Logic Pro X tutorials and keyboard controller questions?

[snerkler]

Some years ago I dabbled with Logic Pro 9 and did learn enough to create a very basic track, however I've forgotten pretty much all of it plus now have Logic Pro X anyway. I did have the MacPro Video series before which I found useful as a step by step intro to Logic, learning the interface, shortcut keys etc etc, as well as how to connect external instruments, using the piano roll etc etc. I would like something similar for Logic Pro X and wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a newbie user wanting to create electronic dance music, and has the Roland TB03, Roland TR09 and Korg Kontrol 49 keyboard controller to use with it? Are there any good free ones out there?

Being as I've mentioned the Korg Keyboard I was wondering if I now need it? I don't have a lot of space which is why the Roland boutique series is great, however I do prefer hands on controls rather then using the mouse to control sliders and knobs on the virtual instruments. However, I've seen that you can use your iPad as a control surface so am wondering if I can get away with a smaller keyboard. Creating dance music I guess I don't need a lot of keys so could get one of the mini keyboards that just has a couple of octaves.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[keysofanxiety]

All of your sounds will be MIDI AUs I’m assuming. Personally I’d continue to use your KORG to play because it’s just weighted and spaced better. Playing keys on a tablet just feels wrong, regardless how easy it is to play. Instead I’d use your iPad with the free Logic Remote app to press record when you’re ready.

When you’ve recorded what you want you can then quantise your MIDI so it’s perfectly in time (CTRL + Q IIRC).

What sort of plugins will you be using? Do you have something like Native Instruments’ Massive or will you just be using the ones built into LPX like Alchemy?

If you’ll be recording audio, remember to use the Loop Record feature which is gorgeous. Select a bar passage at the top with your mouse so it highlights in yellow, then press record. As soon as it gets to the end of the passage, it loops back and starts another record under the same track. You keep playing and do this as many times as you need, then when you’ve stopped you can intuitively highlight which passages of which take you want to keep. It’s seriously ****ing buttery, without doubt my favourite feature that I cannot imagine living without.

If you’ll be working on any vocals... uurrggh just you wait for flex pitch. Man is that thing good. Manually pitch things without making it sound autotuned. Sorry I’m gushing here, LPX is such a huge step up from 9 and the software optimisation is eye-wateringly good. It’s without doubt the king of DAWs.

 

[snerkler]

All of your sounds will be MIDI AUs I’m assuming. Personally I’d continue to use your KORG to play because it’s just weighted and spaced better. Playing keys on a tablet just feels wrong, regardless how easy it is to play. Instead I’d use your iPad with the free Logic Remote app to press record when you’re ready.

When you’ve recorded what you want you can then quantise your MIDI so it’s perfectly in time (CTRL + Q IIRC).

What sort of plugins will you be using? Do you have something like Native Instruments’ Massive or will you just be using the ones built into LPX like Alchemy?

If you’ll be recording audio, remember to use the Loop Record feature which is gorgeous. Select a bar passage at the top with your mouse so it highlights in yellow, then press record. As soon as it gets to the end of the passage, it loops back and starts another record under the same track. You keep playing and do this as many times as you need, then when you’ve stopped you can intuitively highlight which passages of which take you want to keep. It’s seriously ****ing buttery, without doubt my favourite feature that I cannot imagine living without.

If you’ll be working on any vocals... uurrggh just you wait for flex pitch. Man is that thing good. Manually pitch things without making it sound autotuned. Sorry I’m gushing here, LPX is such a huge step up from 9 and the software optimisation is eye-wateringly good. It’s without doubt the king of DAWs.

Thanks for the reply. I think I may have confused you with my original post, I wasn't suggesting using my iPad as a keyboard I meant I'd buy a smaller keyboard but then use the iPad to control the sliders etc.

At the moment I won't be using any plugins, just the built in instruments plus the TR09 and TB03 I mentioned. I will mainly be using the keyboard to control the ESX24 and other synths, and will be sampling a lot. I like a lot of the oldskool sounds such as the 'harpsichord fm' sound used in Landlord's "I like it" (my favourite of all synth sounds) and Black Riot's "A day in the life", amongst others. I will also be sampling drum loops and slicing them (I have done this in the past but forgotten how so need to relearn this).