Apple Logic Express 9 - Manual (Page 29)

You should also look at a reliable, high-capacity backup system, and should automate
your backup routine, preferably as a daily occurrence.
Audio and MIDI Interfaces
An audio interface is required to get sound signals into, and out of, your computer. A
MIDI interface is required for MIDI input and output signals.
When using optional audio and MIDI interfaces, you should install their drivers before
starting Logic Express. This will allow Logic Express to find and use these devices at startup.
Audio interfaces should be supported by a Core Audio driver and MIDI interfaces should
be supported by a Core MIDI driver. Check with the manufacturer of your equipment for
details on Mac OS X support.
Audio Interface
When an analog audio signal arrives at the inputs of your audio interface, it must be
converted into digital information before the computer can deal with it. This process is
called analog-to-digital conversion and is handled by the analog-to-digital converter of
the audio interface.
There are countless optional audio interfaces available, and at least as many ways that
they can be set up and used with Logic Express and external audio gear. Given the differing
requirements and working methods of people across the world, there is no one-size-fits-all
audio interface solution. In the simplest scenario, you would use the internal audio
interface of your computer to monitor and record audio.
When choosing an audio interface, make sure that it is certified to run on Mac hardware.
If the device requires a driver, check that it is compatible with the Mac OS X version
required by Logic Express.
Logic Express supports input from digital audio interfaces up to a maximum sample rate
of 192 kHz, and a maximum bit depth of 24 bits.
Full details about setting up your audio interface hardware can be found in Configuring
Your Audio Hardware .
MIDI Interface
Your Mac computer does not provide MIDI inputs or outputs. If you want to use MIDI
devices equipped with MIDI ports, a MIDI interface is required for communication with
your computer. MIDI interfaces are generally connected to your Mac USB ports. Some
MIDI interfaces require the installation of driver software, and others are automatically
recognized by your Mac.
29 Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System