Apple's Logic Pro X gets major update, improved tools for EDM and Hip Hop audio design

Apple just pushed a huge update to its Logic Pro X music production suite which is free to existing users and ramps up tools for creating EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Dubstep and Hip Hop compositions. Updated features include the popular Drummer and Flex Pitch settings plus and have added several new instruments and tools to create the best possible sound. Hit jump to see what else is new with Logic Pro X. Logic Pro X 10.1 ($199 for new users, free update for existing users) https://www.apple.com/ca/logic-pro/.

Logic Pro X has already received a lot of great feedback from popular musicians who are using the tools to create music. Rap legend Chuck D from Public Enemy says, "The new Drummer features in Logic Pro X make it easy to get amazing rhythm tracks. I was riveted by it. Now MCs and vocalists can focus on writing and recording vocals, without spending a lot of time programming beats. I’m looking forward to hearing what artists I work with can do with Drummer and experimenting with it on my own tracks and label."

"As a longtime Logic user, I've been loving Logic Pro X. I use it to produce all my projects—from the initial creative inspiration to the final mix. Logic Pro X provides me with a huge collection of sounds and creative tools, and is an integral part of my sound. It’s become an indispensable instrument in my studio and central to how I work," said producer Greg Kurstin known for his work with Sia, Lana Del Ray, Katy Perry, Tegan and Sara, Pink and Foster the People.

So, what are the new Logic Pro X features these musicians, studio producers and sound engineers are raving about. Here's a partial list.

• 10 new Drummers that produce beats in a variety of electronic and hip hop styles including Techno, House, Trap, Dubstep and more 

• Drummer provides specialized sound and performance controls for dialing in electronic or hip hop drum grooves

• New Drum Machine Designer plug-in offers new sounds and features for customizing electronic drum kits in a variety of styles

• Create a sequence of notes with a single mouse gesture using the new Brush Tool in the Piano Roll Editor 

• New view options in the Piano Roll Editor let you see more notes in less vertical space and help identify drum sounds by name

• Easily compress or expand the timing of selected notes with new time handles in the Piano Roll Editor 

• Note Repeat and Spot Erase modes allow classic drum machine style techniques for creating beats in realtime

• Smart Quantize proportionally corrects the timing and length of notes to preserve the musicality of your original performance

• Redesigned Compressor plug-in features scalable, Retina-ready interface and 7 models including the new Classic VCA

• Retro Synth can now create wavetables from imported audio and is able to stack up to 8 voices

• Expanded sound library includes over 200 new synth patches and 10 classic Mellotron instruments

• Automation can now be part of a region, not just the track, which makes it easier to use effects creatively

• Manage large-scale mixes more easily with the addition of console-style VCA faders

• Relative and Trim Automation modes extend the options for fine-tuning existing automation

• Mixer now allows remote control of microphone and other input settings for compatible audio interfaces 

• Realtime rendering of fades allow them to work with Flex Pitch and speeds up project load times

• The Plug-in Manager now allows you to customize the organization of your menu

• Support for Mail Drop and Air Drop in OS X Yosemite makes it even easier to share your Logic projects 

Logic Remote 1.2 (Free download, works with Logic Pro X and GarageBand v10)

What’s New:

• New plug-in view provides access to Logic or Audio Unit plug-in parameters

• Use Multi-Touch gestures to shape the tone of your tracks with Visual EQ

• Remotely add or re-order plug-ins 

• Control the microphone and other input settings for compatible audio interfaces

MainStage 1.3 ($29 for new users, free update for existing users)

What’s New:

• Redesigned Compressor plug-in features scalable, Retina-ready interface and 7 models including the new Classic VCA

• Retro Synth can now create wavetables from imported audio and is able to stack up to 8 voices

• Expanded sound library includes over 200 new synth patches and 10 classic Mellotron instruments

• The Plug-in Manager now allows you to customize the organization of your menu

• Turn your favorite hardware synthesizers into sampled instruments using new Auto Sampler plug-in 

• Assign and manage custom shortcuts using the new Key Command editor