Apple has announced an update to Logic Pro with new features for both Mac and iPad. This update is a move towards unifying the music creation experience across Apple devices. We have the details.

What's New for Logic Pro on Mac and iPad

• Mastering Assistant: A quick solution for attaining a professional, release-ready mix. This tool auto-analyses the audio and suggests refinements in dynamics, frequency balance, and loudness.

• 32-bit Float Recording: This feature minimises digital clipping during dynamic recordings, allowing for studio-quality audio and flexible post-production.

• Sample Alchemy: First seen on the iPad, it's now on Mac. This tool lets you morph a single audio sample into an instrument using granular, additive, and spectral synthesis for innovative sounds.

• Beat Breaker: A plug-in for Mac users that offers the ability to radically reshape and rearrange audio in real-time, enhancing creativity in beat production.

• Quick Sampler Recorder Mode: Exclusive to iPad, this feature allows the recording of 'found sounds' through the iPad's built-in microphone, enabling the instantaneous creation of custom instruments.

• Slip and Rotate Tools: Newly included in the Tools menu, these enable precise adjustments within audio and software instrument regions without changing the region's boundaries.

• New Sound Packs: 'Hybrid Textures' and 'Vox Melodics' offer a rich array of patches, loops, phrases, and effects, expanding the sonic possibilities for creators.

About The New Features

The Mastering Assistant stands out as a highlight in this update, promising to help musicians looking to finalise their mix. It works by analysing the track and applying adjustments to dynamics, equalisation, and overall loudness, ensuring the mix translates well across various listening environments. Other software already exists that offers this kind of automated mastering feature, however this is now built into Logic.

There is also now 32-bit float recording support with compatible audio interfaces. This enhancement ensures that the full dynamic range of performances is captured without the risk of clipping.

On the Mac, Sample Alchemy offers a playground for sonic experimentation. This is what Apple say;

“Sample Alchemy allows users to transform a single audio sample into a playable instrument using a variety of techniques, including granular, additive, and spectral synthesis. Artists can now create a wide range of unique sound beds, pads, effects, and rhythms, pushing the boundaries of creativity.”

The iPad version of Logic Pro is not left behind, with the Quick Sampler Recorder mode simplifying the process of turning samples into musical instruments fast. Apple are hoping this not only streamlines workflow but also encourages producers to explore the musical potential of their immediate surroundings.

There are some new editing tools;

“The Tools menu in the Tracks area and time-based editors now includes Slip and Rotate tools, enabling users to move content within audio and software instrument regions without altering the region boundaries.”

Pricing and Availability

Logic Pro 10.8 is available today as a free update for existing users and for $199.99 (U.S.) for new users on the Mac App Store. Users can download a free trial of Logic Pro. Logic Pro for Mac requires macOS Ventura 13.5 or later.

Logic Pro for iPad 1.1 is available today as a free update for existing users, and available on the App Store for $4.99 (U.S.) per month or $49 (U.S.) per year, with a one-month free trial for new users. Logic Pro for iPad requires iPadOS 17 or later, and an iPad with Apple A12 Bionic chip or later.