I Want to Learn Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X occupies the DAW space between Ableton Live and Pro Tools. Compared to Ableton Live, it’s got a steeper learning curve and is not as user friendly for Live DJ performances but is more of a post-production tool. Compared to Pro Tools, it’s not as robust of an audio editor but when it comes to songwriting those who prefer to keep the technical behind the curtain might prefer the simpler design. It’s also considerably cheaper than both Ableton Live and Pro Tools. However, it’s a MAC only program.

Given all these considerations, it’s easy to see why Logic Pro X is the go-to choice for many music producers, recording artists, audio engineers, composers, audio arrangers, audio editors, sound designers, mixing engineers and mastering engineers. It’s simple really, it is available at a very reasonable price and it is a great all-in-one program for creating, producing, recording and mixing audio. It also comes stocked with an abundance of plugins which all sound great right out of the box.

Logic Pro X, like any DAW, comes with a learning curve. Unlike other DAWs, it has a “beginner” version, called GarageBand, that comes free on every MAC. It is essentially a stripped down, easier to learn and use version of Logic Pro X. Additionally, anything you record in GarageBand may be moved over to Logic Pro X when you’re ready to advance, and the interfaces of both are virtually identical. Frustration is the bane of any creative process, and GarageBand goes a long way in ensuring that its DAW learning curve is about as easy as it can get.

Whether you choose to dive right into Logic Pro X, or to route your path to Logic Pro X through GarageBand, your goal should be to compose, create and record your music. To do this, you’ll need to learn the DAW to the point that you’re comfortable with it and can get it to do what you want. There are many approaches to getting to this point: you can learn through the numerous online tutorials available for free on YouTube, you can learn through an online school, or you can seek out a Logic Pro expert in your musical genre to serve as your mentor. Again, this is a personal decision, but here are some guidelines.

The free online tutorial approach is great in that it doesn’t cost you anything but your time. However, there are many different ways to accomplish the same end result, and sourcing tutorials from different audio engineers/Logic Pro users may end up with some compatibility issues. Also, while there may not be a definitive structure on what you should learn first, second, or third there should be a plan to this structure—with free online tutorials you’re the one who must come up with this structure.

Online schools are similar to online tutorials with one big difference—most of them come with a course structure. They determine what you learn first, second, third and usually there’s a method to their structure. This usually means you end up with a more versatile, all-encompassing knowledge of how to use Logic Pro X than if you were to search out random, free online tutorials. One disadvantage of both free online tutorials and structured online school curriculums is that they rarely offer real-time feedback and answers. This can be problematic if you are in the middle of a session and get stuck.

Seeking out an accomplished Logic Pro X user to serve as your mentor can be challenging, but the rewards are oftentimes great. If the person you choose is a good or great music producer, they will not only provide structure to your learning, but they will adapt your learning sessions to your musical styles and goals. A mentor can be available to remedy those “I’m in a session and I’m stuck” situations in real-time if you’ve demonstrated to them your drive, passion and ambition and shown that you respect them and their time. Whichever method you choose to learn Logic Pro X, it’s important to bear in mind your goal is to create music, not to become the world’s leading expert on the intricacies of the software. Logic Pro X is a tool—your goal is to become as comfortable using it to create your own music as you are with using your smart phone features. So go forth and learn Logic Pro X if it seems like the DAW for you. Just make sure you have a MAC computer first.