At some point, while I was involved in creating an easier home recording system for aspiring artists and musicians, I realized that learning to record in GarageBand not only simplifies the home recording process, but also, Surprisingly, GarageBand proved to be a powerful tool in the creative process. In other words, GarageBand becomes a real composition tool.

I understand if the connection between song recording software and song creation isn’t immediately apparent. However, GarageBand’s effect on my own career more than validates this statement.

What is Garage Band?

GarageBand is software for recording multitrack audio. When it was first released, GarageBand seemed like recording software for beginners. Under the radar, however, GarageBand has proven its worth by profoundly revolutionizing music creation, and thus the business of making music itself.

How to Record in GarageBand: First Steps on the Path to Pro-Quality Sound

I recognize that the first meeting between the person and the software is the most delicate and tenuous point of the entire relationship. It largely determines whether the relationship continues or ends before it begins. With that in mind, let’s answer the most basic questions about recording in GarageBand.

Q: How do I get a sound I play to show up and get recorded in GarageBand?

HAS: A sound from an instrument or voice that originates from the “real world” (instruments, voice, etc.) must be converted into a digital signal that is suitable for the digital world of recording software. Your computer has a built-in analog-to-digital audio converter, allowing you to “plug and play” directly on your computer. However, for true high-quality sound reproduction, an external hardware converter must be used. (Also known as an I/O box.)

Q: What do I need to know about I/O hardware?

HAS: External I/O hardware typically connects to your computer via a USB or Firewire cable. Once connected to your computer’s USB or Firewire input, simply set your computer’s audio preferences to allow the I/O hardware to handle all incoming and outgoing audio. This will bypass your computer’s built-in sound card, giving you professional-quality analog-to-digital sound conversion. Do not use your computer’s built-in sound card if you want to make professional-quality recordings at home.

Q: I have opened GarageBand. What do I do next?

HAS: The real beauty of GarageBand is that from this point on everything is and remains very simple. Go to GarageBand’s top menu and choose “Create New Track.” Each track has a channel that you configure to receive a Mono or Stereo signal. If you are simply connecting a single microphone or instrument, the channel should be set to Mono. Click the record button and start playing or singing. This is your “source sound” and will appear on the track you created in GarageBand. To add an additional layer or instrument, repeat the process starting with “create new track”. This is the essence of “multitrack” recording.

Q: What if I’m not using a Mac? Can you tell me how to get GarageBand on Windows?

HAS: GarageBand is currently not available on PC. However, there is simple multitrack recording software available that is very similar to GarageBand for PC.

Q: This is how you record in GarageBand. Is it really possible to make professional-sounding recordings with GarageBand?

HAS: The answer is yes. GarageBand offers an elegant and cooperative environment for creating great recordings. However, from this point on, you should deepen your understanding of how to properly and clearly capture sound. This is just as much the case with all other digital recording software.

In a later article I will talk about

• home recording tips and tricks
• laying perfect clues
• more on how to record to GarageBand or any recording software for that matter
• how to edit GarageBand waveforms and “regions”.