Apple Inc. has released a major update to Logic, the companyis professional digital music recording solution, in the form of Logic Studio. Logic Studio includes Logic Pro 8 with a new interface, Soundtrack Pro 2, a package of 40 software instruments called Studio Instruments, Studio Effects with 80 effects plugins, Studio Sound Library, and a new live-performance tool called MainStage that offers control surface integration and display information aimed at live performances.

"From the fun and intuitive GarageBand to the all new Logic Studio, thereis never been a better time to be a musician on the Mac," Rob Schoeben, Appleis vice president of Applications Product Marketing, said in a statement. "For less than $500, Logic Studio transforms the Mac into the most powerful musical instrument in the world."

Logic Studio is built around Logic Pro 8, a major upgrade to the product line. Apple has introduced a new single-window interface with the update that brings total control of Logic in one place. New features include snap-to-transient selection, Quick Swipe Comping, and dynamic channel strip creation, and a host of control surface integration improvements..

As noted above, MainStage is intended to turn the Mac platform into a live performance rig. The software couples control surface integration and display information that is specially tailored for live performances. It comes with professional templates for easy set up, and the display information is intended to be easy-to-read in low-light situations.

The Studio Sound Library includes 18,000 Apple Loops, 1,300 EXS instruments, and 5,000 sound effects. Rounding out the package is Soundtrack Pro 2, previously released in Final Cut Studio 2, Studio Instruments, a package of instrument plugins that includes enhanced versions of Ultrabeat, Sculpture and ES2 synthesizers, and the EXS24 sampler, and Studio Effects. The latter includes a new Delay Designer plug-in that offers in-depth control over individual delay taps, and Space Designer, with True Surround enhancements for multichannel audio processing.

Logic Studio is priced at US$499, and Logic Pro 7 users can upgrade for $199. Customers who purchased Logic Pro 7 on or after August 1, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to Logic Studio ($9.95 shipping & handling). Logic Studio is available today.