Working with External Audio Effects

External audio effects units can be used similarly to the internal Logic Pro effects. You do this with the I/O plug-in, in conjunction with a multi-input/output audio interface.

To integrate and use an external effects unit in Logic Pro
  1. Connect an output (or output pair) of your audio interface with the input (pair) on your effects unit.

  2. Connect the output (or output pair) of your effects unit with an input (pair) on your audio interface.

    Note: These can be either analog or digital connections if your audio interface and effects unit are equipped with either, or both.

  3. Click an Insert slot of the channel strip you want to process with the external effects unit, then choose Utility > I/O.

    Figure. I/O plug-in window.
  4. In the I/O plug-in window, choose both the Output and Input (shown as numbers) that your effects unit is connected to.

  5. Adjust the Input or Output volume as required.

  6. Click the Latency Detection (Ping) button If you want to detect, and compensate for, any delay between the selected output and input.

When you start playback, the signal of the audio channel strip is processed by the external effects unit.

Some audio interfaces feature their own routing software, which you may need to use to set up the chosen inputs and outputs for this type of use. Consult the documentation provided by your audio interface manufacturer.

Most hardware effects units are MIDI-controlled. If this is the case with your effects unit, you can connect its MIDI input and output cables to your MIDI interface. This allows you to choose effects presets, and may also allow you to remotely control, record, and automate the parameters of the effects unit from Logic Pro.