Apple Releases Logic Studio, Slashes Ed License
Apple has released new versions of its professional audio applications: Logic Pro and Logic Express. The high-end Logic Pro, now in version 8, has been released in a studio suite, with pricing cut in half for education institutions.
Logic Express has traditionally been a stepping stone between GarageBand and Logic Pro. However, with the latest release, introduced today, it's now identical to Logic Pro 8, with the exception of four high-end features, which are lacking in the Express version: surround mixing, distributed audio processing, support for Digidesign TDM hardware, and support for ultra-high-end control surfaces. Other than those, it includes all of the same features and interface as Logic Pro and is available now for the single-license educational price of $99, an institutional price of $69, and a volume price (five or more units) of $59 per license.
Logic Pro itself, meanwhile, has undergone extensive reengineering. The new version is now designed for ease of use and an easier, more intuitive transition from GarageBand. It's also received tweaks to some of its higher-end features, like surround mixing and panning (with AC3 encoding available through Compressor 3), multitrack recording, Ultrabeat, and other features. It's also dropped the XSKey hardware dongle to make it more friendly toward mobile users.
Logic Pro is available as part of the new Logic Studio, which incorporates the all-new MainStage application, a tool designed for live performances. It includes hardware control, guitar rigs, effects, instruments, and templates for setting up live rigs quickly. It also includes Soundtrack Pro 2, carried over from Apple's Final Cut Studio, which is designed for scoring. Other features include:
- Studio Instruments, which includes an enhanced Ultrabeat; Sculpture, a component modeling instrument; various synths; ESX24 Sampler; and fully modeled vintage instruments (organs, pianos, etc.);
- Studio Effects, a collection of various plugins, including pace Designer, Guitar Amp Pro, Delay Designer, and others; and
- Studio Sound Library, which is the complete collection of Apple Jam Packs (more than 30 GB of samples and instruments), with a new installer that allows for customization.
Logic Studio now retails for half the previous price of Logic Pro, $499. The education price for a single license has also been slashed in half, to $249. The institutional price is $149. And volume licenses are available for $129 per seat.
Both Logic Studio and Logic Express are available now.
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