Getting started w/ GarageBand?

[Taylor007]

I've got some nice acoustics, mics, and an apple computer. Where to begin?

[MikeBmusic]

read the sticky threads about computer recording in the 'Newbies' section of the forums at homerecording.com.

To start, you're going to need:
Audio interface
DAW (recording software)
headphones (+ monitors)

Patience and time to learn it all!

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by Taylor007

I've got some nice acoustics, mics, and an apple computer. Where to begin?

First you need to connect the mics the computer. So we need to know the details of the mics and computer in order to address that. Are the mics typical "stage" mics (dynamic balanced XLR), typical "studio" mics (condenser balanced XLR), or typical DAT/Minidisc mics (electret condenser unbalanced 1/8") or something else. Each of these requires a different approach.

Once the mic is talking to the computer you can find tutorials on YouTube or other internet resources that will walk you through using GarageBand.

Fran

[Taylor007]

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

First you need to connect the mics the computer. So we need to know the details of the mics and computer in order to address that. Are the mics typical "stage" mics (dynamic balanced XLR), typical "studio" mics (condenser balanced XLR), or typical DAT/Minidisc mics (electret condenser unbalanced 1/8") or something else. Each of these requires a different approach.

Once the mic is talking to the computer you can find tutorials on YouTube or other internet resources that will walk you through using GarageBand.

Fran

Mics - AT4050 & Shure Sm81
Computer MacBook Pro

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by Taylor007

I've got some nice acoustics, mics, and an apple computer. Where to begin?

Hi T-007

Find a decent Recording Interface to plug the mics into, and then USB it into the computer.

There are tons of tutorials available on YouTube - but it does take some hunting and poking around to NOT find the newbies just using a ¼'' to ⅛'' cable and playing around with their electric guitars.

Probably the first piece of gear is that interface with 48V phantom power so you can connect the mics to the computer.

Here's a less expensive, but adequately equipped interface - CLiCk

Midline rig…I own the Firewire version of this one - CliCk

Thunderbolt baby! High end - CliCk

Actually Zoom is coming out with a 2 channel Thunderbolt interface for $400 this month...and it's tempting me for smaller projects.

Zoom TAC-2 Two Channel Thunderbolt - Click

Two channels may be enough - unless you are planning on multi-track recording ensembles.

Most current interfaces will handle modern Recording software, whether free or paid, including Garage Band.

Hope this helps you think about next steps...

[Taylor007]

Thanks Larry, I'll check those out.

[Doubleneck]

Like said you need an interface into the USB port of the computer. My first recordings were done with a $150 interface that let me have two channels into the computer. I then laid done several tracks and mixed, took a while.

Recently I purchased a Blue Digital Spark mic, $200 that plugs into the USB. I just play in front of it with my acoustic, so easy and no mixing. Great quality for the money. Here is the Spark just put on a tree stump 6 feet from me into GarageBand.

http://youtu.be/gpKva8ORpZw

[Taylor007]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Like said you need an interface into the USB port of the computer. My first recordings were done with a $150 interface that let me have two channels into the computer. I then laid done several tracks and mixed, took a while.

Recently I purchased a Blue Digital Spark mic, $200 that plugs into the USB. I just play in front of it with my acoustic, so easy and no mixing. Great quality for the money. Here is the Spark just put on a tree stump 6 feet from me into GarageBand.

http://youtu.be/gpKva8ORpZw

Good quality recording there!

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by Taylor007

Good quality recording there!

I was surprised how good it was, and took 5 minutes. So much easier than separate track recording, I found that cool but tedious. And of course with laying down separate tracks you can do much more. But just for getting Utubes out there I stick the Spark in front of me. Getting lazy in my old age.

[AX17609]

For just getting started, I'd skip the interface and mic straight into the USB port. GarageBand has its own kind of logic, which you've got to get used to. Some people (e.g., me) think it crashes too much, but maybe your version won't. At any rate, I'd keep the whole thing as simple as possible until you get used to the program. I started out by just using my Zoom H2 in microphone mode, and it worked fine. Ultimately, I moved onto another DAW, but the experience with GB was helpful.

[Kyle76]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Like said you need an interface into the USB port of the computer. My first recordings were done with a $150 interface that let me have two channels into the computer. I then laid done several tracks and mixed, took a while.

Recently I purchased a Blue Digital Spark mic, $200 that plugs into the USB. I just play in front of it with my acoustic, so easy and no mixing. Great quality for the money. Here is the Spark just put on a tree stump 6 feet from me into GarageBand.

http://youtu.be/gpKva8ORpZw

Steve, is the mic recording vocals and guitar at the same time? How about video? Is all of this going through GarageBand? I've just gotten an Apogee MiC, which I assume is similar to your USB mic?