Is Logic Pro X right for me?

Is Logic Pro X right for me?

I’m looking to get into production and am torn between Ableton and Logic Pro X. I won’t be using the software for live performances. I also have a friend who uses Logic Pro X so I could learn a thing or two from him. Any advice?

I have finally came round to production in Logic Pro X and find it a blessing.

I came from Ableton, loving the product but CPU loads and thin sounds were pushing me back. Did some research, comparing ProTools, Cubase 7.5 and Logic Pro X and finally ended up with Logic Pro X.

So if anyone wants to buy my Cubase 7.5 full license, it’s up for sale. :wink:

I appreciate the feedback. I think I’m gonna go with Logic. Any suggestions on a midi keyboard/controller for it?

I will hopefully be stuck with the same dilemma soon. I’ve been back and forth between Logic + Machine Studio vs Ableton + Push. Ableton seems to have great tutorials and perhaps is better for pre-production ideas. I’m a bit disconcerted over Logic’s 10.0.7 update which seems rather buggy from the reviews in App Store.

That’s good to know

I’ve read those reviews, as well as a ton of others. It’s definitely something I’m taking into consideration.

Maybe check out Bitwig

I haven’t heard much about it since it’s release

I get the feeling that with Ableton if you’re having issues and you fire an email off you’re gonna get a decent response. Apple though? They have great OS, but much of their SW is buggy as hell. I really want to get Logic…

Lots of maintenance releases since original release, fixing bugs and such. The general opinion I’ve gotten from my reading numerous sites is it’s far overpriced for V1 as it’s not really ready yet.

RE: OP, I’d say download the trials of both and see which workflow suits you better. For me, Ableton did the trick, but I went another DAW first thinking it would work only to be frustrated beyond all means and not really get into production until I made the switch. No need dropping $300 - $500 on something that’s only going to frustrate you. Even if it means going with something where you don’t have a friend that can show you the ropes.

How do you like Ableton?

I’ve used Ableton since v.1 and have had every version of the software. I’ve used protools for years when I ran all external gear. I know logic a bit and it’s OK.

For ease of editing things Ableton 100%, midi editing in logic gets cumbersome when I know how easy it is in Live.

Ableton is a big fat CPU pig so you do need a powerful system to get the most out of it.

I love it, I’ve used all types of DAWs so far minus Bitwig and ProTools. I can’t see myself ever making a switch but that’s just me.

There are endless tutorials out there for it so that also helps

i started first with logic first and thought that it was a great software. the native instruments (the company) are amazing, along with the native effect units that are super fat with really good processing.

however i started playing around with ableton by making mixes and other quick edits, which slowly made me use ableton more and more. i got a push about 6 months ago and have not booted up logic since. obviously, i had to spend a little bit of time (and money) to figure out ableton is the DAW for me, but in the end i’m completely with ableton.

take some time between both DAW’s and figure out which one you like better. ableton has a demo program, and garage band is an intro version of logicX.

I would say keep it as simple as possible. The M-Audio Axiom has my preference. Love the way the keys feel and the way it performs!

And this is where it gets interesting if you want a clean comparison between Ableton with Logic: hooking up hardware.

With Ableton you bump into the crappy MIDI I/O. You run into all sorts of shite when hooking up hardware. Delay Compensation, syncing up hardware ARPs all will bound to give you a headache.

When using Logic you will be able to pull all kinds of cool stuff. I work with my MC-303 for drums, and some other nice synth patterns.
I love to programme the MC-303 while sitting on the couch.

When I’m done on the couch, I hook up both the MIDI In and the MIDI Out and the sound channel to my MacBook Pro. By doing this, I will be able to sync the MC-303 with Logic with regards to time and BPM, read out programmed MIDI signals and the accompanying sounds and settings.
Hell, I am able to sequence a complete track framework on my MC-303 and just pull everything into Logic, and touch up the rough edges within Logic.

And again, I really must say Ableton isn’t bad, but the sound is cold… If I listen to the same projects, recreated in both DAWs, the sound quality in Logic wins me over every time.

With regards to the functionality, Ableton clearly states that it will not look into the Delay Compensation in the manual. It is intended as a Live Performance tool, no more, no less.
This is something why I will use it when on stage, but not in the studio.

I would say keep it as simple as possible. The M-Audio Axiom has my preference. Love the way the keys feel and the way it performs!

Other than that, keep it really simple and neat, you’re in a studio, not on stage!

And this is where it gets interesting if you want a clean comparison between Ableton with Logic: hooking up hardware.

With Ableton you bump into the crappy MIDI I/O. You run into all sorts of shite when hooking up hardware. Delay Compensation, syncing up hardware ARPs all will bound to give you a headache.

When using Logic you will be able to pull all kinds of cool stuff. I work with my MC-303 for drums, and some other nice synth patterns.
I love to programme the MC-303 while sitting on the couch.

When I’m done on the couch, I hook up both the MIDI In and the MIDI Out and the sound channel to my MacBook Pro. By doing this, I will be able to sync the MC-303 with Logic with regards to time and BPM, read out programmed MIDI signals and the accompanying sounds and settings.
Hell, I am able to sequence a complete track framework on my MC-303 and just pull everything into Logic, and touch up the rough edges within Logic.

And again, I really must say Ableton isn’t bad, but the sound is cold… If I listen to the same projects, recreated in both DAWs, the sound quality in Logic wins me over every time.

With regards to the functionality, Ableton clearly states that it will not look into the Delay Compensation in the manual. It is intended as a Live Performance tool, no more, no less.
This is something why I will use it when on stage, but not in the studio.

Tekki, Are you running 10.0.7 on Logic? How is the reliability, bugs/crashes etc?

Well… There are a few tricks in Logic Pro X which makes MIDI editing a dream when comparing it Ableton, but that’s probably my personal preference.
Have been with Ableton since 4.0.3, but to be honest, Logic just works…

Yes, as far as I have come across, stability is better than Ableton and Cubase and both were really well in my book as well.

yeah but ableton just works also! I’ve never had issues running with hardware either. I could route right through live and record and loop back in real time on an old G4 that wasn’t exactly a beast! I tossed Logic in the trash at version 6 but do have logic X on hand at work for other things.

this setup is prolly 12 years ago.. nothings the same for me anymore.

How about the hair? :slight_smile: