How to use Logic Pro’s MIDI Draw to add expression to your virtual instruments
Velocity and amplitude may seem like simple parameters, but with the right editing they can inspire awesome parts.
You may have noticed that your MIDI instrument parts often sound a little dry and lacking realism. Aside from the obvious fact that you’re playing it in with a computer, it’s likely that there isn’t enough movement and variation in each note. Logic Pro’s MIDI Draw tool can be used to automate a few parameters that can make your virtual instruments sound more convincing and impacting.
In this Logic Tips tutorial, Jono Buchanan walks you through the MIDI Draw tool in Logic Pro, demonstrating how you can use it to draw automation and add expression to your parts. You’ll learn how to use the function to modulate velocity and volume, which is particularly useful when using virtual instruments.
Throughout our Logic Tips series, MusicTech Logic guru Jono Buchanan explains the music production process using Apple’s professional DAW. We have 70 episodes covering topics such as:
- Record Capture
- Using Groups
- Adaptive Limiter
- Parallel Compression
- Channel EQ tutorial
- Understanding Compression
- Alternative sidechain compression
- Sidechained gates
- Slicing audio with EXS24
- Tuning audio with Flex Pitch
- Using the Evoc 20 Vocoder
- Modulation effects
- Articulation mapping
- Low Latency Mode
- Customising Smart Controls
- Creating your templates
- Remove spill between tracks
- Sidechain compression on vocal reverb
Jono Buchanan is an Apple Certified instructor, with years of experience under his belt. As well as being a professor in Guildhall’s Electronic Music Department, he’s also a producer and media composer, and a trusted writer for MusicTech.
