Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

Hi,

On 12-Sep-07, at 10:02 PM, GAmoore@... wrote:

> What exactly does Mainstage do? Is that just the unified arrange  
> window?
>
> I am a bit dissapointed - especially after waiting several years  
> for an major
> improvement - only to get a very minimal upgrade, and be asked to  
> pay 40% of
> the full price - after spending $1500 or more over the years on  
> upgrades.
> Couldn't they throw in a new instrument, an improved busing scheme,  
> etc?

Well, one of the things that I remember people asking for on the LUG  
was for a simpler interface more like ProTools.  They've simplified  
the interface by having the one window to do most of your work in (or  
if you want - you can still use screensets).  Better take management  
was another thing that was requested on the lists too.  They've  
delivered there also and the quick-swipe comping looks great.  Sample- 
accurate editing in the arrange window, snap-to-transient selection,  
etc. is also an improvement.  Now, AU effects can be used on Nodes too.

There is additional content from samples and sounds to loops.  Also,  
Mainstage is completely new and they've thrown in a better audio  
editor with Soundtrack Pro too.  Mainstage is, I believe, a little  
bit like Brainspawn's Forte (for the PC) which you can use as a live  
performance rack hosting your AU instruments with plugin effects.  If  
I'm not mistaken Mainstage can process live inputs too (although I'm  
not positive - lots to read right now).  There's also the surround  
stuff, but I'm with the others on that one - I don't currently work  
in surround so it doesn't provide much benefit to me.

I don't know, but to me, it looks like there is a lot of value for  
the $199 upgrade price.  These things just might not have much value  
for you and that is fine.  I do not see it really as a minimal  
upgrade.  Re-working the interface probably took some time even  
though the improvements are seen in workflow. While maybe there  
aren't new instruments or an improved bussing scheme, improved  
workflow is a big one IMHO that can save lots of time (time is money  
right?).

Anyway, to each their own.  My upgrade is already ordered.

Fernstudio