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How do I Use the Keyboard on the Computer to Trigger MIDI in Logic 8 Pro?

Manufactured by Apple, Logic Pro 8 is a digital recording program for its Mac OS X. Unlike some other recording programs, Logic allows you to record music even if you have no instrumental accompaniment. By accessing the virtual keyboard, you can use your computer keyboard as a MIDI controller, which allows you to play music notes by pressing keys. With enough practice, you can record entire multi-layered band arrangements just as you would in a recording studio.

Instructions

    • 1

      Click the "Track" menu on your Logic Pro menu bar, and select "New" from the top of the list. On the pop-up menu, click "Software Instrument." Click "Create" to assign a virtual instrument sound that is controlled by your computer keyboard to your project.

    • 2

      Click the "Window" menu at the top of your screen, and select "Mixer." A new window appears that features a long row of columns, known as channel strips. Select your virtual instrument.

    • 3

      Click the gray tab directly beneath the letters "I/O" on the channel strip that corresponds to your newly created track. For example, if the track you created reads "INST 1," then it also reads "INST 1" on the mixer. You can find the name of your track on the main project window. The tracks are the long horizontal rows indicated in the left column by names, such as "INST 1" and "AUDIO 1."

    • 4

      Select a virtual instrument from the pop-up list. A list of software synthesizers, such as "EFM1" and "ES2" appears. When you select a synthesizer, a list of presets, such as keyboard sounds, bass sounds and drums sounds, appears. Select the sound that you want to control with your keyboard.

    • 5

      Click the "CAPS" key on your keyboard. An animated piano appears on your screen. The center row of your keyboard, beginning with "A," "S," "D" and "F," corresponds to the white keys on a piano. The row above corresponds to black keys. Use the animated piano as a guide, and begin playing your keyboard. It plays the sounds of your chosen instrument.

Recording Music

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