How to install Logic 9 and Final Cut Pro 7 on OSX Lion

With a clean install of Lion on your new Mac it is now almost impossible to use your original install disks to do a clean install of Logic 9 and FCP7.  Below I have some of the work arounds that will allow you to overcome this very frustrating process. Although not being a complete install of every disk, at least you can get the applications working.

For Apple FCP7 and DVD Studio use the following terminal commands:

FCP7
sudo installer -package /Volumes/Final\ Cut\ Studio\ Install/Installer/FinalCutStudio.mpkg -target /


DVD studio Pro/ Compressor etc
sudo installer -package /Volumes/DVD\ Studio\ Pro\ Content/Installer/DVDStudioProContent.mpkg -target /

For Logic 9, download the update from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1014

This will install the Logic Application. You do not need a previous version of the software as it installs a fresh new one.

With all of the application you will then enter your details and serial numbers on the first launch of the applications. I hope I have saved you some time! The downside of these methods is that I could not get the media disks to install properly. I tried disc images and hard drive installs but with no luck. You may be best to get the content from a friends hard drive and just re-target it after copying.

AudioFinder: audio library and production database software

While wanting to speed up my editing time, I decided that I was going to purchase an audio library database application. Looking for a recommended industry used and affordable sound effects library database I studied the features of SoundMiner and Netmix Pro. These are two of the leading industry database software platforms for sound design in film. In my research however I also came across a lesser known cheaper software application, Audiofinder.  Visiting the website of Iced Audio, Audio Finder it is apparent that this software is not produced by a large company. Theer are not multiple versions of the software at varying prices, it is just one product and one price.

 At only $70US, I decided to download the demo to see if this would suffice my needs. Being time limited to 20 minute blocks I soon became frustrated with the software, so much so that I bought it as I was interested in pushing it. Although appearing to be set up for music libraries, I soon learned that Audiofinder is just as fluent with SFX libraries. A few limitations were annoying with the first version I downloaded, however I have since trialed a new beta version of the next release of the software and these annoyances have been answered. The software works seamlessly with ProTools with the spotting of sounds directly into your sessions. If you work with the ProTools Workspace - STOP. Get Audiofinder as it is incredibly fast for searching and auditioning your sounds. You can audition files, select a snippet right click and instantly the audio is imported into your ProTools timeline. Audiofinder also works the same way with Logic. You can also pitch on the fly, and process using your plugins.

What I also like about Audiofinder is that I can bring in my own sound effects recordings and use the slice tool, and embed meta data for even quicker more precise library searches. This software is quite simply, amazing value for money and a MUST for any sound editor.

Some features include:

• Sophisticated Metadata Database
• Groundbreaking Mac OS X Finder Integration
• Integrated Sample Tool trim/loop/fade editor with beat slicer
• Browser, bookmarks, history, favorites, and navigation tools
• Database Notes for keeping track of things.
• Play multiple sounds at one time and explore layering.
• Instant playback with mouse and MIDI input for pitch control
• Peak analysis and pitch analyzer tools
• Find Duplicate sounds by analyzing the sound content.
• Drag-and-drop integration with Finder and all audio apps
• Direct Pro Tools and Logic support for spotting sounds to the track/cursor location.
• High-quality sample rate, depth, and format conversion
• Most operations available in automated batch processing mode
• AU/VST/MAS/RTAS plugin manager and AU presets management
• Create single sample EXS instruments with one click
• Direct connect with SoundCloud.
• 100% Non-destructive, AudioFinder will not modify your files. Instead it creates new files when processing leaving the originals intact.
• Supports ReCycle/REX playback and export to AIFF
• Apple Loop, BWF and ACID Wav Metadata display
• Formats: Apple Loops, CAF, AIFF, AIFC, SDII, BWF, WAV, REX, RX2, MP3, ACC, M4A, SYX, MID, FLAC and OGG Vorbis

The iPad has landed...

Finally after much speculation Apple has released it's much anticipated tablet- the iPad.
Apart from looking like a giant iPod Touch/ iPhone - already I can see where this device will find it's market. To be honest, I was dubious at first about the similarities to the iPod touch, however after some more thinking I can see where this device will be an awesome addition to a musicians arsenal.

Apart from being able to what you would expect: email, web, itunes, iphoto etc.... I think the iPad will be able to be unleashed as a multi faceted virtual instrument/ interface. Depending on what apps are created, I predict that the iPad will be able to be used for virtual keyboards/ synths, virtual drum kits, virtual tactile response interface and even a virtual mixer (maybe in conjunction with being connected to a PowerMac/ Macbook etc)... it will also be intersting to see if some of the big music software companies embrace this product as a control surface for their proprietry software.

Use your Mac as a mobile phone remote

- Do you not have an iPhone?
- Do you hate typing text messages on your mobile phone due to keyboard limitations?
- Do you wish you could use your Mac address book to ring people directly on your mobile without always having to sync?

Well there is a solution. Mira Software have a cheap (USD$24.95) program BluePhoneElite 2 which connects your mac to your mobile phone via Bluetooth technology. This software makes texting and the management of calls a breeze. Check it out!!!