Garageband recommendation...manual and synth

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I am a Garageband novice -I have a basic understanding on how to build tracks using the interface but would really like a comprehensive, easy to understand manual/instruction book for Garageband. I have Garageband version 3.0.4.

I am also thinking of getting a keyboard/synth to muck about with - I saw one called a Novation Xiosynth 25 - looks like fun. Any thoughts on this? I don't want to spend a fortune so i am thinking of a budget of £200 maximum.

Thanks in advance :)
 
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I have the same one as cjay- I also like it. It's about $100 US (75 Euros maybe?)
 
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I've got an M-Audio 61es, which I really like. I use it for pretty much every track that I record in some fashion or another. I have NO idea what they cost, as mine was a gift, but I'm sure that they are reasonable.

As far as a manual goes, I purchased "Garageband - The Missing Manual" or something like that, and it is a great reference tool.
 
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thoras_herd
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thanks - i had heard that the Missing Manual series was really good - i'll check it out.

Sorry if this sounds daft or a bit illeterate, complete beginner here, does the M-Audio synth have different sound effects or is it astraightforward keyboard with one sound - the Novation has onboard sounds/patches.

Cheers!
 
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The M-Audio boards do have different sounds. However, if you're going to be using garageband, then the you can use the built-in software instruments. There are a bunch in there already, and you can purchase Jam Packs which will give you more loops and instruments. I simply plug in the M-Audio, select the virtual instrument that I want, and away I go.
 
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thanks - i had heard that the Missing Manual series was really good - i'll check it out.

Sorry if this sounds daft or a bit illeterate, complete beginner here, does the M-Audio synth have different sound effects or is it astraightforward keyboard with one sound - the Novation has onboard sounds/patches.

Cheers!

Most Midi controllers don't have any sounds. The software you use wil determine different sounds.
 

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