Logic Pro is one of the most popular Digital Audio Workstations on the market. Used at every level of audio production, it is well known for being both powerful and flexible, but particularly for the incredible range of instruments it is bundled with. In this course from Producertech Course Director Rob Jones, you will be guided through the methods underpinning synthesis and sampling by means of detailed lessons on each of the instruments packaged with this popular piece of audio software.

From programming drums in Ultrabeat or Drummer, creating exciting sampled sounds in EXS24 to complete explanations of Subtractive, Wavetable, FM and Modelling synthesis in the full range of Logic's plugins - by the end of this course you will be fully equipped to utilise all of these powerful instruments and techniques to great effect.

Before signing up, check out the free sample lesson below to see an example of the course content and delivery.

Logic Pro X Owners - Although the majority of the tutorials were made with version 9, all content is 100% applicable to version X, as no instruments were changed in the update. 

Lessons in this course are taken from the Beginners and Advanced Guides to Logic Pro.

Sample Module: Drummer and Drum Kit Designer

Module Details

Module 1: Building a Drum Track - Introduction to Ultrabeat

Describes the process of constructing drums using Ultrabeat. Shows how to create and edit a hip hop break using a MIDI region and adjusting parameters in Ultrabeat's assignment strip. Also teaches how to make a house drum loop using Ultrabeat's sequencer, showing how to import your own samples as well as how to edit the key parameters in the synth section like filtering and pitch.

Module 2: Basic Sampling - Introduction to EXS24

Explains what a sampler is and how it works. Shows how to select different instruments in EXS24 and then how to edit their level and pitch. Teaches how to import sounds and then how to edit them in the EXS and Sample Editor, showing trimming, transposition and looping. Also introduces ADSR envelopes, starting with the amplitude envelope and moving onto the filter envelope.

Module 3: Introduction to Synthesizing - Using the Bass Station plug-in

Explains the basics of synthesizing using the included Novation Bass Station as an example. Shows the main parameters available in each synth section, demonstrating oscillator waveforms and pitch, and envelope and LFO modulation. Ends by showing how to use this knowledge to create your own sounds.

Module 4: Guide to Drummer/Drum Kit Designer

This lesson provides a comprehensive guide to Drummer and Drum Kit Designer, from the basic controls right through to advanced editing, showing how to sequence and process your own customised beat.

Module 5: Advanced Drums I - Creating Drum Sounds with Ultrabeat

Provides a thorough guide to the controls available on Ultrabeat so you can confidently edit, enhance and create drums, FX and other synth sounds using the instrument. The various sound generating engines are explained and there are lessons in how to use the filters and 4 envelopes to control the level and frequencies of drums over time. Then, the techniques are applied to creating some of the most common drums like kicks, snares and hats.

Module 6: Advanced Drums II - Creating and Processing a House Beat

Teaches how to sequence drums in Ultrabeat, how to make a groove and how to create automated parameter sequences. Then, there are some techniques for mixing the drums, beginning with routing them individually to auxiliary tracks on the mixer and then showing the various effects that can be applied to improve the sound.

Module 7: Advanced Sampling - Creating Layered Sounds and Advanced Modulation with EXS24

A lesson in the more advanced features of EXS24, beginning with how to take layered sounds similar to those made in the previous synthesizing module and turn them into EXS instruments that can be recalled instantly at any point. There is also a guide to using the modulation router to create multiple modulation settings in order to make interesting bassline progressions.

Advanced Synthesizing I - Subtractive Synthesis with the ES Range: ES M/P/E

Shows how to use the the first 3 synths from the ES range, ES M, ES P and ES E. These are the simplest instruments in the ES range and are a good build up to the more comprehensive ES 1 and ES 2 synths. After running through each of the synths individually, showing various examples of patch programming, they are combined to make a couple of layered sounds using two creative methods.

Module 9: Advanced Synthesizing II - Subtractive and Wavetable Synthesis with ES 1 and 2

Teaches how to use ES 1 and 2 to edit or create sounds. After running through the controls on each, focussing mostly on the parameters not looked at on synths and samplers covered up to this point on the course, there are some tips for how to program different sounds with ES 2, including an acoustic plucked string patch and a fat sync'd bass.

Module 10: Advanced Synthesizing III - FM Synthesis with EFM, ES2 and Ultrabeat

Explains the concept of FM synthesis and gives examples of how it is applied in Logic's instruments, beginning with EFM and then moving on to ES2 and Ultrabeat. There are some examples of how to make classic FM sounds, such as bells and metallic patches, as well as some more diverse applications, including making fat bass loops by automating FM parameters.

Module 11: Advanced Synthesizing IV - Component Modelling with Sculpture

Teaches how to use component modelling in Sculpture to make acoustic patches like bass guitars and flutes. Then, shows how the instrument can also be used to make dirtier synth sounds and how the morph section allows the creation of glitchy evolving soundscapes and FX.