OVERVIEW
STUDIO HORNS
The Studio Horns instrument in Logic Pro delivers the expressive power and realism of a professional horn section. Built from meticulously sampled brass instruments, it offers both solo and ensemble patches ideal for pop, funk, jazz, R&B, and cinematic scoring. With flexible articulations and authentic dynamics, Studio Horns brings the energy of live players directly into your productions.
Key Features:
Instrument Choices: Includes Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, and Baritone), each available as Solo or Section patches. Combine instruments to build your own brass ensemble with customizable tone and blend.
Articulations: Perform using expressive techniques such as Sustain, Staccato, Marcato, Falls, Doits, Swells, and Legato. Switch articulations on the fly via key switches or the Articulation Set system in Logic.
Smart Controls: Shape tone and presence with controls for Dynamics, Brightness, Reverb, Attack, Release, and Growl — designed for real-time expressiveness and quick sound shaping.
Performance Controls: Adjust Expression, Velocity Curve, and Modulation for natural response and realistic phrasing.
Section Builder: Studio Horns’ customizable section interface allows you to mix and match instruments, adjust balance, and pan each part to emulate real ensemble positioning.
You’re producing funk, soul, or R&B tracks and need tight, punchy brass lines.
You want to add power and color to pop, rock, or hip-hop productions.
You’re writing film or game scores that call for bright, energetic horn sections.
You’d like to layer brass with synths or strings for modern, hybrid textures.
LISTEN to this POD about the STUDIO HORNS Plugin
Earth, Wind & Fire – “September” (tight, syncopated brass lines)
Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke” (melodic, harmonized horn riffs)
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” (bold, modern horn stabs)
Chicago – “25 or 6 to 4” (driving rock horns and brass harmonies)
Use Key Switches or Articulation Sets: Quickly move between sustains, stabs, and falls to create lifelike phrasing.
Layer Solo + Section Patches: Combine solo instruments for realism or use sections for instant full ensemble power.
Dynamic Expression: Map Mod Wheel (CC1) or Expression (CC11) to shape volume swells and phrasing naturally.
Control Brightness: Reduce Brightness for warm vintage tones or raise it for cutting, modern brass presence.
Use Reverb Sparingly: Horns sound best when placed slightly forward in the mix — use short room or plate reverb for realism.
Combine with Studio Strings: For cinematic or pop orchestration, layer Studio Horns with Studio Strings for cohesive ensemble texture.
Humanize Performances: Adjust note timing and velocity slightly to emulate the natural variation of live brass players.
FAMOUS USES
(These songs use this type of instrument, even if not from Logic specifically.)
Earth, Wind & Fire – “September” (tight, syncopated brass lines). (4:01)
Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke” (melodic, harmonized horn riffs) (3:40)
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” (bold, modern horn stabs)(4:06)
Chicago – “25 or 6 to 4” (driving rock horns and brass harmonies) (4:50)
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Tomas George provides a tutorial on Studio Horns in Logic Pro. (6:40)
In this course on how to program studio horns, Erin McVeigh provides a thorough tutorial on how to make realistic sounding horns for composition. (7 videos)
Jono explains how you can make Logic Pro's Studio Strings sound more realistic. (25:04)
MusicTechHelpGuy provides a tutorial on how to use create horns beats in Logic Pro. (10:38)
SOURCE ARTICLES
SOURCE ARTICLES YOU CAN READ:
QUIZZES
MANUAL