Logic Pro on iPad: A Game-Changer for Musicians with AI-Driven Innovations and Unmatched Flexibility

logic pro iPad
pic courtesy: Apple

For years, Logic Pro has been a cornerstone in Apple’s software lineup. The latest iteration of Logic Pro heralds a new era for digital audio workstations (DAW). Composing beats, riffs, and rhythms on the iPad version has been immensely enjoyable in recent weeks. Impressively, Apple has retained the full power of the software, taking full advantage of the touchscreen interface without simplifying it. This ensures that musicians can comfortably work on their projects from a sofa or a plane.

The iPad Air with the M2 chip was used to explore Logic Pro, with the minimum install size around 1GB, though about 30GB is needed to access all the instruments, loops, and other free materials.

SESSION PLAYERS in Logic Pro

This version of Logic Pro focuses heavily on AI, a growing trend in music production. One of the most appealing changes, though seemingly small, significantly enhances workflow. When creating a new track, the interface presents a new look with the exciting addition of Session Player, based on AI-generated players. This feature replicates the work of session musicians, a boon for when inspiration strikes but fellow musicians aren’t available. Session Players, an AI-driven backing band, responds directly to user feedback, allowing you to choose from virtual drummers, keyboard players, and bass players.

A project can begin with a keyboard player. Initially, the chord progression is simple, but it can quickly move to a more upbeat tempo. Manually inputting chords is straightforward, and Session Players seamlessly handles the rest. With a MIDI input, chords such as E minor seventh, F sharp minor seventh, and G major seventh can be inserted. Users can adjust the complexity level and “fill amount” to refine the performance.

Enhancing Sound with AI-Driven Session Players in Logic Pro

To enhance the sound, another Session Player with an electric keys patch set to a low complexity level can be added, complementing the grand piano player. Adjusting the complexity level can dramatically change the performance, so careful tweaking is essential. Keyboard Player offers four different styles, designed in collaboration with top studio musicians. Using the Studio Piano plug-in, users can access additional sound-shaping options, including adjusting mic positions, pedal noise, key noise, release samples, and sympathetic resonance.

Adding a drummer is easy, with several styles available, from pop rock to indie disco, neo-soul to modern Motown. Next, a bass player can join in, with options to choose from eight different bass players. Users can guide their performance with controls for complexity and intensity, leveraging advanced parameters for slides, mutes, dead notes, and pickup hits. The Bass Player can either improvise with chord progressions or users can choose from 100 bass player loops to find new inspiration. Any tweaks to the players automatically rework the entire sound, and live music input can be added to enhance the composition.

CHROMAGLOW in Logic Pro

Although not a musician, getting the hang of the software is fun, and after a few hours, there is a desire to push the sound further. ChromaGlow is a unique plugin that brings the texture of coveted analogue hardware to music. Using AI, it models the warmth and presence of classic studio hardware. The interface is simple, with a single knob in the center but plenty of design layers. Users can choose from five models: Retro Tube, Modern Tube, Magnetic, Squeeze, and Analog Preamp. Each model alters the functionality of the central knob. Favorites include Modern Tube for its warmth and Squeeze with the style set to Hard Press, both adding a cool attitude to the music.

STEM SPLITTER

Stem Splitter is an invaluable tool that uses AI and machine learning of Apple silicon to extract up to four different stems—vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments—from a single audio file. This feature is particularly useful for remixing, remastering, or extracting samples when the original multitrack recording is unavailable. The precision is exceptionally high.

Using the iPad Air with the M2 chip, the Stem Splitter took only seconds to split a complex track like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. The feature enhances the spatial and dynamic qualities of the original recording, ensuring a polished, high-quality final sound. Overall, the separation is excellent compared to other tools like Acoustica, with minimal vocal bleeding into other instruments. Even tracks with extensive drumming show no choppiness, though occasionally, removing drums may slightly affect the sibilance of some words.

SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

The latest version of Logic Pro exemplifies the meaningful implementation of artificial intelligence. Like its Mac counterpart, the iPad version offers a wealth of instruments, including synthesizers, drums, guitars, electric pianos, organs, and arpeggiated sequences, along with a vast collection of royalty-free loops ready to be dragged into the Tracks area. Users can also record with the built-in mic, though a good external microphone is recommended for professional-quality sound.

Using the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro enhances the experience, especially with shortcuts and drawing in curves. Logic Pro on the iPad offers exceptional flexibility, making it an excellent choice for GarageBand users looking to elevate their music or musicians seeking a comprehensive music software studio. The fact that Logic Pro has been used by artists like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran for years and is now available on the iPad showcases the software’s flexibility and the power of Apple devices and silicon.

To read more topics, please visit: https://insightfulbharat.com