User guide

Chapter 4 Setting Up Your System 87
Synthesizers and MIDI Controlled Effects
Logic Express provides plenty of software instruments and effects, and can also act as a
host for Audio Unit plug-ins from other manufacturers. More information on the use of
plug-in instruments and effects can be found in Chapter 10, “Working With Instruments
and Effects,” on page 215.
You can also incorporate hardware MIDI instruments and MIDI controlled effects units
to your Logic Express music production system. These are connected via a MIDI
interface, using MIDI cables (see “Connecting Your Audio and MIDI Devices” on
page 90).
MIDI controlled effects units do not process MIDI data. Rather, they are audio
processors (such as reverb or multi-effect devices) that can be controlled via MIDI
messages. This allows you to automate the parameters of these devices—such as delay
time or flanger speed—from Logic Express.
Typically, you would connect all external devices, such as synthesizers and MIDI
controlled effects units, to either your audio interface or a hardware mixing console.
MIDI controlled effects units would be connected in a send/return loop, using either:
 A pair of audio ins and outs (or auxiliary in/out, if available) on your audio interface
 An auxilliary in/out (sometimes called FX send/return) pair on your mixing console
Both methods allow the use of Logic Express’s In/Out plug-in, enabling you to freely
route audio information through the external effects unit—and the MIDI connection
provides control over the effects parameters. In many ways, this is much like using one
of Logic Express’s internal effect plug-ins.
Note: It is only practical to use the In/Out plug-in for external device routing when
you’re using an audio interface equipped with multiple in and out ports.
Both MIDI instruments and effects will allow remote patch (preset) selection from
Logic Express. This (and control) information can be stored as part of Logic Express
project files, ensuring perfect playback from your MIDI devices the next time the
project is loaded.