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Access GM sounds using the Quicktime Synth

Logic Tutorials, 14 April 2007

Learn how to use the built in Quicktime Synth to access the General MIDI (GM) sound set which appears as default on the arrange page in Logic Pro and Logic Express. The Quicktime Synth provides the full range of instruments and drum kits available on GM compatable synthesizers and sound modules.

This lesson in Logic Cafe will teach you how to use the GM Quicktime synthesizer available in Logic Pro and Logic Express.

A common issue for new users to Logic Pro and Logic Express is that when Logic first boots up and one of what appears to be a set of instruments in the arrange page is selected, no sound can be heard. This can be a frustrating conundrum, especially when Logic appears to be receiving MIDI note data and the selected track appears to show MIDI activity, yet still nothing can be heard?
The reason behind this is straight forward: Logic Pro and Logic Express provide users with a GM environment which is not connected by default to any synth of any kind. It is up to the user to connect the environment template to an external MIDI synth or, as in this lesson, the Quicktime synthesizer.
General MIDI sounds may not be the most inspirational sounds to use in composition but they do have their uses in the professional world. The most common applications for this basic sound set are now polyphonic ringtones and the music on JAVA applications such as games for mobile phones.

Step 1

In the arrange page select Windows>Environment from the top menu bar.

Step 2

In the environment window, click in the grey parameters box to the left and select MIDI Instr.

Step 3

In the environment window select New>Internal>Apple Quicktime from the pull down menu bar.

Step 4

Click in the cable port of the Multi Instrument named "GM Device", drag the cable and connect it to the Quicktime Synth icon. Click "Remove" on the resulting dialogue box.

Step 5

Click on the red button in the top corner of the environment window in order to close it.

Step 6

Click on a GM track in your arrange page and play your External MIDI keyboard or use the Caps Lock keyboard in Logic Pro and Logic Express in order to sequence using the GM Quicktime synthesizer.



By Paul Yarrow