Apple Updates Logic Pro X and MainStage 3 With New Features

Apple today updated Logic Pro X, its software designed for professional audio editing. Version 10.4.2 of Logic Pro X introduces several useful new tweaks and updates to Logic Pro X features.

Users can now relocate the Sound Library to an external storage device if desired, and Smart Tempo is able to analyze tempo data across multi-track recordings to define a Project Tempo. Smart Tempo also now analyzes the tempo of MIDI performances recorded without a metronome, and a new mixer mode lets channels strip fader and pan controls.


A full list of everything that's new in the Logic Pro X update is below:

- The Sound Library can be relocated to an external storage device
- Smart Tempo can analyze tempo data across multi-track recordings to define the Project Tempo
- Imported multi-track stems can follow or define Project Tempo
- Smart Tempo now analyzes the tempo of MIDI performances recorded without a metronome
- Alchemy provides drag and drop hot zones that let you select re-synthesis and sampling options while importing audio
- Alchemy allows numerical editing of parameter values
- Dragging one automation point over another now aligns them vertically
- New mixer mode allows channel strip fader and pan controls to be used to set send level and pan
- Automatic Slurs can be applied to selected notes in the Score Editor
- Add a photo to track or project notes to help remember key session details or studio hardware settings
- This update also contains numerous stability and performance improvements

Apple has also updated MainStage 3, which accompanies Logic Pro X and is designed to turn the Mac into a live rig. A long list of new features have been added to MainStage, as outlined in the release notes listed below:

General
- Channel Strip MIDI input inspector allows any MIDI CC data to be filtered, transformed or passed through
- Text notes can be added to the bottom of channel strips
- The Metronome is now fully configurable, with separate settings for Bar, Group, Beat, and Division
- This update also contains numerous stability and performance improvements

Sound Library
- The Sound Library can be relocated to an external storage device
- 2 vintage brush kits for Drum Kit Designer
- More than 800 new loops in a variety of instruments and genres
- New Visions library for Alchemy adds 150 cinematic presets

Plug-Ins
- ChromaVerb is a sophisticated new algorithmic reverb with a colorful, interactive interface for creating rich acoustic spaces
- Space Designer offers a new design and a scalable, Retina interface
- Step FX adds rhythmic multi-effect processing using 3 powerful step sequencers and an X/Y pad
- Phat FX makes your tracks bigger and bolder using 9 effects that add warmth and punch to your sounds
- The Vintage EQ Collection provides 3 accurate models of vintage analog EQs from the 1950s to the 1970s
- Studio Strings and Studio Horns are deeply sampled, realistic ensemble instruments with custom articulation controls
- Mellotron is now available as a standalone instrument plug-in
- Retro Synth now offers 18 different filter models
- The length of individual steps in the Arpeggiator plug-in are adjustable
- Loopback now applies a small crossfade at each loop cycle to reduce the likelihood of clicks or other audio artifacts

Alchemy
- Alchemy provides drag and drop hot zones that let you select re-synthesis and sampling options while importing audio
- Alchemy allows numerical editing of parameter values
- Alchemy adds 12 new synthesized formant filter shapes
- Alchemy now offers a side chain input that can be used as a source for envelope followers
- Alchemy includes an automatic time align feature for improved morphing
- New additive effects in Alchemy expand the options for filtering and modulating sound

Logic Pro X can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $199.99. [Direct Link]

MainStage 3 can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $29.99. [Direct Link]