![]() AccessoriesĪudio content and plug-ins aren't the only optional extras Apple recommends for GarageBand. All GarageBand projects open in Logic (as, for that matter, would all their Apple Loops and AU plug-ins). Although you could achieve similar results with Apple Loops format sample libraries and Audio Unit plug-ins, Apple's themed collections took the uncertainty out of expansion for users who may never have added a plug-in to any software before, let alone music software.įor users who felt they may outgrow GarageBand, Apple ensured that the software maintained strong links to their pro audio software. The pack concept helped keep GarageBand fresh for users, while also simplifying the expansion process. 2005 saw the arrival of score editing and multi-track recording, while GarageBand '06 finally introduced mid-track tempo changes.ĭuring this period of the product's development, Apple focused heavily on promoting the optional Jam Packs, collections of loops, samples and software instruments designed to expand the creative scope of the basic package. Over the next couple of years, GarageBand was slowly updated to introduce new features with each iteration of iLife. ![]() The Audio Unit format was also adopted for effect and instrument plug-ins, allowing the sound palette to be upgraded with ease. For samples, Apple Loops arrived, based on the AIFF file format but with added metadata to store information such as tempo, pitch, loop length and time signature. GarageBand was notable for its introduction of two new proprietary formats from Apple. "The Artist Lessons offer advice from Sting, Norah Jones and John Legend." Additional contentįrom the first version, GarageBand came loaded with a broad selection of virtual instruments, effects and loops (both MIDI and audio), but Apple also provided a number of expansion routes. The simplicity of GarageBand's effects makes them far easier for beginners to master and once you outgrow them you can always upgrade. No valve emulation modes, vintage modelling or sidechains here. Load up the compressor and you're presented simply with sliders for threshold, ratio, attack and gain. ![]() The effects cover the most common bases with simplified editing options. The instruments may only offer basic editing options but they're more than capable of producing excellent sounds. For those of us seeking electronic sounds, the selection of analogue, digital and hybrid synths offer a variety of sonic options. Scan down the list of GarageBand Modules under the Sound Generator menu and you'll see that the focus is distinctly on virtual emulations of real-life instruments.Įlectric piano, guitar, horns, strings and the like mean that instrumentalists can fill in the gaps around their own performances. GarageBand is no exception, offering a little of everything the user might require. In the past decade however, software developers have really stepped up their game and even the most basic DAW comes with a handful of useable synths and effects. Traditionally, the synths, drum machines and effects bundled with cheap DAWs weren't up to much. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that underneath the fun user interface lay a powerful sound engine. Most notably, the maximum recording quality of 16-bit resolution and 44.1kHz sample rate was markedly lower than most of the competition, and GarageBand was only capable of recording one track at a time. The latest version of the iLife suite is also available as a £45 upgrade.Īlthough GarageBand offered many of the features found in much more expensive DAWs, its critics argued that a handful of omissions marked it out as a toy for amateurs rather than a serious music production tool. ![]() Regardless of its audio capabilities, for most users the single most important feature of GarageBand was its price - or rather, the absence of price.įrom the introduction of version 1.0, every new Mac has included a full, unlimited copy of GarageBand as part of Apple's iLife software suite, which also contains iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD and now iWeb. The horizontal timeline setup was familiar, but more importantly it was simplified just enough to make it appeal to beginners. ![]() Featuring digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, plus support for plug-in effects and virtual instruments, GarageBand offered a taste of pro music software in a friendly, intuitive style. The new software, known as GarageBand, was announced at the Macworld Conference & Expo in early January 2004. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |