
Make
the most of Emagic Logic's keyboard shortcuts, with this dedicated QWERTY
keyboard.
By
Paul White:
The BSP
Europe Logic Keyboard can be purchased either as a full computer keyboard
or as a set of replacement keys to fit a normal Mac G4 keyboard. The
idea is that all the commonly used Logic commands have dedicated keys
or key combinations with the function printed onto a colour-coded key
for easier navigation. An included CD-ROM contains a Key Commands setup
which can be imported to match the new keys.
Fitting
The Keys:
Using the kit version, replacing the relevant keys is simple, taking
around 20 minutes with the extraction tool provided. Around 80 percent
of the existing keys are replaced, leaving the larger or odd-shaped
keys unchanged. The original numbers and letters are still displayed
on the keys so you'll have no trouble entering text. Although the Key
Commands were devised for Logic Platinum v5.5, they translate to v6
OK, and you can always go to the Key Commands window and edit them if
you're not happy with the default assignments.
The function
keys provide direct access to all the tool types, though some selections
are window sensitive you can't get to the MIDI Velocity tool
unless you're in a window that can use that tool, for example. Most
of the Arrange page zooming options can be accessed directly, as can
all the common edit commands, including dividing regions, nudging, opening
specific windows and so on. The numeric keyboard is mainly given over
to transport functions and recording options, including enabling the
'running man', switching the metronome on and off, activating external
sync, and selecting punch-in modes. This means the numeric pad keys
can't be used for calling up screen sets, but the number keys on the
main keyboard are set up for this function. Both Shift and Control options
are provided for many keys, with the Control function printed on the
front of the key. The choice of colours has been used to group keys
with related functions, again so that it's quicker to find your way
around, and the included setup CD-ROM provides around 500 keyboard shortcuts.
Is It
Worth It?
After using the keyboard for around an hour, I found I was using
far more Key Commands than normal and that my work rate increased accordingly.
The Key Commands have been mostly chosen sensibly for the typical Logic
user, though you may need to learn
where your own favourite Key Commands have been reassigned to. If you
feel you might need to customise the key set to some extent, then it
may be better to buy the kit version so that you can leave some of your
original keys unchanged if that suits you better. For example, the number
keys on the main keyboard access score note values, so if you're not
a notation user, you might find a better use for them.
The Logic Keyboard isn't exactly cheap, but, considering how much time
it can save you, I feel it's something every Logic power user should
consider. Not rocket science maybe, but a very nice alternative to having
to remember a huge swathe of Key Commands.
summary:
A simple, attractive solution to getting the most out of your keyboard
when using Emagic's Logic.
information:
Contech Electronics +44 (0)1438 315757.
+44 (0)1438 313679.
sales@contach.co.uk
www.contech.co.uk
www.bspeurope.dk
Glossary:
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/regular_htm/glossary.htm
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