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Audio vs. Software instruments???

New to Logic and DAW's.


I've noticed when using Logic Pro 9 that the software instruments [i.e. loops] sound better then when I record an audio track with my guitar, for example. Is this to be expected?


Thanks.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 17, 2012 10:41 AM

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Posted on Aug 17, 2012 10:49 AM

When you get better with Logic/DAW's your recordings will be just as good if not better than any loop.


Remember that the loops will be recorded using good mic's etc and also using EQ and compression on the final mix.

Use the loops to get started learning Logic and something to aim for as in production of your own material.

There are also lots of good free guitar plugins and IR loaders (for virtual cab) that can make a big difference on your overall sound.


Good luck and enjoy 🙂

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Aug 17, 2012 10:49 AM in response to cauchy

When you get better with Logic/DAW's your recordings will be just as good if not better than any loop.


Remember that the loops will be recorded using good mic's etc and also using EQ and compression on the final mix.

Use the loops to get started learning Logic and something to aim for as in production of your own material.

There are also lots of good free guitar plugins and IR loaders (for virtual cab) that can make a big difference on your overall sound.


Good luck and enjoy 🙂

Aug 17, 2012 12:04 PM in response to cauchy

cauchy wrote:


New to Logic and DAW's.


I've noticed when using Logic Pro 9 that the software instruments [i.e. loops] sound better then when I record an audio track with my guitar, for example. Is this to be expected?


Thanks.


Yes, because you're just beginning and don't know what you're doing... (yet)


Loops are pre-recorded audio, some mixed by professionals and often recorded with equipment that far surpasses what you have. To give you an idea, a top level microphone can cost far more than the sum of your computer, software and guitar, (and amp). To make matters worse, if you're using the computers built-in audio you're recording through a $2 audio chip imbedded on an electronically noisy motherboard.


Learning to do something well takes time and patience, study and work... however, you don't have to do something "right" to have fun and be creative but you will need to learn how to use what you have.

Aug 17, 2012 12:45 PM in response to cauchy

Great, let us know how it goes with the training sessions. You can do a lot with what you have available but putting it all together takes time and study, sounds like you're on your way.


I'm a guitarist/fretted instrument player and I've never been that fond of guitar amp/fx plugins, maybe I haven't messed with them enough but they never sound quite right to me, I usually record with a small amp or an external virtual (POD type) amp. Sometimes I use my live performance pedal board which has some effects that are older than half the posters on this board. Your mileage may vary, I guess it depends on the sound you're after.

Aug 17, 2012 4:45 PM in response to vaiman777

Thanks. Will check out the plugins.


You [or anyone] wouldn't be able to recommend a good MIDI keyboard controller for me to check out, would you -- preferrably 61 keys? I'm looking to spend around 300-400 US dollars. Right now I am using my mouse, unfortunatey. . .quite a drawback.


[I don't know if one can ask this kind of question on these forums]😕


Thanks!!

Aug 17, 2012 11:52 PM in response to cauchy

M-Audio has been been owned by Avid, makers of ProTools, Logic's direct competitor. However, it was recently sold to inMusic, the parent company of Akai, Alesis and Numark.


Some people hate m-audio gear some like it.


I have two M-Audio products that have worked flawlessly for me, an older 24/96 Audiophile PCI sound card, been used in a G4 and currently resides in a PC used for beta-testing.


And a keyboard controller I purchased over a year ago after my main Yamaha keyboard failed, it was to get by until I found an 88 key controller (which I did). However, I kept the M-Audio stacked above the main controller because it's easy to play and has worked perfectly from day one. It's an Oxygen 61 (blue model) real lightweight action, a bank each of dedicated sliders and knobs... also a transport pad. There is also a more expensive Axiom version. It's not the best but has held up surprisingly well.



http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Oxygen61.html $175-230


http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Axiom61New.html $349 - 450

Aug 18, 2012 4:40 PM in response to cauchy

Personally... no!


I When I record/use sequenced drums I play them all from the keyboard, generally the keyboard has better response and finer velocity levels, I suppose if you were a drummer and related to beating on something pads might be ok.. but in that case I would've purchased a much nicer pad controller. So, for my 2 cents the pads are a non-issue.

Audio vs. Software instruments???

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