Logic Pro 9 User Manual - Help Library - Apple

Note: This control surface plug-in requires additional hardware that is not included with
Logic Pro.
Synthesizers and MIDI-Controlled Effects
Logic Pro provides plenty of software instruments and effects, and can also act as a host
for Audio Units plug-ins from other manufacturers. More information on the use of plug-in
instruments and effects can be found in Working with Instruments and Effects.
You can also incorporate hardware MIDI instruments and MIDI-controlled effects units
to your Logic Pro music production system. These are connected via a MIDI interface,
using MIDI cables. (See Connecting Your Audio and MIDI Devices.)
MIDI-controlled effects units do not process MIDI data. Rather, they are audio processors
(such as reverb or multi-effect devices) that can be controlled via MIDI messages. This
allows you to automate the parameters of these devices—such as delay time or Flanger
speed—from Logic Pro.
Typically, you would connect all external devices, such as synthesizers and MIDI-controlled
effects units to either your audio interface or a hardware mixing console. MIDI-controlled
effects units would be connected in a send/return loop, using either:
• A pair of audio ins and outs (or auxiliary in/out, if available) on your audio interface
• An auxilliary in/out (sometimes called FX send/return) pair on your mixing console
Both methods allow the use of Logic Pro’s In/Out plug-in, allowing you to freely route
audio information through the external effects unit and the MIDI connection provides
control over the effects parameters. In many ways, this is much like using one of Logic Pro’s
internal effect plug-ins.
Note: It is only practical to use the In/Out plug-in for external device routing when you’re
using an audio interface equipped with multiple in and out ports.
Both MIDI instruments and effects allow remote patch (preset) selection from Logic Pro.
This (and control) information can be stored as part of Logic Pro project files, ensuring
perfect playback from your MIDI devices the next time the project is loaded.
Ancillary Audio Devices
No discussion of a Logic Pro audio system would be complete without covering a number
of options that you should seriously consider, in order to make the most of the application.
Audio Playback System
Your audio interface provides inputs and outputs between the real world and your
computer. When performing audio playback, the audio interface translates computer
data into something you can hear and understand—sound and music.
Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System
31