WOw, this was so incredible. I have not seen anyone talk about this. Better yet, this was defiantly an issue was having with the bounce volume. Thank you for this lesson......
Really great video - appreciate the depth of information shared. One thing to point out - the Master/VCA fader makes sense if you have a multi-output sound card/device. In that case, you can have the VCA control the Volume of all the Output channel strips at one time (including the Stereo if it's there). I believe this is the real purpose of making the Master channel strip a VCA. With only one Stereo Out channel strip, it doesn't really add anything (as you point out in the video). But with a multi-out audio device with multiple output channels, it makes more sense. And there's a Solo option to selectively disable the Master VCA control for any desired output channel.
You are a fabulous teacher! No exaggeration here, this is all just as clear as glass. And the graphics are innovative and helpful..I knew I was going to subscribe within three minutes of watching it. Thank you so much
Right on time. We have been having major issues with our Levels Sounding Awesome on our Genelecs but when we Bounce, it sucks. This video has helped us a lot in understanding !
Very thorough explanation. Thank you! P.S. I have to agree with @Ed Masters (perfect name for this topic by the way) the master vca is sensible with a multi output interface.
Thank you for clarifying a most misunderstood subject. You've raised teaching to an art form! There's another Environment issue that would I'm sure would be of great interest to many people....how to get the actual midi notes from an arpeggiator or chord trigger to record directly on a logic track in real time. Do you cover this in any of your books? Could I contact you directly on how this can be done?
I cover the Environment I a separate chapter in my book "Logic Pro X - The Details". Any inquiries can be sent to info@DingDingMusic.com, but please understand that I can't answer technical questions per email, that would be way too time-consuming for me.
I’d give anything to understand what Output 3-4 is about. Can’t get any output from it, despite that it is receiving signal. I had hoped to use it as a “Mastering Channel” with all the mastering plugins on it. That is, once I’ve completed my Mix, I would import the mix into the same LP workspace, solo it and send it’s output to Stereo Out 3-4 where I could then use mastering plugins on it. This way, all tracks/mixes/masters would be in the same workspace. I dunno. Maybe that’s a crazy idea?
Just found this video after finally finding out what the problem with my project was, I had a limiter in my stereo out with its output set to 0db and for some reason the volume peaked at -4db, didn't make any sense, I swear I was going nuts, finally I thought maybe the top useless master volume fader, that was it. Immediately removed it from the top bar after solving the problem
Not a fan of the environment. I only stayed with Logic because it was owned by Apple. I'm glad I did. I didn't know you could hide the Master channel. Very useful. Thanks. Have you done a video (or in one of your books) on the problem of Logic always scanning instruments when it is started. According to the internet plug ins from Waves could be the culprit but I haven't been able to find a fix. Thanks.
The scanning issue is a tricky one. Lots of complaints since 10.5. Logic changed something under the hood and the third-party manufacturers were informed, but it depends on the implementation and the willingness of issuing (free) updates, and that whole issue turned into a mess. The level of messiness depends on what plugins the individual users have installed. I see that as a warning sign of what lies ahead next year(s) with the transition to Apple Silicon. Fun Times ...
I would guess the reason for the Master VCA strip is to control effects like reverb so that when the Master is turned down, reverb is turned down correspondingly. In other words, you wouldn’t want the reverb to remain loud when you turn down the Master. Not sure about that. Just making and off-the-cuff uneducated guess here. Appreciate the vid.
Just want to point out, that if you're like me and you don't really use MIDI, you might not be set up to see the environment window in your settings. Make sure that in the general Logic preferences, in the Advanced tab, you have MIDI checked under "Show Advanced Tools"
As long as you don't have pre-fader metering, I don't see how this would be an issue. I ended up mixing too hot and found that using the Master strip I could bring it down to a reasonable level to have finer control with the Stereo Out, and it's all right there in the meter, so I don't understand how that could possibly be an issue, unless the Master is changing levels before they hit the plugins. Since the meter actually changes, the volume of the audio should still reflect the bounce, regardless (assuming there isn't a hardware monitor control you've messed up or something like that). I'd love to know if I'm wrong about this if anyone knows for sure and can explain what I might be missing...
If you watch the video carefully, then you should understand that the Master Channel Strip is just a VCA Master Fader for the Output Channel Strip (acting as the VCA Slave. Of course, you can bring down the level on the Master Channel Strip, but why, just lower the fader on the Output Channel Strip. The Master Channel Strip doesn't add any functionality to your mix unless you are doing some special stuff like using it as an offset automation in case you have already written automation on the Output Channel Strip. For 99% of all cases, you don't need it, and for many users who don't understand its functionality, it just messes up their levels.
@@MusicTechExplained I’m not saying it has a whole lot of use (although I like using dimming and having more fader real-estate on the stereo out, so that’s why I keep it), I’m just saying I don’t see how it can mess up a mix. The only way I can see that happening is if you’re literally not paying attention to the meter or your ears, which could just as easily happen without it, unless I’m missing something.
@@almightytreegod You have no idea how often that level question comes up on forums from users who are not aware of the functionality and a screenshot then reveals that their Master Channel Strip sits at -20dB. Or people wondering about clipping on the output even though they have set the Output Channel Strip and its Limiter correctly.
@@MusicTechExplained Wouldn’t the limiter be in the plug-in chain anyway? Maybe I’m not understanding as I said, but are you saying that people will bounce a mix and it will either be too quiet or too loud and clipping, and the output meter was showing it as their intended level? Because that’s the question I have. I don’t understand how that could happen.
‘Really confusing”… best description of Logic I’ve come across so far…
Really helpful, and clearly presented. Thanks so much!
WOw, this was so incredible. I have not seen anyone talk about this. Better yet, this was defiantly an issue was having with the bounce volume. Thank you for this lesson......
Great, thank you so much! Nice to get past all the complications and have fun again making music!
Really great video - appreciate the depth of information shared. One thing to point out - the Master/VCA fader makes sense if you have a multi-output sound card/device. In that case, you can have the VCA control the Volume of all the Output channel strips at one time (including the Stereo if it's there). I believe this is the real purpose of making the Master channel strip a VCA. With only one Stereo Out channel strip, it doesn't really add anything (as you point out in the video). But with a multi-out audio device with multiple output channels, it makes more sense. And there's a Solo option to selectively disable the Master VCA control for any desired output channel.
Clearly explained and a thorough examination of Logic control functions👍👍 thanks!
You are a fabulous teacher! No exaggeration here, this is all just as clear as glass. And the graphics are innovative and helpful..I knew I was going to subscribe within three minutes of watching it. Thank you so much
Best video to understand ., output channel and master channel. It has been so confusing.
Amazing video, thank you!
By far the best teacher on Logic I've found in 20 years!
Glad I could help
Right on time. We have been having major issues with our Levels Sounding Awesome on our Genelecs but when we Bounce, it sucks. This video has helped us a lot in understanding !
Really appreciate this info. Very well presented and I finally get it! Thank you!
Wow, Apple software developers need to watch this! Thank you for the profoundly helpful explanations!
Thanks so much Edgar! Great explanations! I have three of your excellent books. I’ve learned so much from your materials.
what a great learning video.... thx a lot ‼
dude! awesome video! thanks! great work! love from germany!
I love your content sir!!!! You explain everything in detail and help us build our knowledge and understanding
Happy to hear that!
Thanks Edgar! I greatly appreciate your knowledge and teaching style. Very helpful! Your manuals are excellent as well!
Very thorough explanation. Thank you!
P.S. I have to agree with @Ed Masters (perfect name for this topic by the way) the master vca is sensible with a multi output interface.
Very good, and I started watching it just 5 minutes ago.
Thanks Edgar, you are a legend mate! Thank you so much.
Excellent thank you for clarity transparency alongside with vision 🎼🎶🎩
Superb. Well done and thank you !
Thank you, so informative
you are the best teacher I love you only your videos I watch you son me much more
Great bud, good teaching, thank you
Awesome video! I might have misssed this but can you create a second stereo output or a new channel strip of type output in your project?
FINALLY FOUND YOU!! Will keep your address above this time - Utube! EXCELLENT. One of the best if not the best!
Superb, thank you.
Thank you for clarifying a most misunderstood subject. You've raised teaching to an art form! There's another Environment issue that would I'm sure would be of great interest to many people....how to get the actual midi notes from an arpeggiator or chord trigger to record directly on a logic track in real time. Do you cover this in any of your books? Could I contact you directly on how this can be done?
I cover the Environment I a separate chapter in my book "Logic Pro X - The Details".
Any inquiries can be sent to info@DingDingMusic.com, but please understand that I can't answer technical questions per email, that would be way too time-consuming for me.
Man you're amazing. Saved me a lot of pain.
I’d give anything to understand what Output 3-4 is about. Can’t get any output from it, despite that it is receiving signal. I had hoped to use it as a “Mastering Channel” with all the mastering plugins on it. That is, once I’ve completed my Mix, I would import the mix into the same LP workspace, solo it and send it’s output to Stereo Out 3-4 where I could then use mastering plugins on it. This way, all tracks/mixes/masters would be in the same workspace. I dunno. Maybe that’s a crazy idea?
Just found this video after finally finding out what the problem with my project was, I had a limiter in my stereo out with its output set to 0db and for some reason the volume peaked at -4db, didn't make any sense, I swear I was going nuts, finally I thought maybe the top useless master volume fader, that was it. Immediately removed it from the top bar after solving the problem
Not a fan of the environment. I only stayed with Logic because it was owned by Apple. I'm glad I did. I didn't know you could hide the Master channel. Very useful. Thanks. Have you done a video (or in one of your books) on the problem of Logic always scanning instruments when it is started. According to the internet plug ins from Waves could be the culprit but I haven't been able to find a fix. Thanks.
The scanning issue is a tricky one. Lots of complaints since 10.5. Logic changed something under the hood and the third-party manufacturers were informed, but it depends on the implementation and the willingness of issuing (free) updates, and that whole issue turned into a mess. The level of messiness depends on what plugins the individual users have installed.
I see that as a warning sign of what lies ahead next year(s) with the transition to Apple Silicon. Fun Times ...
I would guess the reason for the Master VCA strip is to control effects like reverb so that when the Master is turned down, reverb is turned down correspondingly. In other words, you wouldn’t want the reverb to remain loud when you turn down the Master. Not sure about that. Just making and off-the-cuff uneducated guess here. Appreciate the vid.
Excellent video. Cheers
Just want to point out, that if you're like me and you don't really use MIDI, you might not be set up to see the environment window in your settings. Make sure that in the general Logic preferences, in the Advanced tab, you have MIDI checked under "Show Advanced Tools"
Thanks Edgar! I had as well any confusion about this behaviour :-( So now it's clear :-)
Happy to help!
Mission accomplished
Thanks!
Thank you for a well done...
Love the content!!!!
Omfg thank you!
As long as you don't have pre-fader metering, I don't see how this would be an issue. I ended up mixing too hot and found that using the Master strip I could bring it down to a reasonable level to have finer control with the Stereo Out, and it's all right there in the meter, so I don't understand how that could possibly be an issue, unless the Master is changing levels before they hit the plugins.
Since the meter actually changes, the volume of the audio should still reflect the bounce, regardless (assuming there isn't a hardware monitor control you've messed up or something like that).
I'd love to know if I'm wrong about this if anyone knows for sure and can explain what I might be missing...
If you watch the video carefully, then you should understand that the Master Channel Strip is just a VCA Master Fader for the Output Channel Strip (acting as the VCA Slave. Of course, you can bring down the level on the Master Channel Strip, but why, just lower the fader on the Output Channel Strip.
The Master Channel Strip doesn't add any functionality to your mix unless you are doing some special stuff like using it as an offset automation in case you have already written automation on the Output Channel Strip.
For 99% of all cases, you don't need it, and for many users who don't understand its functionality, it just messes up their levels.
@@MusicTechExplained I’m not saying it has a whole lot of use (although I like using dimming and having more fader real-estate on the stereo out, so that’s why I keep it), I’m just saying I don’t see how it can mess up a mix. The only way I can see that happening is if you’re literally not paying attention to the meter or your ears, which could just as easily happen without it, unless I’m missing something.
@@almightytreegod You have no idea how often that level question comes up on forums from users who are not aware of the functionality and a screenshot then reveals that their Master Channel Strip sits at -20dB. Or people wondering about clipping on the output even though they have set the Output Channel Strip and its Limiter correctly.
@@MusicTechExplained Wouldn’t the limiter be in the plug-in chain anyway? Maybe I’m not understanding as I said, but are you saying that people will bounce a mix and it will either be too quiet or too loud and clipping, and the output meter was showing it as their intended level? Because that’s the question I have. I don’t understand how that could happen.
@@almightytreegod You assume that people look at the meter or know what the blinking red lights mean. You would be surprised.
Just don't touch the master fader.
what nonsense, do no more harm pmsl