First of all, copy protection. Manufacturers of music software seem to claim that a) music software is pirated more than “regular” software and/or 2) they are small developers and can’t afford to be pirated like Adobe, Microsoft, and Apple can. To their first point, I have never seen proof of the first claim, and I’ve asked for it. I’m guessing it’s just anecdotal, which really isn’t a kind of evidence, Mr. Hutz. To their second point, there are tons of small developers out there and they don’t use much, if any copy protection and nothing like music software companies insist on using.

I have heard one developer use what was almost a sensible argument, that if you could show him that he wouldn’t get pirated out of business if he didn’t use copy protection, he would do it. That almost makes sense, but it might be trying to prove a negative, or maybe prove a double negative!

But, as long as the developers insist on using it, we’re stuck with copy protection.

One common form of copy protection is the iLok USB key. Lots of people are not fans of the hardware iLok and I completely understand why. I am fortunate in that I’ve not had issues with mine. Personally, I do like its advantages. I don’t have to install licensing software on multiple computers and I can have my licenses with me when I work somewhere else. I can download the plug-in on whatever computer I’m using and it will work with my license, I just plug in the iLok USB key. The other thing I like is one method of copy protection for multiple manufacturers and products.

In fact, I would rather everyone just use iLok. Some companies have moved away from it lately, and I find that annoying. It seems like each one has their own copy protection scheme that I have to go through installing and configuring. Any time I get a new plug-in from that developer, I have to remember how to authorize it. I have not only their plug-ins but also their copy protection junk on my computer, and those things just add to the clutter. I think it would be simpler to just use iLok for everyone and be done with it.

Of course, the simplest solution would be little or no copy protection just like everyone else does. I don’t know if we’ll ever get there with music software developers.

Do you need to buy third-party plug-ins when you have Logic Pro X?

Short answer: Probably not.

Longer answer: Logic Pro X comes with tons of plug-ins, both instruments and effects. Lots of instruments are well-covered in Logic, but some haven’t been updated for a number of years and some types just haven’t been covered. So there are lots of good reasons to buy third-party instrument plug-ins. But as far as effect plug-ins, I think for many people Logic has what you need. Sure there are some types of plug-ins that Logic does not include (tape emulators and analog-style VU meters are two off the top of my head) so if you need or want those, third-party is the only way to go. On the other hand, Logic comes with a bunch of compressors, reverbs, EQs, and more that should be enough for almost anyone to get started.

That’s not to say there aren’t some great third-party plug-ins out there. I fully support them. If you feel they work better for your workflow, if you think they sound better or right for what you’re trying to do, or they came with your interface, have at it. There’s no reason you shouldn’t use them. My point here is that I see a lot of people ask if they should get a plug-in from Chalk Digital or Trough Audio because they heard it was great. They may be, but you should ask yourself if you’re at a point where you can even tell the difference between their plug-in and the one in Logic. What’s cool is that you can often download the trial and listen for yourself. If you can hear the difference, if the third-party one works more intuitively for you, or if for some other reason you like it better, go for it. But there’s no reason to buy it sight unseen because someone told you to and you don’t really know if there’s an audible difference for you. If there’s a free trial, try it first.

There is one more thing. Lots of plug-in manufacturers often have sales. You should keep an eye out for those before you pay full price. Some companies will eventually put each plug-in on sale at one time or another. I’m sure you can wait for the better deal.