hey all

been reading threads on here for a bit.... i finally decided to register and ask some questions before i take the plunge haha.

i am currently running a powerbook 12" 1.5, and will be upgrading to 1.25gigs of RAM next week (i need it for photoshop anyways). i have a 250 gig external drive.

so i am a bass player and i have been looking for software to be able to lay down some drum tracks to play and record against. i also plan to learn how to chop samples and play live keys afterwards as well to make some beats.

upon visiting one store and talking to a guy there about my needs, he suggested logic express, a midi controller, and a basic m-audio interface to get me started. then i go to sam ash and talk to someone else to get a second opinion, and he tells me that logic wont work for my needs because it has no virtual instruments. he says to either go with reason/midi controller/interface, or logic/interface/rack (or logic/interface/separate app with drum sounds). he suggested the rack of course to take some of the workload off my computer. of course this didnt make sense as the guy at the original store never pointed out the fact that i wouldnt really be able to make music with logic by itself.

so.... with regards to my personal needs, does logic express meet them? will it run adequately with my hardware setup? i was reading the osx apps forum and someone mentioned that you cant track live instruments into reason, which would instantaneously eliminate that from the running if it is the case.

sorry if this is a bit convoluted. let me know if anything is unclear. i appreciate your help!

Hi there Brother Man,
I am currently using Logic Express and it is great. Since you are new to this type of action I will give you the low down about Logic Express and it's capabilities. Logic is an incredible piece of software and I enjoy composing music using this system. Everyone one is different so the best way it to download a demo a try it out to see if it feels good for you. You can go to www.hitsquad.com/smm/mac and this will take you to Macintosh Music Software. Then under the heading "recording" you will find Logic Express and you download the demo here. Logic comes with many virtual instrument and effects. The majority of music I write it electronic music and I find it is great. I use Logic Instruments as well as other AU (Audio Units a file format used for Macintosh virtual instruments) Instruments too. I also record vocals, bagpipe and hardware onto my Mac using Logic Express. Reason is great but it is an all in one studio that does not allow any outside instruments to come into the software and you cannot recorded live into that system. Ableton Live is another great program I am just starting to learn and has some special features that no other program offers like being able to play live without ever stopping plus it uses AU and VST (same as AU but Cubase created the idea of virtual instruments). Cubase is a simular system to Logic too and Traction 2. Garage Band is also a great beginner software as well and will get you going for a while. Out of all the ones I have mentioned though Logic and Ableton are my favorites. You can get an audio interface and midi keyboard to hook up to your computer. Pick up Computer Music Magazine for help and tips too because they give free samples/software every month with the mag. Well I hope this helps you out ajchen and if you have anymore questions I will try to help you out the best I can.

right on, i appreciate the input. if i cant play live into reason then i will for sure cross it off the list.

spoke to someone at the apple store today and he recommended getting a midi controller and an interface because will need that no matter what.... but then to try garage band for a month and see what it does... as soon as i can identify weaknesses, i can then upgrade to logic. i think i will give that a try... no reason to knock garage band until i outgrow it, right?

its good to know that logic express does have virtual instruments. i guess that guy at sam ash didnt know what he was talking about. do i have the ability to buy more virtual instruments and drum sounds to plug into logic?

Hi there Brother Man,
Yes you can buy additional virtual instruments for Logic and Garage Band comes with virtual instruments of it's own too. Take care and good luck.

yes of course u can put any amount of virtual instrument into your logic setup as long as they are and your computer can handle them (AUDIO UNIT)And not vst and even if they are vst you can use a vst to AUt convert( THIS can be alittle technical best to leave for later)
ALSO YOU CAN USE REASON IN CONJUNCTION EN REWIRE MODE WITH LOGIG IT HAS LOT GOOD SAMPLER
BUT YOU CAN ALSO TRY CUBASE LE IT IS ALSO A GOOD PROGRAM AND THERE END LESS VST INSTRUMENT OUT THERE FOR THAT EVEN THOUGHT LOGIC IS MY FAVORITE.
GOOD LUCK