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A dense snapshot of our music journey—everything we’re learning in one compact place. Use the sidebar to jump to bite-sized info bits.

Overview: A compact overview of music production concepts.
Navigation: Jump to topics using the sidebar (desktop only).
Explore bite-sized info for quick learning.
Toggle sections to see key points in bullet form.

Notes & Pitch

Notes are pitches—C4 is 261 Hz, A4 is 440 Hz. The chromatic scale has 12 steps per octave (C, C#, D, etc.). In Logic Pro X, the piano roll shows this—play C-D-E to hear steps.

Pitch Basics: Notes represent pitches: C4 = 261 Hz, A4 = 440 Hz.
Chromatic Scale: 12 steps per octave (C, C#, D, etc.).
Octave: Doubling of frequency (e.g., A4 to A5: 440 Hz to 880 Hz).
In Logic Pro X, use the piano roll to play C-D-E.
Tip: Adjust pitch in the piano roll by dragging notes up or down.

Rhythm & Tempo

Rhythm is beat patterns—4/4 means four beats per measure. Tempo is speed—120 BPM is moderate. Set Logic Pro X to 120 BPM and tap a 4/4 rhythm.

Rhythm Basics: Beat patterns (e.g., 4/4 = four beats per measure).
Tempo Basics: Speed of music (e.g., 120 BPM = moderate).
Time signatures: 4/4 (common), 3/4 (waltz), 6/8 (compound).
In Logic Pro X, set to 120 BPM and tap a 4/4 rhythm.
Tip: Use the metronome (click track) to stay on beat.

Chords & Harmony

Chords stack notes—C-E-G is C major (bright). Harmony is chord flow—try C major to G major in Logic Pro X for a simple progression.

Chords: Stacked notes (e.g., C-E-G = C major, bright).
Harmony: Flow of chords (e.g., C major to G major).
Major chords: Sound happy (e.g., C major).
Minor chords: Sound sad (e.g., A minor: A-C-E).
In Logic Pro X, try a C major to G major progression.
Tip: Use the Chord Trigger in Logic Pro X to experiment with chords.

Scales

Scales set mood—C major (C-D-E-F-G-A-B) is happy, A minor (A-B-C-D-E-F-G) is sad. Play them in Logic Pro X’s piano roll to feel the vibe.

Mood: Scales set mood: C major (happy), A minor (sad).
Examples: C major: C-D-E-F-G-A-B; A minor: A-B-C-D-E-F-G.
Pentatonic scales: 5 notes (e.g., C-D-E-G-A, versatile).
Blues scale: Adds "blue" notes (e.g., C-Eb-F-F#-G-Bb).
In Logic Pro X, play scales in the piano roll.
Tip: Use the Scale Quantize feature to lock notes to a scale.

Dynamics

Dynamics shift volume—pp (soft) to ff (loud). In Logic Pro X, adjust MIDI velocity (0-127) to make a melody swell from quiet to bold.

Volume Changes: Dynamics: Volume changes (pp = soft, ff = loud).
MIDI Velocity: 0 (silent) to 127 (loudest).
Dynamic markings: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff.
In Logic Pro X, adjust MIDI velocity (0-127).
Make a melody swell from quiet to bold.
Tip: Use automation to create gradual volume changes.

Sound Waves

Waves define sound—sine is smooth, sawtooth is harsh. Frequency (Hz) is pitch, amplitude is volume. Use Logic Pro X’s Test Oscillator to hear a 440 Hz sine vs. saw.

Wave Types: Waves define sound: sine (smooth), sawtooth (harsh).
Frequency & Amplitude: Frequency (Hz) = pitch; amplitude = volume.
Sine wave: Pure tone, no harmonics.
Sawtooth wave: Rich in harmonics, gritty sound.
Square wave: Hollow, 8-bit sound; triangle: softer.
In Logic Pro X, use Test Oscillator (440 Hz sine vs. saw).
Tip: Use an oscilloscope plugin to visualize waves.

Synthesis

Synthesis builds sound—oscillators (sawtooth), filters (low-pass), envelopes (ADSR). In Logic Pro X’s ES2, mix a saw and square, cut highs, and set a slow attack.

Components: Synthesis: Oscillators (sawtooth), filters (low-pass), envelopes (ADSR).
Oscillators: Generate waveforms (saw, square, sine).
Filters: Shape sound (low-pass cuts highs, high-pass cuts lows).
Envelopes (ADSR): Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release control dynamics.
In Logic Pro X’s ES2, mix saw and square waves.
Cut highs with a filter, set a slow attack.
Tip: Experiment with FM synthesis in ES2 for metallic tones.

Effects

Reverb adds space, delay echoes, compression evens out. In Logic Pro X, add Space Designer to a synth (Medium Hall) and tweak wet/dry for depth.

Effect Types: Reverb: Adds space; delay: echoes; compression: evens out.
Reverb Types: Hall, room, plate (e.g., Space Designer’s Medium Hall).
Delay: Echoes sound (e.g., 1/4 note delay for rhythm).
Compression: Reduces dynamic range (e.g., 4:1 ratio, -20 dB threshold).
In Logic Pro X, use Space Designer (Medium Hall).
Tweak wet/dry for depth on a synth.
Tip: Chain effects (e.g., reverb after delay) for richer sounds.

Logic Pro Interface

Tracks Area stacks clips, Mixer sets levels, Smart Controls tweak effects. Start a project in Logic Pro X: File, add a synth track, and adjust a filter.

Tracks Area: Stacks clips; Mixer: sets levels.
Smart Controls: Tweak effects quickly.
Inspector: Adjust track settings (e.g., volume, pan).
Library: Access presets (e.g., synth patches).
In Logic Pro X: File, add synth track, adjust filter.
Tip: Use key commands (e.g., R to record, A for automation).

MIDI

MIDI programs notes—C1 for kicks, D1 for snares. In Logic Pro X, draw a 4-beat pattern in the piano roll with Drummer or Alchemy.

MIDI Notes: MIDI programs notes: C1 (kicks), D1 (snares).
MIDI Channels: 1-16, for different instruments.
Controllers: CC messages (e.g., CC1 for modulation).
In Logic Pro X, draw a 4-beat pattern in piano roll.
Use Drummer or Alchemy for sounds.
Tip: Quantize MIDI (e.g., 1/16 note) to fix timing.

Recording

Record audio with R—set input levels to avoid clipping. In Logic Pro X, add an audio track, plug in a mic, and capture a riff at 90 BPM.

Recording Basics: Record audio with R; set input levels to avoid clipping.
Input Monitoring: Hear yourself while recording.
Sample rate: 44.1 kHz (standard for music).
In Logic Pro X, add an audio track, plug in a mic.
Capture a riff at 90 BPM.
Tip: Use punch-in recording to fix mistakes.

Melody

Melody is the tune you hum—use a scale like C major for a happy vibe. In Logic Pro X, draw a melody in the piano roll with a synth lead.

Melody Basics: A sequence of notes, often the main tune.
Scales for Mood: Use scales: C major for happy, A minor for sad.
Motifs: Short, repeating ideas (e.g., 4-note phrase).
In Logic Pro X, draw a melody in the piano roll.
Use a synth lead (e.g., Alchemy’s lead preset).
Tip: Vary note lengths for interest (e.g., quarter, eighth notes).

Song Structure

Song structure organizes your track—verse, chorus, bridge. In Logic Pro X, use markers to plan a verse-chorus-verse structure at 128 BPM.

Structure Basics: Verse, chorus, bridge, intro, outro.
Verse & Chorus: Verse: Tells the story; chorus: main hook.
Bridge: Adds contrast, often before final chorus.
In Logic Pro X, use markers to plan structure.
Try verse-chorus-verse at 128 BPM.
Tip: Add an intro (e.g., 8 bars) to set the mood.

EQ (Equalization)

EQ shapes tone—cut lows on a vocal (below 100 Hz) to reduce rumble. In Logic Pro X, use Channel EQ to boost 3 kHz on a vocal for clarity.

EQ Basics: Adjusts frequency balance (e.g., cut lows, boost highs).
Frequency Ranges: Low-end: 20-200 Hz (bass, warmth).
Midrange: 200 Hz-5 kHz (clarity, presence).
High-end: 5 kHz-20 kHz (air, sparkle).
In Logic Pro X, use Channel EQ to boost 3 kHz on vocals.
Cut below 100 Hz on vocals to reduce rumble.
Tip: Use a high-pass filter on non-bass tracks.

Compression

Compression evens out dynamics—use a 4:1 ratio on drums. In Logic Pro X, apply Compressor to a drum loop with a -20 dB threshold for punch.

Compression Basics: Reduces dynamic range for consistency.
Threshold & Ratio: Threshold: Level where compression starts (e.g., -20 dB).
Ratio: Amount of reduction (e.g., 4:1).
Attack/Release: How fast compression starts/stops.
In Logic Pro X, apply Compressor to drums (4:1, -20 dB).
Add punch to a drum loop with fast attack, medium release.
Tip: Use sidechain compression for ducking (e.g., kick vs. bass).

Automation

Automation changes parameters over time—fade out a track. In Logic Pro X, automate volume on a synth to fade in over 8 bars.

Automation Basics: Changes parameters over time (e.g., volume, pan).
Volume Automation: Create fades (e.g., fade out).
Filter automation: Sweep cutoff for movement.
In Logic Pro X, automate volume on a synth.
Fade in over 8 bars for a smooth intro.
Tip: Use automation curves for natural transitions.

Mixing

Mixing balances tracks—lower the kick, pan guitars. In Logic Pro X, use the Mixer to set levels, pan a guitar left (-20), and add reverb to vocals.

Mixing Basics: Balances tracks for clarity and impact.
Levels & Panning: Levels: Set kick loud, vocals clear, background elements soft.
Panning: Spread sounds (e.g., guitar left, synth right).
EQ: Cut overlapping frequencies (e.g., bass vs. kick).
In Logic Pro X, use Mixer to set levels.
Pan a guitar left (-20), add reverb to vocals.
Tip: Use a reference track to compare your mix.

Mastering

Mastering polishes the final mix—add a limiter to boost volume. In Logic Pro X, use Adaptive Limiter on the master bus to reach -1 dB.

Mastering Basics: Polishes the mix for distribution.
Limiter: Boosts volume without clipping (e.g., -1 dB).
EQ: Subtle boosts (e.g., 10 kHz for air).
Stereo widening: Enhances width (use sparingly).
In Logic Pro X, use Adaptive Limiter on master bus.
Target -1 dB for loudness without distortion.
Tip: Export at 24-bit depth for better quality.

Music Theory

Music theory helps you create—intervals like C to G (perfect fifth) add tension. In Logic Pro X, build a melody using intervals in the piano roll.

Intervals: Distance between notes (e.g., C to G = perfect fifth).
Major/Minor: Major (happy), minor (sad).
Key signatures: Define the tonal center (e.g., C major).
Chord progressions: I-IV-V-I (e.g., C-F-G-C).
In Logic Pro X, build a melody using intervals.
Tip: Use the Key Signature setting to stay in key.

Sound Selection

Sound selection shapes your track—choose a punchy kick for EDM. In Logic Pro X, browse the Library for a deep 808 kick.

Sound Selection Basics: Choose sounds to fit your genre.
Kicks: Punchy for EDM, deep for hip-hop (e.g., 808).
Synths: Bright leads for pop, pads for ambient.
In Logic Pro X, browse the Library for sounds.
Pick a deep 808 kick for bass-heavy tracks.
Tip: Layer sounds (e.g., kick + sub) for more impact.

Arranging

Arranging builds your track’s flow—drop the bass after a buildup. In Logic Pro X, use the Arrange window to create a 16-bar buildup.

Arranging Basics: Organizes sections (e.g., buildup, drop).
Buildup & Drop: Buildup: Increase tension (e.g., add hi-hats, risers).
Drop: Release tension (e.g., bring in bass, drums).
In Logic Pro X, use Arrange window for sections.
Create a 16-bar buildup before the drop.
Tip: Use automation (e.g., filter sweep) in buildups.

Creative Effects

Creative effects add flair—reverse a cymbal for a transition. In Logic Pro X, use Flex Time to stretch a vocal sample.

Creative Effects Basics: Add uniqueness (e.g., reverse, pitch shift).
Reverse & Pitch Shift: Reverse: Flip audio (e.g., cymbal for transitions).
Pitch shift: Change pitch (e.g., vocal up an octave).
In Logic Pro X, use Flex Time to stretch vocals.
Reverse a cymbal for a dramatic transition.
Tip: Use glitch effects (e.g., Stutter Edit) for modern sounds.

Vocal Recording

Vocal recording captures emotion—use a pop filter to reduce plosives. In Logic Pro X, record vocals with a condenser mic and add EQ at 5 kHz for presence.

Vocal Recording Basics: Captures emotion in your track.
Pop Filter: Reduces plosives (e.g., "p" sounds).
Mic choice: Condenser for clarity, dynamic for warmth.
In Logic Pro X, record with a condenser mic.
Add EQ at 5 kHz for vocal presence.
Tip: Record multiple takes and comp the best parts.