Question re Garageband

[Ghostdriver59]

hi folks,

I have been a Yamaha AW1600 user for years with great results, but after purchasing an Imac earlier this year have been noodling with the inbuilt Garageband.

I wondered why there seems to be limited coverage on the application on this forum, is the general consensus that its not worthy or that their are much better options for the Mac / Computer user ?

Just an observation I was interested in the experts opinion on here really, I am quite keen to begin recording 'on screen' but if Garageband is considered below par I would rather begin the learning process with the right software as it were.

Any opinions welcomed !

Cheers
Craig

 

[hertzdonut]

Well, I don't think I'd call myself an expert, but I do ok. IMO, Garageband is a great tool, it all depends to the degree you wish to have control. You can record great audio in a pretty good UI, and be happy. Whether there's better options really is an "each to his own needs" decision. I think Garageband tends to be looked down upon, but not rightfully so. Again, just my opinion.

As an example of some audio recorded by Garageband (and then brought into iMovie), you can see an HD vid here: Simple Pentatonic Jazz

That's me the rookie playing (I only picked up the guitar 5 years ago) so it's really nothing fancy. But at least you can check out the audio!

Guitar is a Carvin CS6, the tube amp is a Blackstar HT-1R.

 

[Rodd1000]

From a musicians perspective i think Garageband is excellent. It's capable of producing just as good quality recordings as any other DAW and i personally find it quicker and easier to use for the majority of tasks. It's only let down by it's slightly limited functionality but that doesn't bother me as i think the guitar modelling effects, drums, loops and other bits make for a better song writing 'all in one' package than anything else out there.

If you're main focus is as a sound engineer (as apposed to a musician) then most would probably find it a little to limiting. But at the end of the day if it does everything you need it to then thats all that matters.

 

[Ghostdriver59]

thanks guys, I think you have both really confirmed my initial thoughts. I think it is very well laid out and user friendly. I wont be interested in the loops as such and i have been able to load and locate all the vst plug ins successfully so far. I guess as long as the sounds booming outta my monitors are something I am happy with quality wise then all is well !

cheers