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The best Apple Music Software reviews

The reviews Audiofanzine members found the most helpful.

Apple WaveBurner

moosers's review
Apple WaveBurner is a utility program that comes with Apple Logic music software. I don't believe you can buy it on it's own. It's designed for sequencing tracks in order and preparing CDs for burning, and of course for actually burning them to disc. It's definitely a mastering tool and is great to have at home to get your recordings ready for mastering or for your own home mastering purposes. The program will install during the process of installing Logic - I'm not sure if there's an option for choosing to install or not install it, but everyone who has Logic may as well in my opinion. There's a good amount possible with WaveBurner, but I've only just used it for sequencing tracks and preparing the tracks to be burnt to a master disc. It's got a pretty user friendly interface as I didn't find that it was ever hard to use. I've never had a look at the manual... SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE My system at home is running Apple WaveBurner as I've got Logic running on the system as well of course. I've got a Mac Book Pro lap top that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. It's definitely been enough to run this program sufficiently and I don't think I'll be having any problems in the future. OVERALL OPINION Apple's WaveBurner software that comes as a utility for Logic is definitely a nice little program to have. Other than this I don't really have too many other programs like this on my system at home, so I'm happy to have it. It's easy to use and can do a whole lot for you in preparing your discs for mastering on all levels. While you can't really get this if you don't have Logic, if you do, this is definitely a program you need to get familiar with as it will definitely be useful for you in finalizing your discs for mastering purposes...

by moosers 12/18/10
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Apple Logic Pro X

« "Logic Pro X, an end to Logic ?" »
Logic Pro X as the Apple website clearly states "The most advanced version of Logic ever" (which I completely do not agree with and we will come to that shortly) is the latest digital audio workstation in the Logic family, for songwriters and engineers. Compose, Record Audio, Play Midi, Edit, Flex, Mix, Master and Bouncing are the main core features that Logic X provides, similar to any other DAW out there. With a download size of 828MB directly from the Appstore and an extra 35GB of additional instruments, plugins and loops, this "64-bit only" Logic X runs on smoothly from OS X 10.8.4 or upwards with a minimum of 4GB RAM. Logic X supports 255 audio, software instrument and auxiliary channels with unlimited number of midi tracks, with 15 plugin slots and 8 effects send slots for each channel strip. Since I have given a quick positive introduction to this new version of Logic (for those who are new to Logic X), having used Logic Pro 9 for the past 6 years, I have to sadly say that Logic X is a clear disappointment for Logic Users. The reason why I am mentioning only "Logic users" is because I am pretty sure Logic X's initial customers/clients would be previous owners of Logic 9 or earlier. Being one among them and seeing other users around me, first and foremost, the initial setup does not include a .DMG file, rather, the installation and download process is done directly via the Apple Appstore. The Initial install takes around 2GB space on the system and then another additional 35GB content needs to be downloaded (this will take time but you can resume your work with Logic X minimising the download window) to get Logic X in its full shape. The Manual is clear by its own terms. The Key commands have changed for certain functions, which is very irritating for professional musicians and producers. When you call it a new version, you never expect the key commands to change. This takes time off from people and lead to confusion. Sadly, I got used to the new key commands, even though I later started using the old Logic 9 key commands on Logic X, as it was not working and slowed me at times. Logic X being 64-bit supports only 64bit audio plugins and virtual instruments. Another Headache. Opening Logic 9 sessions (Logic X supports sessions from Logic 5 and upwards) on Logic X might look very cool. But when you start playing the session, you face errors and pops. Audio regions are sometimes mis-placed. 32bit plugins seems to work with the Logic's built in audio bridge for 32bit to 64bit. But this is only for certain plugins, and there it is finally - "Your first Crash" . The new "Auto save" feature is a great help. But I don't think anybody would want to keep re-visiting previous auto-backup save sessions every 5 minutes? The basic and general functions are almost similar to previous versions. The Arrange window seems to have certain locational variations otherwise Logic X looks quite compact and sleek with a taste of Garageband software here and there. Everything seems to work and function faster when compared to previous versions of Logic. For first time Logic X users, you will definitely enjoy the look and design of it. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE Previously I was using OS X 10.7 (Lion) with Logic Pro 9. Though the Lion OS itself was a disaster to my working environment, after clearing all the hurdles and successfully solving the compatibility issues, I continued my work on OS X Lion version itself even after the Mountain Lion had arrived. Usually there is a say "If something works for you, don't update". I should have listened to this advice when I moved to Mountain Lion (I like things to be updated always). The sole reason for quickly moving onto Mountain Lion was Logic X, as it only supports from OS X 10.8 onwards. At the moment, Logic X 10.0.7 runs on my 8 GB, 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, Mavericks (10.9) system. Its been 1 complete year after getting Logic X and so far, other than constant crashing and certain sessional related defects, that me and many of my friends have still not found answers for, Logic X runs seamlessly faster and is very powerful in handling complicated and hybrid sessions. The Audio engine is updated. The usage levels of the RAM and the processing speed of plugins are slightly lesser and faster respectively. After switching to Logic X, the performance I receive is sometimes noteworthy but most of the time, it gives me only issues. Let us put it this way. The more size and larger the session is, the more amount of problems occur. With a lot of newly added features, notably like the "Flex Pitch", "Track Stacks", "Drum Kit Designer", "Retro Synth" and the "Smart Controls", Logic X attracts many of us and gets along easily with these problems mentioned earlier. The "Flex Pitch" as you would have already understood is a new addition to the flexing options. Now you get to flex any audio signal inside your session. Though I would say Logic X does a good job with flexing (This looks almost like Melodyne to me but not that accurate though), it is not stable at times. With a large audio file, for e.g., 5-10 minute long file takes up-to 5-10 minute itself for processing before one could start flexing. To avoid this situation I usually slice the audio regions and put them onto a separate track just for flexing purposes. Here is where the "Crash" sometimes arrives. When such a large file is duplicated, Logic X starts to become a child by itself and panics. The playback stops abruptly at many times when the Flex option is active. As you all might be wondering now if this could be my system configuration's issue, which I also though initially, I was wrong when I found out that many users encounter the same problem. I was forced to flex the audio signals on a separate session or via another program/software. "Track Stacks" is awesome! This was something I was looking forward to earlier itself. To have a folder within the arrange session, and to control all the instruments with just one slider was a relief, especially for Logic users. Though this is possible by just bussing all your wanted tracks to an auxiliary channel, here, Logic X provides you an instant time saver. Select all the tracks, right click and enable track stack, and all the tracks become a single folder with one slider. Don't get confused. This is not the Folder feature we had up-to Logic 9, where the tracks hide themselves inside another separate window. The "Drum Kit Designer" is attractive but sometimes rules over us giving us more than what we ask. With several custom preset - customisable drum kit designs, this is an easy solution for Producers. With some industry leading drummers around the world, Logic X has incorporated their involvement in the playing and groove styles giving you a virtual drummer with its own mix setup. Feel free to tweak the settings. If you have a verse - chorus - verse structure for your song, the drum kit designer immediately recognises this and gives you a series of drum patterns accordingly. The "Retro Synth" is something I loved. A completely new re-touched collection analog and dirty synths have arrived. The settings are quite similar to every other synth based instruments. "Smart Control" is a completely new feature and very much well-thought insertion. It allows you to globally control all the instrument plugin's basic function knobs - all in one - window. This is completely helpful, as you do not need to individually go over each instrument to tweak the settings on a general level. OVERALL OPINION Pros 1) 64bit - More faster and powerful 2) Re-designed Guitar and Bass Amps 3) Smart Control 4) Automation can now be copied and pasted with the Marquee tool 5) Compression level can now be monitored on the channel strip without opening the plugin 6) Session exporting is now compatible for more devices and applications 7) Auto-backup 8) The new Arpeggiator - Midi plugin is absolutely innovative 9) Re-designed EQ 10) "Logic Remote" allows you to control the session via an iPad 11) Track Stacks makes the sessions tidy and gives a much better workflow to the user Cons 1) Constant and unexpected crashes at the middle of sessions. 2) Last saved sessions deliver audio cross fade-pops at times. 3) Flex Pitch is good but does more bad 4) 32 bit only plugins - Good bye, or use 3rd party applications like SoundRadix to get them on Logic X. Re-starting the AU manager on any previous Logic Pro and then opening Logic X sometimes solve this issue. 5) No Environment window anymore 6) Slicing, editing and aligning regions sometimes gets snapped onto wrong time-lines, even though "snap to absolute/relative grid' is enabled. 7) The mouse pointer is un-recognised on the region window if you need to click on an empty space. Now you are forced to click on the play-head time line. For $199.99, Logic X is a satisfactory - painful welcome into your life. I have not noticed any difference in the quality of sound when compared with previous versions of Logic. The production and the outcomes are the same in terms of both sonic quality and sound. Being a die-hard Logic user for several years now, I would have anyways purchased the Logic X - be it good or bad (This is the selling point, as a previous user of a software, especially like Logic, is always naturally excited to experience the latest update of it). But now, to be frank, I don't use Logic X for professional dead-line based projects, keeping in mind some of the scares on my client's face and mine earlier, while using Logic X, I have finally moved back to Logic 9 for constant work-flows, keeping Logic X only as a back-up. and for experimental projects.

by livewidmusic 3 7/23/14
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Apple Mainstage

« Woefully over looked... »
SImple enough to set up. Obviously depending on whether you want to use this with keys or guitar you will need a midi and/or audio interface. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE OSX only, do I need to say more. I expect Apple products to have rock solid drivers to run rock solid on Apple hardware. OVERALL OPINION What we have here is essentially a "rack" that lets you run the Apple instruments, amp sms and Apple and 3rd party plug-ins as a standalone app without using your DAW. I came across it when it came bundled with Logic Pro. Now Apple sells it in the App Store for $30 by itself. The basic idea to turn my lap top into a amp modeler was never of any use for me. However when I toured in Asia the first time 2 years ago and only had questionable rental amps and my "pedal board" consistent of an "emergency" overdrive pedal I packed this came in very handy. I used it with a small audio inter face (Apogee Duo) either in the loop of an amp, or worst case scenario in front of the amp. Signal chain was guitar, over drive, into the sound card from there into Main Stage, out of the sound card into the amp. When the amp had an effects loop it was guitar, over drive, amp, loop to sound card into Main Stage, sound card back into the loop of the amp. This way I used Main Stage to add my have AU plugs. I ran the PSP Audioware PCM 84 for delay, Soundtoys pitch shifter, and U-audio tape sim plug. It was such a god sent to have that option. Saved my butt on pretty much every gig. With main stage I have my back-up set-up in my laptop bag and am prepared for any horrid gig surprise. I guess absolute worst case scenario I could go direct.

by loudfunk 1 1/31/12
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Apple Logic Pro 9

« New owner, same sequencer... »
Seeing that Logic is MAC only it's pretty much a no brainer on OSX. The manual is ok at best, however there are numerous on-line resources to help with those short comings. Install from the DVDs will take a while for all the extra loop and instrument content. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE Again since it is now an Apple program I expect it to run stable on a Mac, and it does. OVERALL OPINION I used to use Logic at Version 4 to 5.5 on PC back in the day. When Apple bought it and made it Mac only I went to use Samplitude/Sequoia who used to have the same distributor and wrote the Logic audio engine. Years later at version 9 I actually decided to give Logic another shot since by then I had switched to Mac (thanks to being able to run it as Windows or OSX). And I really didn't like to have to deal with dongles. So...back to Logic. It now seems much more user friendly. Has some new features the might be great for some like audio quantize. I love using it to write and when I have any midi programming to do. For audio I'm not so fond of it. It still is limited to 24 bit files. Heck even Pro Tools now lets you use 32 bit float files, just like Nundo, Cubase, Repaer, Samplitude, Sequoia, etc...have done for years. So if you're shuttling projects back and forth between DAWs the audio files need to be converted before. What I find a bit disheartening is that the soft synths have not gotten a face lift since I used to use it 5 major revisions ago. Those were state of the art for 10 years ago. Now...not so much. Apple recently went from boxed DVD to download through the app store and lowered the price. Which on one hand is awesome, on the other now the extras like Main Stage etc are separate purchases.

by loudfunk 1 1/31/12
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Apple GarageBand

moosers's review
Apple Garage Band was easy to install, as it came installed with my Mac Book Pro when I bought it. It is designed by Apple, for Apple computers, so I never had any compatibility problems at all and it has always run smoothly for me. The interface of the program is very easy to follow, and is really just a simplified version of Apple Logic. I mostly use this software to record ideas and demos straight from the microphone on my Mac into Garage Band. I don't have a manual for this, but if you have never used any program like this, it might be a good idea to have around. However, on the other hand, if you have any experience with audio or MIDI software, you should be able to figure this out without a manual. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I am currently running Apple Garage Band on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I have never had a problem running as many audio or MIDI tracks as I'd like in Garage Band with this set up. I have run up to about twenty tracks of audio or mixed audio and MIDI at once without issues. However, how many tracks and effects you can run at once really depends on your machine more than the software itself. OVERALL OPINION I've been using Apple Garage Band for around year since I got my Apple computer that it came installed on. While I have Apple Logic and Pro Tools that I use for most of my projects, I use Garage Band for demos and ideas when I just want to record straight from my computer microphone. The price of Garage Band is free with an Apple computer, but is cheap within the iLife bundle if you need to buy it. Garage Band is powerful software even though it comes with all Mac computers. It is great for beginners looking to try out this type of software.

by moosers 1 3/25/09
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Apple Logic Studio 9

« All Logics are great »
Apple Logic Studio 9 was my main program that I would use a year ago. It was my go to program because of the VST’s that come with it. I think Logic has some of the best “built in” VST’s out of any program that has come out so far. Everything with Logic 9 is easy to use if you are already familiar with it, if you are new to Logic then you will have some issues and you will need to take a long look at the manual. The manual is in depth and has all of the info that you need to troubleshoot or just learn how to navigate your way through the menu’s in Logic 9. When you purchase Logic 9 you will get a few disk , the bonuses are Soundtrack Pro 3, Studio Effects, MainStage 2 and a few others that I cant remember off the top of my head. Apple also has a website where you can watch tutorials on how to work with Logic just in case reading the manual Pdf isn’t your thing. I have been using Logic since 7 came out years ago and I continue to use it now on my Macbook Air. I never really finish a full song in Logic though because I like to work in Pro Tools as well. Some people say they would rather use Logic than Pro Tools but to me they both go hand and hand if you know how to use them correctly. Logic 9 was a great improvement from Logic 8. Apple continues to keep adding new features to Logic that keeps me on my toes. If you have a newer Mac computer, I highly suggest investing in Logic! It will be one of the best investments you have made in your music career because it is probably the best music creating software from composing to recording all in one that is out now. It is a must have.

by AlanForPresident 9/9/12
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Apple GarageBand Jam Pack : Symphony Orchestra

« dont buy it unless you want to be a begginer for ever »
Well first and formost I want to say that using Garage Band will only get you so far, Garage Band is Apples bottom line software and comes installed on most of the machines for free. So before investing into any of the Jam Packs that Apple puts out you should invest into get another sequencing program. Something you can further your ability with and get more in depth with music and really start to understand how digital music works. Garage Band wont allow you to do that, I say go with Logic. With that being said, if you still want to use Garage Band and want to get the Jam Pack, you would need to understand that you arent getting vst instruments. Jam pack will only give you loops, now you will get a lot of them, actually I think there are over 1,000 of them total which is a great value for the product. But paying 99 bucks for a bunch of loops when you could spend a little more and get a way better program to create music in will be your best bet. I say hold on on purchasing Jam Pack and purchase logic. Get away from using Garage Band unless you want to be a beginner for ever. I have never purhase Jam Pack and never will, but a friend of mine has and told him the same thing im saying in this review. Its not worth spending that money on a pack of loops. You need good quality vst. If you are going to invest, get a good sequencer and start from there. Jam Pack will work great with your Garage band but only because there can be no issues, they are only loops. Apple has just paid a bunch of musicians to record a bunch of loops and then they put them on a disk and sell them to you for 100 dollars. Do not buy this. It is not worth the money , spend your money where it will matter.

by stompboxjon 7/5/12
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Apple EVP88

« found it »
I have been using EVP 88 in logic pro for a while now. I actually stumbled upon this vst plug in when I was just going through some extra stuff in logic. I have never heard or even thought of using this if I didn’t just stumble across it while just going through some older vst and vst’s that I havent used. I don’t use logic as much as I use to anymore so when I when back into logic and started looking around I was very happy when I found EVP 88. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I have been using this on my mac book with logic 9 I think that’s the version that I have been using it on. It could be 8 though. But either way it runs great and it sounds great. Its actually pretty cool to have something that sounds this good come with your sequencing software. I almost which I could get this to work on my pc. It works great with Logic though and never had a single issue with its performance or getting it to load up. I don’t know about installing it because it was already installed with logic so I never had the chance to go through that. Like I said I never even knew what it was till I stumbled across it. I still do use it from time to time whenever I am working logic on my mac book. OVERALL OPINION Overall, it seems to be very good. I didn’t have to pay for it so that’s a plus. Im not sure if its on everyones Logic or if you can even purchase it separate or what the price of it is. I am just thankful that I got a vst that is this good already installed with logic. I love having good electric pianos on hand at all times. This is one of the better ones that I have used with Logic on my mac. I have some really good ones on my windows system so im thankful to have a really good one that’s exclusively for mac computers.

by stompboxjon 7/5/12
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Apple Mac OS X Lion

« My first Mac OS X »
Apple's Mac OS X Lion is their newest intel-based operating system, and I currently use it on my MacBook Pro (which I am using to write up this review!). It is the eighth and current major release of Mac OS X, and it is used on both desktops and laptops. Officially, it is version 10.7 of the main operating system line, and some of the new features include AirDrop, FaceTime, Launchpad, Mission Control, and much more. The layout and features mimic the popular mobile operating systems from their successful line of iPhones and iPads, with the inclusion of things such as the app store. It may seem a little odd having an app store on a computer (where you can simply download applications from any source), but the app store provides a nice hub for finding great software, and installing that software seamlessly and quickly. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I've always been a bit afraid of Apple computers, and their operating systems, OS X or otherwise, even though I've been using iPod's, iPhone's, iTunes, and other Apple software/hardware for years. But I knew it was somewhat necessary to make the jump to Mac's in order to do live synth sounds for my band, so I took the plunge and spend 1 grand on a refurbished Mac OS Lion system. And overall, the operating system works even better than I expected. The response and control of the operating system by the touchpad is seamless, and it really shows how combining hardware and software under the same name umbrella (of Apple) can be extremely powerful. I love the multi-touch, the gestures, and the integrated right-click, and how all of them work wonderfully in the software operating system. OVERALL OPINION Overall, Apple still makes some of the best computing hardware and software that is more compatible with professional audio, and certainly Mac OS X Lion follows that same trend. It is integrated so well with the hardware, which is crucial for low latency applications, such as audio.

by JeffTadashi 6/27/12
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Apple Logic Express 7

« Upgrade »
Apple Logic Express 7 is a program that you can do almost everything in. I don’t think you can still purchase it though because they have upgraded versions now. Logic Express 7 is not really the full version of Logic also known as the pro versions of logic. There are some big differences in the Express and Pro versions and mainly it’s the plug in instruments. Also, maybe a few effects from the mixer as well. Apple Logic Express 7 belongs in more of a classroom type setting if you ask me. It just seems as if they watered down the pro version. So maybe for people who cant afford to get the Pro version would get Express 7 but I just don’t think it’s a good idea. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE As with all of Logics software it will run great on your mac, remember its mac only! I do wish Logic would come out with a windows based version. I think they could make a lot of money if they did because there are a lot of pc users that would love to try Logic. OVERALL OPINION Overall, its great but if you can afford to get the pro version get it. Don’t get the Express 7 because you will just need to upgrade to pro anyways at some point or another. So you mine as well just save up and get the pro version and save your self from the headach. Unless you get the Logic Express 7 and have the money to get some good plug ins. But if you have the money for some good plug ins you mine as well just upgrade to pro and be ready to go right off the bat and skip Express. But all in all Express 7 is a good software but I recommend going with the Pro version, you wont regret it.

by theaudioandvideoguy 4/26/12
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Apple SoundTrack

« Apple Soundtrack »
Soundtrack Pro 3. Comes in the Final Cut Studio 2 Package. Cost $1,000 for the whole package. So when you consider it is one of six programs, I guess its less than $200.00 This is a great piece of software. It has very detailed audio file editing. One great feature is the ability to stretch the duration of audio without effecting the pitch. This is great for getting dialogue or vocals to align up with cuts in video or beats in a track. It also has a nice reduction filter that is great for when recording in less then perfect settings. This and the ability to remove clicks and pops are probably the two features I use more then others with this program. This is not the best program for making music by itself. It has some very powerful audio editing features, but it is geared toward scoring and sound design for video, if you are looking for an audio editing program strictly for music there are probably other programs more suited for that, that have similar features. As far as construction goes as far as software I always consider it how well the program holds up to crashing and errors. This program is not prone to errors, but can still freeze up or crash on times. This is a great program for audio post and scoring, if you are looking into working with film or video this is a great program to have. And if you are working with video, the rest of the software will help you out as well for any other changes you may need to make. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

by MGR/ctargia 7/19/10
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Apple Logic Pro 7

« Apple Logic »
Logic Pro 8, I have used logic for about 3 years, first Logic Pro 7 and now Logic Pro 8. I used this in school, and now my company has a copy, it is $500, the old version Logic Pro 7 was $1000, what a bargain! Wow, what can I say, this program can do so much. I mainly use it to digitally compose music. The midi instruments are much better then anything I have used, (although I know there are better ones out there), and you can even make your own by recording samples, if you have the patience. There are TONS of filters to fine tune your effects of both midi and real instruments, it has digital amplifiers that can make your guitar sound like its hooked up to the real thing! And there are so many choices, so many effects I couldn't even name them all. And with audio you can raise or lower pitch, slow down or speed up. And one of the great things with midi is that you can print out sheet music of your composition, which is great if you are composing for a band or orchestra. There are so many more things this program can do if you take the time to learn them. The only bad thing I can say about this program is that it is not that user friendly, and can take some time to master, although it is still an improvement from previous versions. But once you master it, wow, you can do so much! If you are serious about digital composition or mastering this is a must have, and worth every penny, if you are not serious, just stick with garage band, this program will take some time to learn. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

by MGR/ctargia 5/11/10
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