Apple has now released a new update for its flagship music recording software, Logic Pro X. While we are getting a very long list of minor tweaks and enhancements here, version 10.4 is bringing some major new features to the table along with some serious gear in the way vintage EQ emulation, new orchestral instruments, a pair of multi-effect plug-ins and hundreds of new sounds.

The 20th free update for Logic Pro is certainly a substantial one with a number of new and unexpected additions. Head below for more details…

There are well over 300 enhancements in this particular update. We have broken down some of the more interesting additions below and you can expect in-depth coverage of just about everything as part of our Logic Pros series over the next few weeks.

ChromaVerb:

While Apple’s existing Space Designer reverb is getting a new design with a scalable, Retina user interface, the folks on the Logic team are very proud to introduce its latest spacial plug-in with ChromaVerb. It features a gorgeous, colorful interface with 14 different acoustic and synthetic reverb models. Along with a freeze function that allows you to suspend the reverb decay, you’ll find your usual room, chamber, theater and hall sounds as well as “otherworldly synthetic effects.” There is also what appears to be a dedicated reverb envelope and the ability to artificially introduce “Stereo Width”.

The ChromaVerb interface is easy to learn and use. The colorful spectrum visualization responds to both audio input and onscreen controls to provide useful feedback as you alter the settings. Above the visualization is a Damping EQ curve that controls which frequencies decay longer, and which fall off more quickly. This decay curve makes it easy to shape the reverb to perfectly fit vocals, pianos, guitars, or synthesizers.

Vintage EQ Collection:

We are getting three new “authentic re-creations” of “vintage EQs from the 1950s to 1970s”. This is a nice touch considering Apple has left most of the vintage emulation to third party companies (and those can be very expensive). By the looks of it, these plugs were modeled after Neve and Pultec gear from back in the day. The interesting part here is that we can “mix and match the output section” on any of the three models in order to create custom-made signal paths.

Step and Phat FX Multi-Effects:

A direct result of Apple’s acquisition of Camel Audio, the new STEP FX and Phat FX finally bring some intricate multi-effects units to Logic. Based on the old Camel Phat and Space plugs, these are certainly the kind of thing we usually only see from third parties. Step FX brings “eight unique effects” to add “rhythmic movement” to your tracks. Phat FX is much of the same with 9 effects blocks and a focus on distortion/saturation. I loved the old legacy versions of these plugs, so I can’t wait to see where Apple has taken them. More details:

Step FX: Powerful multi-effect plug-in adds rhythmic movement to any tracks. Work with eight unique effects arranged in any order to create a wide palette of sound design treatments.

Phat FX: Unique multi-effect plug-in adds color and punch to bass lines, drums, and other instruments. Arrange nine effect blocks in any order to explore creative possibilities—from a mild sheen to thick, bass-heavy distortion.

Studio Strings/Studio Horns

Apple is bringing a pair of new orchestral instruments to the fold with Studio Strings and Studio Horns. You can expect larger ensembles as well solo instruments like Cello, Viola, Violin, Sax, Trombone and Trumpet. Tied directly with the instruments is the new articulation controls. They are still a little bit mysterious but it looks as though we can apply articulation changes to the samples used in, say, a string part, from directly on the Piano Roll. For example, changing from legato to staccato notes on your violin part without key switches and the like. Once we have had a chance to dive in we will bring you more details here.

Here are a few more interesting elements in the update including big-time Alchemy enhancements, new vintage filters for Retro synth, new Drummer content and much more:

  • Alchemy is getting the “Visions” library with more than 150 cinematic presets
  • Smart Tempo is a new feature providing advanced tempo tech that keeps all your tracks/performances in sync no matter where they come from
  • Drummer is getting 2 new players based in roots/jazz along w/ two brush-style kits
  • Logic’s Mellotron is now available as a standalone instrument (whoo!)
  • Retro Synth is getting 4 new filter emulations to bring the total to 18
  • Apple has added over 800 new loops in a variety of styles/genres

Here’s a video of some of the major new features in action and the full release notes below:

Full release notes:

Smart Tempo 

Plug-ins

Content

Other Enhancements

Stability and Reliability Logic no longer quits unexpectedly:

Performance

Alchemy

Drummer

Automation

Apple Loops

Flex

Takes and Comping

Track Alternatives

Track Stacks

Smart Controls

Mixer

Accessibility

Export/Bounce

Import

Global Tracks

Recording

Key Commands

Movies

Editing

Score

Control Surfaces/MIDI Controllers

General