Several questions about GarageBand

rsherid · Mar 11, 2009

edit: Nevermind

LiddleBuddha · Mar 12, 2009

Hey rsherid,

Just curious if you've made a final decision? I know there are a ton of MIDI keyboard controllers out there.

I'm looking at purchasing a MIDI keyboard controller, (along with an iMac), so I'd be very interested in knowing what you picked out, and hearing what you think of it.

I was considering the E-MU X-Board 61. However, I'm not so sure now. It comes with some cool features, (full-size keys, after-touch, etc). However, it also comes with some cool software that doesn't work on Macs. So I'm not sure if it's the best option for a Mac.

Thanks!
LB

rsherid · Mar 12, 2009

Yeah, I got the M-Audio Keystation 49e for just $50 off eBay. I have yet to really get into its features, but so far it's just what I wanted and works perfectly with Macs. The only problem I have is getting used to weighted keys.

rsherid · Mar 12, 2009

Zooming in on two tracks at once in GB

I know you can zoom in on one track by double-clicking, but how do you zoom in on two or more tracks at once?

Jmurr187 · Mar 12, 2009

I'm 99% positive you can't zoom in on more than one track at a time. BUT, the best answer i can give you as an alternative is- ONLY if it's 2 separate midi tracks. You can highlight both of them in the main window (shift + click) and hit "apple J". this "joins" the tracks together letting you look at both midi tracks at the same time... other than that, i dont think there is really ay other way to look at 2 separate tracks simultaneously :Smirk:

LiddleBuddha · Mar 13, 2009

rsherid said:
Yeah, I got the M-Audio Keystation 49e for just $50 off eBay. I have yet to really get into its features, but so far it's just what I wanted and works perfectly with Macs. The only problem I have is getting used to weighted keys.

Very cool! Great deal on that Keystation!

I was thinking of going with an E-MU MIDI keyboard. But it comes with a bunch of stuff that doesn't work with Mac. So I'm thinking of an M-Audio rig now. Everyone seems to be happy with them.

Appreciate the update! Good luck and have fun!

rsherid · Mar 13, 2009

Any advice on where to set basic dB levels for bass and drums at? These two things seem to always make or break one of my recordings (causing static, cracks, and pops). I suppose there isn't like a standard dB bass level I could always set it to?

canuck90 · Mar 23, 2009

If you get a low quality sound on your drum and bass tracks its probably because you're not exporting the song at a high enough bit rate. Whenever I export a song from garage band I usually set the bit rate to 192 kbps. It takes up more space but its usually worth it.

rsherid · Apr 29, 2009

Synth parts in GB are being knocked down an octave

Why is it that some synth tracks recorded with my MIDI controller get knocked out of their proper octave? They're recorded...on "tape"...unfortunately not locked...so what gives? And, more importantly, how can I set them right again?

rsherid · May 19, 2009

GB Track Volumes Randomly Change

While working in GarageBand at random times using my MIDI controller, I'll noticed the volume on a track not currently in use either raises or lowers in volume. It's almost as if a ghost is controlling it. Why is this?