Apple Logic Express 7 - Manual (Page 120)

120 Chapter 3 Arrange Window
• The delay in outputting the voice is not constant as it is dependent on the order of
notes arriving serially at the sound generator. You should therefore try pre-delaying
rhythmically important tracks by as little as one tick—it can work wonders!
Fixing/Neutralizing MIDI Region Parameters
You can normalize the MIDI Region parameter settings of all selected MIDI Regions and
Folders with the MIDI > Region Parameters > Normalize Region Parameters command.
This means that all settings are actually written as data, and playback parameters revert
to normal values. The audible result remains the same. The Loop parameter is not
affected. Use of this function is effectively like saying “make these MIDI Region/
instrument parameter values permanent”. In most circumstances, it is better not to do
this, as leaving the original data untouched provides more flexibility. This includes
unlimited opportunities to change your mind about MIDI Region edits.
Merge/Normalize and MIDI Channels
As per the Merge function or the Glue tool, the Normalize function is intelligent in the
way it handles stored MIDI channel numbers. If all stored events have the same MIDI
channel number, the channel will be changed to that of the Instrument assigned to the
current track. If the events are on different channels, Logic will ask whether or not you
would like to convert the event channels.
Quantization
Quantization is the rhythmic correction of notes to a specific time grid. Any
inaccurately played notes are moved to the nearest position on this grid.
As an example, if the smallest notes in a passage are 1/16th notes, you should use 1/
16th quantization to move all recorded notes to their ideal rhythmic value. This will
only work if no note was played more than 1/32nd from the ideal position, otherwise
the note will be moved 1/16th later or earlier than the desired position.
How It Works
Quantization settings are made in the Region Parameter box. They are non-destructive
playback parameters, so they can be replaced by another setting at any time. This also
means that you can always revert to the unquantized, original recording by setting the
Qua parameter to Off. Unlike other playback parameters, quantization affects the way
notes are displayed in the editor windows, thus allowing you to see what effect the
quantization parameters are having by looking at the position of the notes. Region
quantization only affects notes, not other types of events (controllers, for example).
For every note event, two positions are stored internally: the original recorded
position, and the playback position (also shown in the editor windows). For
unquantized MIDI Regions, both positions are the same. Each time you quantize, a new
playback position is calculated in relation to the original position.