruments. We also examine cutting edge sampling techniques using the EXS24 and how to use automation to bring your tracks to life. Finally you'll mix down your track under the guidance of a professional producer.

Course materials include:

50+ Quicktime video tutorials

300 pages of course notes

Audio samples and song files

Personalised video feedback on your music

Weekly webchat with a pro producer

Student forum - post your questions & discussion topics

Logic Course Contents

Week 1: An Introduction to Digital Audio

• The history of recording
• Your guide to digital audio (sample rate & bit depth)
• Microphone types and their uses
• Setting up Apple Logic Pro 8 for recording

Week 2: Recording Audio in Logic

• Basic concepts, locking regions, tempo
• Latency, compression, digital clock
• Recording on more than one channel

Week 3: Audio Editing - Sample Editor/Part Editor

• Processing audio (fade in/ fade out, normalise, reverse)
• Using the sample editor in Logic Pro 8

Week 4: Creating and Arranging Audio Loops

• How to create an audio loop in Apple Loop Utility
• Arranging a basic track with audio loops
• Strip silence and manipulating audio regions as events
• Using folders
• "Bouncing" audio tracks
  

Week 5: Recording and Editing Vocals

• Setting up a good recording environment
• Vocal recording techniques
• Recording overdubs and backing vocals
• Editing and "comping" the best take

Week 6: Creative audio editing

• What is timestretching and how is it used?
• What is pitchshifting and how is it used?
• Creative audio processing. Professional tips & tricks

Week 7: The EXS24 sampler part 1

• What is a sampler? What are the benefits over audio editing?
• Importing samples into your sampler (EXS24)
• Configuring multiple outputs
• Creating your own instruments

Week 8: Sampling (part2)

• Multi-sampling and velocity switching
• Creative filtering in EXS24
• Using modulation sources such as envelopes and LFO
• Adding MIDI control to parameters

Week 9: Automation

• Automating volume
• Automating effects
• Automating EXS24 parameters
• Automating synth parameters
• Editing Automation
  

Week 10: Mixing (part 1)

• Professional tips & tricks for mixing your track
• The channel strip: editing channel settings
• Grouping tracks: why & how?
• Stereo enhancement plug-ins

Week 11: Mixing (part 2)

• How to use EQ in Logic Pro 8
• How and when to use compression
• Effects routing
• Using insert effects and FX channel tracks

Week 12: Final project & exam

• Basic mastering techniques
• Audio mixdown
• Submit your final project
• Final Test