Logic 8 now has a new, long missing, feature. Input monitoring. I’m talking about Talk Back. Not from the control room to the recording booth, but the reverse. From the booth to the control room. For those not using software monitoring, talk back from the recording booth to the control room can be a problem. When an Audio Track is record armed, every thing is fine. The  talent can be heard in the control room between takes. The problem arises when playing back takes between recordings. When the audio track is in playback mode, ie: not record enabled, communication is cut. The performer cannot be heard in the control room.

 

Enter the new Input Monitoring feature. When enabled, the Audio Track is always “live”, meaning audio is always being passed through it, even wen it is not record enabled. The talent can be heard in the control room through the mic, regardless of it’s record status.

 

The new Input Monitoring function can be enabled in three places. There is a new little “i” button at the bottom of each Channel Strip to toggle it on or off. As well, the Track List can be set, via the Configure Track Header options, to display an “i” button in the Track List to toggle the Input Monitoring status. And finally, an Input Monitoring button can be made available in the Transport Bar - via the customizable Transport display. So be careful. With these controls all over the Arrange Window, it can be too easy to unintentionally toggle the Input Monitoring status.

 

When using direct (aka hardware) monitoring, this new Input Monitoring feature is of less value. But it’s good to know it’s there if/when you need it. I think we all know that sometimes what goes on between the takes is equally as important as the takes themselves. Communication is vital in the heat of a recording session. Ideas between the recording booth and the control room fly back and forth quickly. Instruction, direction, feedback that is critical to getting the ultimate performance from the talent, is dependent on reliable continuous two way communication. Input Monitoring might just be one of the hidden gems amongst all the new diamonds in Logic 8 that will help your sessions go more smoothy, and ultimately, help ensure your tracks sound better than ever!