FROM GARAGEBAND TO LOGIC PRO X

GarageBand is a great Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for newbies: first and foremost, it’s free (well, it comes pre-installed with Macs). It is comparatively easy to use and enables users to create their own digital recordings. Most importantly, it’s a lot of fun – there are tonnes of loops and samples you can download to enhance your music. It’s generally a gateway DAW for Mac users into Logic Pro.

I made the transition as part of my journey to take my music more seriously. While GarageBand is aimed at casual users and beginners and Logic Pro is targeted towards semi-professional / professional musicians, producers and sound engineers. The transition isn’t difficult – they look very similar (they appear more closely related than other DAWs) and the learning curve can be as shallow or steep in relation to the more advanced features available on Logic as you want it to be.

DIGITAL CONTROL

As you would imagine, Logic is crammed with digital versions of controllers, faders and panning buttons. As I’m learning more about Logic, I have found these to be difficult to use accurately and consistently with my Mac’s mouse – never been a fan of Apple mouses / mice (I think the former is actually correct in relation to tech as opposed to the little cute mammals).

NEKTAR PANORAMA CS12

I’ve finally taken the lap to purchase a physical controller; it arrives in a couple of days’ time, and I cannot wait to test it out this coming weekend. I’ve spent too much time and effort faffing about with the mouse trying to work on automations …

I put out a call on a community site for recommendations - there were a few options suggested but the Nektar Panorama CS12, although not the cheapest, seemed to be the most straightforward tool suggested.

As noted on the Nektar website, the Panorama has been designed to work specifically with Logic Pro and Steinberg DAWs. It’s powered via USB A from a Mac (for Logic anyways) high power port and requires – this is the best but – no additional drivers and mapping of buttons. The highlights for me – again pulled from the Nektar website – are:

A motorized fader (no more trick mouse clicking ‘n dragging)
Easy access physical transport buttons
Easy navigation around the DAW from the Panorama unit (meaning that I can just work on one device)
Illuminated buttons for selection with plug-ins

I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos on its use and the presenters certainly make it looks very easy to use. I’ve also read a number of reviews – they are very positive – here’s a link to the Sound on Sound review (July 2024). I hope the device is as good as it seems – I cannot wait to be less reliant on my mouse skills and digital controllers when editing!

[08.01.25 / CT]