Upgrading from GarageBand- What to get?

[lespaulreedsmith]

My Mac is still running at 10.4.11 so I 'think' I can only use Logic 7 or 8? I have also done some work in Ableton, Mackie Traction, and Nuendo. What can I upgrade to and not slow my Mac down? My buddy went to upgrade to Logic and he said it slowed his system down considerably...
I want something 'up' from GarageBand but still fairly esy to use...
How about an older version of Pro Tools? Which one? And will my Duet interface work with all of these?
anybody?
thanks!

[retro]

One thing to consider perhaps if you go with Logic or Logic Express you can load and work on your Garageband files in Logic. Which may be important, or of some benefit to you. And it's a fairly easy transition to make from GB which might be a consideration also.

Not sure what Mac you have so I can't comment on your options for upgrading your OS.

But Leopard should be doable if not Snow Leopard. And can probably still find Logic Express 8 quite cheaply.

PTLE requires their own hardware. Otherwise the Duet should work in any Mac DAW.

As far as Logic slowing things down. Without knowing what Mac you have and how it is configured it is difficult to comment.

For me however, I haven't noticed a performance difference between Logic and Garageband in use. AFAIK they share the same audio engine.

Load any daw with enough tracks and VI's and things will bog down. Including GB.

So I am not sure about that one.

[lespaulreedsmith]

I like the thought of Logic plus I could still use my iControl but the Mac is Tiger 10.4.11
What's the latest Logic that will work with Tiger?
thanks again

[retro]

For Tiger, Logic/Logic express 8 is 10.4.9 or later:

Minimum requirements to install all applications:
Mac computer with a 1.25GHz or faster PowerPC G4 processor (PowerPC G5, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Xeon processor highly recommended)
1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended)
Display with 1024-by-768 resolution (1280-by-800 or higher recommended)
Mac OS X v10.4.9 or later.

Additional recommendations for Logic Pro
At least 2GB of RAM for large EXS instruments.

Logic/Logic Express 9 went to Leopard 10.5.7 or later:

Mac computer with an Intel processor
1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended)
Display with 1280-by-800 or higher resolution
Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later.

[retro]

Another thought, and one that is definitely off the cuff, but maybe download Reaper?

It is Tiger compatible also.


I have been trying it off and on over the last year to see where it is in terms of development and noticed they have a new Mac ßeta version up.

So I downloaded it.

And so far I am enjoying exploring it. They have come a long way and I think it will be a nice DAW. And it seems like it is getting close.

I like the open plug-in idea so you can Mac VST's and AU's.

I'll need to use it more to see if there are any set backs still for how I use things.

I do like it's feature set. And I like that the user's have the developers ears.


Maybe worth looking at...maybe not.

But it's out there as an option I guess.

[skhan007]

I'm using Garageband as well (OS 10.6.2) and I'm curious about educating myself on Logic Express. Sounds like the next logical (no pun intended) step up. Not sure I've really mastered all there is to know about Garageband, so I'm curious about what Logic Express offers that's above and beyond Garageband?

[twanguru]

Your Duet will be fine with all of them as an I/O and interface ... except any cut-down version of Pro Tools, be it M-Powered or LE. Either of those need a dedicated interface/dongle to operate. I think you can still use the Duet as an I/O, but that proprietary interface must be active for PT to run.

If you like Garageband, Logic Light would be the next step. It depends on your workflow and what you are using the DAW for, recording-wise. Different apps have different strengths. Logic and Cubase are great composition tools with all of the VIs and effects. Ableton's big in the electonoica/dj world. Pro Tools is the preferred mixing DAW for many people. But it's MIDI emphasis was handled nicely by version 8's instruments and improved MIDI editor.

You can download trial versions of most apps...spend a week or two checking them out. And don't forget Propellerheads "Record".

[lespaulreedsmith]

is there sound quality differences between Logic and GarageBand or just more control with Logic?

[retro]

is there sound quality differences between Logic and GarageBand.

I believe one could make a fair argument about GB's 44.1KHz sampling rate and limited export/share options of dithering back down to 24 or 16-bit.

How much that has an effect on one's final outcome in the real world, I have no idea how to calculate.

I started awhile ago using Digital Performer and other's. So I was used to something else that had more capabilities before I ever got to try GB.

I've never really considered that GB's limitations were based on sound quality. But rather, the capabilities I was used to having in other DAW's.

I'm curious about what Logic Express offers that's above and beyond Garageband?

The list of difference's are relatively extensive.

I think a good thing to do is to check Apple's site on Logic and also online for any free tutorials to get a sense of what Logic is capable of.

And to get an understanding of what those difference's are and if they are meaningful to you.

Youtube has some decent Logic tuts also.

Although audio editing and midi capabilities alone can be enough to want to use Logic, I think.

Add Logic's instruments, and other features on top of that and the reasons become more compelling.

The learning curve of those capabilities can be steep though...which is why I think GB is so appealing.

[Butterfly]

Originally Posted by skhan007

I'm using Garageband as well (OS 10.6.2) and I'm curious about educating myself on Logic Express. Sounds like the next logical (no pun intended) step up. Not sure I've really mastered all there is to know about Garageband, so I'm curious about what Logic Express offers that's above and beyond Garageband?

I am right there with you. From a brief look at the Apple site, where they have a Logic GB section, Logic Express gives more control over amp and effects simulations. This is what I was focusing on as I only find a couple of the GB pre-loaded guitar sounds to work for me. I wanted something that has simulations of classic amps from the Marshall, Fender and Mesa lines. LE appears to have that. I did a search here about it and the general consensus is that the LE amp sounds are good and in line with some of the other vendors. I'll probably go for it next time I hit an Apple store.

[Fendegibs]

I made the leap from GB to Logic Express 9 this fall and I found the jump fairly intuitive and I've been impressed with the mixing capabilities of Logic over GB. GB is limited to just setting fader levels and adding insert effects on a track-by-track basis. Logic allows full routing and submixes, which has allowed me to tighten up mixes and come up with a better sounding product.

On top of that, Logic's stock plug-ins, including guitar amps, are much better than GBs, and you can use everything from GB as well (it even imports any presets that you made).

Hope that helps

[skhan007]

Originally Posted by Butterfly

I am right there with you. From a brief look at the Apple site, where they have a Logic GB section, Logic Express gives more control over amp and effects simulations. This is what I was focusing on as I only find a couple of the GB pre-loaded guitar sounds to work for me. I wanted something that has simulations of classic amps from the Marshall, Fender and Mesa lines. LE appears to have that. I did a search here about it and the general consensus is that the LE amp sounds are good and in line with some of the other vendors. I'll probably go for it next time I hit an Apple store.

Cool. Please keep us posted on how it goes!

Originally Posted by Fendegibs

I made the leap from GB to Logic Express 9 this fall and I found the jump fairly intuitive and I've been impressed with the mixing capabilities of Logic over GB. GB is limited to just setting fader levels and adding insert effects on a track-by-track basis. Logic allows full routing and submixes, which has allowed me to tighten up mixes and come up with a better sounding product.

On top of that, Logic's stock plug-ins, including guitar amps, are much better than GBs, and you can use everything from GB as well (it even imports any presets that you made).

Hope that helps

Excellent! Thanks for this feedback. I need to swing in to the Apple store and play with Logic a bit.