Logic Studio is Apple's most powerful and complete music software package to date. It comprises a suite of tools: Logic Pro 8, a professional sequencer; Soundtrack Pro 2, a post-production program; MainStage, a live performance application; and a selection of superb utilities, instruments, effects and loops.

At the heart of Logic Studio is Logic Pro 8, a considerably updated version of Apple's top-flight sequencer. Users of older versions will immediately notice a number of changes in the interface. The old Arrange window has been replaced with a new one that offers instant access to a number of the software's other functions.

It takes a little getting used to, but play around with the buttons, tabs and parameters and you'll soon find your way around. The new interface is definitely more intuitive to use and helps speed up a variety of common tasks - in fact, beginners will find the new version more approachable than earlier versions of Logic.

Instruments and effects

Logic Pro 8 comes with an arsenal of instrument and effect plug-ins. At the heart of this selection is the EXS24 Sampler, which has sampled versions of just about any instrument you can think of; pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, electric and acoustic basses, synthesisers, drums and percussion - there are 1,300 in total.

The latest version of EXS24 has an enhanced, more intuitive interface, and you can also use Logic's EXS Editor to create additional sounds, if you've got the time to sample your own instruments!

Logic Pro 8 boasts an impressive range of virtual synthesizers, including an enhanced version of the ES2, a software synth capable of creating analog-style sounds, timbres associated with modern dance music, and all sorts of other synth tones, ranging from atmospheric pads to weird effects.

And if you're up for serious sound creation, there's also a new version of Sculpture, an advanced physical modelling synthesizer that can create all sorts of unusual sounds.

Logic Studio 8 effects include a brand new Delay Designer that offers up to 26 individual delay taps and fine control over each delay time. Logic's state-of-the-art reverb unit, Space Designer, has also been enhanced for multichannel audio processing.

All of the other regular Logic effects plug-ins are still available, alongside a new range of 'surround' effects. And, of course, Logic Pro 8 still has Audio Unit capabilities, so you can load up all of your favourite third-party plug-ins.

There's also a massive sound library available boasting 18,000 royalty-free Apple Loops and 5,000 sound effects, which can be integrated within your music.

The loops, which automatically match the sequencer's tempo settings, cover a wide range of styles played by drummers, percussionists, guitarists, keyboard players, orchestral musicians, horn players, world musicians and singers.

A lot of the pitched loops - guitar and keyboard riffs, for example - might not appeal to everyone, but they're still useful to have, especially during those 'lack of inspiration' moments.

Takes and Quick Swipe

There are two other new Logic Pro 8 features worth mentioning: Takes, where you can set the sequencer to record in Cycle mode and automatically record alternative MIDI or audio takes; and Quick Swipe Comping, which enables you to click-drag across a desired part of a particular audio take to automatically use it in your final version. These features can dramatically streamline the often tedious business of overdubbing.