The Battle...
I'm using Logic Express 8, and I'm not aware of any built in limitations like number of tracks or number of plugins per track, and I believe the that core components are all the same. The apple sites are good about telling what the differences are.
I'm a home recording person (not professional by any means), but I can say that Logic Express greatly exceeds my requirements, and seems like a real bargain at the price. I also believe you can upgrade to pro (to "studio") from express for a fee that, when combined with the express price, pretty much equals the studio price, so there's no penalty for starting with express and upgrading later (check me on that, but I'm pretty sure it's true).
They are both amazing software... I have to say
antichef- You are right, you can buy Express for $200 and then Upgrade for another $300
I know Express has tons of stuff... and Studio has even more!
The big difference for me is that Logic Studio is 52gbs, filled with samples, instrument presets and effects. I know that Studio has more effects, and tomes more loops and samples. Also, Studio comes with more programs, the biggest one being MainStage! May I just take a moment to say THAT PROGRAM IS THE SHIT!
I try to explain the difference like this:
-Garageband is like
a MacMini- Small, Cute, but not really that functional...
-Logic Express is like one of those new iMacs! They rock! They have power, speed, and an improved metal casing, the do MORE then what you need...
-Logic Studio is like a Maxed out MacPro, WAY more money, but its worth it, you sit down and its like: Holy Shit, Im on a supercomputer! You have WAYYYY More then what you need to begin with but the options are limitless...
This is exactly how it is, Logic Express will do what you need and more, and with Logic Studio, which you can always upgrade to, will give you limitless possibilities! It does bog down your computer a little more though...
Our recording studio has Logic Studio and
a MacPro and everything runs fine BUT I feel like even having the studio up and running for almost a year, I haven't even touched the surface of Logic Studio, There is Just so much! But I'm glad, because if you open it up and want something, it's there. Point Blank...
If you are short on money, buy Express, try it out, and then eventually get Studio, but it will be worth it in the long run to upgrade!!! You can always use your Express projects in Logic Pro!
Hope this Helps, I like to talk a lot.
Julien
Recording Engineer @
The Electric Blu Studio
www.electricblustudio.com
Asheville, North Carolina, USA