Apple Logic Express 8 - Manual (Page 679)

Chapter 30 Advanced Tempo Operations 679
Using the Tempo Interpreter
You can use the computer keyboard or incoming MIDI events to set the project tempo.
Put another way, Logic Express will chase a manual synchronization signal (also known
as human sync). This method of synchronization is fairly loose, in that if the manual
sync impulses stop coming in, Logic Express will continue at the last tempo it received.
You use the Tap Tempo command to generate tempo timing events, by literally tapping
a computer or MIDI keyboard key.
To enter manual synchronization mode, do one of the following:
m Choose Manual in the Sync Mode menu of the File > Project Settings > Synchronization
> General tab.
m Turn on the “Auto enable external sync” checkbox (on by default) in the Project Settings
> Synchronization > General tab.
If Logic Express “hears” a Tap Tempo command, it will automatically follow this tempo.
The parameters that control how Logic Express responds to tap tempo commands can
be found in the Tempo Interpreter window.
To open the Tempo Interpreter window, do one of the following:
m Choose Options > Tempo > Tempo Interpreter (or use the Tempo Interpreter key
command).
m Control-hold on the Transport’s Sync button (if visible), and choose the Open Tempo
Interpreter item.
Note: Only the selected software instrument track, and all external MIDI tracks, can play
when the Tempo Interpreter window is open.
Changing the Tempo Interpreter Parameters
You will find the following parameters in the Tempo Interpreter window.
Tap Step
This parameter sets the note value that Logic Express will assign to manual taps. You
will achieve the best results with larger, rather than smaller, values. 1/4 note usually
works well.