Logic Pro Guide - Instruments
Logic
Virtual Instruments
There
are 13 virtual instruments built into Logic Pro. Because they are built
into Logic Pro, they are not available in any other MIDI sequencing program,
and cannot be used in stand-alone mode such as the virtual instruments from
Native Instruments. They cover the gamut from analog synthesizers to samplers
to recreations of vintage keyboards. Since they used to sell for $79-$250,
it is a real bonus to get all of them bundled for free in Logic Pro.
ES
E
This virtual
synthesizer has simple controls, which means that it's a good one for beginners
who want to learn how to program their own sounds. The built-in chorus effects
remind me of early Roland analog synths like the Juno 60.
ES
FM1
This virtual synthesizer uses FM, like a Yamaha DX7, but with easier to
understand controls -- well, slightly. From bell-pianos to basses, this
will be a big help in filling out your songs. It's only 4-Operator FM though, so it's actually more like the TX81Z than the DX7.
ES
M
This virtual synth is monophonic (it plays one note at a time), like a Minimoog.
That makes it especially good for basses and leads.
ES
P
The
ES P is a polysynth with more complexity than the ES E, perhaps wth a tonal
quality akin to the Roland Super Jupiter. In addition to Chorus, there is
an overdrive knob that gives this synth a lot more bite than most software
synths.
ES1
The
ES1 is a complex monosynth, and it has a lot of character. Use it for searing
leads and fat basses, that sort of thing. It's got a pretty funky interface,
and 4 filters to choose from.
ES2
The
ES2 is an incredible polysynth with a tremendous range of potential. The
included patches showcase its versatility for airy pads, troubling leads,
rumbling bass, synth brass, the whole 9 yards. It's a lot more flexible
than most hardware synthesizers, and is a good example of how synthesizers
benefit from having a larger control screen. However with some 22 knobs
and 17 sliders, you'll want to use some kind of MIDI controller to get the
most from this.
EVB3
The
EVB3 is an emulation of the Hammond B3 rotary organ. Some folks say it's
better than Native Instruments' B4, but I haven't really put them in a head-to-head
listening test yet. I think it's dumb that the upper drawbars are on the
left, and the lower drawbars are on the right -- that's reverse of how I
think (left hand low, right hand high). But I don't own a real Hammond B3
to compare it with. The distortion effect adds just the right amount of
"Grit" to make it really growl like an older organ with its tubes
running hot.
EVD6
The EVD6 is an emulation of the Hohner D6 Clavinet. Think Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". And no, I can't think of another song that uses Clavinet. However, this is much more than a clavinet emulation, because of the flexibility in pickup settings -- it will make FM-sounding percussion noises, harps, all kinds of stuff. Underused by me, and likely under-rated.
EVP88
The EVP88 contains emulations of both the Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric
pianos. The first night I got it, I spent hours playing Styx "Babe"
and twiddling around to get that Supertramp "Logical Song" sound.
It's really quite remarkable how much expression this has; you tend to forget
that when playing sampled grand pianos that produce more static tones than
a living, breathing instrument. Herbie Hancock plays this live.
EXS24II
The EXS24 (Mark II) is a multitimbral sampler with support for importing
samples in many formats, including Akai as well as WAV and AIFF files. Loading
times seem to be fairly slow, but the Mark II version has several improvements
over the original -- which was arguably one of the first software samplers.
EVOC
PS
The EVOC20 vocoder contains a polysynth based on the vocoder models. It's
got some interesting rhythmic qualities due to its LFO sync capabilities.
I cannot imagine that this will appeal to the orchestral scoring types --
its niche is much more along that of the dance musician or dj.
Sculpture
This virtual synthesizer is a modelling synthesizer with waveform manipulation
capabilities like a Korg Wavestation. Can be used to create very complex
timbres.
Ultrabeat
Ultrabeat is a beatbox that can be used to provide drumtracks for your compositions. It has a ton of built-in kits and a 32-step sequencer. Also you can load your own samples into Ultrabeat.
