EXS 24 Logic Sampler Users Group

Apple loops can be useful, but so far I've had a lot of trouble using them.

I might add that my main Logic computer (iBook G4, 256 MB RAM, 1GHz, 30GB HD) has 
just been fitted with a new logic board (no pun intended) and new battery, so I'm out of a 
machine until I pick it up tomorrow.  I apologize in advance if this seems vague...

If you MUST use tempo-synced loops (like Apple Loops) in EXS24, you might also load the 
sample in question into the editor and use the time/pitch function to adjust it to the 
tempo you want.  I would then suggest creating a new EXS24 instrument and assign that 
sample to whatever note you want.  

My usual approach involves taking loops from other software instruments, usually 
Cameleon5000, FM7, or Logic's ES2, and only sampling the few notes I really need at 
whatever tempo.  Sometimes, especially if layering with existing samples, I'll bounce all 
instruments/loops to a single file and assign it to an EXS24 instrument--it keeps the 
above-spec'ed laptop from frequent crashes, a not uncommon peril when running 
CA5000.  

The disadvantages are fairly obvious, I think.  This only works at a set, continuous tempo.  
Change the tempo, and the samples are immediately out-of-sync.  You also are restricted 
to only the notes you want to use since otherwise means the tempo will speed up/slow 
down as you move away from the original pitch and thus bring your loops out-of-sync 
with Logic's tempo.  If you are pretty sure about what you are doing in a song, using 
EXS24 as a loop player can be your best bet.  Otherwise, it's pretty inflexible and may 
actually be inconvenient for some people.

I've only used pre-existing loops in one big project.  In that case, I copied that audio file 
from an EXS24 instrument, adjusted it to the correct tempo, and simply inserted it into an 
audio track where I could loop it to my heart's delight.  For the most part, I try to keep my 
stuff in the sampler.