Logic Pro vs. Soundtrack Pro vs. Acid Pro -- Just looking for advice.

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Level 1

12 points

Logic Pro vs. Soundtrack Pro vs. Acid Pro -- Just looking for advice.

I just recently converted to Macintosh because I can't stand Windows anymore. On my PC, I was using Acid Pro -- And I worked entirely with audio loops, and occasionally one-shots for SFX.

I went into a number of Apple stores, looking for a Mac-Equivalent "loop-based" program similar to Acid Pro & Sound Forge, and every single employee suggested Logic Pro -- So I bought ProCare & have been taking 1-to-1 lessons ever since. Everything has gone well, but now that it's crunch time, I am starting to freak out.

The problem is that Soundtrack Pro reminds me of Acid Pro so much -- I don't work with video at all whatsoever, but it seems that they both handle loops in a similar way. I feel like I was mis-lead into thinking Logic Pro was right for me -- I'm frustrated with how Logic won't automatically read my loops AS loops unless they're in AIFF..and won't even cross-fade loops for that matter. I don't know if it's Logic, or if I'm not giving Logic more of a chance. Don't get me wrong..I think Logic is INCREDIBLE..but I'm not sure if there's something about it that I just don't get yet.

Should I stick with Logic, or should I down-grade to Soundtrack? I work entirely with Loops, and sometimes one-shots for SFX -- I produce Cheer Music for work..so it's basically just a few songs cut, looped, and laid out -- Then over-lapped with a consistent beat, build-ups, snares, and SFX.

I miss Acid Pro because it was like music for dummies. But I KNOW Apple is the right operating system for me.

Any advice would be MORE than greatly appreciated!! =(

MacBook Pro 17", Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 23, 2008 8:51 PM

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Answer 1

italiankid44 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jun 24, 2008 7:09 AM in response to italiankid44

It bothers me that nobody ever responds to my posts, especially this one, because I'm just looking for advice. Please?

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Answer 2

Jun 24, 2008 8:29 AM in response to italiankid44

In Logic Pro 8 you cannot fade loops. It was possible in 7. Just convert the loop to audio and here it is. I don't understand what you mean to downgarade to Soundtrack. It is part of Logic Studio. Anyway. If you want to make some serious music stick to Logic.

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Answer 3

Jtonge

Level 1

15 points

Jun 24, 2008 8:55 AM in response to italiankid44

Keep in mind, people on this forum are from all over the world, in different time zones. And I've found there are really only a handful of folks here who can answer most questions. So be patient.

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Answer 4

italiankid44 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jun 24, 2008 2:05 PM in response to barbutovd

Ok thanks for the tip -- If I convert my loop to new audio, will it stay as a loop or become a one-shot? I'm trying to create a "working-mix" as a template for all my future mixes..So if I could do this to every loop, that'd be sweet..as long as it doesn't eat up my HD.

I didn't mean anything by "down-grading," it was just lack for better words. It seems that Soundtrack is so basic while Logic is so involved. With that being said, it kind of made me wonder why such a high-tech program like Logic wouldn't allow the crossfade of Loops, in comparison to Soundtrack -- Do you think it's something I should send in to feedback?

Again, thanks for the tip!

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Answer 5

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jun 24, 2008 7:57 PM in response to barbutovd

I miss Acid Pro because it was like music for dummies. But I KNOW Apple is the >right operating system for me.

The above looks like a basic deduction statement from an old SAT test.
Heh, no reading between the lines folks.

Seriously though... have you tried Garageband? Apple hired one of the programmers from Sonic Foundry (now owned by Sony) to come up the basic idea for a loop based program, Apple Loops were a direct result of the work done years ago by Sonic Foundry and developed in Acid 1, 2 & 3.

p.s. There is no equivalent program to SoundForge & CD Architect on Mac, imho.
At least not as full featured.

pancenter-

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Answer 6

Jun 24, 2008 9:47 PM in response to italiankid44

I wouldn't normally suggest this, and you saying that you work with loops really doesn't narrow down much (mostly because there's quite a bit you can do w/ loops these days) but look into Pro Tools w/ Transfuser. I've been using it some and its pretty incredible. Check it out. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaoV7rmMeUM

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Answer 7

Jun 24, 2008 10:53 PM in response to italiankid44

I just tried to edit the sound of a feature length film with Sound Track Pro and can say without question that I would avoid it like the plague!

There are TONs of bugs, like:

(1) Automation isn't chased consistently during export. Random volume jumps

(2) Plug-in settings lost occasionally when saving and reloading

(3) Plug-in automation getting mixed up on same type plugins on a track

(4) Memory leaks on large samples that get out of hand and kill your project.

This is just the simple show stoppers, there were many many more.

Now, I use Logic and Digital Performer. I have to say that Logic 8 is GREAT for midi, but using loops in it didn't feel that great. If you get into using soft synths it is absolutely awesome.

I am putting together my own loop stuff and just starting on it. What I found amazing for doing this is Ableton Live. You should so check it out. I think you might be amazed at how it works and you can download a demo to play with to see if it does what you want.

(I use digital performer for what I was using sound track pro for, final mastering audio tracks. Works awesome).

So yes, I use 3 DAWs all the time! 🙂

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Answer 8

Aug 18, 2008 12:45 PM in response to italiankid44

I don't know if you're still checking this, but you can loop audio regions in logic very easily. If you position your mouse over the top right of your region, a little loop tool will show up. You can click and drag after that. Also, if you select a region and press the L button, that region will loop until the end of a pice or until another region shows up within the same track. I hope that helps.

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Answer 9

TEFnick

Level 1

5 points

Aug 18, 2008 1:44 PM in response to italiankid44

"I miss Acid Pro because it was like music for dummies. But I KNOW Apple is the right operating system for me."

hey man if your just mainly doin loops...etc. I would just stick to Garageband, Garageband is fairly easy to use and is mainly a loop based program (Like Acid Pro) and can get pretty darn good results too! but since u already bought Logic Studio then I dont know what to tell you. I wouldve just sticked with Garageband, the only use of Logic (well in your case that is) is if you want more mixing/editing/multitrack recording abilities. So ya. Good Luck

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Answer 10

czarthp

Level 1

51 points

Aug 18, 2008 6:16 PM in response to italiankid44

I say stick with logic, if you looking for something to handle loops well check out ableton live. on there website www.ableton.com they have a free trial for 14 days. You can also rewire live into logic and use them together

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Answer 11

Aug 21, 2008 1:44 PM in response to barbutovd

barbutovd wrote:
In Logic Pro 8 you cannot fade loops.

In Logic Pro 8 is very easy to fade loops!
Logic pro 8 use.CAF that cannot be edited for security reason in order to remain untouched for compatibility for future usage

you just export the loops in the bin!!!
it will be fade and edited without problems

G

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Answer 12

Aug 21, 2008 1:49 PM in response to italiankid44

Logic Studio include :
Logic Pro and Soundtrack pro...
you got also Quicktime Pro
WaveBurner that it is the best for make Audio CD iwith your Mac
and MainStage... no comment about this app... I never use it!

G

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