The Toolbar

Dov Waterman
Dov Waterman

Lesson time: (4min 23sec)

Dov Waterman shows how Logic Pro's toolbar gives one-click access to the functions you reach for most, and how to customise it for a faster composing workflow.

Course preview

This lesson is part of the course Composition in Logic: Workflow & Templates
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Lesson transcript:

Recap on Template Building and Customization

Building a Template

  • Building a template consists of:
    • Getting your sounds correctly in place
    • Loading them into folders
    • Categorizing them for easier visibility

Customizing the Environment

  • We looked at adding elements to:
    • The control bar
    • The toolbar

Control Bar Functions

  • The control bar, located just beneath the toolbar, includes various functions that I frequently reference.
  • Key Commandable Functions:
    • Most functions here can be accessed via key commands.
    • This includes:
      • Editing MIDI
      • Repeating sections
      • Arranging
      • Bouncing regions
      • Splitting locators

Customizing Functions

  • To customize the toolbar:
    • Use Control + Click to add functions.
    • I prefer seeing certain functions visually rather than relying solely on key commands to avoid accidental pressing.

Useful Functions to Add

  • Bounce: I haven't assigned a key command for this, but I keep it visible in the control bar.
  • Automatic Quick Assign: We'll discuss this further, particularly regarding automation.
  • Import/Export Audio: Essential functions for workflow.

Bouncing Stems

  • When creating stems or bouncing out audio, the process is as follows:
    • It generates bounce folders (as opposed to "bounce in place," which we'll explore later).
    • This feature helps in exporting selections of regions or tracks effectively.

Grouping Tracks for Post Production

  • One critical aspect of post-production involves organizing your audio:
    • Using folder tracks or summing buses (aux tracks) aids in managing audio when stemming.
  • During final mix stages, mixers may need sections grouped (e.g., string sections, brass sections).
  • To bounce a section, highlight it and:
    • Click Bounce or go to Bounce Output (both perform the same action).
  • We will cover more about bouncing and importing files in detail later on.

About the instructor

Dov Waterman
Dov Waterman

Dov Waterman is a composer, pianist and producer. He has written and designed sound for films including After Earth, Terminator Genisys, Transformers: The Last Knight and The Snowman, and works as a sample-library audio editor and sound designer with companies such as Native Instruments and SonoKinetic.His Composition in Logic series walks through building a track end to end in Logic Pro - from templates and workflow to synthesis and beat programming, MIDI effects, editing and the final mix - for producers who want to turn their ideas into finished records. read more

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10 lessons (0h 46m)
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