Logic Express 8 9: Troubleshooting Basics

Dec 02 2009 Posted in Apple Logic

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Symptoms

If Logic Express isn't starting up properly or performing normally, try these basic troubleshooting steps to remedy the situation. Please note that these steps aren't exhaustive, and are not intended to cover any specific issue. They are fundamental, basic steps that are most effective in getting Logic Express into good working order, and are the steps most often suggested by AppleCare Technical Support. If you are using Logic Express 7 see Logic Express 7: Troubleshooting Basics.

Products Affected

Logic Express 8

Resolution

Confirm requirements and versions

Check system requirements
Make sure that you haven't overlooked any hardware aspect that's required to use Logic Express. You can view system requirements on the Logic Express Technical Specifications page.
Update to the latest software versions
Choose Apple () menu > Software Update and make sure that you have the most recent updates for your versions of Logic Express, QuickTime, and other important system files. Installing the latest updates ensures that your software has the latest improvements and enhancements.
Check compatibility and driver versions for third-party devices
If you're using a third-party sound card, MIDI interface, storage system, control surface, or plug-in, check the support area on the manufacturer's website to be sure that you're using the latest version of the relevant driver or other software for your product. For information on troubleshooting possible issues with Audio Unit plug-ins, click here.
Check for Pro Application Support updates
Make sure you are using the latest version of Pro Application Support. For more information click here.

Test with no audio driver

You can isolate issues with audio devices by starting Logic with no audio driver. Press and hold down the Control key immediately after Logic starts to open. A dialog asking whether you wish to launch audio drivers will appear. Click "No" and see if Logic opens normally.

Test using the computer's built-in audio hardware

If you use external audio hardware, try setting Logic to use the built-in audio hardware on your computer. Choose Logic Express> Preferences> Audio from the main menu and click the Devices tab. Click the Core Audio tab and choose Built-in Audio from the Device pop-up menu. If the issue is resolved using built-in audio, refer to the manufacturer of your audio interface.

Start Logic with a different project template

Sometimes project files can become damaged, causing unexpected behavior in Logic. If you use a template, damage to the template can cause unexpected results with any project subsequently created from it. To create a completely fresh project choose File > New and select Empty Project in the template selector window. Test to see if the issue is resolved in the new project. Sometimes, issues with the data in a project can be repaired. Open an affected project and choose Options > Project Information from the main menu. Click the "Reorganize Memory" button.

Delete the User Preferences

You can resolve many issues by restoring Logic Express back to its original settings. This will not impact your song files. To reset your Logic Express user preference settings to their original state, do the following:

In the Finder, go to ~/Library/Preferences. Note: The tilde (~) represents your Home folder.
Remove the com.apple.logic.express.plist file from the Preferences folder. Note that if you have programmed any custom key commands, this will reset them to the defaults. You may wish to export your custom key command as a preset before performing this step. See the Logic Express User Manual for details on how to do this. If you are having trouble with a control surface in Logic Express, then you may also wish to delete the com.apple.logic.express.cs file from the Preferences folder.
If you have upgraded from Logic Express 7, you may also need to remove ~/Library/Preferences/Logic/com.apple.logic.express.

Reinstall Logic Express

Another approach you might consider is reinstalling Logic Express. To do this effectively, you need to remove the application then install Logic Express and use Software Update to install additional updates. You don't have to remove everything that was installed with Logic Express. Follow the steps below to completely reinstall a fresh copy of Logic Express.

Note: Make sure that you have your installation discs handy before starting this.

On Mac OS X v10.5

Open the Applications folder. Drag the Logic Express application to the Trash.
Go to /Library/Receipts.
In the Receipts folder, select the LogicExpress.pkg file.
Choose View > as List to view the contents in a list.
Click the Date Modified column header so you can easily see all of the receipts that were installed at the same time as Logic Express.
Drag the LogicExpress.pkg receipt to the Trash, as well as any other items that have the same modification date within 3 minutes of the LogicExpress.pkg's modification date.
Click the Name column header to sort the list alphabetically.
Drag any other receipts whose names begin with "Logic Express" to the Trash.
Insert your Logic Express installation disc and install Logic Express.
When finished, choose Software Update from the Apple () menu to update your software to the latest version.

On Mac OS X v10.6

Open the Applications folder. Drag the Logic Express application to the Trash.
Insert your Logic Express installation disc and install Logic Express.
When finished, choose Software Update from the Apple () menu to update your software to the latest version.

Additional Information

For further information on settings or installation please refer to the Logic Express documentation available on your installation discs.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

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