The Logic Pros: How to move MIDI and audio tracks between sessions with ease

In this week’s episode of The Logic Pros, we are diving into the media browser. More specifically, ways in which we can move ideas and tracks between sessions. While saving presets is a very handy feature, is doesn’t help as much when we want to move entire channel strips, along with the associated midi/audio performances, sends, I/O, and more from session to session:

Whether it be to bring an old/corrupt session back from the dead, or just to make moving ideas and entire channel strips (among other things) between sessions much easier, a basic understanding of how to import data between sessions in the Media/File browser area is a must. We can navigate to actual Logic session files on our computers/externals and then view the associated contents in its entirety. I find myself using this feature quite a lot when it comes to importing patch/channel strips from another session or even stealing MIDI motifs and sequences to be further tweaked in the new project, for example.

In order to import content and data from another session just hit the “F” key to access the Media Area in Logic Pro X.

From here we see three main tabs along the top. Go to the “All Files” option in order to browse your computer and attached devices.

Now simply navigate to and then double click the Logic session file you would like to import from using the file browser or quick icons.

You will see a list of everything Logic will allow you to import into your new session from that file appear in the browser window. Tracks along the left, plus a description of the plug-ins being used on them and more can be seen. We will use the checkboxes in order to select which elements of a desired will be imported.

Content refers to the actual regions that are found on the track. Plug-Ins are the plugs being used on that track. Sends are referring to any routing that may have been in place using Sends, and I/O and Automation are just as the names would suggest. These check boxes just give us some options in case we only want to take certain elements of a session or track(s). 

Now simply use the check boxes to decide which track(s) and data you would like to import. You can shift click the track names to highlight more than one, or press command A to grab the entire session to make your selections quicker. After highlighting your desired track(s), you can use the right arrow key to select all of the associated elements of those tracks, and the left arrow key to de-select them.

After all your desired check boxes are in order, hit the “Add” button along the bottom of the All Files Media browser window.

Note: all of the imported tracks/data/content will be added directly below whatever track was selected previous to hitting the “Add” button above.

If you’re looking to bring in some tempo data or non-track specific stuff, you’ll find that in here as well. After opening a Logic project in the media browser, we can also see some Global Tracks that can be imported like Markers, Tempo tracks, Notes and more.

Along the bottom of the browser window, we are also able to “Import Project Settings”. This allows us to bring over things like screen sets, MIDI/Audio settings and more. While this stuff is usually more useful to advanced users, if you’re noticing any issues with a particular import it may be worth investigating here. Let us know in the comments below if you need a hand with anything!

The Logic Pros is a regular series exploring all of the most interesting gadgets and software for making music on your Mac/iOS devices. If there is any gear you would like us to take a closer hands-on look at, let us know in the comments section below or shoot us an email.

More The Logic Pros:

• 3 helpful tricks to streamline your MIDI/audio editing
• 3 overlooked tricks to keep your Logic sessions tidy and efficient
• Making MIDI FX in Logic’s complex Environment simple
• Working with Logic’s built-in Space Designer convolution reverb
• Creating precise multi-tap delay/echo patterns with Delay Designer
• Getting the most out of Logic’s built-in MIDI Arpeggiator