Introduction

​

With technological advancement, creating music has become easier, and Logic Pro has been instrumental in this development. This tool has helped musicians create musical pieces right from the comfort of their computers. However, to create truly stunning audio pieces that have a unique and rich tone, coupling Logic Pro with some outboard gear could mean all the difference in the world.

​

If you harness the power of Logic Pro and marry that with the unique audio effects provided by outboard gear, there's a world of limitless possibilities waiting for you. Let's dive in and find out how you can enhance your music by incorporating outboard gear into your Logic Pro setup, step-by-step.

​

A Step-By-Step Guide to Using Outboard Gear with Logic Pro

​

Step 1: Sending a Track to Outboard Gear Using Logic's IO PluginBegin by opening the track you want to work on. Insert the IO (Input/Output) plugin on your chosen track; this will facilitate the communication between the Logic software and your outboard gear.

​

Step 2: Adjusting Volume and Sending Output from Logic to Hardware UnitNext, you need to set the output from the Logic software to your outboard gear. Make sure to adjust the volume accordingly. Remember, outboard gear is usually more sensitive to levels than plugins, so you don't want your signal to clip.

​

Step 3: Adjusting Input Volume and Selecting Input from the Outboard GearChoose the right input that corresponds to the output from your outboard gear, and adjust the input level. This ensures that your track is receiving the processed signal from your outboard gear.

​

Step 4: Manual Adjustment of Latency Delay Using the 'Ping' ButtonLatency compensation is a crucial part of the process. Manually adjust the delay by clicking the 'Ping' button. This feature measures the time it takes for the signal to leave Logic, go through your outboard gear, and return to Logic.

​

Step 5: Applying Dry/Wet Return and Confirming The Reverb EffectFinally, bring in the reverb using the dry/wet knob. You can now confirm that the reverb effect from your outboard gear is in play when you playback your track.

​

Using Outboard Gear for Different Tracks

​

Step 1: Duplicating a Track and Removing Unnecessary PartsTo use your outboard gear with a different track, the process begins by duplicating the track and removing any parts that you don't want to have reverb on.

​

Step 2: Adjusting the Duplicated Track to Stereo and Renaming it AppropriatelyNext, change the duplicated track to stereosonic mode for a wider sound stage, which will then create a richer audio effect. Rename it something appropriate, like "Reverb Return," so you can easily identify it later.

​

Step 3: Setting the Output of the Duplicated Track to a Bus and Configuring IO SettingsSet the output of the duplicated track to a bus and configure the IO settings for this bus similar to the original track.

​

Step 4: Recording the Reverb Effect on the Duplicated TrackHit the 'Input Monitoring' button, and click on 'Record' to capture the reverb effect on your duplicated track.

​

Step 5: Reverting the Original Track's Output and Removing the IO PluginOnce the recording is done, revert the original track's output to its default state and remove the IO plugin. Its function is now complete.

​

Step 6: Blending the New Reverb Track While Playing the Original TrackFinally, play the original track and the new reverb-rich track simultaneously. This gives you complete control over introducing and integrating the reverberation from your outboard gear.

​

Conclusion

​

By following these comprehensive but relatively easy steps, you can blend the power of Logic Pro and the unique capabilities of your outboard gear to create rich, resonant, and professional audio tracks. This is a crucial skill for any music producer who aims to create top-notch songs that will captivate audiences.

​

We hope you found this tutorial helpful. Feel free to leave any questions or comments you may have about using outboard gear with Logic Pro. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, plug in, tune up, and start creating amazing music today!