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Beginning the big learn..is a keyboard overlay a good idea?


pinki

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Just started David's book (wonderful) and am wondering if a keyboard overlay is a good idea. I've not used one before with my previous DAW's DP and Studio One but wondering if this might be a good thing? Anyone using one?

Edited by pinki
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I'd say that is something useful at beginning, but after a while you would find a MIDI controller way more convenient. Anyhow, there are so many key commands in Logic, that there are no overlay that covers them all.

IMHO, the key commands are to be learned when needed; meaning if you use the same command often, then it's worthwhile to memorize it. Otherwise that is just knowledge pollution.

OTOH, considering that many many Logic's commands are accessible solely via key commands (meaning: not listed in any menus), it is also worthwhile to be aware of them all eventually...

One key command that I find ultra useful is the one that opens up the Key Command Assignments window (default US KC: Option + K), where you could search for certain commands and discover all about what is at your disposal.

Besides, in Logic, one can create customized key commands assignments sets which can be recalled at will. For instance, there's already a preset for Pro Tool users. Likely, you will eventually customize your own set, which will obsolete the overlay...

 

Edited by Atlas007
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Thanks. 

It’s your last point that I find most important..eventually I will create my own set which will obsolete the overlay. In fact I will do this once I have completed the book which will be in a few days so I think an overlay is not a good idea. 👍 ….Memorisation is the only way!

Edited by pinki
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Thank you for the kind words on my book! 😀

I personally find the overlays counter-intuitive. IMO the two biggest workflow enhancers are: 

  1. Learning to type (without having to look at your computer keyboard).
  2. Memorizing key commands for operations you repeat on a daily basis. 

Once you've achieved that, you can focus on your screen and operate with your fingers without having to shift your eyes toward your keyboard, which is too time-consuming. Kinda like when you use your mouse or trackpad, you don't actually look at the mouse or trackpad every time you need to move the pointer: you move your fingers while looking at the result of your movements on your screen. Ideally, you should reach that point with your keyboard as well. 

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Thanks David

What's your opinion in this respect on DAW controllers? I have a love/hate relationship with them.

I got rid of my Faderport 8 with Studio One because I just found it ended up as some kind of smoke screen to the DAW. The faders were useful I guess, and the Play/Stop buttons (but I have a spacebar!).

Sometimes I just think a mouse alongside keyboard shortcuts is quicker, more intuitive.

(But then I saw the SSL Nucleus and thought that's nice :)

Edited by pinki
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