Logic Express 7: Troubleshooting Basics

If Logic Express isn't starting up properly or performing normally, try these basic troubleshooting steps to remedy the situation. Please note that these steps aren't exhaustive, and are not intended to cover any specific issue. They are fundamental, basic steps that are most effective in getting Logic Express into good working order, and are the steps most often suggested by AppleCare Technical Support.

Confirm requirements and versions

1. Check system requirements
   Make sure that you haven't overlooked any hardware aspect that's required to use Logic Express. You can view the system requirements on the Logic Express Technical Specifications page.
2. Update to the latest software versions
   Choose Apple > Software Update and make sure that you have the most recent updates for your versions of Logic Express, QuickTime, and other important system files. Installing the latest updates ensures that your software has the latest improvements and enhancements.
3. Check compatibility and driver versions for third-party devices
   If you're using a third-party sound card, MIDI interface, storage system, control surface, or plug-ins, check the support area on the manufacturer's website to be sure that you're using the latest version of the relevant driver or other software for your product. For information on troubleshooting possible issues with Audio Unit plug-ins, click here.
4. Check for Pro Application Support updates
   Make sure you are using the latest version of Pro Application Support. For more information click here.

Test with no audio driver

You can isolate issues with audio devices by launching Logic Express with no audio driver. Press and hold down the Control key immediately after Logic Express starts to launch. A dialog asking whether you wish to launch audio drivers will appear. Click "No" and see if Logic Express launches normally.

Test using the computer's built-in audio hardware

If you use external audio hardware, try setting Logic Express to use the built-in audio hardware on your computer. Choose Audio > Audio Hardware and Drivers from the main Logic menu. Click the Core Audio tab and choose Built-in Audio from the Driver pop-up menu. If the issue is resolved using built-in audio, refer to the manufacturer of your audio interface.

Launch Logic Express with a new default song

Sometimes song files can become damaged, causing unexpected behavior in Logic Express. If you use an Autoload or other template, damage to the template can cause unexpected results with any song subsequently created from it. To create a completely fresh song hold down the Option key and choose File > New. Test to see if the issue is resolved in the new song. Sometimes, issues with the data in a song can be repaired. Open an affected song and choose Options > Song Information from the main menu. Click the "Reorganize Memory" button.

Delete the User Preferences

You can resolve many issues by restoring Logic Express back to its original settings. This will not impact your song files. To reset your Logic Express user preference settings to their original state, do the following:

1. In the Finder, go to ~/Library/Preferences. Note: The tilde (~) represents your Home folder.
2. Remove the "com.apple.logicexpress.plist" file from the Preferences folder.
3. Drag the "Logic" folder from the Preferences folder to your Desktop. Note that if you have programmed any custom key commands, this will reset them to the defaults. You can import your key commands by following the instructions on page 38 of the Logic Express 7 Reference Manual.

Remove receipts and reinstall Logic Express

Another approach you might consider is reinstalling Logic Express. To do this effectively, you need to remove the application and its receipts, then install Logic Express and use Software Update to install additional updates. You don't have to remove everything that was installed with Logic Express. Follow the steps below to completely reinstall a fresh copy of Logic Express. Note: Make sure that you have your installation discs and serial number handy before starting this.

1. Open the Applications folder.
Drag the Logic Express application to the Trash.
2. Go to /Library/Receipts.
3. In the Receipts folder, select the "Logic Express.pkg" file.
4. Choose View > as List to view the contents in a list.
5. Click the Date Modified column header so you can easily see all of the receipts that were installed at the same time as Logic Express.
6. Drag the Logic Express.pkg receipt to the Trash, as well as any other items that have the same modification date within 3 minutes of the Logic Express.pkg's modification date.
7. Click the Name column header to sort the list alphabetically.
8. Drag any other receipts whose names begin with "Logic Express" to the Trash.
9. Insert your Logic Express installation disc and install Logic Express.
10. When finished, use Software Update (under the Apple menu) to update your software to the latest version.

For further information on settings or installation, please refer to the Logic Express documentation available on your installation discs.