Logic Pro 12: Chris Sangster Digs for Gold (and Finds a Subscription Paywall)

Apple’s dropped Logic Pro 12 barely a year and a half after version 11, which is a bit like getting a new iPhone before your old one’s even got a scratch. Chris Sangster wastes no time asking the big question: does this update deserve a full version bump, or is it just a marketing move to keep Logic feeling fresh in the Apple ecosystem?

The answer isn’t obvious. Sangster’s approach is classic—straight to the point, no fluff, and a healthy dose of scepticism. He’s not here to gush over every new icon or menu shuffle. Instead, he’s got his eyes on workflow, features, and whether any of this actually matters for real producers. If you’re expecting a revolution, brace yourself: this is more incremental than game-changing.

Logic 12’s headline act is the new synth session players—additions to the keyboard and bass players that promise everything from modulated pads to 808 bass. Sangster’s verdict? Don’t expect a second coming. The sounds are fun, especially for newcomers, but seasoned heads might find them more of a nice-to-have than a must-have.

The interface is slick, with envelope and LFO tweaks that make synth basics less terrifying for the uninitiated. But dig deeper and you’ll find quirks—like LFOs writing MIDI CC automation instead of using Alchemy’s built-in power. The synth bass presets? Let’s just say they’re cheesier than a late-night pizza. Still, for sketching ideas or teaching synth basics, these players are a quick win—even if they’re not about to headline your next warehouse set.

Everyone’s hyped for Chord ID—the feature that promises to decode your audio or MIDI and spit out the right chords. Sangster puts it through its paces, and the results are… mixed. On simple tracks, it mostly gets things right, but throw in fast changes or tricky harmonies and it falls apart faster than a cheap patch cable.

The real kicker? Chord ID seems to analyse MIDI by converting it to audio first, leading to some head-scratching mistakes—like missing a seventh that’s clearly there. Sangster’s not impressed, especially since the feature was supposed to be a game-changer for MIDI workflow. There are small wins, like the improved chord picker, but overall, Chord ID feels half-baked. It’s promising, but needs a firmware miracle before it’s ready for prime time.

If you want to see just how off-the-rails Chord ID can get, you’ll have to watch the video—some of these errors are best experienced with your own ears. For now, it’s a B-minus: good idea, rough execution.

Just as you’re getting comfortable, Apple drops the Creator Studio subscription bomb. For now, Logic’s one-time purchase is safe, but Sangster’s got his tinfoil hat on—and for good reason. The Pixelmator Pro bait-and-switch, the mysterious new Sound Library window, and Apple’s careful wording all hint at a future where features might get locked behind a paywall.

If you’re allergic to subscriptions, keep your eyes peeled. Sangster’s not buying the marketing spin, and neither should you. The verdict? Logic 12 isn’t a revolution, but if you’re deep into session players or chord tracks, it’s worth a look. Otherwise, keep your current setup and watch this space—because the real changes might be lurking just around the corner.