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A New Version of Logic – Logic Studio 9
Apple Computer recently released their newest version of their celebrated Logic Studio recording software, bringing Logic Studio up to version 9. The new version of this recording software mainstay contains several important updates (especially for guitar players) that are sure to cement its place as the number one value for quality recording software. Here is just a quick rundown of some of the new features.

What’s Included
The new version includes Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, Soundtrack Pro 3, Compressor 3.5, and WaveBurner 1.6. Additionally, Logic Studio includes all of Apple’s Jam Pack loop sets along with countless sound effects, surround sound music beds, EXS24 samples, and impulse response files. As you can see from the visual appeal, the new version of Logic Pro 9 takes much of its feel from the latest version of Garageband. It’s a substantive upgrade both sonically and visually.

A Guitarist’s Gold Mine
Included in the more than 200 new features are significant improvements for guitar players and live performers. For guitarists, the suite includes Pedalboard plug-ins and Amp Designer, which bear a striking resemblance to the guitar tracks and stompbox effects introduced with Garageband 09. Amp Designer includes over 20 amplifiers matched cabinets that can be captured with one of three virtual microphones. You can mix and match these amps and cabinets, not unlike Amplitube or Guitar Rig. For example, you can play a Mesa Boogie-like amplifier through a Fender cabinet. Each amp includes 5 EQ and 10 reverb presets. Pedalboard adds 30 stompbox effects that users can arrange in their virtual pedalboard.

Mainstage
Those who use Logic Studio onstage will be impressed even further with Mainstage, Logic Studio’s live performance tool, which includes two new plug-ins. The first, Playback, plays pre-recorded backing tracks that you can trigger with a USB or MIDI controller. The other is Loopback, a looping tool similar to the celebrated EchoPlex tape-based loop device popular in the 1970s. With Loopback, you can record a track live and then add additional tracks (or layers) with each pass of the virtual tape.

Flex Time
Compared to programs like Ableton Live, ACID, Cubase, Pro Tools, and Sonar, Apple has lagged behind considerably regarding time stretch of audio. However, with the new version of Logic, Apple has entered the game as a major player. In fact, Flex Time might be the most substantive new feature of Logic 9. You have to experience it to appreciate its power and flexibility, but it’s safe to say that Logic Pro 9 is now on par with both Live and Pro Tools regarding the temporal manipulation of audio.

The Bottom Line
Logic Studio 9 is a significant upgrade, one worthy of both your money and your attention. From Flex Time to Mainstage, the improvements and additions ensure Apple’s place as a major player in professional digital audio.

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