I've been using Logic Express in it's standard default setup. I've obviously been missing some things and "taking the long way home," so to speak, in my use of this "more wonderful the more I use it" application. More wonderful, that is, after I get completely comfortable and secure with all of Logic's environment possibilities. So I purchased a couple of the MacProVideo tutorials and started from scratch, hoping to learn some things I may have missed, and to de-complicate things I was obviously doing when trying to use Logic out of past application instinct (alternative DAWs), which, doesn't work with all of Logic's functions/procedures. So I dumped all of my preferences, cleared folders, autoload files, etc. and decided to ride the 'Logic 101: Mastering Logic' bus from the beginning. Something changed when Logic booted for the first time after running the setup asst. along with the tutorial, as instructed by the tutorial. I had 8 Audio tracks, 8 Instrument tracks, and the standard numerous GM inst tracks one gets after opening Logic/Express the first time. (Obviously number of tracks based on how many tracks, etc. one chose during initial setup) Ok, sorry, my question. After going through the setup following along with the tutorial, the ONLY tracks where record buttons are available are the Audio 1-8 tracks. I no longer have access to individual track record buttons for either the Inst 1-8 tracks or any of the standard GM instrument tracks. Why? Although, I understand why no record buttons for the GM Inst. tracks -- no general midi keyboard/instrument connected at this time? When I setup Logic on my own (guessing/experimentation) I had record buttons for all 8 Audio tracks and for all 8 Inst tracks. Why did the individual track record buttons disappear for my Inst tracks? Could it be that, for the tutorial, I decided to only use the Caps Lock keyboard instead of connecting my keyboard/controller? (Not to mention my controller is being used elsewhere for the next week or so.) The setup in the 'Logic 101: Mastering Logic' tutorial shows individual track record buttons for every track from the very first time Logic starts up in the video. Why -- when I followed along step-by-step -- is the tutorial guy's record buttons for both Audio and Inst tracks showing up and mine aren't? Why did I previously have access to Inst track record buttons and now I only have them for Audio Tracks? Would simply like to know how to regain access to track record buttons for Inst tracks as well as Audio tracks - what changed? I'm confused! Although, if it's simply a matter of not having any type of midi keyboard/controller connected I'll simply be embarassed! :P Thanks for help/advice.

_______ You cannot see them on instrument tracks or any other track that record midi data because they do it automatically, you just have to select an inst. track and click on record (transport window) and play your controller. _______ Wow, I must be losing it or something. The first time I installed LE I know I had track record buttons on Audio, Inst and GM tracks... all the way down. I even enabled/disabled them when initially familiarizing myself with the interface, and remember the record buttons all the way down the list of tracks. I even used LE that way until getting these vids! You are correct, of course. The Inst and GM tracks are "record enabled" by default, so-to-speak. I just can't figure out why I had record buttons for all the various types of tracks, yet since starting over - in order to learn from scratch, with the video - I no longer have those all-illusive track record buttons. Strange... maybe the crossgrade got rid of the necessity of having the record buttons for all track types? If not, like I said, I must be losing it. :-P Thanks

Well, I still don't know whether something changed or I've taken leave of my good sense. ;-) Nevertheless, at least everything seems to be functioning correctly at this point. The Logic tutorials are great. I was making some things more complicated than they were. Plus, that dreaded Logic "Environment" was causing me to view everything else, even the simple things, as more difficult than necessary. And it was all right there in front of me the entire time! Logical, and fairly straightforward. :-) Good tutorials, MacProVideo... BRAVO! And, thanks a bunch, macnando

I've looked over the manual extensively at this point, read reviews and seen lots of screenshots, besides what I've seen here. My first initial reaction is not to bother with upgrading... at least considering the non hands-on exposure I've had thus far. I looked long and hard for a DAW for home use after playing professionally for years and rather extensive studio experience as a player. I finally settled on Logic because it's the most personally customizable of all music production software, in my opinion, and definitely the most beautiful and studio-realistic interface wise. I am very disappointed at the changes made to Logic's interface. From it's brightened, much less colorful, metallic appearance to the cheap-looking transport now at the bottom of the arrange window ( I liked Logic's former transport, a lot... floating, bluish-green text, etc.) and it's new, very "colorful" WHITE text (very creative, Apple!) which, I understand cannot be moved, it's stationary. There is little I regarding some of Logic's functional changes, and absolutely nothing I like about it's new appearance. I somehow feel Apple has cheapened a once absolute beautifully crafted piece of software for a cluttered, mundane-looking, one-windowed, gimmicky interface. I may, as time goes on, change my mind of course. I do intend on at least giving it the benefit of the doubt with a healthy try for functionality reasons... but I won't upgrade my current version of Logic. It would appear many around the net seem to like Logic's new changes. I wish all of you in that camp well, and hope you enjoy Apple's new baby. I was just getting used to Logic, and loving every second of using it, the way it was. Personally, other than Mainstage, I feel the changes were for no reason other than to make it more Leopard-like in appearance. Leopard's appearance is fine. But for Logic, in my opinion, it now feels cold, plain and boring. I appreciate the work the folks at MacProVideo do. Your aid in helping me learn Logic was extremely beneficial... you're second to none. Thanks, guys. However, with this particular "upgrade" of Logic I am extremely disappointed, and I feel the near-perfect piece of software (even considering it's issues) that was Logic to be no longer the case. Very disappointed. Opinions?

I'm using a drum kit in Logic 7 (ver.7.2.3), and I'm trying to send/split the kit's individual instruments to separate tracks for obvious reasons (effects on certain drums, not on others, etc; separate EQ-ing for some instruments; panning, etc... blah, blah, blah!). I am familiar with the "seemingly" limited editing capabilities within Zones/Groups, but I'm not sure exactly (step by step) how to accomplish what I need. I also know the Zones/Groups dialogue(s) within Logic 8 have been changed. Obviously, I need Logic 7 instructions. In Logic Pro 7 the output from within Zones/Groups allow the selection of Main, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, consecutively. First of all, what do those output numbers represent? Secondly, how do those selections transfer into separate tracks if or after chosen? On another note, why can the actual pitch (tune) of certain instruments in a drum kit be changed (via Zones/Groups), but cannot be changed for certain other instruments? For example, why can I raise or lower the actual pitch of the hi-hat in the 'Pop Kit', but cannot raise or lower the pitch of the snare or some of the toms in the same kit? I'm still a bit of a Logic rookie, and I know I'm missing something here... but that's why I'm posting. :¬) Sorry if I offend, but please don't tell me to upgrade to Logic 8... I absolutely hate Logic 8's interface -- not to mention I think it's butt-ugly in certain areas compared to Logic 7. So, for now, until they address some issues I have with Logic 8, if they ever do, I will continue to stick with Logic 7.2.3. Again, if someone could post (step-by-step) the best way to separate individual Drum Kit instruments and send them to separate tracks for individual editing/processing/etc. (in Logic Pro 7) I would be forever indebted to you! ;-) I'd prefer NOT to run multiple instances of the EXS24 sampler in order to accomplish what I'm after. I've gotten by [for awhile] laying down ideas by simply using a Kit and trying to balance processing, volume, tone, as best as I can on only one individual software drum track. Now I have some serious time to produce this stuff and I need to get truly serious about it while I have the time. The way I've been doing it represents a lot of compromises to my ideas, sound and production... it's time to do it properly now. If I had access to, and the space for a real drummer I'd do it the "real" way... unfortunately, I don't. So the EXS24 and/or other SI Kits will have to do for now. Thanks in advance for your time/help/expertise! :-)

Hey Rounik, Thanks for the response... it's appreciated! :-) Yeah, I pretty much did what you posted in your response... but I must have left a step or something out... because it didn't work. Plus, I wanted to know a little more about the whole zone/groups/output issue(s). You confirmed and answered my question. Most people in forums have a way of answering "rookies" on some particular issue or procedure as if they already know how to accomplish certain things. As a result they answer in terms which demonstrate they assume one already knows the steps required before leading up to what they're actually trying to accomplish. I know, people are busy and do not always have the time to describe in detail... and it's not exactly a "right" or an "entitlement" on behalf of the one who needs the help. ;-) It's just nice when one does answer thoroughly, and doesn't assume the person who needs the help already knows how to get from point "a" to point "b" before reaching his/her desired goal of point "c". ;-) By the way, I've read this procedure, or a similar one, will also work for Ultrabeat. Is this true? I'm not at all familiar with Ultrabeat. In "messing" around with it, it seems to me it's geared more toward electronic music rather than for "realistic" drum simulation. I enjoy electronic music, especially trance and chill, but I'm a hard core rock and progressive pop guitarist who started as a fairly accomplished drummer. Though I haven't played drums for quite awhile. If I had the space I would buy another kit, bring my drum chops back up to par and do the tracks myself, or hire a decent drummer to do the them. Nevertheless, Ultrabeat seems as if it could be a fairly valuable tool. Besides, it's there... why not utilize it if it has advantages. :-) I will give this another go. Thanks a bunch for the response.

[b]No problem. Can you tell me which step you don't understand fully.... or where things seem confusing.[/b] Oh no, Rounik... I think you misunderstood me. I wasn't saying I [b]still[/b] don't understand, or am still confused. I was only referring to before you posted your first response, and how "some people" on forums aren't good at explaining or giving detailed information. My commentary in that regard was definitely [b]not[/b] intended toward you. Sorry if I misled. On the contrary, you gave me the answer(s) I needed, and I appreciate it. As far as Logic 8 is concerned, maybe I'm a glutten for punishment, but I don't like the fact that, from what I understand, environments (and cabling/patching) are gone from version 8. Also, I think they've "unprofessionalized" (not a real word, I know! ;-) ) Logic... it seems a bit too Garageband-ish now. On a less important yet still note of concern for me, I don't like how Apple has washed-out Logic's UI. Logic 7 has a rich-looking, deeper, more colorful, actually, let me rephrase that... a more "real life studio" look to it. Studio 8 seems as if Apple is trying to copy Pro Tools and other DAW interfaces. In my opinion, Apple really blah-ed Logic's interface. The info on the transport used to resemble a realistic studio transport with it's vivid blue-green readout. Now we have bland black bg w/white text info. One of the things that [i]moved me toward[/i] Logic to begin with was Logic 7's UI... it's realistic look and feel. I don't necessarily think Logic 8 is crap, functionally. I just don't care for it's UI at all. Although I do have my complaints about areas of functionality and it's "unified" interface. Personally? I enjoy the multiple window setup of Logic 7. I also don't like things such as the stationary transport, and I enjoyed transports at both the top and bottom corners of my arrange window... very convenient for me, depending on what I happen to be doing. Anyway, just a bit of explanation regarding my thoughts on Logic 8. Actually, I could go on about sore points... but I will spare you the rant! ;-) You mentioned it, I decided to give a few of my "sore spots" about 8. :-) As far as the voice pitch issue, I was trying -- awhile back -- to raise the pitch of the hi-hat, because the hi-hat for the particular kit I was trying to edit was a little "synthetic" sounding to me... if, you know what I mean. Sometimes raising or lowering the pitch of certain voices can make all the difference in realism, at least for me. Well, I managed to raise the pitch of the hi-hat and thought the snare could benefit from a bit of pitch lowering to get a richer, less brittle or tight sound, thereby giving the snare a bit more depth and realism. The pitch either would not raise or lower as with the hi-hat, or maybe it was only raising/lowering in inaudible semitones. Whatever, the snare's pitch wasn't budging to my ears. I haven't tried the above for awhile. Perhaps I just need to get more familiar with the EXS24... I'm sure there's a better way to accomplish what I was after. Or, maybe I was doing it the proper way but I screwed something up with that particular voice. If I have that problem again, I will post my exact steps and bug you good folks at this forum for an answer! :-P Anyway, you answered my question in your first response... my "less than adequate forum responses" commentary was in no way directed at you and your response(s). But have no fear! I'm sure I may well have other questions in the future... now that I know where you "answer guys" are hiding! ;-) Thanks again, Rounik