Logic Express or Digital Performer 5?

Recently swtiched from PC to Mac, and looking for a new DAW software. Was using Cakewalk. I can get DP5 for $350 with the competitive upgrade. Trying to decided if that or Logic Express would be best. Anyone familiar with both? Why did you choose L.E.?
THANKS!

It depends of what you need. Basically, if you plan to work mainly with soft synths, you're probably better with Logic. If you plan to work mainly with audio, I'd choose DP. DP is easier to learn but it's a CPU hog. Logic Express misses some routing options and is limited to 12 simultaneous inputs. DP is probably more Cakewalk-like than Logic.

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Should I switch to Logic from MOTU Digital Performer 4?

I recently upgraded my Mac OS to Tiger without realizing that MOTU Digital Perfomer 4 won't work on Tiger. I need to upgrade to DP 5.
But it's a hassle, and I may decide to completely move to Logic (either Express or Pro)
Only question is: will my MOTU hardware (828MKII audio interface and Midi Express XT Midi bay) work with Logic?
Any reason why I should/should not change to Logic rather that upgrading to DP5
(never really like DP's interface as I was used to the old Opcode Studio Vision)
Thanks

not so fast.. despite being a diehard logic user I'd say there's definitely some things that are great about DP that I remember from when I (was forced) to learn it at film school.
stupid name, but the chunks concept is something that was quite lovely for developing multiple music cues within the same song project. I'd love to see logic somehow incorporate something along the same philosophy.
also, the click and glide to play enable or mute multiple tracks works so much smoother in DP. yes we have it now in logic, but it seems to have been bolted on and isn't as responsive.
I also really liked polar. I think the whole audio recording session side of logic is still left too much like an add on to what used to be a midi program. polar in DP made vocal tracking sessions a pleasant experience. logic could do with some work in this area.
but overall, I have to admit that apart from these few nice aspects, I did spend more time moaning about how cludgy DP felt compared to logic. some of it was probably due to my brain being hardwired to logic for so long, but not all of it I'm sure. some of the functions in DP just seem so badly organised, still lumped together in lists of seemingly unrelated menu bar lists. and I didn't really find the look of it that inspiring to work with either... by experience with DP was back in the era of powermac G4s, the ones that looked like giant boiled lollies. but using DP at the time, the interface looked more like some scary 80s hangover and made me felt like I was on a mac SE. a minor point, and I'm sure it's evolved since then.. but who wants to work in an environment that feels stagnant and full of weird GUI cobwebs.
I can't see myself moving away from logic in the near future, but I'd love to see them really nail all the timecode/movie sync and working with multiple music cue functions that people need for working to picture. and I mean more than just adding some gimmicky global tracks feature that automatically detects cuts and places markers. nice try, but how about asking some film composers what they could actually use to make their workflow better? that might help.

MOTU 828 and Logic Express 7

I have a MOTU 828 purchased new in early 2002. Software is Audio Desk. Two questions:
1. Is there any reason to get Logic Express 7?
2. Is the MOTU 828 hardware compatible with Logic Express 7 as an interface through which to plug in instruments/mics?

The 828mk2 is a great soundcard. As for audiodesk... Here's the low down. Both Logic Express and Audio Desk are cut down applications from their 'pro' level apps which are Logic Pro and Digital Performer. I use DP for film editing, and I like it, but it is very different from Logic. I have tried using Audiodesk, and I found some of its limitations annoying after using DP. For example, it doesn't have its consolidated window which for me, and I think many others will agree, is DPs USP. Logic express is much less crippled in this way - the interface is exactly the same as Pro, and many things that Pro can do, Express can do too. There are a few very annoying omissions which is why I eventually upgraded, but Express is a great app. You might also find Audiodesks interface a little difficult at first - it's more geared towards the ProTools look of things. Then again, some people say they find Logic completely illogical. Ultimately it's entirely personal opinion, but I would go for Logic, if only for the synths and plugins. Hope this helps, and nice one for getting an awesome soundcard! Best, Fred

Transfer Digital Performer files into Logic Express?

I have some old recordings that are on a ADAT tape. A friend of mine said he could transfer them to Digital Performer. Does Logic open DP files?
Paul

Unfortunately, as was pointed out, Logic Express does not open Digital Performer files.
Not does it import OMF files, nor Broadcast Wave files, which means you can't export time-stamped waves from DP and import into LE. If you know someone with Logic Pro, it DOES support Broadcast Wave. This could be one work around.
Otherwise, you'll have two options.
1) Import the ADAT recordings directly into LE using an interface that supports ADAT In (MOTU 828mkII comes to mind). This will only work if you can re-assign the inputs of the interface to be the first 8, since LE only "sees" the first 12. This is one of the major limitations of LE, and why it's not really suited for "pro" work.
2) Import into DP, and then bounce the tracks in DP as separate WAVE of AIFF files, then import them directly into LE in the Audio Window. As long as each file starts (and ends, preferably) at the same time (i.e. as set in the DP bounce), you should have no problem aligning the tracks in LE7.
Number 2 is probably the best solution. Just remember that each of the WAVE files created in DP should begin at the same time (i.e. 0 0 0 0). This will GREATLY simplify the import into LE and make aligning the tracks a painless procedure. You can edit later in LE.
Hope this helps.

Digital Performer and Logic Express

Is there any way to rewire Logic Express (as slave) through Digital Performer (as host)? It doesn't show up in Digital Performer's audio inputs so I'm guessing not...
Thanks

How did you try it?
Fox

Digital Performer or Logic?

We have an old version of Performer (OS9, Pre-Digital Performer). The old Mac died, we'll be getting a new one and need to buy either Digital Performer or Logic Pro/Express(one of them). Does anyone have any comments about the pros / cons comparing these programs? Thanks for helping us upgrade.

Which program you get, may depend on what you need your software to do. I use both programs and like them both for different applications
Audio Recording: Both record audio and do a fine job. Logic is just a bit less of a cpu hog, meaning you may be able to have a couple more tracks in Logic over DP
Virtual Instruments: Logic wins hands down. I don't care for DP's VI's at all and think they are unusable. If you plan on using VI's, Logic has all you might need. If you get DP you will have to spend a few thousand more to get the kind of instruments that come with Logic
Plug-in's: Both have them, Logic has many more and most are real good. DP has a few good ones. Logic has a tons of presets to give you a starting point. DP has a few.
Channel strip settings: Logic has a ton of them. DP has none, nor the ability to save channel strip settings.
Scoring to film. I have never tried it, but I have a couple of friends that write for TV shows and have won awards for their work, and they work in DP. But then there are a few who contribute to this forum and do the same in Logic.
Midi recording and editing: Both do it and have sophisticated midi editing abilities. I prefer DP over Logic for midi editing. For me it is much more intuitive and easier to work with. Even though I prefer Logic's GUI I can build a midi song in DP much faster.
Are you using outboard synths? DP all the way! Logics way of addressing outboard gear in outdated, non intuitive, stupid and a total pain in the butt. Logic won't even fully utilize features of the Mac's Audio Midi setup. DP uses .midnam (midi name) and .midev (midi device) files stored in the Mac's AMS which are also easy to edit, to call up bank and patch names on your synths. In logic you have to manually set it up in the environment (took me about a week) and then save it as a template. if you call up another template then you have to drag the environment from the synth template because logic's environment import function is broken
Midi files. DP all the way. if you plan on importing and exporting standard midi files get DP, Logic's import and export functions for SMF's are very buggy and unreliable. Also when I import SMF into logic I get many inconsistencies, with notes not playing back properly. Exporting midi is a real nightmare. missing notes and quantization problems. DP is rock solid. never a problem importing or exporting, unless of course you import something created in Logic.
Live Performance. DP, hands down. The ability to save set lists is big for me. Logic cannot do it. virtual racks of VI's that all songs in the list work off of, so there is no load time. You can set it to auto play though the list or just call up the next and wait for you to start it.
So what do you need?
If you are a song writer and looking for a great and economical way to get your songs recorded, I think Logic would be best way to go. As a creative tool you can't beat it. It comes with everything you need right out of the box. Plus let's not forget all those great apple loops to get those creative juices flowing. DP will end up costing a lot more to get what comes in Logic
If you strictly do midi production and live performance get DP
If you can afford it, get both
my .02
Don

How can i get a free digital download for the Logic express 9 DVD version

I recently bought an new Imac. There is no dvd player. What gets me frustrated is that i own almost all Apple products, but i can't seem to get my DVD version of Logic Express on my new imac. I tried to share the dvd drive of my macbook pro, but that doesnot work with copy protected software. So i can't install from that external dvd drive.
So now i have a:
Iphone
Ipad mini
Macbook pro
Imac
and ik can't use my officially purchased version of Logic. Microsoft offers a free digital download for registered version of Office for Mac. Is er there also a free digital download for Logic Express? Anybody?
If there is not, i feel ripped off.
Thanks.

Why not ask in the Logic Express forums?

Does Apple have any plans on making an Iphone app to control Logic Pro like Motu has done for Digital performer? They make it for free which is a HUGE plus!

i was wondering if Apple has any intentions on making an Iphone/Ipad app to remotely control Logic like Motu has for Digital performer. Motu has it available for free which is a huge plus but Id be willing to pay for one if Apple came out with one of its own.Im a little mift as to why it hasnt been done, Im sure they are capable of it.

I've been using Touch.OSC, from Hexler. It is not created by Apple but works like a charm on Logic. I've been using the app for over a year both on my iPad and my iPhone. Check the app on Hexler @ http://hexler.net/software/touchosc. Another app (which I still haven't tried) is lpTouch. You can get more info at http://www.delora.com/delora_products/lptouch/lptouch.html. Both are sold at App Store for $ 4.99. Yeah, it would be cool if Apple included its own iPad/iPhone app to control LogicPro on a future update... but for the stick price of the apps I've mentioned you might have a good 'bang for the buck".

Digital outs in Logic Express with 828 or 002 rack

Can someone tell me if it is possible to use the digital ins and outs of either my MOTU 828 or DIgi 002 rack with LE? It's no where as easy as Pro tools or DP!!

Forgive my naivety... when you say "digital outs" are you talking about SPDIF? Does this mean I can't run Logic Express with an interface connected to the SPDIFs on my G5? Only Pro? Or am I off the mark?
Thanks!

Syncing Logic with Digital Performer

Hi,
Our current set-up is a G5 PPC running Logic 8, with MIDI sent over LAN to a MacPro running Digital Performer. DP runs a host of virtual instruments (MachFive, EZDrummer etc.) with the audio output routed back to Logic. The question we have is how we can get DP to 'see' the tempo of the Logic project - so as we can run tempo related VI's such as Albino. Currently we still run any VI that follows the projects tempo in Logic - but would ultimately like to have DP running every software instrument.
I imagine that there is a simple MIDI command that we send from Logic to DP that will make DP follow the tempo of the track - I have asked this question on the Digital Performer boards but wanted to ask Logic users what settings I should be using in Logic itself (Midi Beat Clock/SMPTE etc.)
Thanks
Jack

So far, here's what I found.
1.) iPhone is really made pair with one computer only.
2.) It seems to treat an iTunes library (meaning anything in there) as one library and even selectively syncing will erase the parts of the library you don't want to sync.
3.) Best work around seems to be to email yourself the smaller data elements that need to be sync'd to the computer with the complete iTunes library of media. (Export contact cards, backup calendar, export bookmarks... and bring them to the media computer)
4.) Photos from previously sync'd iPhoto library do stay separate and do not get erased when syncing to another computer.
At this point, I'm not sure what happens when I add events and contacts via the iPhone. I would ASSUME that when I go resync to the same computer they'll update eachother... But if I've deleted a few contacts and changed things, I hope it knows to give the iPhone priority...
Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated

Logic "Bounce" song feature...does Digital Performer have equivalent?

Hi all,
helping a friend......
Logic "Bounce" song feature...does Digital Performer have equivalent?
SvK

It's called "Bounce"
The shortcut is "Control+J"
It's under Audio > Bounce to Disk

Opening Digital Performer files in Logic 8 -- translation programs?

I have decades of Digital Performer files I want to be able to open in Logic 8 without going through a multi-step process (open in DP, save as midi, open in Logic).
Is there a translation program, a method, or even a function within Logic that will streamline the opening of Digital Performer files? There used to be a program years ago that let me open various types of files in DP, so I'm wondering if there's a new equivilant for Logic. (I do realize there will be tweaking necessary after opening, but I just want to get them opened faster and within Logic -- right now they're grayed out, of course.)
thx
Neil

NMcQ wrote:
Yes I've looked through those and understand the long way of doing it, was just wondering if anyone knew of a translation 'shortcut' program, since I have so many to do.
thx
Neil
http://www.solid-state-logic.com/post/pro-convert/index.asp
Some people like it, some don't. If you need something like this, try it.
Cheers
PS I am not endorsing, selling, nor recommending whatever is on that link, moderator...

Is there any way to transfer Digital Performer Projects to Logic Pro 9?

I just bought Logic Pro 9 today. I tried to run a sequence that was recorded in Garage Band and Digital Performer and it looks like the hard drive is too slow to play it all back, although it plays back fine in DP. I tried to save the DP file as an AAF file but some of the audio files were in the wrong place when I played the Logic version. I also have tried saving it as an OMF and Logic is still attempting to open it an hour later. Any ideas on how to get from one to the other without merging/consolidating the files because it appears that Logic is having difficulty playing back the tracks on my Mac Book Pro.
Waves Platinum v 7.0 (32 bit) plugs

http://prodesigntools.com/tag/ddl
Mylenium

Conversion of Digital Performer files to Logic files

What's the way to convert Digital Performer (audio & midi) files to Logic files?

what i do is this:
save as OMF in DP, save as MIDI in DP, sometimes Logic can open the OMF file, it depends on the settings used with DP OMF export. Logic really *****, when it comes to READ OMF files! Some great helper is a software called AVTransfer, that exists for PC. This app converts an OMF file into an OMF(!) file and removes all unnecessary data in the OMF, so every app can open it. This helped me several times.
Another idea is, to put a second of silece on every audio track to position 0 and MERGE all audio tracks, so you get Audio Files that all start at the same position and can be saved as any file format you like. Its faster than you might think: copy this bit of audio to all audio tracks and then select all, MERGE and have a coffee, no need to sit in front of your monitor.
MIDI tracks will have to be exported separatly, bcause they are not saved to an OMF or to audio files.
But you will have to setup your instruments for MIDI playback by hand, maybe save a patch in DP for each software instrument, to load them up in logic again.
Hope that helps.

Numa Organ and Digital Performer

I just got a Studiologic Numa Organ, and I am very pleased with it.
My Sequencer is Digital Performer 8,1 on Snow Leopard
My Audio to Midi Setup sees the Numa ONLY if I connect it directly through the USB port to The Mac
Audio to Midi Setup will also see my MOTU 128 Express interface also when connected through the USB port however I am unable to connect the Keyboard to the Interface as everything is grayout
If I connect the Numa directly to the USB interface it doesn't appear in Audio to Midi Setup and Digital Performer doesnt Remap the Instruments
The Numa is set as "Local on / MIDI on"
While rcording I can see the various notes in the DP track, nowever when I play back the Numa doesn't make any sounds
Any suggetions?
PS
The MOTU USSSB interface is upgraded to the lateset version

If you're using Apple Loops, they will conform to the project tempo/key.
If you have a vocal track you wish to autotune, use Logic's "Pitch Correction" tool. Make sure to place it in the first available insert in your channel strip.
Cheers.

Logic Express or Digital Performer 5?

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