Logic Pro 12’s new harmonic intelligence and Chord ID: hands-on

Logic Pro 12 is available now. Both iPad and Mac versions are included as part of Apple’s new $13/mo Creators Studio, but this is also still a free upgrade for all existing Logic owners, and one-off purchases remain available. So let’s talk about Logic’s banner feature, Chord ID, and the Synth Players and other features that can take advantage of it. They’re deeper than you might think.

Reason perpetual licenses now $199 for Rack, $299 for Reason

As expected, LANDR is adding plug-ins, mastering, and distribution services to the Reason+ subscription. Here’s the surprise: Reason Rack is available as a standalone, perpetual purchase for the first time ($199), with Reason perpetual licenses lowered to $299. (There’s also a new subscription for just Reason Rack.)

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

Apple now has one creative sub for iPad, Mac — but keeps Mac app purchases

Let’s skip to the part you care about: Apple Creator Studio now adds Pixelmator Pro and puts every major Mac and iPad creative app under one subscription, and it’s not too expensive. But just as importantly, though, you can still buy the Mac versions of Logic, Final Cut, Pixelmator, and others as a one-time purchase — no subscription needed.

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026

The best of Universal Audio’s native plug-ins, in Spark or standalone

Peter Kirn - March 30, 2025

James Blake is pitching “Vault,” a subscription download service

Peter Kirn - March 21, 2024

LANDR, AI-powered mastering, all grown-up: plug-in test

Peter Kirn - December 30, 2023

Minimal’s Current is a granular-wavetable synth with tons of FX and extras

Peter Kirn - October 11, 2023

Waves goes subscription-only; upgrade plan renewals to end

Peter Kirn - March 27, 2023

Roland now has 4 ways to play their 1991 JD-800 polysynth; here’s a breakdown

Peter Kirn - November 9, 2021

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