Apple unveiled a major upgrade to its Logic Pro professional audio program called Logic Studio, which includes several applications for under $500 aimed at helping create musicians audio projects.

Central to the suite is Logic Pro 8, which includes several enhancements over previous versions to simplify the audio creation process. A single-window interface is now central to the application, which will allow fast access to commonly used features.

Soundtrack Pro 2 is also included, which is an application that assists the musician in creating sound for visuals. The program works seamlessly with Logic Pro and allows for the integration of dialog, sound effects and music with the picture.

Logic Studio also includes some 40 instrument patches, over 24,000 different loops and sound effects and various sound enhancement plug-ins. In addition, WaveBurner is included for CD mastering, Compressor 3 for surround encoding, Apple Loops for creating drum/instrument loops, and Impulse Response utilities.

"For less than $500, Logic Studio transforms the Mac into the most powerful musical instrument in the world,' applications marking chief Rob Schoeben said in a statement. In addition, Apple also introduced Logic Express 8, the $199 smaller version of Logic Pro 8 that includes many of the same new features of the bigger program.

Logic Pro 7 users may upgrade for $199, although those that purchased the product after August 1 may be eligible to upgrade for $9.95, which is the cost of shipping and handling for the disc. The full version retails for $499 and is available immediately, Apple says.