Apple has updated Logic Pro on macOS to 10.8 and iPad to 1.1 with an all-new mastering assistant, Sample Alchemy, and more.
For many mobile musicians, a big wish came true on the opening day of Superbooth 23 in May. Apple has ported its DAW Logic Pro to the iPad. Not just half-baken, but almost the entire beast. The mobile Logic was convincing in the test. The update policy, however, not really.
Even though you pay monthly to use it, there were very few updates. Similar to what we know from the desktop version. Long time nothing but then a big thing. Today, the relief. Apple is showing a big update for both versions. Not only bug fixes but also a few major surprises.
Apple Logic Pro 10.8/1.1
In the new 10.8/1.1 updates, you can see that both Logic Pro’s are based on the same core. The updates have many parallels but also small differences.
The biggest addition for both versions is an all-new Mastering Assistant. Apple promises that the new feature offers music producers a quick and easy way to add that final professional polish for a release-ready mix. It sounds like Apple took inspiration from iZotope and their AI-driven Ozone mastering plugin.
In detail: Mastering Assistant can instantly analyze the audio and make “expert” refinements to the sound. It shapes the dynamics, frequency balance, timbre, and loudness.
Musicians can also use the tool as a starting point for mixing/mastering and continue to shape as needed with the built-in tools. It’s basically a clever mastering suite à la Ozone but without the need to buy an extra plugin.
Another major news is the introduction of 32-bit float recording in Logic Pro. This, however, requires a compatible audio interface. This helps artists minimize the digital clipping that can occur when recording more dynamic instruments or performances.
New Plugins For The Logic Pro macOS
Apple introduced some new creative plugins with Logic Pro for iPad. They were exclusive in the mobile version. With version 10.8, these are now also available on macOS.
Sample Alchemy is a creative, wild sampler that allows you to transform a single audio sample into a playable instrument. It features the additive, granular, and spectral synthesis algorithms from the full Alchemy synth for deep sound shaping.
Other New Features & Improvements for Logic Pro for macOS/iPad
New slip and rotate tools allow for the contents inside a region to be moved independently of its position on the timeline. Another good addition. Lastly, both versions ship with a new free “hybrid textures” sample Alchemy pack with 70 patches and over 80 loops.
First Impression
A huge free update for Logic Pro. I’m happy to see that Logic Pro for Ipad also got a first major update.
The new Apple Logic Pro 10.8 and Logic Pro for iPad 1.1 updates are available now as a free download.
More information here: Apple
How many music makers run macOS 13.5 already ? This is required to run Logic 10.8 on your Mac.
Don’t know. I work a lot on macOS 13.5 on my MacBook Air M2 and didn’t have major problems.