Apple adds 200 new synths, AirDrop support to Logic Pro X recording software

Apple’s Logic Pro X got a nice upgrade today, adding such features as AirDrop and MailDrop file sharing (song files are huge), and a number of function and ease of use improvements.

The DAW (digital audio workspace) software also adds a bunch of new synth sounds, 200 of them, to its sound library. These include 10 classic Mellotron sounds. You know like they used on Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same.

Logic Pro X also adds 12 new drum kits, for the rhythmically inclined. The kits span lots of genres, including hip-hop, techno, house and dubstep.

Here’s the big list of improvements:

• Drummer provides specialized sound and performance controls for dialing in electronic or hip hop drum grooves
• New Drum Machine Designer plug-in offers new sounds and features for customizing electronic drum kits in a variety of styles
• Create a sequence of notes with a single mouse gesture using the new Brush Tool in the Piano Roll Editor
• New view options in the Piano Roll Editor let you see more notes in less vertical space and help identify drum sounds by name
• Easily compress or expand the timing of selected notes with new time handles in the Piano Roll Editor
• Note Repeat and Spot Erase modes allow classic drum machine style techniques for creating beats in realtime
• Smart Quantize proportionally corrects the timing and length of notes to preserve the musicality of your original performance
• Redesigned Compressor plug-in features scalable, Retina-ready interface and 7 models including the new Classic VCA
• Retro Synth can now create wavetables from imported audio and is able to stack up to 8 voices
• Expanded sound library includes over 200 new synth patches and 10 classic Mellotron instruments
• Automation can now be part of a region, not just the track, which makes it easier to use effects creatively
• Manage large-scale mixes more easily with the addition of console-style VCA faders
• Relative and Trim Automation modes extend the options for fine-tuning existing automation
• Mixer now allows remote control of microphone and other input settings for compatible audio interfaces
• Realtime rendering of fades allow them to work with Flex Pitch and speeds up project load times
• The Plug-in Manager now allows you to customize the organization of your menu
• Support for Mail Drop and Air Drop in OS X Yosemite makes it even easier to share your Logic projects

Logic Pro X was launched in 2013, and is geared toward more serious home recording desks and recording studio use. The software is used for songwriting, editing, mixing, and all kinds of audio processing.

For current Logic Pro X owners, version 10.1 is a free update. For first time buyers, Logic Pro X is available in the Mac App Store for $199.