Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

Andy,

      As a guy who is coming at Logic from a musicians world, I think you made a good decision in getting a software like Logic.    

       I teach audio production and related courses at The University of Colorado Denver.    Part of my research for my thesis in audio production  had me getting very familiar with all the textbooks I could find on the subject.   A small, basic text like David Franz book:   Recording and Producing in the Home Studio might be very helpful as well as interesting for you.  

      http://www.amazon.com/Recording-Producing-Home-Studio-Complete/dp/0876390483/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247237554&sr=8-5

      I agree with Steve on the benefits of a good DVD.  I'm not famiar with the title he mentioned, but I have heard of it.   I am more familiar with the Ask Video DVD products and have found them very helpful for learning software quickly.    There are also some online websites that offer subscription based training, and you can view/download quicktime movies about Logic.   

        http://www.askvideo.com/
       http://www.vtc.com/

       Part of your question had to do with creating realistic bass tracks.  Though I love Logic and use it as my primary DAW for sequencing and song writing, I feel the bass sounds are often not quite what I'm looking for.   One of the best, in my opinion, is the upright bass sound, but obviously that one isn't real helpful.     I've had decent luck starting with the Liverpool Bass, or the Fingerstyle Bass and rolling off a good amount of high end, as that's where the bass starts to show it's MIDI-ness.     

       If you don't find bass sounds via the Media browser, try that, sometimes the preset signal chains are better.  And also they can be helpful in giving you clues for getting your bass sounds in the direction you want them to go.  I think this is how I discovered the "Bass Amp" plugin, that can really change/help the bass timbre!  

        If you're a guitar player, it might be worth it to buy a bass!   I have a cheap, Fender Squire Precision bass and sometimes it is the best solution to the problem.

         On my short list of Third Party Plugins that I want to add to Logic is to buy Synthogy's Trilogy bass sound.    I'm sure there are samples on their website.  

          As far as creating a good bass performance with a keyboard.   Often keeping it more simple helps in creating a more believable performance.    Sometimes let the kick drum pattern dictate your bass rhythm, that can sound cool.   

          There may be websites out there with completed Logic projects, though I don't know of a specific one.  There are a lot of MIDI files floating around the internet.  Which if you open up in Logic will spread out into a multi-track session.  But ... it won't be helpful unless you're looking for the extra-cheesy sound.   I'd be happy to send you one of my own projects.   I may have to remove vocals or other audio files but .... you'd see what the bass is doing, see the signal chain, etc.

           Good luck!    Pete 

--- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, Andy Brook <bbgrove@...> wrote:
>
> When I started learning Logic a few months ago, with plenty of musical  
> knowledge but no prior knowledge of engineering, I couldn't have  
> imagined how much there was to learn. One thing that I'm sure would  
> help to piece together all the things I am learning is if there were  
> sample projects available on the net. For instance, I'd love to learn  
> how to make a realistic bass track using keyboard/sequencer as I don't  
> play guitar. My own attempts sound feeble and I am obviously missing  
> loads of tricks. Its easy to find loops, but that doesn't help at all  
> when it comes to creating tracks from software instruments.
> 
> Are there any commercial sites or forums where you can download  
> finished projects?
> 
> As always, thanks for any replies
> 
> Andy B
>