Apple is discontinuing sales of its Logic Studio and Logic Express digital audio workstation packages "effective immediately," according to a notice sent to authorized resellers on Thursday. Updated versions of the Logic Pro 9 app and the live-performance app MainStage 2, previously both part of the Logic Studio suite, are now available separately via the Mac App Store for significantly lower prices. Simplifying its software offerings in the transition, Apple is putting the kibosh on the lower-cost Logic Express and sending Soundtrack Pro into the great hard drive in the sky.

A rumor from September suggested that Apple was making progress on a new version of Logic Pro dubbed "Logic Pro X." As MacRumors noted, however, the notice released Thursday referenced "new" versions of Logic Pro 9 and MainStage 2. Those versions appeared in the Mac App Store on Thursday afternoon, with Logic Pro 9.1.6 available for $199.99 and MainStage 2.2 now selling separately for $29.99.

It's worth noting that buying either app from the Mac App Store includes download access to the complete library of Apple Loops, sampled software instruments, and Audio Unit effects. That content, which was previously sold separately to Logic Express users as various Jam Packs and other add-ons, previously cost over $600. Since Logic Express sold for $199 but didn't include the extra content that was bundled with Logic Studio, it is effectively replaced with Logic Pro. (When Apple released the controversial update to its professional video editing software, it dropped the prosumer Final Cut Express as well.)

Logic Pro 9.1.6 is also a free update to all existing Logic Pro 9 users, and is available via Software Update. However, Apple says that MainStage 2.2 is a "feature upgrade" and therefore requires separate purchase via the Mac App Store. The updated features primarily revolve around an updated UI optimized for stage use, enhanced MIDI control, and support for auto-assignment of additional MIDI devices, but if you want those features and future upgrades, it's going to cost you $30.

Compresser, previously included in Logic Studio, is already available as a separate download from the Mac App Store. However, fans of Soundtrack Pro—designed to create background music and sound effects for Final Cut Pro projects—may be disappointed to learn that the app won't be coming to the Mac App Store. (It didn't make the cut in the transition from Final Cut Studio to Final Cut Pro X, either.) On the upside, its functionality is already included in Final Cut Pro X, and can in some cases be replaced by features added to GarageBand or Logic Pro itself.

For the time being, Logic Studio is still available from Apple's online store for $499, and resellers will likely be able to sell through existing inventories while supplies last.