How to Make a High-Quality Audio Recording With Logic Studio

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Logic can help you make high-quality audio recordings
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Logic Pro is a Digital Audio Workstation program for Mac OS X. In order to make a high-quality recording in Logic, you must use an audio interface that will help clearly capture the sound of your voice or instrument. Furthermore, you must be fluent with basic mixing and editing processes in order to fine-tune the sound after recording it.

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Setup

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Step 1

Connect your audio interface to your computer's USB port. Some interfaces have a dedicated power button, while others are on as they are connected. Once the interface is on, it should be automatically detected by your computer.

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Step 2

Open Logic.

Step 3

Select the Preferences menu.

Step 4

Select the Audio category.

Step 5

Select the Devices tab.

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Step 6

Select your audio interface in the Input device field. You can also select your audio interface for the output device if you would like to route the output through your interface instead of your computer's sound card.

Step 7

Click "Apply Changes."

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Getting Levels

Step 1

Connect a microphone or musical instrument to your audio interface. If you are using a microphone or instrument with a low output level, you may need to connect it to a preamp, which will boost the audio level before it reaches your computer. Some audio interfaces have a built-in preamp.

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Step 2

Select the Track drop-down menu in the arrangement area of your Logic project.

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Step 3

Select the option labeled "New."

Step 4

Select the Audio track type under the Type options. If your sounds will be originating from software instead of external instruments or microphones, select Software Instrument.

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Step 5

Click "Create."

Step 6

Click the "R" next to the track name to enable the track for recording.

Step 7

Click the round record button on the transport bar. The transport bar is the group of buttons at the bottom of the screen associated with recording and playback.

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Step 8

Record some test audio at the maximum volume you will reach. If you notice any distortion, lower the level until it is as loud as possible without distorting. This process will give you a raw recording that is as clear as possible.

Basic Editing

Step 1

Record your desired audio.

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Step 2

Double-click on the region labeled "EQ" on the audio channel view. This will enable the equalizer plugin, which allows you to vary the amplitude of different frequency ranges.

Step 3

Open the "Chan EQ" insert.

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Step 4

Adjust the EQ so that your desired frequency ranges are prominent. Adjusting EQ can help you to minimize noise and other undesired sounds. For example, if there is a hissing on your recording, lowering the higher-frequency EQ bands will help reduce this noise.

Step 5

Select the Fade function. This button is in the upper right of the arrangement view, and looks like a less than sign (<).

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Step 6

Click and drag the cursor over the desired fade region. It is good to apply a fade to both the beginning and end of your recording. Fades eliminate any abrupt starts or stops.

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