The 64 bit question: MOTU Symphonic instrument and Logic Pro X

I’ve had MOTU’s Symphonic Instrument (MSI) for years and I love its sound, but it’s  32 bit only and won’t work in Logic Pro X. Fortunately, the answer is on MOTU’s website.  The sound library itself is now available as a download which is playable in UVI Workstation 2 (which is free).

It’s straightforward enough but it will take a day or two. First off you have to log a support ticket with MOTU to get an iLok code for it – and the download took some time on my broadband, but at the end of it all I have my orchestra back – or most of it.

The most obvious difference is the interface – below the old and the new (click images for full size).

MSI interface
MSI interface
UVI interface
UVI interface

Having lived with it for a few days, think I prefer the UVI’s cleaner lines.

Problems? Well, one thing missing is the reverb that came with the old MSI, which I used a lot, but given the reverb options in Logic and the collection of plugins I seem to have, can’t see that being a problem! A few of the refinements aren’t there, but nothing I used or will miss. And of course you need to use the iLok key – really don’t like those things.

Now, time to put that harp through a fuzz box……