Record multiple audio takes

When you’re recording, you can record multiple versions, or takes, in quick succession. This can be helpful especially when you’re improvising a lead or solo part and want to capture several versions while you’re feeling inspired.

Later, you can preview the take recordings and choose which one you want to use in the project. You can also create and edit comps, by selecting the best parts from several takes and combining these parts into one master comp.

Record multiple audio takes

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Choose Record > Overlapping Audio Recordings > Cycle Mode On > Create Take Folder.

    • Choose File > Project Settings > Recording, then choose Cycle > Create Take Folder from the Overlapping Audio Recordings pop-up menu.

    • Control-click the Record button in the control bar, choose Recording Settings from the shortcut menu, then choose Cycle > Create Take Folder from the Overlapping Audio Recordings pop-up menu.

  2. Drag left or right in the top part of the ruler.

    The cycle area appears as a yellow strip in the ruler, and Cycle mode is automatically turned on.

    Figure. Showing the yellow cycle area in the ruler.
  3. Logic Pro includes a metronome, which plays a steady beat to help you play in time while recording. You can turn this on or off using the Metronome button in the control bar.

  4. Click the Count-in button in the control bar to have the metronome play a predefined count-in before recording starts.

    Note: For the initial setup, choose Record > Count-in, then choose a measure.

  5. Click the Record button in the control bar (or press R) to start recording.

    Recording starts automatically at the beginning of the defined cycle area. Record as many cycle passes as you wish. After the second cycle pass, a take folder is created on the track. Each subsequent cycle pass is added to the take folder.

    Figure. Showing audio recordings in a take folder.
  6. Click the Stop button in the control bar (or press the Space bar) after you finish capturing cycle passes.

  7. Open the take folder by doing one of the following:

    • Click the disclosure triangle in the upper-left corner of the take folder.

      Figure. Pointing to the disclosure triangle of a closed take folder.
    • Double-click the take folder.

    • Select the take folder and press Control-F.