- If you plan to use Logic and Final Cut Pro, then it is definitely worth the cost. I can't remember what I paid; it was either $100 cheaper than FCPX by itself, or the same cost. So it's like buying FCPX and getting free copies of Logic Pro X and Mainstage 3, which are the two programs in this bundle I use the most.
- Preinstalled on every Mac, GarageBand is one of the most popular music creation apps in the world. Maybe you've been using it for a while now, and you're starting to run up against its limitations. Or you may be wondering if jumping over to its bigger brother, Logic Pro, would be worth the price of admission.
Logic Pro X for Windows
However, nowadays Logic Pro X is purchased via Apple's App Store (Logic Pro X 10.4 Download). This is a hugely significant change, not only because the old CDs had to be ordered or purchased from an Apple Store and manually installed (a much slower procedure), but because the App Store allows customers to easily and remotely update apps.
You may be embarking on a new musical journey or looking to upgrade your existing DAW to an industry standard like Pro Tools, much like when Macs became the tool of choice for designers, in recent years Logic Pro has become the same for Studios, producers, Podcasters, musicians. So if you are here, it's very likely that you have one of these questions on your mind.- Is there a Logic Pro X for Windows?
- Can I install Logic Pro X on a Windows PC
- I don't have a Mac, but I want to use Logic Pro X
- Is there an alternative to Logic Pro X for Windows
The Apple device realm is a very tempting one, lets face it they look really really cool, so when choosing a platform to create on it's hardly surprising that many people choose them. Once part of the ecosystem, the devices have been designed to work together seamlessly, so it's another compelling reason to go the Apple route. Add to that the brilliantly user friendly software and it's pretty much a done deal. Or is it?
If money is an issue, as it is for many of use in these difficult time, it's harder these days to rationalize expensive purchases like new devices, and in the case of an Apple device the cost is significant. With the branding adding zeros to the prices, built in obsolescence and the inability to upgrade. Either purchasing new hardware to facilitate access to newer versions of software or moving platforms to to access software not available on your existing platform starts looking a lot less enticing.
Is there a Logic Pro for Windows?
Can I Install Logic Pro X for Windows?
I don't have a Mac, but I want to use Logic Pro X
In this case you can't unless you go the virtual machine route, however if you happen to have an iPhone or iPad instead, you could install the iOS version of GarageBand and use it for tracking. The projects it creates can be exported to Logic Pro X.Is there an alternative to Logic Pro X for Windows
Hopefully, these answers this will help you decide on your own solution for Logic Pro X for Windows. It's not an easy choice. Personally, I went the Windows route even though I'd owned a Mac and other Apple devices, but of course it's a different choice for everyone.
Is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X? Should you buy Logic Pro X? Well, let me ask you –
Is it worth it to own the best DAW ever created?
In my opinion – hell yeah!
Now before the armchair quarterbacks start revving up to let me know what's what, lend me your ear.
What Why Logic Pro Rules is All About
Why Logic Pro Rules is a blog dedicated to the most awesome Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) from Apple.
Though I have no statistical data to back me up whatsoever, I dare to believe Logic can go toe-to-toe with any DAW out there.
And while one DAW in particular is considered the 'industry standard,' I'd beg to differ. As the industry has been completely turned on its head, I'd reckon so has the 'standard.'
Anyways. As a longtime Logic fanboy, the one thing I've always wanted was a centralized hub for us Logic fans.
There are great forums and sites, sure! But a site dedicated to Logic with the beginner in mind, with unconditional love and support?
So let me get back to the question – is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X?
Why Logic Pro X?
Let's back-track for just a second…
If you had asked me 7 years ago if Logic Pro 9 was worth the money, I would've said yes.
But! After several years of owning LPX, I now understand why others weren't so hot on LP9.
LP9 was clunky. It lacked some basic functions of a DAW. And despite it's name, wasn't the most intuitive or 'logical' program on earth.
Plus, the interface was a bit like watching Star Trek: the Next Generation.
Though it looked 'futuristic' at the time, try watching an episode now. The show looks like the 90s idea of 'the future' – awkward and outdated.
But with LPX, all that has changed. At the time of this post, Logic is now sitting on version 10.3.2. And the Logic development team have made many an improvement.
So let's start with reason #1:
1. Logic Pro X Focuses on Being Beginner-Friendly
When LPX was introduced, the biggest deal was how different it looked from LP9. Take a look:
The differences were stark. And at first blush, many a Logic user were skeptical. Even downright upset!
Users complained about Logic not looking 'pro' enough to be a pro app.
But the changes in design had a major focus at its epicenter – the beginner.
Now, there's only so much anyone can do to make pro audio production 'easy'. But Logic did it's damnedest.
The Quick Help Button
LPX doesn't bank on only its snazzy facelift to make life easy for you. Instead it gives you your own personal guide through the massive program – the Quick Help button.
Immediately helpful, without the bug-eyed paperclip.
Hover your cursor over anything you see in LPX, and a helpful yellow bubble will pop up to tell you what you're looking at. This includes all the virtual instruments and plugin functions as well.
Is Logic Pro Worth It
Still confused? While still hovering, you can hit ⌘ and / to see a more in-depth explanation.
Key Commands Are Logical
As you progress with any DAW, young grasshopper, you're going to learn about Key Commands.
Key commands are the shortcuts that will help you grow up to be a ninja in audio production.
Sure, you could use your mouse to open the mixer, duplicate a region, or hit the Record button…
But why do all that when you could do it with a single stroke of a key? For example, here are some key commands:
Open the Mixer – X
Duplicate Your Region – ⌘D
Record – R
The Logic team has tried to make their Key Commands easy and logical.
The first letter of the function you're looking for is often its key command. Is that key already used for a function? Then expect the first letter, plus a modifier. Modifiers include:
- Shift
- Control
- Option
- Command (⌘)
Some examples: soloing a region (Control, S), or opening a New Track (Option, ⌘, N).
Many of the other DAWs on the market are the opposite. Like:
- Record – ⌘, Space
- Mixer – ⌘, =
What the heck?
The best resource I've found for learning Logic key commands is this intuitive web app, aptly called Logic Pro Key Commands. Go and grow my young grasshopper.
Hiding/Showing Advanced Tools
When you first crack open LPX, you may recognize the interface from another Apple program.
Garageband, the free DAW that comes with every Mac also received a facelift. Now, Garageband is clearly the little brother to the more robust Logic Pro X.
And to help the Garageband community graduate to LPX, they kept the look and feel the same.
So the Mute button continues to be a speaker with a slash through it. The solo button is still a pair of headphones. Menus like Functions and View have minimal options to not overwhelm you.
This way, you have an easier chance to quickly start recording and mixing.
But when you're ready to start breaking into Logic's more advance features, just head over to the Advanced Tools:
Logic Pro X > Preferences > Advanced Tools…
And enable Advanced Tools!
A juggernaut of functions is now enabled, such as Beatmapping, Project Alternatives, and more.
2. Logic Pro X is Cheap
Your idea of cheap and my idea of cheap may be completely different. But at the tune of $200, LPX is a steal.
Don't believe me? Let's compare the pricing of two other DAWs:
- Avid Pro Tools: $599
- Presonus Studio One 3 Professional: $399
- Avid Pro Tools HD: $2,499
Now the armchair jockeys are gonna wanna fight with me on these. So let's dig in:
Avid Pro Tools
Often heralded as the 'industry standard,' Avid gives you a couple price points to consider:
Pro Tools First
If you're looking to get your feet wet, Avid offers Pro Tools First. A free, downloadable version of Pro Tools.
The bummer parts about First are many. For example:
- You can only record up to 16 tracks into a project, with a maximum of 4 inputs,
- You can only save up to 3 projects, and
- You can't use most of the functions, instruments, or plugins typically found in Pro Tools
On the other hand, Garageband, which shares nearly all the same functions as Logic, lets you use all the tracks, plugins, and projects you want.
Subscribe to Pro Tools
Then there's regular Pro Tools, which you can either buy outright for $599, or subscribe on a month-to-month basis like Spotify for $29.99 per month.
$29.99 isn't so bad, right? But when you do the math, it's gonna cost you $359.88 per year. And you'll still have to pay for it the next year. And the next. And the next…
Buy Pro Tools
But say you're like, 'fine! I'll cough up the $599.'
Well, well, well my friends! Avid still doesn't let you use everything in Pro Tools.
Want every single blasted option or function? You'll need to graduate to an HD system. Not only is the system $2499 for just the software, but you'll have to buy hardware to even run it!
Presonus Studio One
As you can tell, I get pretty revved up about Pro Tools.
Presonus' Studio One is far more favorable in my book. None the less, it'll still cost ya.
Studio One Prime vs Artist vs Professional
First, Presonus offers Studio One Prime, a freebie version of their software. Once again, the program is very limited about what instruments, functions and plugins you can use.
Then we have Presonus Studio One Artist for $99. A much more robust program than Prime, while still limited. Unfortunately you can't use all the plugins and features, but you can use way more.
Want the rest of the program? Well then you'll want Studio One Professional – a $399 program.
Presonus has been doing some cool things with Studio One. For example, they've been busting out with new plugins like their VU Meter, Channel Strip, and Analog style plugins.
Unfortunately you'll have to buy most those plugins. They're not included in Studio One.
You know who doesn't make you pay for new features and plugins? Logic.
Buy once and reap the benefits with each new update. The only time you'll have to pay again is a major update, which will be Logic Pro 11. $200 every 5 – 7 years is pretty awesome.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the DAWs on the market. And I'm not trying to wage a DAW war. Logic pro x 32 bit.
But it should be indicative of Logic's value. Which leads to Reason #3…
Is Logic Pro Worth It
3. Logic Pro X is a Songwriter's Dream
The awesome Logic team have spent their time since LPX's release on innovating. And the innovations they've built for songwriters are nothing short of amazing.
If you can't even accidentally write a riff with LPX, you're the one who's messing up.
Drummer
When LPX debuted, it hit us with a doozie innovation. It was such a doozie, that a lot of the community scratched its head and said 'wha….why?'
Oh, but I can say for certain I get it now. And that's Drummer.
Drummer is your personal AI drummer. A beat master who adapts and changes to tempo, style, part, and even to what you play.
Styles range from Singer-songwriter, to punk rock, to gritty hip hop.
Sure, you're gonna get hung up on the names and 'personalities' of the drummers. You're gonna say, 'Really? Logan? With that stupid handlebar mustache?'
Go with the flow man. I remember the days of having to build beats by scratch using the piano roll. Programming snare drum rolls that sounded like the kit had epilepsy, not humanity.
With Drummer, you don't have to program anything. The beats sound human and realistic. And you can add parts with a single click. But if you need to change a drum part to MIDI and fine-tune it, you can.
Virtual Instruments Galore
How Much Is Logic Worth
Here's just a taste of some of the instruments available to you my friend:
- Alchemy – a Synth Powerhouse
- Drum Kit Designer – a brilliant selection of acoustic drums
- Vintage Electric Piano – which comes with 19 different piano types
- Drum Machine Designer – A beautiful and succinct drum pad for electronic beats
- Retro Synth – An analog style synth that comes in 4 flavors
- Amp Designer – A massive selection of guitar amps
- Bass Amp Designer – An equally diverse selection of bass amps and tones
That's not even including the legacy instruments and synths like the EXS24. And on top of that Apple tosses in over 21000 royalty-free audio loops for you to write with to your heart's content!
Apple has devoted a lot of time and money for you and I to have an easy and fun time writing music. I, for one, am stoked.
I don't have a Mac, but I want to use Logic Pro X
In this case you can't unless you go the virtual machine route, however if you happen to have an iPhone or iPad instead, you could install the iOS version of GarageBand and use it for tracking. The projects it creates can be exported to Logic Pro X.Is there an alternative to Logic Pro X for Windows
Hopefully, these answers this will help you decide on your own solution for Logic Pro X for Windows. It's not an easy choice. Personally, I went the Windows route even though I'd owned a Mac and other Apple devices, but of course it's a different choice for everyone.
Is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X? Should you buy Logic Pro X? Well, let me ask you –
Is it worth it to own the best DAW ever created?
In my opinion – hell yeah!
Now before the armchair quarterbacks start revving up to let me know what's what, lend me your ear.
What Why Logic Pro Rules is All About
Why Logic Pro Rules is a blog dedicated to the most awesome Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) from Apple.
Though I have no statistical data to back me up whatsoever, I dare to believe Logic can go toe-to-toe with any DAW out there.
And while one DAW in particular is considered the 'industry standard,' I'd beg to differ. As the industry has been completely turned on its head, I'd reckon so has the 'standard.'
Anyways. As a longtime Logic fanboy, the one thing I've always wanted was a centralized hub for us Logic fans.
There are great forums and sites, sure! But a site dedicated to Logic with the beginner in mind, with unconditional love and support?
So let me get back to the question – is it worth it to buy Logic Pro X?
Why Logic Pro X?
Let's back-track for just a second…
If you had asked me 7 years ago if Logic Pro 9 was worth the money, I would've said yes.
But! After several years of owning LPX, I now understand why others weren't so hot on LP9.
LP9 was clunky. It lacked some basic functions of a DAW. And despite it's name, wasn't the most intuitive or 'logical' program on earth.
Plus, the interface was a bit like watching Star Trek: the Next Generation.
Though it looked 'futuristic' at the time, try watching an episode now. The show looks like the 90s idea of 'the future' – awkward and outdated.
But with LPX, all that has changed. At the time of this post, Logic is now sitting on version 10.3.2. And the Logic development team have made many an improvement.
So let's start with reason #1:
1. Logic Pro X Focuses on Being Beginner-Friendly
When LPX was introduced, the biggest deal was how different it looked from LP9. Take a look:
The differences were stark. And at first blush, many a Logic user were skeptical. Even downright upset!
Users complained about Logic not looking 'pro' enough to be a pro app.
But the changes in design had a major focus at its epicenter – the beginner.
Now, there's only so much anyone can do to make pro audio production 'easy'. But Logic did it's damnedest.
The Quick Help Button
LPX doesn't bank on only its snazzy facelift to make life easy for you. Instead it gives you your own personal guide through the massive program – the Quick Help button.
Immediately helpful, without the bug-eyed paperclip.
Hover your cursor over anything you see in LPX, and a helpful yellow bubble will pop up to tell you what you're looking at. This includes all the virtual instruments and plugin functions as well.
Is Logic Pro Worth It
Still confused? While still hovering, you can hit ⌘ and / to see a more in-depth explanation.
Key Commands Are Logical
As you progress with any DAW, young grasshopper, you're going to learn about Key Commands.
Key commands are the shortcuts that will help you grow up to be a ninja in audio production.
Sure, you could use your mouse to open the mixer, duplicate a region, or hit the Record button…
But why do all that when you could do it with a single stroke of a key? For example, here are some key commands:
Open the Mixer – X
Duplicate Your Region – ⌘D
Record – R
The Logic team has tried to make their Key Commands easy and logical.
The first letter of the function you're looking for is often its key command. Is that key already used for a function? Then expect the first letter, plus a modifier. Modifiers include:
- Shift
- Control
- Option
- Command (⌘)
Some examples: soloing a region (Control, S), or opening a New Track (Option, ⌘, N).
Many of the other DAWs on the market are the opposite. Like:
- Record – ⌘, Space
- Mixer – ⌘, =
What the heck?
The best resource I've found for learning Logic key commands is this intuitive web app, aptly called Logic Pro Key Commands. Go and grow my young grasshopper.
Hiding/Showing Advanced Tools
When you first crack open LPX, you may recognize the interface from another Apple program.
Garageband, the free DAW that comes with every Mac also received a facelift. Now, Garageband is clearly the little brother to the more robust Logic Pro X.
And to help the Garageband community graduate to LPX, they kept the look and feel the same.
So the Mute button continues to be a speaker with a slash through it. The solo button is still a pair of headphones. Menus like Functions and View have minimal options to not overwhelm you.
This way, you have an easier chance to quickly start recording and mixing.
But when you're ready to start breaking into Logic's more advance features, just head over to the Advanced Tools:
Logic Pro X > Preferences > Advanced Tools…
And enable Advanced Tools!
A juggernaut of functions is now enabled, such as Beatmapping, Project Alternatives, and more.
2. Logic Pro X is Cheap
Your idea of cheap and my idea of cheap may be completely different. But at the tune of $200, LPX is a steal.
Don't believe me? Let's compare the pricing of two other DAWs:
- Avid Pro Tools: $599
- Presonus Studio One 3 Professional: $399
- Avid Pro Tools HD: $2,499
Now the armchair jockeys are gonna wanna fight with me on these. So let's dig in:
Avid Pro Tools
Often heralded as the 'industry standard,' Avid gives you a couple price points to consider:
Pro Tools First
If you're looking to get your feet wet, Avid offers Pro Tools First. A free, downloadable version of Pro Tools.
The bummer parts about First are many. For example:
- You can only record up to 16 tracks into a project, with a maximum of 4 inputs,
- You can only save up to 3 projects, and
- You can't use most of the functions, instruments, or plugins typically found in Pro Tools
On the other hand, Garageband, which shares nearly all the same functions as Logic, lets you use all the tracks, plugins, and projects you want.
Subscribe to Pro Tools
Then there's regular Pro Tools, which you can either buy outright for $599, or subscribe on a month-to-month basis like Spotify for $29.99 per month.
$29.99 isn't so bad, right? But when you do the math, it's gonna cost you $359.88 per year. And you'll still have to pay for it the next year. And the next. And the next…
Buy Pro Tools
But say you're like, 'fine! I'll cough up the $599.'
Well, well, well my friends! Avid still doesn't let you use everything in Pro Tools.
Want every single blasted option or function? You'll need to graduate to an HD system. Not only is the system $2499 for just the software, but you'll have to buy hardware to even run it!
Presonus Studio One
As you can tell, I get pretty revved up about Pro Tools.
Presonus' Studio One is far more favorable in my book. None the less, it'll still cost ya.
Studio One Prime vs Artist vs Professional
First, Presonus offers Studio One Prime, a freebie version of their software. Once again, the program is very limited about what instruments, functions and plugins you can use.
Then we have Presonus Studio One Artist for $99. A much more robust program than Prime, while still limited. Unfortunately you can't use all the plugins and features, but you can use way more.
Want the rest of the program? Well then you'll want Studio One Professional – a $399 program.
Presonus has been doing some cool things with Studio One. For example, they've been busting out with new plugins like their VU Meter, Channel Strip, and Analog style plugins.
Unfortunately you'll have to buy most those plugins. They're not included in Studio One.
You know who doesn't make you pay for new features and plugins? Logic.
Buy once and reap the benefits with each new update. The only time you'll have to pay again is a major update, which will be Logic Pro 11. $200 every 5 – 7 years is pretty awesome.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the DAWs on the market. And I'm not trying to wage a DAW war. Logic pro x 32 bit.
But it should be indicative of Logic's value. Which leads to Reason #3…
Is Logic Pro Worth It
3. Logic Pro X is a Songwriter's Dream
The awesome Logic team have spent their time since LPX's release on innovating. And the innovations they've built for songwriters are nothing short of amazing.
If you can't even accidentally write a riff with LPX, you're the one who's messing up.
Drummer
When LPX debuted, it hit us with a doozie innovation. It was such a doozie, that a lot of the community scratched its head and said 'wha….why?'
Oh, but I can say for certain I get it now. And that's Drummer.
Drummer is your personal AI drummer. A beat master who adapts and changes to tempo, style, part, and even to what you play.
Styles range from Singer-songwriter, to punk rock, to gritty hip hop.
Sure, you're gonna get hung up on the names and 'personalities' of the drummers. You're gonna say, 'Really? Logan? With that stupid handlebar mustache?'
Go with the flow man. I remember the days of having to build beats by scratch using the piano roll. Programming snare drum rolls that sounded like the kit had epilepsy, not humanity.
With Drummer, you don't have to program anything. The beats sound human and realistic. And you can add parts with a single click. But if you need to change a drum part to MIDI and fine-tune it, you can.
Virtual Instruments Galore
How Much Is Logic Worth
Here's just a taste of some of the instruments available to you my friend:
- Alchemy – a Synth Powerhouse
- Drum Kit Designer – a brilliant selection of acoustic drums
- Vintage Electric Piano – which comes with 19 different piano types
- Drum Machine Designer – A beautiful and succinct drum pad for electronic beats
- Retro Synth – An analog style synth that comes in 4 flavors
- Amp Designer – A massive selection of guitar amps
- Bass Amp Designer – An equally diverse selection of bass amps and tones
That's not even including the legacy instruments and synths like the EXS24. And on top of that Apple tosses in over 21000 royalty-free audio loops for you to write with to your heart's content!
Apple has devoted a lot of time and money for you and I to have an easy and fun time writing music. I, for one, am stoked.
And so much more…
The features in Logic are vast, and far too many to list in a single blog post. Subscribe so you don't miss out as I post tutorials about how to get the most out of Logic Pro X.
If you have a question, a request for a blog post, or a Logic myth you'd like debunked – please, fill out the form in the sidebar! Leave a comment! Email me!
Why Logic Pro Rules is all about spreading the love for Logic. So I'm here for ya.
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