Apple LOGIC PRO 7 User Manual
Logic Pro 7
TDM Guide
Apple Computer, Inc.
© 2004 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
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1
Contents
Preface 5 An Introduction to TDM Systems
5 About This Guide
Chapter 1 7 Audio Hardware and Drivers
7 Hardware Setup
8 Drivers
14 Digidesign Hardware Setup
14 Adaptation of Songs Produced With Other Hardware
Chapter 2 15 About TDM
15 Differences to Native Processing
16 TDM Plug-ins
17 Specific Characteristics
19 Simultaneous Operation of TDM and Other Hardware
Chapter 3 21 ESB TDM and EXS24 TDM
21 Features
22 EXS24 TDM
24 ESB TDM
Chapter 4 29 Audio Export and Import
29 OMF Export
30 OMF Import
30 AAF Export
30 AAF Import
Chapter 5 31 Tips and Tricks
32 ESB TDM Differences Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X
33 How to Import Songs from Mac OS 9 Systems
34 How to Import Native Songs from Any System
34 Using DAE, DTDM, and Core Audio Simultaneously
34 System Performance and TDM DSP Usage
35 Bounce Strategies
3
Glossary 37
Index 49
4
Contents
An Introduction to TDM Systems
In general, DAWs take one of two approaches for the task
of audio signal processing: the use of dedicated
hardware DSPs (TDM systems), or the native processing
capabilities of the computer’s CPU.
Logic Pro allows you to make use of your TDM system DSPs in conjunction with your
computer’s native CPU processing resources.
The link between the DSP world of your TDM system, and your computer’s native CPU
processing resources is the ESB TDM (Emagic System Bridge TDM).
The ESB TDM allows your computer’s CPU to processes one audio engine (Direct TDM),
and the DSP of the TDM hardware to processes another (DAE). This is done by using
two different mixers in Logic’s Environment: A TDM Mixer (using the DAE) and a native
mixer (called the DTDM Mixer). The first one handles TDM plug-ins, while the other
works with native plug-ins in both Audio Unit and Logic formats.
Up to eight of the DTDM Mixer outputs can be routed into the TDM Mixer. The output
signals are received by the virtual ESB TDM inputs—chosen as Inputs on the TDM Aux
Objects. This enables all Logic tracks, native and Audio Unit plug-ins—including
software instruments—to be used in conjunction with your TDM system DSPs.
Preface
The output of the TDM mixers is fed via connected Digidesign TDM hardware.
About This Guide
This guide will introduce you to all that you “need to know” to get your TDM hardware
up and running with Logic Pro.
We will also introduce you to the ESB TDM and EXS24 TDM. These expand and enhance
the flexibility of your Logic and DAE/TDM production system.
Further to this, you will also learn about importing and exporting audio between the
Logic and Pro Tools software.
5
We have presumed a level of knowledge on the general concepts of DAWs (Digital
Audio Workstations) and basic computer operations.
We have also assumed that you have connected your TDM system to your Macintosh,
and have installed (and tested) the Pro Tools system software. A correctly installed and
operational ProTools system will ensure a reliable Logic Pro/DAE system.
Note:
Please carefully read and follow the instructions of your Digidesign ProTools
installation manual.
The connection of your MIDI interface hardware and any external MIDI synthesizers or
modules is also presumed to be working correctly.
The use of Logic Pro’s functions is discussed in the accompanying Reference and
Onscreen Help system—accessible from the Logic Pro Help menu.
Conventions of this Guide
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:
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:
Key Commands
Many Logic functions can be activated or accessed with key commands—computer
keyboard or MIDI controller shortcuts. The key commands mentioned in this guide are
based on the Default Key Command set, assigned by the Logic Setup Assistant.
6 Preface
Information on function or parameter.
Information on function or parameter.
An Introduction to TDM Systems
1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
1
This chapter provides you with the information required
to set up Logic with TDM hardware.
In the initial section, you will be introduced to TDM hardware that can be used with
Logic Pro and drivers for this hardware. You will then learn all about appropriate driver
settings. The latter portion discusses the adaptation of songs that were produced with
different hardware.
Hardware Setup
Trouble-free operation of Logic requires the correct installation and configuration of
the audio hardware and drivers. Please refer to the documentation that shipped with
your Digidesign audio hardware to configure your computer and hardware for optimal
performance.
Logic Pro supports all audio hardware that offers a Core Audio driver, and Digidesign
TDM hardware that works with DAE under Mac OS X.
You can also use your TDM audio interfaces by making use of Core Audio. This may be
beneficial in certain cases, should you wish to open songs created in native audio
engines.
We will primarily concentrate on the setup of supported Digidesign TDM hardware in
this guide, but will also cover appropriate Core Audio hardware settings. This
information may prove useful as you may wish to combine both the native and TDM
engines of Logic, and make use of a Core Audio device in conjunction with your TDM
hardware.
The simultaneous use of multiple audio cards is useful for increasing the number of
inputs and outputs, for example. Dependent on computing power and the connected
audio hardware, this can raise the number of stereo audio tracks to over 255!
7
Drivers
All audio hardware requires a driver, which acts as a communication link with the Logic
software. To use particular hardware, its/their drivers need to be activated.
Selecting and activating a particular audio hardware device is achieved directly in
Logic, via the
recognize any installed Core Audio hardware, and will use the default settings—as
defined in the Audio MIDI Setup pane—for it. It can, however, be advantageous to
optimize the settings for your individual hardware setup, particularly if you use more
than one audio driver or a multi I/O card.
In such cases, you should fine tune the audio hardware settings.
You can choose between the Core Audio, DAE, and Direct TDM panes in Logic’s Drivers
preferences.
Core Audio
The Core Audio pane refers to the internal audio inputs and outputs of your Mac, or
another audio hardware device that uses Core Audio drivers. The Core Audio driver
parameters are described in “Core Audio and Direct TDM Settings” on page 9.
DAE
DAE is the abbreviated form of Digidesign Audio Engine. This is the driver software for
many Digidesign cards, and is primarily used for the operation of TDM hardware and/or
access to their on-board DSP chips.
Audio > Audio Hardware and Drivers
dialogs. Logic will automatically
The following Digidesign hardware is currently
•
ProTools HD Accel/HD/MIX/24/MIX
The following Digidesign hardware is
•
AudioMedia III, Digi001, M Box, Digi002, and 002R
You can operate these interfaces as plain audio I/O cards, through use of a Core Audio
driver.
You will find more information on the DAE parameters in the “DAE Settings” on
page 12.
Direct TDM
To use Direct TDM (DTDM), you require any of the abovementioned TDM hardware
from Digidesign, and the ESB TDM.
ESB TDM—included in Logic Pro—connects the DTDM native audio engine with the
DAE.
8 Chapter 1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
supported
unsupported
by Logic Pro via the DAE:
by Logic Pro via the DAE:
This allows your computer’s CPU to perform processes in Logic’s native DTDM Mixer,
including: audio track playback, the use of software-based instruments such as those
incorporated into Logic plus Audio Units instrument and effect plug-ins.
Up to eight audio streams emanating from this native mixing board can be fed into
your TDM mixer, where the data can be further processed with TDM plug-ins.
The Direct TDM driver parameters are described in the “Core Audio and Direct TDM
Settings” section below. Read more about the “ESB TDM” on page 24.
Note:
If you hold down the Control key when you start Logic, a dialog box appears,
allowing you to switch off individual drivers or all audio drivers, for this particular
launch of the program. You can start Logic more quickly without audio drivers, should
you only want to use it as a MIDI sequencer.
Note:
It’s a good idea to frequently visit the Digidesign web pages (and those of your
audio hardware manufacturer, if using an additional Core Audio device) in order to
obtain the latest drivers. The manufacturer’s website is often a good source for
information on available drivers, compatibility issues and troubleshooting tips.
Core Audio and Direct TDM Settings
Core Audio and Direct TDM have many of the following parameters in common:
I/O Buffer Size
This parameter determines the size of the buffer used by the audio hardware—for both
input and output. Options range from 32 up to 1024 samples. The smaller the buffer
size, the less “latency” you will encounter when monitoring while recording, or using
software instruments.
Note:
There may be a point where the selected I/O Buffer Size is too small for your
system, and begins to affect playback. This usually takes the form of clicks, pops, and
crackles. You should therefore aim for the lowest possible I/O Buffer Size value that
doesn’t introduce these types of artefacts.
As this parameter value is reduced, it places a higher strain on the CPU(s) of the system.
On current Macintosh models, you should be able to reduce this value down to its
minimum. As a word of advice, if you find a higher (larger) I/O Buffer Size setting
provides suitably low latency during record monitoring and software instrument
playback, you should use it. This will minimize the impact on the CPU(s) of your system.
You may wish to use a lower setting while recording (lower latency) and increase the
I/O Buffer Size for better overall stability while editing or mixing (bounce).
Chapter 1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
9
Recording Delay
This parameter is measured in samples. It allows the recording of Audio Regions to be
delayed by a certain fixed value. It helps advanced users to compensate for the delay
that may be caused by incorrect delay information being provided by the driver.
Normally you don’t have to bother with this parameter.
Max. Number of Audio Tracks
The Audio Engine requires free system memory, which is not assigned to Logic or any
other application. The amount of memory required depends on:
•
the maximum number of tracks to be played
•
the number of I/O channels supplied by the driver
This setting allows you to reduce the amount of memory required by the driver
through a reduction in the number of tracks. This may be useful when you want to run
other applications or drivers simultaneously. Range is from 4 to 255 tracks.
As you change the
right, the
System Memory Requirement
Max. Number of Audio Tracks
value will update in realtime.
value by dragging the slider left or
64 Busses
This checkbox allows the use of up to 64 Bus Objects. Logic Pro normally restricts the
number of Bus Objects to 32. If you need to create more, check this box, and add the
desired Objects.
Universal Track Mode
Universal Track Mode, when engaged, allows the playback of stereo and mono Regions
on a single track. Even-numbered Audio Objects are not regarded as the right channels
of the odd-numbered stereo Audio Objects to their left, and every Audio Object has its
own Mono/Stereo button. Dependent on whether a mono or stereo Region is played
back, the Pan knob will behave as Balance or Pan control. If you play back a mono
Region, and the Pan knob is set to the center position, both channels of the Audio
Object will output the same signal level.
Note:
Universal Track Mode has limited routing capabilities, as it is not possible to
handle the left and right audio channels separately.
The Non-Universal Track Mode is useful if you wish to play different mono files for the
left and right mono channels of a single Audio Object, even when it is assigned as a
stereo track. A stereo/stereo plug-in inserted on this stereo track receives different
signals for the left and right channels.
10 Chapter 1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
Important:
In order to change tracks to or from DAE/TDM, always switch Universal
Track Mode off, and work with split stereo or mono files. Also be aware that DAE/TDM
does not currently work with interleaved stereo files. If your tracks need to be switched
between DAE/TDM and other systems, split stereo files should be used. To do so,
enable the
stereo file(s)
Preferences
parameter.
>
Audio > General > Force record & convert interleaved into split
Please reboot Logic after changing the Universal Track Mode setting.
Larger Disk Buffer
This option influences the amount of audio data that is read from the disk in advance.
It is switched off by default, matching the demands of fast hard drives and powerful
computers. If you encounter frequent error messages while running Logic, you should
switch this setting on. This will allow you to play back more tracks, achieving higher
reliability. Please note that RAM requirements are increased if this option is active.
24 Bit Recording
When this setting is active, Logic can record 24 bit files. Please keep in mind that this
only makes sense if you are actually using a 24 bit interface. As long as your audio
hardware is capable of this bit depth, you can select this option in the
Hardware & Drivers
window.
Audio > Audio
24 bit recordings offer a significant improvement in the available dynamic range, but
require high quality peripheral components such as; microphones, preamplifiers, and
high quality AD/DA converters. 24 bit files use one and a half times more disk space
than comparable 16 bit files.
Note:
More information about the use of bit depths, can be found in the following
section.
Software Monitoring
This option allows you to switch Software Monitoring (listening to the actual input
signal) on or off. Please note that with Software Monitoring active, the audio signal is
processed via Logic—so a certain amount of audible delay (commonly referred to as
latency) is inevitable—although this may be so small that it can’t be heard. If you are
listening to the recording signal through your mixing desk, or your audio hardware
supports hardware monitoring, you should switch this option off.
The decision to switch Software Monitoring on, or to listen to the incoming signal as
output by your (analog) mixing desk, depends on the latency time that can be
achieved with the system.
Chapter 1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
11
DAE Settings
The DAE parameters can only be set after activating the DAE. To do so, check the
Enabled
following parameters:
Global Bit Depth
This parameter allows you to choose between 16 bit or 24 bit playback and recording.
Note:
box in the upper left corner of the DAE pane. You will then have access to the
The DAE does not allow the use of 16 and 24 bit files simultaneously.
About Sample Rates and Bit Depths
Some audio hardware, such as Pro Tools HD, supports high sampling rates of 88.2, 96,
176.4, or 192 kHz. Logic Pro supports these high sample rates. The sample rates can be
selected in the
require two or four times the hard disk space, and that the audio engine will be
required to perform two or four times as fast as a 44.1 kHz rate. You should consider
that the improvement in audio quality of 96 kHz recordings, compared with 44.1 kHz,
is fairly minor. More significant differences can be heard between 16 and 24 bit
recordings. Many audio engineers consider 44.1 kHz, 24 bit recording to be the best
balance between sound quality, and efficient use of resources. For modern DVD
production higher sample rates may be required.
Logic allows the simultaneous playback of audio files of different bit depths (16 and
24) within the same song, using a native audio engine.
Audio > Sample Rate
menu. Note that these higher sample rates
If you want to use both bit depths natively, please ensure that the DAE engine is set
to 24 bit.
PT HD Type
This parameter allows you to define the number of tracks for your PT HD or HD Accel
system. Each entry in the pop-up menu allows you to define the required number of
tracks, based on the number of PT HD DSPs that you wish to use (and actually have) in
your system.
MIX Card Type
This pop-up menu option determines the number of tracks that are possible from your
MIX Card system. Options are
resources and is highly recommended, when using DTDM in parallel with MIX
hardware.
TDM Setup Indicator
The TDM Setup Indicator is a small status window that shows the current TDM process,
such as when inserting a TDM plug-in, for example. This parameter enables you to
switch the display of this window on or off.
12 Chapter 1
32 Tracks
Audio Hardware and Drivers
or
64 Tracks
. Setting it to
32 Tracks
will save
Release in Background if Stopped
We strongly recommend that you do not enable this option until the DAE and
standalone Digidesign Core Audio driver support this feature.
Activation of this parameter will release the TDM hardware when Logic is not in play or
record mode, allowing you to address the hardware with another application—such as
the Pro Tools software or a sample editing program.
Common Parameters
At the bottom of each Drivers pane you can see four pop-up menus, which provide you
with the following settings.
Process Buffer Range
This parameter determines the size of the native buffer that is used to compute mixers
and effects. You can choose between Small, Medium, and Large buffer sizes.
Note:
Larger buffer sizes will increase latency. Dependent on CPU speed, buffer sizes
that are too small may compromise realtime audio processing.
Note:
This setting is not valid for the DAE.
Rewire Behavior
When sending MIDI data to a Rewire compatible software instrument, you can choose
between:
Playback mode: use when playing back MIDI tracks via Rewire. This setting requires
•
less CPU power.
Live mode: use when playing a Rewire instrument live. This setting requires more
•
CPU power.
Note:
Please note, that this setting is not valid for the DAE.
Maximum Scrub Speed
Sets the maximum scrub speed.
Normal
means the playback speed is used,
Double
playback speed is twice as fast.
Scrub Response
Determines the reaction time for audio scrubbing. Choose the value that works best for
your system configuration. Options are: Slow, Normal, Fast, Faster.
Chapter 1
Audio Hardware and Drivers
13
Digidesign Hardware Setup
The Digidesign Hardware Setup dialog box contains all important System settings for
your Digidesign hardware.
This is where you determine whether Logic will use the analog or digital inputs, when
recording. You can also check your hardware, to ensure that it is functioning properly. If
you own several Digidesign hardware units, you can select from among them here.
You can open the Digidesign Hardware Setup window via the
Hardware Setup
menu item, within the Audio window
.
Options > Digidesign
Adaptation of Songs Produced With Other Hardware
If using a TDM system, you may often encounter situations where you need to load
songs that were produced with other hardware. Logic makes handling such situations
very simple: When you load a song (of any origin), Logic checks whether its Audio
Object drivers are activated or not. If they are not—which may be the case when a
song was produced on another computer with different hardware—the driver settings
will be “switched” to a compatible (Core Audio or DTDM) driver for the hardware that is
installed in your computer.
As the final step in “adapting” the song, Logic checks whether or not there is an Audio
Object available for every channel of your hardware. If there isn’t, a suitable number of
Objects will be created automatically. This facility means that whenever you change the
hardware in a given computer, or if you take song data to another computer with
different hardware, the Audio Objects will change as well—while maintaining their EQ,
effect, and send settings.
Should the plug-ins used by the song be different on the two computers, the plug-ins
that are not available will be grayed out in the Insert slots of the appropriate channels.
You will need to manually insert/replace these plug-ins with plug-ins that are available
for use on the target computer.
Note:
In order to be compatible with Digidesign DAE/TDM systems, all stereo recording
should take place in split stereo. For DAE/TDM compatibility, activate
Audio > Force record & convert interleaved into split stereo file(s)
14 Chapter 1
Preferences >
.
Audio Hardware and Drivers
2
About TDM
2
Logic Pro allows you to make use of the TDM functions
supported by ProTools HD Accel, HD, Mix, and 24/MIX
systems.
TDM stands for Time Division Multiplexing, the time-interlaced transmission of several
digital audio signals through a single data bus. This bus system is physically isolated
from the computer system bus, and runs between the individual TDM-capable PCI
boards. 256 (MIX) or 512 (with HD/HD Accel) digital audio channels, each with 24 bit
resolution, can be transmitted on the TDM bus. These signals form the signal paths
within a virtual mixer. These signal paths are necessary for the insertion of plug-ins,
which are calculated on the DSP card (DSP = Digital Signal Processor), and routed into
the individual channels, or are selected through auxiliary busses.
Note:
You should only use hard drives mentioned on the compatibility list provided by
Digidesign, for recording.
Pro Tools HD systems increase the sample rates possible, the number of tracks and the
number of channels on the TDM II bus.
Note:
It should be noted that the TDM channel count is sample rate dependent, so if a
rate of 88.2 or 96 kHz is used, the 512 channels available to a PT HD system will be
halved to 256. At a sample rate of 192 kHz, this will again be halved to 128.
Differences to Native Processing
Basically, the use of Logic with a TDM system is very similar to the use of Logic with the
native processing capabilities of your computer. Here is an overview of the main
differences between the two systems:
In a TDM system, all audio processing is done by the DSP chips incorporated into the
•
TDM hardware. This means that the native Logic plug-ins cannot be run on the TDM
DSPs. TDM plug-ins, however, can be fully used and automated.
15
The TDM hardware determines the overall features of the system: number of tracks,
•
number of TDM plug-ins that can be used simultaneously, number of in/outputs and
so on. Please refer to the manuals delivered with your ProTools system for further
information.
•
Stereo recordings require two tracks, and are recorded as two separate files. In the
Arrange window a stereo recording is handled as two linked Regions, which use two
tracks. In the Sample Editor stereo recordings are displayed as stereo file. All oddnumbered Track Objects can be switched to stereo. Doing so will cause the following
even-numbered tracks to be “locked” to the preceding odd-numbered tracks. The
odd numbered track controls both sides of the stereo recording.
TDM Plug-ins
TDM compatible plug-ins can be used in Logic. Please make sure that the plug-ins are
installed correctly. The use of TDM plug-ins is very similar to the use of native plug-ins.
TDM plug-ins can be fully automated.
Note:
Logic does not support TDM Surround and multi mono plug-ins with two or
more channels.
Plug-in Settings
All TDM plug-in settings are saved with the song, and are automatically restored the
next time the song is loaded.
You can also use plug-in settings to manage the parameters of a plug-in. This method
is comparable to the storage locations of an external effects device, combined with a
clipboard for effects parameters.
In the gray header at the top of the Plug-in window, you can open the Settings pulldown menu by clicking on the arrow button. It offers the following options:
Copy Setting
Copies all parameters into an independent plug-in Clipboard. These parameter settings
remain here, until
Clipboard.
Paste Setting
If you have opened a plug-in of the same type, you can paste the parameter set from
the plug-in Clipboard. This allows you to quickly set up several plug-ins of the same
type, or exchange settings between songs.
Save Setting
This allows you to save all of the current plug-in parameters to disk. This is useful if you
have created a special sound effect that you want to use in future.
16 Chapter 2
Copy Setting
About TDM
is next selected. This does not affect the global Logic
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