Garageband is a great piece of software. What makes Logic better are, better control over certain parameters like EQ, better plugins, rewire support, support for control surfaces, more simultaneous inputs, better automation to name a few things. If you don't plan on doing this for a living, there's really no reason to upgrade software. What is more important is your audio interface and preamps. Other than that Garageband is more robust than many people realize.

What he said, all around.

There's plenty of platinum artists that use Garageband on their laptops in their hotel rooms, buses, etc while on the road to put songs together.
If the workflow and options get the job done, that's what's important.

Detail,and control. GB is baby Logic all of the effects and instruments are based on the ones in Logic. but they have simplified or preset only controls.

Logic Studio contains more of everything more effects, instruments, the complete Jam Pack collection. More detailed editing of midi and audio.

Also be aware that when you open a GB instrument, it's actually a channel strip with effects already applied. I prefer to start dry.

I still use GB as a sketchpad for ideas that I open in Logic for detailed work.

yeah nice!

so itll continue to get the job done for a while.
:) but i will probably end up getting something else.

NOW what would you suggest?
top of the line, but also on a budget?

all i know is logic and protools?

thanks alot guys.

Since your using Garageband it makes sense to go to Logic Express or Pro if you have the extra cash and NEED the extra power.

Yep, Logic Pro, or logic Express can open GB sessions and allow you to continue working.

All of the GB instruments and effects are available in Logic.

Well my friend, I once thought as you do. I started out with Garage Band years ago. I slowly upgraded my recording rig one piece at a time. I thought Garage Band was perfectly fine, and at the time, it was. When I wanted to make a little more serious recordings, I went with Logic Express... despite my friends telling me to go with Logic Pro. I spent about a year and a half on Express before I completely out grew it and then upgraded to Pro. I still think that was the best route to take. Why? Because you end up learning limitations and until you're frustrated enough with a program, dont change it. If you're frustrated with it (not in terms of not knowing it, but knowing it too well to know what it can't do) than you're doing something right. I've been on Logic Pro for... over two years now. I'm certified in it, I actually will often teach one of my own classes in it where I'm getting my Engineering degree. And yet, I'm still learning new things about Logic all the time.

I use Pro Tools all the time, and some things I like, especially how fast it is to edit, but I must seriously warn you against buying it. The biggest reason is because you'd be severly limiting yourself. Pro Tools requires that you buy only their interface (i.e. Avid products: M-Audio or what was formerly Digidesign). So that nice little RME, Apogee, Motu, whatever you had your eye on? No can do in Pro Tools. Logic (and most DAW's out there) will pretty much take any interface on the market. Also Pro Tools is very skimpy on their bundles, you put the stuff that comes standard in Logic Pro next to what you get without upgrading a bundle in LE... there's no comparison. I could honestly go on for days about the crappiness of Pro Tools, like no offline bouncing, no freezing, trying to switch software that use it's audio drivers, etc etc etc etc etc etc etc. BUT! For all its flaws, it still is the industry standard. And that is something you should take into consideration. Especially if you want to become an engineer.

There is another alternative to both Logic and Pro Tools, actually a few. But a new one to Mac is Cakewalk's Sonar. I've heard it's not bad. They've come a LONG way with their software recently and I think they're catching up to both the Tools and Logic in terms of features and performance. But like someone mentioned earlier, because you started with Garageband, you're already a Logic devotee. You just don't know it yet :tongue: