Category: Logic Pro X

Meta Messages In Logic

Meta Messages In Logic

In addition to standard MIDI messages, Logic uses two special message types to carry out certain operations and to communicate among its various components. In the Logic Notes column in SOS December 2002 we had a look at Fader messages, which are used for track-based automation. Here we’ll examine Meta messages, which have several functions within Logic. One thing to keep in mind as you read this is that these special message types only travel within Logic — they never venture down the MIDI pipeline to confuse your gear or other MIDI applications.

The Wayback Machine takes us to 2003 to get a description of Meta messages and what the are good for in Logic — even today, sixteen years later…

Record Repeat — Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Record Repeat

The description makes it sound like a “cycle” recording, but that would be better described by multiple takes. Use this command to not make a new take, but to simply delete the current recording and start recording anew.

I expect that this would be a very handy command to program into Logic Remote. Using Logic Remote to control recording is an excellent idea, and remarkably useful for doing self recordings. No need to sit in front of the computer to drive the DAW, just be in the recording position and use a tool in your hands or next to you.

Advanced recording commands — Logic Pro X

Record/Record Repeat: Use to delete the recording, move the playhead back to the recording start position, and start recording again.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Set pick finger P — Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Set pick finger P

Scoring stringed instruments. Not something I do very often, in fact, not at all.

This is what I had to say before…

Set pick finger C — Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day — learning at the elbow of the internet

This is deep into the scoring of stringed instruments. A long way away from what I use Logic for.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Force Accidental (only flats & sharps) — Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Force Accidental (only flats & sharps)

Inserts an accidental for the selected note(s) if one is needed for the given key signature. Normally the reader is expected to know that a note is sharp, flat, whichever, but sometimes the visual reminder is useful.

When I used to practice for orchestral concerts I would often pencil in the appropriate accidental simply to remind me.

The “only flats & sharps” does just that, only inserts flats and sharps. The “Force Accidental” command will also place natural signs on the notes.

In “proper” musical notation the addition of an accidental changes the note — adding a sharp or flat. It is rare to see this kind of notation in classical literature, but it does occur in Twentieth Century (and beyond) scores. I always questioned stray accidentals…un-trusting soul that I am.

Change the display and position of accidentals — Logic Pro X

By default, the display of accidentals depends on the chosen key signature. Using note attributes, you can change flats to sharps, and vice versa. For information about setting the key signature, see Add key and time signature changes.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Stem End: Move Up ⌥⌘↑ — Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Stem End: Move Up    ⌥⌘↑

Make the stem end longer (if it is pointing up) or shorter (if it is pointing down). Scoring music is such a fiddly thing. You can create some odd looking scores in the Score Editor.

Change stem direction, length, and beaming — Logic Pro X

By default, a note’s stem direction and length depend on the settings in the Staff Style window. You can change these attributes to improve readability; for example, to group notes meant to be played as a voice in a polyphonic passage.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND