To help you visualize what a complete hardware and software setup for Logic Pro X looks like, following are some possible systems. You can create music with a computer and the Logic Pro software alone. However, if your goals are more ambitious and you want to get good sounds into and out of Logic Pro, consider your hardware and the acoustics of your listening environment.
Idealized scenarios aren’t necessary for good quality or enjoyment. With a Mac computer and Logic Pro X, your baseline for quality and fun is already high.
It’s easy to believe that you need the best equipment (and a lot of it) to create anything worthy of attention. Don’t believe the hype and don’t get GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Spend your money wisely and spend your time creating, not buying. The setups here can be built inexpensively.
A typical recording setup.
In a recording setup, you need to get audio from instruments or microphones into Logic Pro. You also need to hear what you’re recording through monitors or headphones. Your audio interface is the intermediary between your computer and the peripherals.
A studio of MIDI instruments.
In a MIDI studio, instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and even alternate controllers (for example, a guitar MIDI system) connect to a MIDI interface, which transmits the MIDI messages from the various instruments to the computer. An audio interface is still needed to transmit audio in and out of your system.
A mixing studio.
If all you do is mix other people’s music, you may never need to do any recording of your own. In this case, you need an audio interface to get audio from Logic Pro and into a pair of monitors. You may, however, use a controller to mimic a mixing console with faders, knobs, buttons, and other useful features that control Logic Pro remotely.
A mobile audio rig.
In a mobile rig, headphones will replace speakers, and portable interfaces and microphones will be used to get audio in and out of Logic Pro.