Environment for EXS24

Question

How do I set up the Environment so that I can use an EXS24 instrument to play a MIDI file that I already have? I've been using Logic 2 thru 5 for years but I'm completely new to the audio capabilities of Logic 7. I brought the song file in from Logic 5, but now I'm clueless about how to get the EXS24 to play it so that I can hear it.
iMac   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

Answer 1

Sorry you are having so many problems. My steps do require at least basic fundamental knowledge of how tracks work, how you assign a track type, adding an instrument plug-in to an audio instrument channel strip, etc. I'm surprised that this is not well covered in the basics of the manual. I have been using it a long time, so I take a lot for granted.. lets see if we can make it simple:
background:
All tracks in the Arrange window can be assigned so that MIDI regions will play to either a MIDI instrument (external device) or a Software Instrument (aka Audio Instrument, a plug-in instrument). Audio Regions only play back on audio tracks. There are a couple of other types of tracks which don't actually playback any kinds of regions, but appear in the arrange window so that their plug-ins can be automated, these would be BUS/AUX/Output tracks.
Ok, so to create a software instrument track, you have to have at least one audio instrument object in the environment for it to be available to assign to a track. By default, if you are not working on a template, Logic comes with at least 4 of these in the environment, so you shouldn't have to create anything. When you first launched Logic the first time, it should have run a setup assistant which asks you how many audio instruments you want to add to your default song. I think it typically adds 32 audio instruments, so either way you should have at least one to work with.
As the previous poster recommended, I'd suggest using one of the new song templates that come with Logic. They come with a number of audio instruments already and waiting in the environment for use in the arrange window. The environment in Logic is often intimidating to new users, but to be honest, its really very simple. Its a repository for channel strips and external MIDI instruments that you can access from the arrange window.
Ok, so once you have launched Logic, create a new song and choose "use template" in the new song dialog. This should present you with a list of templates you can choose from. Try loading any of these general production type templates. After loading you should see a number of pre-created tracks ready to use. Find an audio instrument track. Usually, these have names like "Inst 1", "Inst 2" etc.. Select this track.
Next, make sure the Arrange window Parameter sidebar is visible. You can tell if the far left side of the Arrange window has a mixer looking channel strip at the lower left and a bunch of editable parameters in the upper left. If its not open already, go to the View menu of the Arrange window and select "Show Parameters" (actualy don't know the precise term, doing this all from memory.)
The "Channel Strip" is basically a graphical representation of the volume, mute, solo, pan and plug-in insert controls. It contains a number of other functions too, but this is where most of the sound generating and processing is done in Logic.
Once you have one of these open, plug-ins can be added by clicking and holding on the little insert squares. A popup menu should show you the plug-ins availble both from Apple and any 3rd party audio units plug-ins you have installed.
For Audio Inst tracks, the plug-in slot for instruments is located just above the Output 1-2 slot. Clicking and holding on this little square will reveal all of the instruments available, including the EXS or EXSP depending on if you are using Logic Pro or Logic Express.
Choose the EXS.
The EXS plug-in should open up and the EXS interface should now be available to you. It has a graphical element which looks like an LCD display. This is really a popup menu which contains all fo the Logic Factory EXS instruments, GarageBand Factory instruments and any 3rd party EXS instruments you have installed. Select one of these and it should load up.
After its loaded up, you should be able to play in notes from a MIDI controller, any imported standard MIDI file, etc.
I hope this helps..
-Logic Expert-