Apple Logic EXS24 Mk II Format Information - Technical Specification
Apple Logic EXS24 Mk II Format Information

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Apple Logic EXS24 Mk II Format Information


EXS24 MkII History

Emagic, now owned by Apple, makes Logic, a professional sequencer and audio recorder. It is very popular among professionals. Emagic decided to make a sampler that works in conjunction with Logic, and came up with the EXS24 (currently renamed as Sampler). It was a Logic-only plugin (although long ago there was a VST Windows version sold). The last Windows version of EXS was in Logic 6.1, which of course was the last Windows Logic verison. Nowadays, EXS is completely Apple, and Mac and Intel in nature.

 

In 2003, prior to the total-Mac switch and the Apple purchase, Emagic released EXS-24 Mark II, which contains a nice modulation matrix and more filter types, noteably a high-pass filter. This also included the previously released trigger functions in the groups, which enabled the Giga-ubiquitous key-switching ability. Plus it streamed samples from hard disk, now a standard feature on all samplers.

After the buyout, starting with Logic 6, Apple included EXS24 for free within Logic itself - no more paying for it separately.

Each Logic version includes a very-slightly upgraded EXS24. No serious work has been done with it for a long time. Yet, because of it's good basic feature set and nice integration with Logic, it continues to be used heavily. One wonders if we'll ever see a EXS24 Mark III.

 

Synthesis and File Structure 

The EXS24 uses a simple method of Zones which are sample references. You can have an infinite amount of these per Instrument. You can also make objects called Groups which you can sort Zones under, although a Zone isn't required to attach itself to one. Groups are where the keyswitching/controller-switching/release-trigger is programmed. You can program velocity splits in the Zones OR the Groups.

EXS files (.exs, although they in the old days were typed and didn't ahve to have the .exs extension) reference WAVE or AIFF files,a nd can reference Sound Designer files too. Starting with Logic 8, CAF files are supported. Only absolute paths are supported in locating the sample files. EXS is also unique in that a large amount of information about the sample file - even at what byte offset the sample data starts - is written in the EXS file itself. The disadvantage of this is that if your sample file changes, the EXS file is suddenly quite out of sync with the sample file and can easily play it back incorrectly.

 

EXS files, in order to be seen by the EXS pulldown loader, have to be in or connected to (that is, aliased to) the "Sampler Instruments" folder in the Application Support folder of the Logic folder. The samples can be anywhere on your system.

The EXS-24 is a fairly simple yet powerful sampler - using ADSR envelopes, a seemingly nice filter with resonance, two LFO’s, and the standard complement of functions. Portamento is a nice touch. One lousy thing - most of the great program parameters, such as the Filter, Envelopes, and LFO’s, are GLOBAL within the Instrument - one setting applies to all Zones. But at least, the Zones provide the basic parameters, such as tuning, velocity, and looping, while the Groups provide special adjustment parameters for the amplitude ADSR, the Filter Cutoff, and Resonance. Logic 7 introduced support for Group control of Filter Envelopes, Logic 8 allowed for CAF format support, and Logic 9 introduced support for long sample file names.

There are even EXS monolith files. We have not been able to recreate one, but they exist and have some in our possesion.

  

See Also: New Sampler in Logic Pro 10.5

 


  • Instrument List of EXS24 Sample Libraries available:

    Magnus Choir EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic's EXS-24 Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

    Master Hammond B3 Organ EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Master Hammond B3 Organ.

    Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass) EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

    Aeternus Brass EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Aeternus Brass (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

    RetroMagix Harpsichord EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of RetroMagix Harpsichord (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

    Percussion Kit EXS24 mkII is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic's EXS-24 mkII Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Percussion Kit. The full Percussion Kit formatted version contains the following EXS samples with their respective WAV files

    Syntheway Virtual Sitar EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Sitar (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

    DAL Flute EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of DAL Flute (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

    Organux EXS24 is a Virtual Organ Sample Library designed for creating a wide range of classic and modern organ sounds. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Organux.

    Realistic Virtual Piano EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version featuring Kawai and Yamaha Acoustic Grand Pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

    ElectriKeys Electric Piano EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

    Chordophonet Virtual Harp and Hammered Dulcimer EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

    Banjodoline Virtual Banjo and Mandolin EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. Banjo.exs Banjo EXS24 MkII, Mandolin.exs Mandolin EXS24 Sample Libraries. GarageBand AUSampler, Logic Pro X EXS24 EXSP24, Ableton Live Sampler

    Bassesland is a virtual electric, acoustic and synth bass software to create sounds of the electric bass or acoustic double bass as well as the vintage synthesizers bass sounds. Fretless, Fingered, Picked, Muted, Slapped and Slides Basses, Funk Bass, Jazz Bass, Electro Acoustic Bass, Fuzz Bass Overdrive, Synth Bass, Upright Bass or Acoustic Double Bass EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. Banjo.exs Banjo EXS24 MkII, Mandolin.exs Mandolin EXS24 Sample Libraries. GarageBand AUSampler, Logic Pro X EXS24 EXSP24, Ableton Live Sampler

    GuitarTempus is a virtual guitar designed to emulate the acoustic (nylon, six and twelve steel string), semi acoustic (hollow body) and electric 'clean' guitars. EXS24 MkII Sample Libraries for Apple Logic EXS24 Sampler and GarageBand AUSampler (macOS ), Ableton Live Sampler, MOTU MachFive 3, Presence XT Sampler (PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional) macOS & Windows, and Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

    GuitarTempus is a virtual guitar designed to emulate the acoustic (nylon, six and twelve steel string), semi acoustic (hollow body) and electric 'clean' guitars. EXS24 MkII Sample Libraries for Apple Logic EXS24 Sampler and GarageBand AUSampler (macOS ), Ableton Live Sampler, MOTU MachFive 3, Presence XT Sampler (PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional) macOS & Windows, and Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

    Synthelium is a virtual instrument inspired by the classic synthesizers of the 70s and 80s. Features a wide collection of 50 tones emulated of synth leads, pads, keys, basses, atmos and effects sounds to create electronic, rock, metal, smooth jazz, pop, hip hop, trance, EDM, and new age music, among others. The pads and atmos presets also makes it suitable for soundscapes and cinematic, as well as ambient and atmospheric textures. Sounds can be modulated with filter section, envelope generator and effects to give a vast array of custom sounds. Available as plugin in VST 32 bit and 64 bit and VST3 64 bit versions for Windows as well as in Audio Unit, VST and VST3 for macOS. Also available in EXS24 and KONTAKT Sample Libraries.

      

    Steps to install Syntheway EXS24 Sample Libraries

    Logic/MainStage (Sampler, Alchemy) - GarageBand AUSampler:
     

    Copy the Syntheway EXS Sample Library folder into your “Sampler Instruments” folder


    By default, Logic, MainStage and GarageBand create a folder upon installation in the following file paths:

    Logic (Sampler, Alchemy):

    Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Logic/Sampler Instruments/

    MainStage (Sampler, Alchemy):

    Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/MainStage/Sampler Instruments/

    GarageBand (AUSampler):

    Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/GarageBand/Instrument Library/Sampler/Sampler Instruments


    Other file paths can include:
     

    Logic (Sampler, Alchemy):

    Macintosh HD/Users/<USERNAME>/Music/Audio Music Apps/Sampler Instruments/

    MainStage (Sampler, Alchemy):

    Macintosh HD/Users/<USERNAME>/Library/Application Support/MainStage/Sampler Instruments/

    GarageBand (AUSampler):

    Macintosh HD/Users/<USERNAME>Library/Application Support/GarageBand/Instrument Library/Sampler/Sampler Instruments

      

    Note: It is recommended that you copy any sampler instruments and all associated audio files to a local or networked hard drive. This provides fast access to your sampler instruments and makes it easier to organize your instrument library to meet your needs. You can play back samples that exceed the size of your computer RAM by streaming them from hard disk. This feature is not practical for optical drives.

 

  


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