Logic Pro - Apple's audio flagship

Logic Pro is an amazing recording software that has everything you need to get started with your music production. After Logic Pro 8 came out, and now version 9, it has been gaining steadfast on Digidesign's Pro Tools as the audio recording software program of choice. Diehard Pro Tools fans, and even certified Pro Tools operators I know have turned to Logic as their dedicated mixing system.

There is just something attractive about the all in one package Logic offers. If you are a singer/songwriter just needing their guitar and voice plugged in, Logic can offer you that as well as the electronic music producer that needs an assortment of synthesizers, beats and drum machines. 

As well as having an extensive synth library it also has a jam packed library of loops and samples to play with and use in your tracks. And if that isn't enough, all the plugins and processors come with presets designed to help learning producers to get a grip on their audio production.

Here's a video helping you get up and running with Logic in minutes

Apple Logic Studio Music Production Software (Macintosh) Introducing Logic Studio, Apple's comprehensive suite of professional tools that provides musicians with everything they need to create in the studio, on the stage, and for the screen. Logic Studio includes Logic Pro 8, Apple's professional music application; MainStage, an innovative new application for music performance; and Soundtrack Pro 2 for audio post-production. It also includes acclaimed instruments, professional effects, an expanded sound library, and new production utilities all in a single box at an incredible price.

You don't need a dedicated interface like an Mbox to run Logic as your audio recording software. You should be able to plug in any sound card you wish. The amount of programmable presets, software synths and samples that come with the application make it a breeze for singer/songwriters or home recording enthusiasts to record their demos or make professional mixes of their band's recording.

For Mac users familiar with Garage Band, and have used it for their song demos, Logic is the next step, taking their music production to a whole new level. Also, it being an Apple product, it only works on Mac computers, which for some of you out there might be an annoyance. 

If you don't want to spend your hard earned money on such an expensive software package maybe you should check out Logic Express, Logic Studio's little brother. It has many of the same features of Logic Studio but with some limitations. It's a great package to try out to see if this particular software is a good fit.  If you like it, you can upgrade to Logic Studio at a lower cost.

Apple Logic Express Music Production Software (Macintosh) Record, edit, and mix your music on a Mac using the new Logic Express 9. Open your GarageBand files or start from scratch. Innovative production tools and over 100 instruments and effects from Logic Studio make it easier than ever to translate musical inspiration into professional recordings.

If you are familiar with Logic Pro but want to amplify your knowledge with some tips and tutorials, check out the AudioTuts's Logic tutorials for some great resources to your music production. I'm such a Logic fan I've even compiled a 5 Things I Love About Logic Pro  article!

For other software programs, check out the recording software page

If you want to stick with Digidesign's Pro Tools, check that out here

If you need tips and tricks with mixing in the box, check out the mixing page