LOGIC PRO X - Template Building

Templates allow us to jump-start the creative process. They let us set up the sounds we like to work with and to save collections of these, so that they're pre-loaded whenever we want to start a new project. Templates can be as deep, rich and complex as we like. Equally, they can really simple. In this video, we'll start with a basic example of five tracks configured to inspire a singer-songwriter session. Starting with Piano, adding a Drummer region and a Bass sound and two empty Audio tracks, ready for Vocals, we'll quickly put together a basic session outline. But we'll also learn that every single detail will be saved in the project - our choice of tempo, the position of the Playback Head, even which track we select to start the session. We'll then begin to understand how deep Templates can become, by starting to build a string ensemble Track Stack, complete with dedicated effects, just for that Stack. Rather than inhibiting the creative process, Templates can set your musical imagination free!

00:00 What is a Template?
01:46 How does a Template work?
03:25 Starting to configure Template settings
04:08 Adding more tracks, including Muted regions
04:57 Balancing Mixer settings
05:42 Adding Audio Tracks with Inputs set
07:17 No limit to Template number
07:44 Building a Strings Track Stack
10:14 Adding per-Stack effects
12:00 Saving and recalling a Template
14:15 Do Templates inhibit your creativity? No!

[mantis]

I've been a Logic user for 15 years, not an expert by any means but I know my way around it quite well by now.
Yet, I've been watching all of your videos with utter enthusiasm, almost from the perspective of a complete beginner, as if I was just starting from scratch.

It's the content, the delivery, the tone and pace, calm and eloquent, and the insanely clear explanations.
I've picked up little bits of knowledge in each video thus far, no matter how small or subtle, there's always one or more "Oh, didn't know about that!" moment.

I hope your channel grows exponentially, really deserves to be at the top of the list for all Logic users who simply want to keep learning new things, or simply refresh any prior knowledge that sometimes sits on the back-burner, happens to us all. You're a fantastic teacher, so a big thank you for all the time you put into this.

[torbjrnslettajacobsen]

I really apprechiate the work you are doing with these weekly chunks of conciderations around Logic. Very clearly explained, and just the information I need, nothing more, nothing less. I just wanted to give a thanks, and please keep up with your videos and the indeed balanced mix between creative ideas for our inspiration, and pure, dry theory and techniques. Thumbs up!

[yungmahler]

It's the walk towards the desk for me! Jono i'm dropping here just to let you know how much I have learned form you. My understanding of music production as doubled because of you. You are one of the best teachers I have ever had in my life. God Bless you and keep doing the work you do. Love you and I appreciate you.

[frits-barth]

Wonderful, thank you very much, Jono!

[shourjo]

Every video you put out is consistently amazing—there's nobody I'd rather watch for anything Logic Pro-related! Thank you so much for all the work you put into these lessons.

[jenniferlaynemusic]

Oh my word, I'm sooo happy you posted this today and can't wait to dive in! I've watched so many other people's vids on this and always thought, "I wish Jono Buchanan would do one on template creation -THEN I'd retain the information!" Woohoo! THANK YOU. 💜

[donniecatalano]

Watching Jono's explanations, really highlights the fact that most people, me included, fall into habits when working with software, which I think limits creativity a lot. A change of perspective is often a great thing, so thanks!

[FrankievanMourik]

once again, fantastic. Thank you for clear and concise information.

[badaegis]

The power of templates came to fruition for me when I started setting them up based on my intent for the session: composing, tracking, mixing etc. It also helped keep my projects from becoming bloated nightmares.

[shaundarley]

Great lesson; succinct, informative and immediately helpful. Thank you.

[Waldo_Ilowiecki]

Hi Jono. I watch all your videos all over YT. You are at what you do, just brilliant. Thanks to you my skill has increased significantly. ❤ Ps. I have exactly the same on my desk. Only the cup is different. 😂

[OorTouch]

Another cool video! Thanks Jono!
Looking forward for the orchestral template video especially with using the KONTAKT player. It’s very complicated with all the different articulations and so. For instance, how to set it up with Berlin Strings efficiently without using SINE as it’s very detailed library. Also the brass and percussion…
It would be very useful and I will appreciate it!

[EmonHassan]

Thank you for this! I realize I've been creating templates the wrong way this whole time. This makes so much more sense. Also, creating a Reverb track for automation within the stack is such a great tip! Is there a quick shortcut to cycling through and audition instruments from different sources (Spitfire, Native Instruments, or Logic)? Suppose after I click open an Orchestra template and would like to start writing something on the Piano track but would like to cycle through Piano sounds from different sources, would I be able to do that without going through a list of menus?

[joemiko]

Have a couple of different templates now a synth one with DMD for time with the virtual drummer for percussion and fills. Using Alchemy and Analog Lab tracks as well. My FX returns are in track stacks. One for reverb, delay and parallel processing that give me the ability to do inserts and automate them as well. Have also created templates that are console emulations using TMT. Recreating large console formats of Neve, Focusrite, and SSL.

[charlieperson]

Can't you automate the reverb without making it a part of your track stack and just set it on the stack master fader via a plugin? I guess I'm missing the point of why that is beneficial. Great video though and thanks so much. I guess it would enable you to pan the reverb if for some reason you wanted to but that seems like a strange case.

[petegreenfield]

Thanks, Jono. I’ve a multi screen set up and have saved that as a template. Is that the right way to go about it? The reason I ask is that when I open my template it seems to take out the transport controls on my A61 Komplete Kontrol keyboard! Also, can you save customised shortcut buttons such as library or pre fade metering as part of a template? They don’t seem to be sticking when I try…