Q: how do i load library sounds into logic express 7
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Aug 9, 2014 7:13 AMby Guitartist,HelpfulWhen you say you "don't appear to have access to any soft synths or drum sounds" does that mean you're not sure how to insert a synth or that you can't find the sounds for the synth?
Step 1: Go to HD > Library > Application Support > Logic to find your EXS Factory Samples, Ultrabeat Samples, and Sampler Instruments folders. You should find audio samples and patches inside these folders.
Step 2: Assuming you have all of your patches and samples properly installed, create a software instrument track in your LE project and insert an instrument (e.g. EXS24) in the channel strip. When the instrument window opens click on the presets drop-down and you should see a range of options to choose from.
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Aug 9, 2014 10:55 AMby nolovelost,Thanks a lot for getting back to me, much appreciated. I followed your Step 1 instructions and it seems that I don't have the audio samples or patches in the Logic folder, which probably explains why I've not been able to access them... I have a feeling a previous flatmate probably deleted them to free up space on the HD
So I need to get those EXS Factory Samples, Ultrabeat Samples, and Sampler Instruments folders and contents back on my comp somehow? Any ideas?
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Aug 9, 2014 11:31 AMby Guitartist,HelpfulDo you have your original installation discs?
If so, I would just uninstall and then reinstall LE7. If not, I think your only recourse would be to dig out your receipt and contact Apple Support.
You could also buy LE8 on amazon or e-bay, but if you buy an upgrade you need to make sure that you still have your LE7 serial number because you will not be able to install and run LE8 without it. If you lost your serial number you'll need to buy a full license. I think your computer will run LE8, but be sure to check the system requirements.
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Aug 9, 2014 11:58 AMby nolovelost,It was installed by a friend of mine (who I've not seen for years) when he owned the computer, but when I open the 'about logic express' window his username and serial number are displayed, so i should be ok. I seem to just about meet the system requirements too. I'm bidding on a LE8 upgrade at the moment, so hopefully I'll be able to load it. I'll keep you posted! Thanks for all your help.
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Aug 9, 2014 1:36 PMby Guitartist,You're welcome. You should be all set then since you have the LE7 serial number.
In the meantime, you should download the LE8 user manual for a sneak preview if you haven't already done so.
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Aug 10, 2014 4:52 AMby nolovelost,As you've been so helpful...I wondered if I could pick your brain a little further?
1. I'm assuming I'll need a soundcard/interface in order to record external instruments/vocals/etc. and I was thinking about the M-Audio Delta 66? Or is there a cheaper option which would suit my purposes?
2. I also expect I'll need a midi controller keyboard to play the data in? Any advice on what make/model I should choose, bearing in mind I'm only one small step up from being financially destitute Also, does this mean I would need an interface that has a midi input? as the Delta only appears to have jack ins/outs. Maybe I'd be better with the Delta 10-10?
Sorry about my comparative ignorance regarding technical issues, I've always worked with more technically minded people who've taken care of that side of things, I'm more of an ideas person, but I felt it was about time I grabbed the bull by the horns, as it were, as it's the only way I'm gonna get my music sounding close to the way I want it to. Well, that's the theory at least... Thanks again!
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Aug 10, 2014 6:11 AMby Guitartist,First of all, you need an audio interface, not a soundcard. Without knowing much about your particular needs, something like a Focusrite or an AudioBox would be a good, all-purpose, inexpensive option. This would give you inputs for guitar, microphone, and MIDI. Here is a good article about how to choose an audio interface. It all depends on what instruments/vocals you will be recording,how many inputs you need, and what inputs are available on your computer.
Re: a keyboard, a 25-key controller would be the least expensive way to go. This Alesis, for example, has pitch & modulation wheels, velocity-sensitive keys, and both USB and traditional MIDI connectivity. I should mention that if you're not a keyboard player and only need basic keyboard functionality you can save money by simply pressing your caps lock key and using your computer keyboard for your MIDI input.
Please understand that the products I've mentioned are just examples to help push you in the right direction. Read the article, give more thought to how many and what kind of inputs you will need, how elaborate a keyboard you need, what inputs you have on your computer, etc.
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Aug 10, 2014 8:01 AMby nolovelost,Great advice again, so many things I didn't know I had to consider. As much as I want my recordings to be high quality (my intention is to record backing tracks - drums/some keys, piano parts/bass parts - to use for live performance. I have a live guitarist and I'll be singing and playing some bass and keys, so it'll be just the 2 of us with everything else, at least for now, coming off a laptop or the Boss BR-900 that I've been using to write the songs) I have zero budget, so price is gonna be a strong determining factor.
That Alesis keyboard looks perfect for me (when ready money allows), but in the short term... I have a YAMAHA PSS-480 keyboard with MIDI in and out and a jack out, could I use that for now to play parts in (once I've bought an interface that is)?
After reading the excellent article you sent, I think I'm only gonna need a MIDI in/a jack input/an XLR socket on my interface, as all recording will be done seperately, and as I have a Sennheiser E945 mic I don't think I'd even necessarily need phantom power. The Focusrite and AudioBox look great, but seem to be out of my price range sadly. Given my requirements do you think there's a cheaper option interface out there that wouldn't mean the quality of my recording would be noticeably compromised? I was looking at the M-Audio M track which seems to be the cheapest option I can find for what I'll need?
My computer is an old G4 Power Mac tower, which has a few inputs on the back of various shapes and sizes...it only has 2 USB ports on the back, one of which is occupied by the keyboard, but I believe there are ways to increase the inputs with an extension?
Once again, sorry for my ignorance.
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Aug 10, 2014 12:38 PMby Guitartist,The M-Audio M Track would be fine for your needs, but Alesis has a similar unit for almost $20 less. You would be hard-pressed to find anything cheaper than that, unless perhaps if you went the e-bay route.
Given your budget, if you like your Yamaha keyboard why not just use that? It has built-in sounds, correct? Until you get your audio/MIDI interface you can still use your Yamaha sounds by connecting its audio out (or headphone jack) to your G4 audio line in. You might need an adapter.
I do this sometimes with my Casio, feeding the internal sounds out via its stereo headphone jack into a line in on my audio interface. Later, when you get your new interface you can use the MIDI in/out also for more sound flexibility.
I should also mention that most people use an external drive for recording purposes, which of course would use one of your USB or firewire ports (Firewire is faster and preferred.) Your needs are fairly simple, though, so you might just try recording to your internal drive and see how it goes. And yes, you can buy a USB hub for more connections if necessary.
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Aug 10, 2014 4:23 PMby nolovelost,Ah I see, you're in the US! I thought so earlier as the product links you posted took me to US based sites. I'm in Manchester, England.
Thanks again for all your help, I've located the Alesis unit you recommended (on eBay) for a reasonable price (well, at the moment at least) so I'm gonna keep my eye on that.
I hadn't realised I could plug my keyboard directly into my comp, although I was just looking and the pic you posted is a bit different to my comp (I think it might be the G5?). There is another small input under the headphone mini jack socket, but it doesn't take a mini jack and I can't really figure out what it's for or what kind of plug would input it
I have an external drive, the cable is the small arched shaped USB to standard USB, do you know which adapter I'd need to plug into the firewire port on my G4? I've seen one - Firewire 6 Female to USB male adapter - but there are others so I'm not sure... would I be better with a USB to Firewire cable rather than an adapter? I've seen a cheap USB hub too!
So over the next week or two I'm hoping to get the Alesis interface, the LE8 upgrade, and the USB/Firewire cable/adapter and USB hub, which should get me up and running
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Aug 12, 2014 2:29 PMby Guitartist,Yes, I am indeed in the US, and you are welcome!
The image I uploaded is a G4. Whether you have a G4 or a G5 you should be able to find an "audio in" port. Check your manual or Google your specific model for more information. If you're not sure what you've got, click on the apple on the top left menu bar and "about this mac" in the drop-down.
Why do you want to plug your USB external drive into a firewire port? When I said that firewire was faster and preferred I meant a firewire drive plugged into a firewire port. If your drive is USB, just plug it into a USB port. You would gain nothing by using a firewire adapter and I'm sorry if I mislead you. As an analogy, imagine your data streaming from your computer to your external drive via a fire hose (firewire) connected to a garden hose (USB). Even if your data came gushing out from your computer in a massive stream, it would become restricted by the time it entered your drive. Going in the opposite direction, the maximum amount streaming through the garden hose cannot be increased by attaching it to a fire hose. It's still limited by the garden hose's capacity.
A USB hub is fine, but be careful not to go too cheap because you want to make sure you get a "powered" one. See this article.
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Aug 12, 2014 3:29 PMby nolovelost,Sorry, I completely misunderstood your advice about the external hard drive. I already have one with the USB cable, I hadn't realised there were firewire drives.
I have the Digital Audio G4 so the back panel lay out is a little different, but the ports are the same, just located in different places. Still not sure what that little socket beneath the headphone socket is, but It doesn't really matter as I'm gonna wait till I get my interface before I start trying to record.
Thanks for letting me know about the powered hub too didn't know anything about those. More expense of course, but essential by the looks of things.
It's driving me nuts waiting for these ebay auctions to finish...just hope the bidding doesn't get too crazy!
