Apple 'Hard at Work' on Next Version of Logic Pro

[MacRumors]

Last week, a rumor surfaced claiming that Apple had "decimated" its pro audio group, calling into question the future of Logic and other audio-focused software from the company. The rumor was, however, quickly dismissed by Jim Dalrymple and his impeccable sources at Apple, with Dalrymple noting that there was "no truth" to the rumor that Apple had slashed its pro audio team.

MacRumors reader Nicholas wanted to hear confirmation straight from Apple and emailed CEO Tim Cook to ask about the future of Logic. His email was passed along to Apple's music product marketing chief, Xander Soren, who provided a distinct rebuttal to the original rumor.

Nicholas, thanks for your email. As the lead for our music creation apps, I always want to hear what our users are thinking. I want to assure you the team is still in place and hard at work on the next version of Logic Pro.

-xander

The last major update of Logic came in mid-2009 with Logic Pro 9, although the company has made several improvements including adding 64-bit compatibility since that time. Following September 2011 rumors of Apple finishing up work on Logic X, the company did move Logic Pro 9 and MainStage 2 to the Mac App Store but otherwise did not make enhancements to the software.

Update: Russ Hughes of Pro Tools Expert contacted us to make clear that his original report said nothing about Apple's development work on Logic and addressed only the specialist team that assists professional users with using the software tools.

The EMEA [Europe, Middle East, and Africa] team responsible for nurturing and supporting the pro studios, post facilities and TV has gone from 12-2 in a matter of months, so we don't think the use of the term 'decimated' (even though a quote from our source) was off the scale. However as Apple has confirmed in their note to you, the pro coders are still [there], both in the USA and Germany - the team is around 60 strong.

Our question remains (which is not answered by the Apple statement) - are they willing to either deny or confirm that the team has been reduced from 12-2 in EMEA and if (as we know is the case) it is the truth, what does that say about Apple's commitment to pro users?

Article Link: Apple 'Hard at Work' on Next Version of Logic Pro

[NutsNGum]

Didn't they recently just purchase an Italian DAW Developer?

[lebbeus]

Logic X has been a long time coming. would like much improved audio editing and i hope they're implementing ipad integration for touch interface.

[Unggoy Murderer]

Music to my ears!

[LordJohnWhorfin]

Last time they were "hard at work" for a long time we ended up with the Final Cut Pro X debacle... Let's hope things turn out a little better this time.

[spoonie1972]

Hopefully less iJunk, and working "pro features" that professionals use/need.

That said, I still prefer what we have vs the other options for writing.

[zorinlynx]

I think Apple would do good to start a blog.

On this blog, discuss current projects, what might becoming in the future, etc.

It would definitely put at ease people who think their favorite product is no longer being supported. In my particular case, I'd love to hear an update on how the development of the next Mac Pro is going, if it's even going at all.

Too much secrecy can be bad too. There needs to be a balance somewhere between complete silence and telling all.

[fredoviola]

No mention of the fact that Logic Pro suffers crippling lag issues with Lion and mostly Mountain Lion... grrr.... I know they are working hard to fix it, but it seems daunting sometimes.

[mixinmaster]

Originally Posted by lebbeus

Logic X has been a long time coming. would like much improved audio editing and i hope they're implementing ipad integration for touch interface.

Wow you nailed it there, i hope they do this

[gmanist1000]

Originally Posted by zorinlynx

I think Apple would do good to start a blog.

On this blog, discuss current projects, what might becoming in the future, etc.

It would definitely put at ease people who think their favorite product is no longer being supported. In my particular case, I'd love to hear an update on how the development of the next Mac Pro is going, if it's even going at all.

Too much secrecy can be bad too. There needs to be a balance somewhere between complete silence and telling all.

I don't think Apple would ever do that.

[Radio]

Steve would of said

"We're working our butts off"

[Rufuss Sewell]

I use LP9 on ML every day with my rMBP (16gb ram). It runs very smooth with huge projects. My only issue is with 32 bit plug ins (which is to be expected)

What lag issues are you referring to?

[Porco]

iWorried.

[mammajamma]

Let's just say I know people who work in the Logic Group at Apple personally. I don't know what they are working on (as they would have to kill me), but I know they have not lost their jobs and continue to work on software, sound design, etc.

[HiRez]

How will this be handled if you purchased through the App Store? Just have to purchase the entire version as a new piece of software? They really need a paid upgrade mechanism for the App Store.

[Rufuss Sewell]

As for an iPad/iPhone interface... I'm not sure why this wasn't offered in 2007. It's a no brainer that would make Logic users buy iDevices, and iDevice users buy Logic.

TouchOSC and the others are pretty great, but Apple should make a perfectly integrated solution.

Just turn it on and everything has two way communication. Even audio.

Imagine editing on the livingroom couch or dinner table with headphones while your Mac Pro is providing the horsepower.

Also innovative touch screen editing that can't be done with a mouse. Bring it on!!!

[fredoviola]

Ruffus you are very very lucky. It's a terrible problem for the folks that have it. I have it occurring on my mid 2012 Mac Pro with 28 GB of memory and SSD drive.

[The Economist]

Originally Posted by zorinlynx

I think Apple would do good to start a blog.

On this blog, discuss current projects, what might becoming in the future, etc.

It would definitely put at ease people who think their favorite product is no longer being supported. In my particular case, I'd love to hear an update on how the development of the next Mac Pro is going, if it's even going at all.

Too much secrecy can be bad too. There needs to be a balance somewhere between complete silence and telling all.

No way! It's not like Apple's already facing big info leaks well before any product launch.

[tempusfugit]

I believe LP9 is the best music production program out there. Looking forward to whatever comes next.

And yes I've used pro tools. There's just something about LP9 that I can't get enough of. Also I've built up a library of custom ES2 synths that I don't want to soon stop using.

Logic Pro is one of the few apps that Apple makes that is truly deserving of the "pro" moniker. That and with the updates that have come, FCPX is pretty legit too. Both have incredible depth for the price.

[nsayer]

The picture of the platinum record accompanying the article reminded me of something.

Viewers of "30 Rock" will no doubt have heard of an EGOT. There have been 11 people who have been so named in competitive categories, and a few more with one or more honorary awards.

However, I don't think anyone has tracked organizations that have been given honorary awards. If you do, Apple is presently an EGO.

All Apple would have to do would be to, in some way, revolutionize Broadway and they might wind up being the first corporate EGOT.

[Loge]

When the source was a site called "www.pro-tools-expert.com", how did this rumour get any credibility in the first place?

[mikecorp]

Improved soft like?

Iphoto so i can sync galleries with ipads, iPhones?
Aperture, Imovie....

I wish they still had Ilife

Expensive HW, and software is getting bit old

[jayducharme]

Originally Posted by Loge

When the source was a site called "www.pro-tools-expert.com", how did this rumour get any credibility in the first place?

LOL!

I too am eagerly waiting for the next version of Logic Pro. I like its scoring capabilities and Flex Time. I'm not willing to spring for the "new" 9; version X must be on the horizon.

[JackLeBoul]

Well, if it can not be used with an iPad, then what is the point, right?

[teknikal90]

I want:

- Tap tempo on Mainstage (for delays and phasers)
- Melodyne like capabilities on Logic.
- better flex tools
- better beat matching tools


Done. If Logic x is a massive departure from Logic 9 UI/process wise, I won't bother. Tools are tools.