Apple Logic Express - 7 Reference Manual
Logic Express 7
Reference Manual
Apple Computer, Inc.
© 2004 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be
copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent
of Apple. Your rights to the software are governed by
the accompanying software licence agreement.
The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the
“keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial
purposes without the prior written consent of Apple
may constitute trademark infringement and unfair
competition in violation of federal and state laws.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in this manual is accurate. Apple Computer,
Inc. is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
408-996-1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Aqua, Final Cut, Final Cut Pro,
FireWire, iBook, iMac, iPod, iTunes, Logic, Mac,
Macintosh, Mac OS, PowerBook, Power Mac, Power
Macintosh, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
Finder and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple
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AppleCare is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc.
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Other company and product names mentioned herein
are trademarks of their respective companies. Mention
of third-party products is for informational purposes
only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a
recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with
regard to the performance or use of these products.
1
Contents
Preface 9 Logic Reference
9 What Is Logic?
10 About This Manual
Chapter 1 13 Using Logic
13 Using the Mouse 14 Input Options 16 Tools and the Toolbox 21 Window Functions 32 Edit Operations 33 Selection Techniques
35 General Functions of the Editors 36 Key Commands 44 Step Input 49 Caps Lock Keyboard
51 Song Administration 60 Standard MIDI Files 62 Apple Loops 67 GarageBand File Import 68 ReCycle Import 70 OPEN TL Import 70 Bouncing and POW-r Dithering
Chapter 2 73 Transport
73 The Transport Window 82 The Bar Ruler 84 Cycle Mode 86 Recording 89 Chase Events
Chapter 3 91 Arrange Window
91 Overview 92 Tracks
100 Arrange Channel Strip
3
101 MIDI Instruments
107 MIDI Regions
116 MIDI Region Playback Parameters 120 Quantization 122 Folders 124 Aliases 127 Time and Key Signature Editor 128 Altering the Display
132 Reset Functions
Chapter 4 133 Audio in the Arrange Window
133 Regions
141 Audio Recording 145 Functions 14 8 F re ez e
Chapter 5 153 The Environment
153 Environment—Introduction 154 Basic Operation 159 The MIDI Signal Path 162 Environment Objects
181 Faders 189 Environment Exchange
Chapter 6 191 Logic’s Mixing Facilities
192 Audio Mixer 194 Audio Objects in the Audio and Track Mixer
211 Audio Object Types
218 Track Mixer 221 MIDI Channel Strips
Chapter 7 225 Automation
225 Automation—Introduction 227 Track Based Automation 232 Region Based Automation 233 Hyper Draw 236 Conversion of Automation Data
Chapter 8 239 Global Tracks
240 Display Options for Global Tracks 240 How to Create, Move, Copy, and Delete Global Events 242 Tempo Track 244 Signature Track 245 Transposition Track
4
Contents
247 Video Track
Chapter 9 249 Audio Window
249 Audio Window—Introduction
251 Layout
253 Display 256 Operation 260 File Administration 268 Further Options
Chapter 10 271 Audio Drivers
271 The Audio Hardware and Drivers Dialog
274 Audio Engine 274 Realtime Sample Rate Conversion
Chapter 11 275 Sample Editor
275 Sample Editor—Introduction 277 Display 280 The Sample Edit Window in Use 288 Functions 291 Digital Factory
Chapter 12 297 Event List
297 Using the Event List 299 Display 300 Operation 302 Event List Structure 305 Event Type Structure 309 Tips for Numerical Input
310 Event Float Window
Chapter 13 311 Hyper Editor
311 Hyper Editor—Introduction 312 Hyper Sets 313 Event Definitions 319 Operation
Chapter 14 323 Matrix Editor
323 Matrix Editor—Introduction 324 Display 325 Editing Notes 327 Hyper Draw in the Matrix Window
Contents
5
Chapter 15 329 Score Editor
329 Score Editor—Introduction
331 Elements of the Score Edit Window 332 Notation Concept 336 General Appearance 339 Input Methods in the Score Window 339 Score Display Options—a Survey
341 Printout 342 Graphic Export 343 Realtime MIDI Recording 343 Step Input 344 Mouse Input 348 The Part Box 369 Move, Copy, and Paste
371 Editing or Deleting Notes and Symbols
374 The Display Parameter Box 380 Score Styles 398 Note Attributes
401 Instrument Sets and Score Display Levels
410 Song Settings for Score Display 423 Score Preferences 425 Text: Input and Display 432 Chord Symbols
Chapter 16 437 The Transform Window
437 Transform Window—Introduction 439 Transformation 444 Parameter Sets
Chapter 17 447 Tempo
447 Display and Functions 448 Tempo List Editor
Chapter 18 451 Synchronization
451 Functions 453 Synchronization Window 459 Bar Ruler—Time Ruler 460 Sync Problems and Solutions
Chapter 19 461 Video
461 Synchronizing QuickTime Movies
Chapter 20 465 Song Settings and Preferences
466 Song Settings
6
Contents
476 Preferences
Chapter 21 487 Control Surface Support
488 Installation 490 Setup Window Parameters 495 Control Surface Preferences 498 Customizing Control Surfaces 500 The Controller Assignments Window
Glossary 501
Index 511
Contents
7
Logic Reference
Recent years have seen a revolution in the use of
personal computers for creating music.
Music projects that until recently would have required an array of professional studio
equipment can now be completed in a home or project studio, using a personal
computer and readily available resources. A personal computer with a fast processor
and enough RAM can now serve as a workstation for recording, arranging, mixing, and
producing complete music projects, which can be played back on the computer,
burned on a CD or DVD, or distributed over the Internet.
What Is Logic?
Logic is an integrated system for composing, producing, and scoring music, built
specifically for Mac OS X. Musicians can create professional sounding original music
compositions, royalty-free soundtracks for Final Cut Pro video projects, and more.
Logic allows you to build musical arrangements using MIDI and software instruments
alongside audio recordings of acoustic instruments, vocal performances and
prerecorded audio files.
You can freely combine and arrange loops plus MIDI and software instrument parts in
Logic’s Arrange window, add professional-quality effects, mix your music in stereo, and
export the final mix to a standard audio file or an audio CD that can be played on any
multimedia-equipped computer, home stereo or imported into Final Cut Pro or other
applications.
Preface
Logic includes the following features, amongst many others:
•
Record MIDI information via connected MIDI input devices, such as keyboards, and
play back this information via any connected MIDI device or Logic’s integrated
software instruments.
•
Create, arrange, and edit MIDI projects, and print out musical notation via a printer
connected to your computer.
•
Digitally record acoustic and electric instruments or vocal performances into your
projects, and process these audio recordings with Logic’s in-built real-time effects.
9
Make use of the integrated software instruments, including: ES1 and EXS24 or third-
•
party Audio Unit instruments.
Load songs or channel strips from Apple’s
•
GarageBand
application, and edit them,
making use of the additional processing and editing possibilities afforded by Logic.
•
Mix your MIDI and audio tracks, including effects and software-based instrument
settings, via a sophisticated total recall mix automation system. Logic includes highquality effects plug-ins that you can use in your projects. You can also install thirdparty effects in the Audio Units plug-in format.
•
Bounce all audio data, including effects and mix automation settings, to a stereo file
for mastering or further processing.
•
Work in real time: You can work on Logic projects in real time, adding, and editing
audio and MIDI parts while the project is playing, and hear the results of your
changes immediately.
•
Use existing loop libraries: Logic directly supports Apple Loop files, and is
compatible with a wide variety of existing audio file types, including those created in
ReCycle.
Locate and preview files easily: The Apple Loop Browser, part of the Logic interface,
•
provides powerful file browsing and search features, making it easy to locate loops
by instrument, genre, mood, or other search criteria.
Mix Apple Loops recorded at different tempos and keys: Logic automatically
•
matches loops to the project tempo and key, allowing you to freely combine loops
from different sources in a single project.
About This Manual
This book is the final arbiter on all things in Logic, and covers all areas of the program
in detail.
You will find descriptions of the most essential aspects of Logic’s interface, commands,
and menus in the
instructions or examples for accomplishing specific tasks.
Chapter 2 discusses the use of Logic’s Transport functions and covers the navigation of
your Logic projects.
The following chapters will provide you with an overview and complete description of
all parameters and functions available in each of Logic’s editing and file handling
windows. You will learn how to make use of the arranging, recording, and editing
facilities available—for MIDI and audio data—in these chapters.
Later chapters discuss mixing, automation, and Logic’s preferences, Song settings and
synchronization options.
10 Preface
Using Logic
Logic Reference
chapter. These descriptions are often paired with
The Onscreen Help system—accessible from Logic’s Help menu—is fundamentally the
Reference Manuals in electronic form. It has the advantage of being at your fingertips
when you need it, and is also searchable.
Even if you’re the type who just doesn’t like reading manuals, we ask that you read the
next section. It will provide you with essential information on the basic operation of
Logic’s interface.
Please note that all topics described herein were accurate at the date of printing. For
up to date information on changes or additions made after printing, please refer to the
Late Breaking News
on the Logic DVD, and/or to the
Update Info,
included with each
Logic update.
Conventions of This Manual…
Before commencing, we’d like to cover the following conventions used in this manual.
Menu Functions
For functions that can be reached via hierarchical menus, the different menu levels are
described as follows:
Important Entries
Some text will be shown as follows:
Menu > Menu entry > Function
.
Important:
Information on function or parameter.
These entries discuss a key concept or technical information that should, or must, be
followed or taken into account. Please pay special attention to these entries.
Notes
Some sections provide additional information or tips that will assist your use of Logic.
These are displayed as shown below:
Note:
Information on function or parameter.
Key Commands
Many Logic functions can be activated or accessed with key commands—computer
keyboard shortcuts. The key commands mentioned in this guide are based on the
standard Key Command Set, assigned by the Logic Setup Assistant. Where possible, we
have also included the standard Key Commands for PowerBook users. These are based
on the PowerBook Key Command Set, assigned in the Logic Setup Assistant.
Preface
Logic Reference
11
1
Using Logic
1
The following chapter will guide you through Logic’s basic
interface elements, file handling options and common input
techniques.
You will also learn about a number of shortcuts and features that will accelerate your
workflow, and assist you while learning about Logic.
Using the Mouse
The mouse can be used in the following ways in Logic:
Clicking
Place the mouse pointer on the object (button, input field and so on) and press the
mouse button once.
Double-Clicking
The same as clicking on an object, but you press the mouse button twice, in quick
succession. You can set a suitable interval between clicks in the System Preferences
(Keyboard and Mouse pane).
Grabbing or Clicking and Holding
The same as clicking on an object, but you keep the mouse button held down.
Moving or Dragging
Grab the object, and move the mouse (keeping the mouse button held down) to the
desired position.
Mouse Wheel Events
You can use the mouse wheel to scroll vertically in Logic. There are also some modifiers
supported:
If you press Command, the mouse wheel can be used to scroll horizontally.
•
•
If you press Option, the mouse wheel can be used to zoom in/out vertically.
•
If you press Option-Command, the mouse wheel can be used to zoom in/out
horizontally.
13
If you press Option-Control, the mouse wheel can be used to zoom in/out in both
•
directions.
Note:
Logic also supports mice with two wheels. The second wheel works like the first
wheel, but with interchanged axes.
Input Options
This section discusses the various methods available for interaction with parameters,
and data entry tasks.
Mouse Input
Checkboxes
Checkboxes are square boxes that are “checked” when you click them, in order to
activate an option (or function). Click the checkbox a second time to remove the
“check”, and deactivate the option.
Pull-Down Menus
Pull-down menus open when you click-hold on certain input fields or buttons. You can
select a function from within such menus by highlighting the desired item with the
mouse, and releasing the mouse button. If you wish to select an item that is outside
the visible section of the menu,
move the mouse over the top or bottom edge of the menu; the further you move it,
•
the faster you will scroll through the menu.
hold down Shift as you do this. You can then release the mouse button, and use the
•
scroll bar to the right of the pull-down menu to browse. When the mouse reaches
the entry you wish to use, release Shift.
Mouse as Slider
You can set most numerical parameters (even note values or names) by grabbing the
parameter value, and moving the mouse up or down. If the parameter consists of
several separate numbers (song position, for example), you can adjust each number
individually using this method.
14 Chapter 1
Using Logic
Using the Mouse for In/Decrementing
Nearly all parameter values that can be set using the mouse as a slider (and even some
of the pull-down menu parameters) may also be increased or decreased in single units
by clicking on the top or bottom half of the value, while holding down Control.
Numerical Input
Double-clicking on a numerical parameter value opens an input field. The existing
value is highlighted, and ready to be overwritten by a new entry. You can also use the
mouse to make a partial selection in an input field, so that only the highlighted part is
overwritten. As long as the input field is open, the computer keyboard may only be
used for data entry, and may not be used for key commands (with the exception of the
main menu functions).
Arithmetical Operations
You can enter numbers at any time by typing in an arithmetical operation: “+2” or “−5”,
for example, which changes the current value by/to that amount.
ASCII Code
You can also input numbers as ASCII code: just place a ` or " in front of the selected
key, and the ASCII code will be input as a number. As an example:
"! results in a value of 33
•
•
"a results in a value of 97
This function is particularly useful for entering text in SysEx strings.
Cancel Numerical Input
Direct numerical input can be canceled by entering no text at all and pressing Enter or
Return.
Chapter 1
Using Logic
15
Text Input
You can input text names in the same way as numbers, but you only need to click a
name field once to allow input. You can directly click on an object with the Text tool to
rename it.
Numbered Names
Any number of selected Objects or Regions can be assigned same name. If the name
ends with a number, this number will automatically be incremented by 1 for each
subsequent Object or Region. This allows you to quickly, and uniquely, name all of the
Regions on a track or all of the Fader Objects in the Environment, as examples.
Note:
To turn off automatic numbering, place a space after the number at the end of
the Object or Region name. All selected Objects and Region will then end in the same
number.
Tools and the Toolbox
Logic allows recorded data to be handled graphically. This means that you don’t need
to input instructions in command lines in order to perform operations, but rather, do so
by manipulating graphical “objects”. This is done with the help of Tools (see “The Tools”
on page 18). Each edit window provides different Toolboxes that are suitable for the
tasks performed in the editor.
The Arrange window Toolbox looks like this:
When editing objects graphically, you always have two tools available at the mouse
pointer position: one is already active, the other is activated by holding down
Command.
16 Chapter 1
Using Logic
You can change the currently active tool by clicking on another tool in the Toolbox. The
mouse pointer then adopts the shape of the tool you clicked on, allowing you to
instantly identify the active tool by looking at the cursor graphic: the Eraser is used for
deleting, the Scissors for cutting and the Glue Tool for merging Regions, as examples.
To assign a tool to Command, click on the desired tool in the Toolbox, with Command
depressed.
If you have a suitable mouse, you can also assign the right mouse button to a third
tool, allowing the use of three assignable tools:
•
left-click
•
Command- (left) click
right-click
•
Note:
You can also assign the Toolbox to the right mouse button with the
Editing > Right Mouse Button Opens Toolbox
preference. This allows you to open the
Global >
Toolbox at the mouse cursor position by right-clicking anywhere in the working area of
the open window.
Tools are only effective in the working area of the window in which they were selected.
You can define individual tools for each opened window.
A tool (the Scissors, for example) basically affects the Objects or Regions that you click
on. If multiple Objects or Regions are selected, they will all be affected by the tool (the
Scissors would cut all selected Regions at the same song position, for example).
Note:
The Toolbox can be hidden in the Arrange and Score Editor windows to save
onscreen space, which can be very helpful if you only have a small monitor. The
function is accessible via the
View > Toolbox
menu option.
Selecting Tools
You select the tool you wish to use by clicking on it (with the left or right mouse
button) in the Toolbox (or clicking while holding down Command for the alternate
tool).
Note:
You can use the
the neighboring tool in the top window.
Opening the Toolbox at the Mouse Position
Use the
Show Tools
position. When a Toolbox is opened at the mouse position, you can also use one of the
number keys to select a tool. The tools are always numbered from left to right and top
to bottom. Press the
and close the Toolbox.
Chapter 1
Using Logic
Set next Tool
and
Set previous Tool
key commands to switch to
key command (default: Esc) to open a Toolbox at the mouse
Show Tools
key command a second time to switch to the pointer,
17
Pointer
Mute tool
Solo tool
Pencil
Eraser
Voice Splitter
Magnifying Glass
Sizer tool
Quantize tool
Glue tool
Scissors
Layout tool
Camera tool
Text tool
Velocity tool
Using Key Commands
Each tool can be selected via a specific key command. Key commands that switch to a
specific tool toggle between this tool and the previously selected tool.
The Tools
Here are two example Toolboxes, which contain most of the tools available in Logic:
Arrange Toolbox
Eraser
Pencil
Pointer
Mute tool
Magnifying Glass (Zoom tool)
Crossfade tool
Text tool
Scissors
Solo tool
Glue tool
Score Toolbox
All tools, including a number of tools not displayed in the images, are described below.
As mentioned earlier, some tools are specific to certain editing windows.
Pointer
The Pointer is the default tool. The mouse also takes on this shape outside the working
area when making a menu selection or inputting a data value. Within the working area,
the pointer is used for selecting (by clicking on Objects or Regions), moving (by
grabbing and dragging), copying (by holding down Option and dragging), and editing
lengths (by grabbing the bottom right corner and dragging). Grabbing and dragging
anywhere on the window background activates a “rubber band”, that allows the
selection of multiple Regions or Objects.
Note:
18 Chapter 1
When changing the lengths of multiple Regions, you can make all lengths equal
by holding Shift-Option.
Using Logic
Pencil
The Pencil is used to add new Regions. You can also select, drag, and alter the length of
Regions while the Pencil tool is active.
Scissors
The Scissors tool is used to split Regions, allowing individual sections to be copied,
moved or deleted.
Tex t Tool
The Text tool is used to name Regions, or add text to a musical score.
Layout Tool
The Layout tool is used to graphically move events in the Score Editor, in order to
optimize the display (bars to lines: “Local Formatting”, for example), without altering
the timing of the actual MIDI events.
Size Tool
The Size tool is used to adjust the size of graphic elements in the score. It looks similar
to the bottom right corner of a Mac window, which is also used for resizing tasks.
Magnifying Glass
The Magnifying Glass allows you to zoom in on a “rubber-banded” section, up to the
full window size. You can revert to the normal zoom level by clicking on the
background with the tool. You can also access this function when other tools are
selected by holding down Control.
Solo Tool
Click-holding on a Region with the Solo tool allows you to listen to the selected
Regions in isolation during playback. Moving the mouse vertically also outputs any
events the cursor touches, even when the sequencer is stopped.
Mute Tool
Clicking on a Region with the Mute tool prevents it from playing. A dot is placed in
front of the Region name (and the Region is shaded if the
Arrange > Muted Regions are textured
preference is active), to indicate that it is muted.
Preferences > Display >
You can unmute the Region by clicking on it again with the Mute tool. If multiple
Regions are selected, the setting of the clicked Region applies to all selected Regions.
Finger Tool
The Finger is used to alter note lengths in the Matrix Editor.
Eraser Tool
The Eraser deletes selected Regions and Objects. When you click on an Object or
Region with the Eraser, all of the currently selected Objects and Regions are deleted (as
if you had used Backspace).
Chapter 1
Using Logic
19
Glue Tool
The Glue tool performs the reverse operation of the Scissors tool. All selected Regions
are merged into a single Region, which is assigned the name and track position of the
first Region on the time axis.
Crosshair Tool
The Crosshair is used to input a linear series of MIDI events in the Hyper Editor.
MIDI Thru Tool
Clicking on an instrument in the Environment with the MIDI Thru tool assigns the
instrument to the selected track in the Arrange window, thereby making it the active
MIDI Thru instrument.
Voice Splitter Tool
You can separate polyphonic voices onto different staves in the Score Editor by
drawing a dividing line with the Voice Splitter tool (provided you are using a
polyphonic score style).
Camera Tool
The Camera tool is used to select, and export, sections of the Score Editor display as
graphics files.
Quantize Tool
The Quantize tool is used to correct the timing of MIDI note events in the Matrix and
Score Editors.
Velocity Tool
You can use the Velocity tool to change the velocity of notes in the Matrix and Score
Editors.
Help Tags
A help tag appears just below the mouse cursor position—for as long as the mouse
button is held down—when using many of the tools. The help tag provides useful
feedback about the type of operation you are performing.
Important: You must enable the Preferences > Display > Show Help Tags option in order
to view help tags during editing operations.
During operations involving Regions, the help tag will look something like this:
From left to right (and from top to bottom), the values indicate: (name of) operation,
mouse (or Region) position, Region name, track number, and length of the Region.
20 Chapter 1 Using Logic
During operations involving events, the help tag looks something like this:
From left to right, the values indicate: (name of) operation, mouse (or event) position,
event type, event MIDI channel, first data byte (note pitch, for example), second data
byte (note velocity, for example), and event length (note length, for example).
Window Functions
The basic functions of the Logic windows are the same as those in other Macintosh
applications. The display options available in Logic’s windows are far more extensive,
however, than those of other programs.
In Logic, you can open different combinations of windows (even several of the same
type) and adjust each one individually. All open windows in a song are constantly
updated. This means that the windows update to follow the song position, and any
alterations made in one window immediately update the display of all other windows
you are working with. It is also easy to save different window arrangements (called
“Screensets”), and recall them with the push of a button.
Working With Windows
Opening Windows
All Logic windows can be opened from the Windows menu. The corresponding key
command (Open Arrange, Command-1, for example) is displayed beside each menu
item, allowing you to open the window without using the mouse. You can open as
many of the same type of window as you like.
The Toggle … Window key commands allow you to define one key command to:
• bring an open window (of an assigned type) to the front,
• open a window of the assigned type,
• close a window of the assigned type, if it is in front (the active window).
Setting Window Size
You can adjust window size by dragging the lower right-hand corner of the window, as
with any window in the Finder.
Chapter 1 Using Logic 21
Window Buttons
The three buttons found at the top left of all windows (except the Transport) perform
the following operations:
• Left button (black dot): closes the window.
• Center button (minus sign): minimizes the window, and places an icon on the Dock.
The window can be restored by clicking on the icon in the Dock.
• Right button (plus sign); resizes the window to the maximum screen size. A second
click on the icon will restore the original window size.
Moving Up One Level in the Display Hierarchy
Clicking the button featuring the square graphic (Up One Display Level button—or
UDL button) in the top left corner of the window takes you to the next (higher) display
level.
Note: Double-clicking on the background of the edit area of a window also takes you
to the next highest display level.
Display Levels in the Editors
Normally, the editors are at the lowest display level, which shows individual events.
Clicking the UDL button, at the upper left corner of the editor window, allows you to
move up one level in the hierarchy. As an example, if you are currently looking at the
events in a MIDI Region inside a folder, the display will switch to a view of the MIDI
Region in the parent folder.
In the Matrix and Hyper Editors, this step up the display hierarchy means that you will
then see an Arrange window. In this scenario, a change to the lowest display hierarchy
level will cause the relevant editor to reappear. At the Arrange level, you will see the
local menus of the Matrix or Score Editors, which also contain all of the Arrange
window functions. Double-clicking on a MIDI Region opens the Hyper, Matrix, Score
Editor, or Event List display of the contents of the MIDI Region. Use of this facility, in
conjunction with the UDL button allows you to quickly switch to another MIDI Region,
and edit its contents.
22 Chapter 1 Using Logic
Clicking the UDL button in the Event List moves you up one level in the hierarchy, just
like the other editors. In the Event List, however, the form of the display remains the
same but instead of a listing of individual events, you’ll see a list of Regions—along
with their position, name, track number, and length. The MIDI Region that you were
just editing will be selected in the list of Regions.
Once again, double-clicking on a MIDI Region (or using the Go Into Folder or Region key
command) takes you back to the lowest display level, showing the contents of the MIDI
Region.
Double-clicking on an Audio Region opens the Region in the Sample Editor.
In the Score Editor, clicking on the UDL button, or double-clicking on the background
takes you to the higher display level. Unlike the other editors, individual events can also
be edited while in higher display levels in the Score Editor. Double-clicking on a staff (at
an empty point), takes you back to a lower display level.
Selecting the Working Area
The scroll bars are situated at the right and bottom edges of a window, if you can only
see a portion of the total working area in either the vertical or horizontal dimension.
You can move the visible section by clicking the arrows, or grabbing and dragging the
scroll slider. There are two points of note:
• The size relationship of the scroll slider to the entire scroll bar corresponds to the size
of the visible section of the window, in relation to the overall window size.
• The visible section changes as you move the scroll slider.
The X/Y scroll element is situated at the bottom left corner of the window. By grabbing
and dragging it, you can move the horizontal and vertical window section, as if you
were dragging both scroll bars simultaneously. When the cursor hovers over the X/Y
scroll element, a crosshair icon with four arrowheads is displayed.
You can also engage the X/Y scroll feature by holding down a third button (the mouse
wheel button, for example), and moving the mouse. The distance of the mouse pointer
position from the initial clicked position determines the scrolling speed.
Note: Touching the background of the Arrange Window while holding Shift-Control
also allows you to scroll the window both horizontally and vertically.
Chapter 1 Using Logic 23
Use the Page Up, Page Down, Page Left, and Page Right key commands to scroll one
page up, down, left, or right, as if you had clicked in the grey region (in the scroll bar)
above/below the vertical scroll slider, or to the left/right of the horizontal scroll slider.
The Page Top, Page Bottom, Page Left most and Page Right most key commands move
the visible section of the working area to the top, bottom, left, or right, just as if you
had grabbed one of the scrollers, and moved it to one of its extreme positions.
In the Arrange window, Event List, Hyper, and Matrix editors, View > Scroll To Selection
allows you to move the visible window section to the first set of selected events. This
function is available as a key command in the Arrange and Various MIDI Region Editors
area. The key command works in the currently-active window.
Closing Windows
You can close windows by clicking on the close symbol at the top left. If you hold
down Option as you click, all windows of the active song will be closed. Holding Shift
while clicking closes all windows of all currently loaded songs.
Zooming
The Zoom sliders are used to zoom in and out of the working area display. Selection of
different Zoom slider values reduces or increases the size of Objects and Regions in the
displayed screen section, allowing you to see more Objects and Regions in the same
space (zoom out) or a detailed display of fewer Objects and Regions (zoom in).
While zooming, the top-left selected Object/Region is kept in the visible area of the
screen, whenever possible.
The horizontal Zoom slider is located to the bottom-left of the working area of the
screen—in the Arrange window, it’s just under the Track List.
The vertical Zoom slider is found at the top right of the active window.
24 Chapter 1 Using Logic
Clicking on the more closely spaced bars will reduce the zoom level. Clicking on the
widely spaced bars will increase the zoom level. You can click-hold and drag the Zoom
sliders to step through several zoom levels. Any relative size differences between
tracks/objects will be retained when zooming. Command-clicking in the left/right
(horizontal) or top/bottom (vertical) half of the Zoom slider decreases/increases the
zoom factor by one step.
Storing and Recalling Zoom Settings
You can store three different zoom settings for each window via use of the Save as
Zoom 1–3 key commands. Use Recall Zoom 1–3 to recall your zoomed settings. These
commands only apply to the top (active) window.
Zooming in on One Section of the Screen
To enlarge a section of the screen to fill the whole window, use the Magnifying Glass
tool to drag a “rubber band” over the desired area. You can do this more than once.
Auto Track Zoom
The Arrange menu View > Auto Track Zoom function automatically enlarges the
currently selected track. The track size can be manually set by dragging the lower left
corner of any track in the Track List (the cursor will change to a “finger” icon).
Reverting to the Previous Zoom Setting
Click on the background with the Magnifying Glass. This will return the zoom level to
the original setting, by backtracking through the previous steps. You can access the
Magnifying Glass functions from any other tool (apart from the Pencil) by holding
down Control. The pointer will display the active tool, until you press the mouse
button. As long as the button is pressed, it will display the Magnifying Glass tool.
Window Elements
Adjusting the Size of the Window Elements
If you move the mouse over the top left corner of the Arrange area, the mouse pointer
turns into a crosshair. By dragging it, you can adjust the size of the Bar Ruler, Arrange
area, Track List, and Transport field buttons. You can also adjust the window elements in
the Score, Hyper, and Matrix Editors using the same method.
Concealing/Revealing the Transport Functions
Use View > Transportto display or remove the Transport panel from the top left corner
of the Hyper, Matrix, or Arrange windows. The number of buttons and indicators shown
is dependent on the amount of available screen space.
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Concealing/Revealing the Parameters
The View > Parameters function allows you to display or remove the entire area (which
contains the Region parameters, Instrument parameters, and the Toolbox) to the left of
the Arrange, Environment, and other edit windows. Hiding these parameters provides
more space for the editing window itself.
In many windows, you can hide and/or reveal further screen elements, such as the
Toolbox. These display options are always available from the View menu.
Concealing/Revealing the Local Menu Bar and Scroll Bars
Command-Option-click on the window title bar to toggle the display of the local menu
bar and scroll bars. This allows you configure small floating windows, which can be
stored as part of a Screenset.
Resizing the Parameters Area
You can alter the size of the entire Parameters area in the Arrange, Score, Hyper, and
Environment windows by moving your mouse cursor over the resize bars (the gray,
vertical bar with the two vertical lines) between the Parameters area and the column to
the right. As an example, the Arrange window’s Track List. The cursor appearance will
change, allowing you to click and drag horizontally. As you do so, the Parameters area
is resized, until the mouse button is released. The smallest “unit” of the resizing grid is
the width of a tool in the toolbox.
This facility makes reading parameter names and labels clearer.
Menu Handling
Given Logic’s extensive range of data manipulation functions, it would be impractical
to display all of them in the main menu bar. To ensure that only relevant functions are
available in each editor, a local menu system is employed.
Logic’s menus are accessed in the same way as in other applications: click-hold on the
menu title, move the mouse over the desired item, and release the mouse button. In
hierarchical menus, a right-pointing arrow is shown beside the item. If you highlight
such an item, a sub-menu will be displayed to the right. To select an item from this submenu, move the mouse to the right, into the sub-menu, and then move vertically over
the desired item. Release the mouse button to activate the selected function.
Note: A short click on any of the local menus will result in the menu remaining open,
even after you have released the mouse button. A long click will result in the behavior
described above.
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Window Types
There are two different types of windows in Logic: normal windows and float windows.
The contents of all windows that belong to the current song are always updated,
regardless of type.
Normal Windows
You can open as many normal windows as you want, including several of the same
type. Even though the contents of all windows are constantly updated, only one of the
windows ever has the status of being the “top”, or “active” window. This is the window
that is in the foreground when several normal windows overlap.
Topped, or active, windows can be recognized by a title bar that is not dimmed out,
and black name.
The illustration above shows the active, non-floating Arrange window
The main distinguishing characteristic of this window is that key commands only affect
this window, and not any of the others. The Windows > Next Window menu function
brings the next open window to the top, if it is fully obscured by other windows.
In background windows, you can not only observe changes, but make almost any kind
of change, without having to bring the window into the foreground. To do so, simply
long click on it. Background windows are identified by a white title bar (they can be
positioned next to the top window, or tiled underneath it) and faded name. You can
bring a window to the foreground by clicking on it, clicking on the title bar, or by
accessing one of the local menu functions.
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Float Windows
Float windows are so named because they always “float” in the foreground, even above
the topped normal window (if there are a lot of open float windows, they will
inevitably cover each other up—just click on one to bring it to the foreground).
The illustration above shows the Arrange window as float window.
Float windows are recognizable by their narrower, gray title bar. Mouse operations can
be carried out in the same way as in normal windows.
The most common example of a float window is the Transport window. You can open
any other window as a float window by holding down Option while selecting the
desired edit window from the Windows menu.
Note: Holding down Option while opening a window with a key command does not
open the window as a float.
Relationships Between Windows
The two buttons at the top left of a window, determine its relationship to the song
position (Catch), or to other windows (Link, Contents Link, or Contents Catch).
Catch
The Catch function ensures that the visible section of a window follows the song
position as the song plays.
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If the button featuring the walking man is lit, the window’s display follows the song
position as the song plays. If the button is not lit, the display does not update, even
when the song position line moves past the right edge of the visible portion of the
window (Catch Clock Position).
Note: If you move the visible section manually, Catch is automatically switched off,
ensuring that the newly displayed section doesn’t then disappear.
The Catch when Sequencer starts (Preferences > Global > Catch) option enables Catch
mode whenever you press Play or Pause.
Link, Contents Link, and Contents Catch
You can define these display options to control how information is displayed when
working with related editor windows.
Link
When the button featuring the chain link icon is activated in a given window, this
window always displays the same contents as the topped window. The display is
adjusted whenever the selection in the topped window is altered.
Here’s an example: imagine the topped window is an editor. In Linked mode, the other
editor windows can display the same data in another form (with the exception of the
Arrange window, which does not display event data).
Here’s another example, using the Environment window; The top window is the
Arrange window. In Linked mode, the Environment window will display the instrument
that corresponds to the selected track in the Arrange window. As you switch tracks in
the Arrange, the Environment will update to reflect the selection.
Contents Link
Double-clicking on the Link button activates Contents Link mode. This means that the
window always shows the contents of the Region or Object selected in the top
window. The display is therefore always one level below that of the top window.
Here’s an example: if the top window is an Arrange window, in Contents Link mode
the editor windows can show the events of a selected MIDI Region. Selecting a
different MIDI Region in the Arrange window will cause the display of the linked editor
to switch to the newly-selected MIDI Region.
Chapter 1 Using Logic 29
You could also use Contents Link mode in an Arrange window, to display the contents
of the folders in another Arrange window.
Contents Catch
By simultaneously switching on Catch and Contents Link, you activate Contents Catch
mode. Initially, this is equivalent to Contents Link mode, but when the song position
reaches the next Region on the same track, the contents of this Region are then
displayed.
You could use this mode in an Arrange window, much as you would in Contents Link
mode. The editors would then show the events of whichever MIDI Region is currently
being played on a track.
Screensets
Normally, you lay out your windows on the screen in a way that suits your working
methods. This layout of various windows, including the display size, zoom, position of
each window and other settings is called a Screenset, and can be stored. Once defined,
you can freely switch between different Screensets, much as you might swap between
different computer monitors.
Storing Screensets
Screensets are numbered from 1 to 99 (using only the 1 to 9 computer keys. The 0 key
is used for the Stop command). You can see the number of the current Screenset
beside the word Windows in the main menu. You don’t need to save Screensets with an
explicit command. It happens automatically, as soon as you switch to another
Screenset. Thus, without any effort, your current working view is always stored in the
current Screenset.
Switching Screensets
Just input the number of the desired Screenset (1 to 9). For two-digit Screensets hold
down Control while entering the first digit.
Protecting Screensets
Use the Lock/Unlock Current Screenset key command or Windows > Screensets > Lock
Screensetmenu option to prevent the current Screenset from being altered. A • appears
in front of the Screenset number to indicate that it is locked. Reuse the key or menu
command (the default is Shift-L) to unlock the Screenset.
The File > New command deactivates all Screenset locks.
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