New Logic Pro 11 is Better than FL and Ableton? (First Impressions)

Introduction

Logic Pro 11 has just been released, and it comes with a host of new updates and features. As an avid music producer, I am extremely excited to see what's new and get cooking up in the DAW. It feels like this update has been long overdue, so let's dive in and explore the list of new features in Logic Pro 11.

AI-Focused Updates

One of the noticeable trends in music production today is the integration of AI into DAWs, and Logic Pro 11 follows suit. One of my favorite changes is a small but significant enhancement to the workflow. The interface now offers more options in the "Create New Track" menu, making it easier to customize your projects.

One feature that stands out is the Session Player, which uses AI-generated players to replicate the experience of having a session musician in the room with you. I tested out the AI-generated keyboard player and was impressed with the quick generation of chord progressions and melodies. While the presets had a similar vibe, I appreciated the ability to customize parameters like block chords and grace notes. It was also easy to convert the AI-generated MIDI into a unique idea by manipulating it further or turning it into an audio file for additional tweaking.

Logic Pro 11 also includes a Drummer AI and a Bass Player AI. While the bass player may not be as useful in certain genres like drill or electronic music, the Drummer AI could be beneficial for adding realistic drum tracks. Though these AI players may not replace session musicians just yet, they offer a handy resource for generating ideas and expanding your creativity.

Chroma Glow Plugin

Another exciting addition to Logic Pro 11 is the Chroma Glow plugin. This plugin enhances the sound by adding character and depth, similar to popular plugins like RC-20 or Decapitator. With various customization options, such as model and style selection, and drive adjustment, this plugin allows you to fine-tune your sound and add a unique touch to your mix.

Stem Splitter

Logic Pro 11 introduces a highly anticipated feature called the Stem Splitter. This tool allows you to quickly separate different stems within a song. For example, you can extract vocals, drums, or melodies from a track. This feature simplifies the process of remixing and sampling, as it automatically splits the stems with exceptional speed and accuracy. You can easily clean up individual stems further using EQ or other effects to create your desired sound.

Improved Browser Functionality

In previous versions of Logic Pro, I often had to drag drum sounds from a separate folder into the DAW because not all sounds would play properly through the browser. However, Logic Pro 11 has now significantly improved the browser functionality. You can preview and drag sounds directly from the browser onto the timeline or into a sampler, making the workflow smoother and faster.

Integrated Mastering

Logic Pro 11 offers a new mastering feature integrated into the stereo out channel. By simply enabling this tool, Logic Pro 11 analyzes the track and builds a mastering chain based on your mix. It provides options to adjust loudness, widen the sound, and apply other mastering techniques. While this feature produces great results, it's also possible to compare it with your own mastering chain to find the best output for your specific needs.

Summary of First Impressions

In summary, Logic Pro 11 brings notable updates that enhance the overall music production experience. The integration of AI-driven tools like the Session Player and Drummer AI allows for quick idea generation and broader creativity. The Chroma Glow plugin adds character and depth to your sounds, while the Stem Splitter simplifies the process of remixing and sampling. Improved browser functionality makes previewing and choosing sounds more convenient, and the integrated mastering feature offers a quick solution for achieving professional quality results.

Keywords

Logic Pro 11, FL Studio, Ableton Live, AI, Session Player, Drummer AI, Bass Player AI, Chroma Glow plugin, Stem Splitter, browser functionality, integrated mastering.

FAQ

Q: Can Logic Pro 11 completely replace session musicians?

A: While Logic Pro 11's AI-driven players offer convenient and inspiring options, they cannot fully replace the creativity and human touch of session musicians. However, they serve as valuable resources for generating ideas and exploring new musical possibilities.

Q: Can I use third-party plugins with Logic Pro 11's AI players?

A: Yes, Logic Pro 11 allows the use of third-party plugins alongside its AI players. This flexibility allows you to enhance and personalize the sounds generated by the AI within your productions.

Q: Is Logic Pro 11 compatible with older versions of the software?

A: Logic Pro 11 introduces new features and updates, which may result in compatibility issues with older versions. It is recommended to update to the latest version of the software for a seamless experience and access to all the new features.