User guide

84 Chapter 4 Setting Up Your System
 Additional software that runs alongside, and integrates with, Logic Express. This
includes a range of ReWire applications and audio or MIDI software.
 Additional effect and instrument plug-ins, including those that are DSP-accelerated,
such as PowerCore.
Read this section if considering components that you want to integrate into your
Logic Express music production system. If you already have all components, and their
integration meets your needs, feel free to skip this section.
Computer
This section outlines several computing factors that you should consider for your
Logic Express system. System requirements are covered in the Before You Install
document, found in the Documentation folder of the Logic Express installation discs.
Note: System requirements may change between Logic Express releases, so you should
always check the Apple website and the latest Before Your Install document included
with Logic Express updates.
How Fast Your Computer Should Be
Audio processing is complex, so the general rule is: the more powerful your computer,
the better. This involves not only the speed of the CPU(s) of your Macintosh, but also
includes larger main memory sizes, the speed of busses, and the general efficiency of
communication with connected devices.
A Portable or Fixed Studio?
You may be wavering between a desktop or portable Macintosh as the basis for your
Logic Express system, or perhaps considering the viability of a laptop machine for on-
the-road composition. The good news is that portable Macintosh computers are ideal
for Logic Express use. They offer excellent audio and MIDI hardware expansion
capabilities in the form of FireWire and USB connectors, and are fast enough to allow
extensive software instrument and effect use. Due to the power-saving nature of
portable computers, slower hard disk drives are usually included, resulting in a lower
track count than is possible with a desktop equivalent.
Obviously, desktop computers offer additional expansion slots, extending the range of
MIDI and audio hardware possibilities, and can incorporate multiple processors. CPU
and hard disk speeds are generally higher, thus allowing higher track playback counts,
and the simultaneous use of more software instruments and effects.
∏ Tip: If you have both a portable and desktop Macintosh, you can easily transfer
projects and other data between them.