How to Use EastWest in Logic: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you looking to incorporate the EastWest virtual instrument library into your Logic Pro projects? If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you how to use EastWest in Logic Pro, step-by-step.

First, it’s important to note that EastWest libraries are available as Audio Units (AU) plugins. To use them in Logic Pro, you’ll need to install the plugins and activate them in the Audio Units Manager. Once you’ve done this, you can access the EastWest instruments from the Library tab in the Logic Pro interface.

From there, you can browse the various instruments and load them into your project. You can also customize the sound by adjusting the instrument’s settings and effects. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create professional-quality orchestral compositions using the EastWest library in Logic Pro.

Understanding Eastwest and Logic Pro

Eastwest is a popular virtual instrument company known for its high-quality sound libraries. These libraries can be used in Logic Pro, a digital audio workstation that is widely used by music producers and composers.

When using Eastwest in Logic Pro, it is important to make sure that the libraries are properly installed and authorized. Once this is done, the user can access the Eastwest libraries through the Logic Pro interface.

One of the advantages of using Eastwest in Logic Pro is the ability to use the libraries in conjunction with Logic Pro’s built-in instruments and effects. This can lead to a more dynamic and diverse sound palette for the user.

Another benefit of using Eastwest in Logic Pro is the ability to automate and manipulate the sound in various ways. This can be done through Logic Pro’s automation features and through the use of MIDI controllers.

understanding how to use Eastwest in Logic Pro can greatly enhance a user’s music production capabilities. By taking advantage of the unique features and benefits of both Eastwest and Logic Pro, users can create professional-quality music with ease.

Installing Eastwest in Logic Pro

Before you can use your Eastwest virtual instruments in Logic Pro, you need to install the software. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Eastwest website and download the latest version of the Eastwest Installation Center for your operating system.
2. Once the download is complete, extract the zip file and run the Installation Center executable file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your computer.

Once the installation is complete, you can start using your Eastwest virtual instruments in Logic Pro. However, you may need to configure the software to work properly with Logic Pro.

To do this, you’ll need to set up your Eastwest virtual instruments as a plug-in in Logic Pro. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Logic Pro and create a new project.
2. Click on the “Inserts” button in the mixer window and select “Audio Units”.
3. Locate the Eastwest virtual instrument you want to use and select it.
4. Configure the settings for the virtual instrument as necessary.
5. Start playing and recording your music!

That’s all there is to it! With these simple steps, you can install and use your Eastwest virtual instruments in Logic Pro.

Setting Up Eastwest in Logic Pro

If you’re looking to use Eastwest virtual instruments in Logic Pro, you’ll need to do some setup first. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Navigating the Interface

First things first, let’s take a look at the Eastwest interface. When you open up an instrument, you’ll see a window with a few different tabs at the top. The main tab is “PLAY,” which is where you’ll do most of your work. Here, you can select different instruments, adjust their settings, and more.

The other tabs include “Mixer,” which allows you to adjust the levels of different instruments in your mix, and “FX,” which lets you add effects like reverb and delay to your instruments.

Loading Instruments

Now that you’re familiar with the interface, it’s time to load an instrument. To do this, simply click on the “Instrument” dropdown menu in the top left corner of the PLAY tab. From here, you can select the instrument you want to use.

Once you’ve selected an instrument, you can adjust its settings using the various knobs and sliders in the interface. For example, you can adjust the attack and release times of a string instrument to make it sound more realistic.

If you want to use multiple instruments at once, you can do so by selecting them from the dropdown menu and then adjusting their levels in the Mixer tab.

That’s it! With these basic steps, you should be able to start using Eastwest virtual instruments in Logic Pro. Of course, there’s a lot more you can do with these powerful tools, so don’t be afraid to experiment and explore.

Creating Music with Eastwest

Using the Play Engine

Eastwest’s Play engine is a powerful tool for creating music in Logic. It allows you to load and manipulate sounds from a variety of Eastwest’s virtual instruments. To get started, simply open Play as an instrument plugin in Logic. From there, you can browse through the available sounds and load them into your project.

Manipulating Sounds

Once you have loaded a sound into Play, you can begin to manipulate it to fit your needs. Play offers a variety of controls for adjusting the sound, including filters, envelopes, and effects. You can also use the built-in arpeggiator and sequencer to add movement to your sounds.

Recording and Editing

When you’re ready to start recording, simply arm the track in Logic and hit record. Play will capture the MIDI data and translate it into audio using the loaded sound. Once you have recorded your performance, you can use Logic’s powerful editing tools to fine-tune the timing and pitch of the notes.

Eastwest’s Play engine is a powerful tool for creating music in Logic. By loading and manipulating sounds from Eastwest’s virtual instruments, you can create unique and dynamic compositions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Play is a must-have tool for any Logic user.

Advanced Techniques

Using MIDI Controllers

One of the most powerful ways to control Eastwest instruments is by using MIDI controllers. By assigning various parameters to different knobs, sliders, or buttons on your MIDI controller, you can manipulate the sound in real-time and create expressive performances. Here are some tips for using MIDI controllers with Eastwest:

• Assigning parameters: To assign a parameter to a MIDI controller in Eastwest, simply right-click on the parameter you want to control and select “MIDI Learn”. Move the knob, slider, or button on your MIDI controller that you want to use to control that parameter, and it will be automatically assigned. You can also manually assign parameters by going to the MIDI tab in the instrument’s settings and selecting the parameter you want to control.

• Using multiple controllers: You can assign multiple parameters to different controllers on your MIDI device. For example, you could assign the mod wheel to control vibrato intensity while assigning a knob to control reverb amount. This allows you to have more control over the sound and create more nuanced performances.

• Saving controller mappings: Once you have assigned parameters to your MIDI controllers, you can save the mappings as a preset. This allows you to quickly recall your settings and use them in other projects.

Automation in Eastwest

Automation is another powerful tool for manipulating Eastwest instruments. By automating various parameters, you can create dynamic and evolving soundscapes. Here are some tips for using automation with Eastwest:

• Automating envelope settings: As mentioned earlier, adjusting the envelope AHDRS settings can produce a wide range of attacks, sustains, decay, etc. settings. You can automate these settings in Logic by selecting the parameter you want to automate and clicking on the “A” button next to it. This will create an automation lane where you can draw in the changes you want.

• Automating articulations: While Eastwest instruments don’t use keyswitches, you can still switch between different articulations using automation. Simply create an automation lane for the “Articulation” parameter and draw in the changes you want. You can also use MIDI controllers to switch between articulations, as described above.

• Automating effects: Eastwest instruments come with a variety of built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, and EQ. You can automate these effects to create dynamic and evolving sounds. Simply create an automation lane for the effect parameter you want to control and draw in the changes you want.

By using MIDI controllers and automation, you can take your Eastwest productions to the next level and create expressive and dynamic performances. Experiment with different settings and techniques to find what works best for your music.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Using EastWest in Logic can be a great way to enhance your music production, but sometimes it can also be a bit tricky. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

Issue 1: EastWest is not appearing as a library under AU Instruments

If you have downloaded Play and some of the samples onto an external hard drive, you might encounter this issue. To fix it, try the following steps:

• Open Logic Pro X
• Go to Preferences > Plug-in Manager
• Click on the Audio Units tab
• Find Play VST (or Play VST3) and make sure it is checked
• If it is not checked, check it and restart Logic

Issue 2: EastWest Play plugin is not working with Logic Pro X

If you encounter this issue, try resetting your Audio Unit Cache:

• In the Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder from the menu
• Type ~/Library/Caches in the ‘Go to the folder’ field (include the Tilde) and press Go
• Find the folder named ‘com.apple.audiounits.cache’ and delete it
• Restart your computer

Issue 3: EastWest Opus Edition is overloading Logic

If you are experiencing issues with EastWest Opus Edition overloading Logic, try the following:

• Bounce out your parts once you’ve written them, so you don’t have to worry about Opus any more
• Make sure you have the latest version of Logic and Opus installed
• Check your computer’s CPU usage and make sure it is not overloaded

Issue 4: EastWest is not loading instrument patches

If you have installed Logic Express 9 and are having trouble loading specific instruments from your East West libraries, try the following:

• Check that your version of Logic is compatible with the EastWest libraries you are using
• Make sure your EastWest libraries are installed correctly and in the right location
• Try reinstalling the specific libraries that are not loading correctly

By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve any issues you encounter when using EastWest in Logic.

Conclusion

Using EastWest in Logic can be a great way to add high-quality virtual instruments to your music productions. With the right setup, you can achieve realistic and professional-sounding orchestral arrangements.

In this article, we have covered the basics of how to use EastWest in Logic, including how to set up the Play plugin, how to load instruments, and how to use the mixer. We have also discussed some tips and tricks for getting the most out of EastWest, such as automating settings and using key switches.

Remember that using virtual instruments can be a powerful tool, but it is important to use them tastefully and appropriately. Don’t overdo it with too many instruments or too much reverb, and always keep in mind the context of the music you are creating.

EastWest is a great option for anyone looking to add orchestral sounds to their Logic productions. With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can create realistic and engaging music that will impress your listeners.