User guide

20 Chapter 1 An Introduction to Logic Express
 Work in real time: You can work on Logic Express projects in real time; adding to,
and editing audio and MIDI parts while the project is playing, and hearing the results
of your changes immediately.
 Use existing loop libraries: Logic Express directly supports Apple Loops files, and is
compatible with a wide variety of existing audio file types, including those created in
ReCycle.
 Locate and preview files easily: The Media area, part of the Logic Express interface,
provides powerful file browsing and search features, making it easy to locate audio
files and other supported file types.
Creating Music in Logic Express
Logic Express can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from the simple to the
incredibly sophisticated. The following section outlines a common workflow example
that many projects adhere to. The structure of this manual will follow this basic
workflow, where applicable.
Step 1: Creating a project
You begin working in Logic Express by creating a new project, or opening an existing
one.
A project file contains MIDI data recordings plus information about the audio and other
files used, including pointers to these files.
All files (audio, video, samples, and so on) can be saved in a project folder. All project
files are automatically placed into appropriate sub-folders within the project folder.
More detail can be found in “The Basics: Projects and Regions” on page 23.
Step 2: Creating and importing your musical material
Getting musical material into Logic Express can basically be broken down into two
methods:
 Making new audio or MIDI data recordings (the latter can be played back through
either external MIDI synthesizers or software instruments).
 Importing existing audio recordings (audio files, samples, loops) or MIDI (and other
file data) into your projects. You can import existing audio recordings by simply
dragging them from the Media area, shown at the right of the Arrange window.
Recordings are made through suitable MIDI or audio hardware that is connected to, or
installed in, your Macintosh.