User Guide

7
41
7 Using Apple Loops
The support of Apple Loops in Logic Express brings a range of
flexible options to your music-making palette.
This chapter covers their use in Logic Express, information on Apple Loop creation and
further material that will aid you in making the most of the facilities available.
Logic Express ships with a number of Apple Loops, as does GarageBand. Apple Loops
are AIFF format audio files that contain PCM audio data. Apple Loops can be used in
any audio application that supports AIFF files. In comparison with “standard” audio
loops, Apple Loops have a significant advantage: they can contain additional
information that Logic Express uses for a variety of purposes, including automatic time
and pitch shifting, indexing and searching.
Two important data types that Apple Loops may include are; metadata tags and
transient markers. Logic Express uses metadata tags to help locate files when using the
Search features of the Loop Browser. Transient markers indicate where beats occur in
the file. Logic Express uses this information, in conjunction with the metadata tags, to
match the file’s tempo and key to the song tempo and key, thus ensuring the best
possible playback quality.
Green and Blue Apple Loops
There are two types of Apple Loops: those featuring a blue sound wave icon and
others with a green note icon (these icons are shown in the Loop Browser).
Both contain uncompressed PCM audio data, and both may contain additional
information for time stretching, transposition, indexing and searching.
Green and blue Apple
Loops in the Loop
Browser