All user reviews for the Apple GarageBand

integrated into more apple i life

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I I3 core Mac under 10.9 mavericks some bugs with my version 6.5 GarBand

OVERALL OPINION

j 'uses GarBand since its inception, and I draw a great result to tell friends also musicians, which uses
much heavier apps like the cubase, so many uses only 50% of capacity, I put GarBand cleats and the extent or prefers to make music rather than make his or programming, this small software unpretentious this is a godsend, no offense to those who prefer to spend the dough in very expensive stuff, just to say ... yeah ben ME ... I'm working on X or Y
thank you Apple

Great Apple Software = public facility grip, even for a simple guy like me since I hardly knew what it was used before I started the adventure of recording.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Config: iMac Core 2 Duo 2.93 GHz - 4 GB DDR3 and OX 10.9 - GarageBand 09 '
No specific bp performance, the software that comes with the Mac runs without Pb even with the updates to the OS

Midi keyboard: Yamaha P140
Guitar Amp: Fender Mustang IV USB input

OVERALL OPINION

I really use it recently but I've discovered some limitations:

- Simulation organ with a MIDI keyboard has a random operation (at least with my Yamaha P140)
- Problem management monitoring during recording, as if the internal microphone Mac incorporated the sounds continuously.
- Sound Library Limited guitar and amp-quality sounds including saturated.

For simple operation like mine, GB remains a good starting tool for those who do not have time to delve into a more efficient but also more complex software.

If I continue to record I évoluerais likely to Logic or Ableton Live X

Operation is super simple, no particular problem

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use GarageBand on iPad with sound card Focusrite iTrack so I can plug my guitar, a microphone without a problem
I use the application to communicate audiobus my apps. I can create a sound DM1 and save GarageBand, it's just perfect!

OVERALL OPINION

It's been just over a month that I have the app and I am completely satisfied experience again without any doubt!
Very good value for money
What I like most is the simplicity that creates a sound quickly
What I like least is the simplicity of the software compared to ableton for example
I did not test other app of the same kind as beatmaker, FL, etc.

If you're a Mac user this is a free DAW that will come pre installed on your machine. It's very easy to use and has good instruction and how to tutorials built into it.

If you have problems there are always youtube videos out there that you can use to further educate yourself with (for free).
It recognize usb devices that are plugged in automatically. So, if you are using a midi controller or USB mic (for recording vocals) it would pick it up.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

As far as stability it's pretty stable although if you have a problematic plugin installed it may crash garage band (which is not the fault of the DAW itself).

Garage Band is just as good as any of it's competitors out there in terms of audio quality. I will admit it's not as flexible as some of the others but again we are talking about a FREE application here. Can't complain much when we're talking about free tools.

I've been using this DAW since July of 2012 (that's when I purchased my MACBOOK)

OVERALL OPINION

The only thing I don't really like about Garage Band is it's graphic look (the GUI). Don't get me wrong, it's clean and really nice to look at I just wish it looked like some of the others on the market (maybe I'm just being picky).

It's one of the best DAWS out there in it's price range (again FREE you pay nothing for it.)

Audio quality is good, customer support is good (if you every contact customer support about anything). I've tried a lot of DAWS out there: Cubase, Sonar, Pro tools, Logic Pro and I can say I'd still fire up garage band over most of the DAWS I've listed because if it's simplicity.

It's just an easy program to use. In all honest if this program were not free I probably would have never tried it, so good marketing on Apple's part for including it with the MAC purchase

GarageBand is an excellent place to start for the aspiring engineer. If it came with your brand new Mac then you are ready to roll as soon as you turn your machine on! The help files/manual are easily accessible within the program and sufficiently cover anything you need to know about using the software. All of the typical functions are quite easily accessible with just a little bit of poking around.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've been using GarageBand since 2005 and have upgraded since then as newer versions arrived. In terms of performance, GarageBand does quite well. As long as you have a sufficiently powerful computer you can easily create tracks using up to 30 some software and real intrument tracks without too much slow down or crashing. This is quite a good track count for a program like this.

OVERALL OPINION

Obviously what is to like about GarageBand is it's simplicity and the amount of power and control over your recording and mix that can be had, especially for a newcomer to digital recording. It does have it's limitations though. One of the biggest issues that I have encountered with GarageBand is dealing with editing. GarageBand only allows you to zoom in on a waveform just so much. Ocasionally you may encounter a waveform that you just cannot trim to a null point, this can be worked around using volume automation but it's still annoying,(what you may experience are some unwanted clicks/pops at times)
The newer versions have increased the power of GarageBand alot! Now it offers real time multi-tracking!-(you'll need an external interface) Also, it even comes with a real-time spectrum analyzer! Although the spectrum analyzer is VERY primitive it is helpful and, like the program itself, a good starting point for training yourself to do your own recordings/mixes.
Another limitation is a shelf on how many effects can be used on a certain track. There is a workaround but it can be frustrating at times.
The overall sound quality of GarageBand is adequate for the beginner or intermidiate engineer but it falls way short of the quality that a professional engineer would prefer. However, GarageBand's easy to use function to export directly to iTunes or to a podcast is definitely a plus.
I've personally used many, many DAWs over the years and while GarageBand certainly would not be my first choice for serious recording, it does have it's charms and remains a tool that I use often regardless if it doesn't quite meet my quality desires. Since it comes pre-installed on nearly every Mac you really can't go wrong playing around with it!

installs it was already done and the configuration is quite simple and can aid in the software are clear and practical early're looking for a bit and then over the use we discover stuff. this is a good software to start in the home studio.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use a mac os x lion 10.7.5 2GHZ INTEL I7 4GB DDR3 1333 MHZ sound card 22 vsl Presonus Audiobox and listening Keywood eVo 6. very good value for money

I have no particular worries that is very stable. little or not at all latency. the amp simulations sound
bleufante and varied. I use Akai MPK mini keyboard that make me considerably advanced the possibility of garage.
decision-electro-acoustic sounds that are so easily because the choice of adding vst track is uncompromising, microphone or guitar.
I also use drum samples and what's nice is that it have also changed in the editor.
we just added copied cut glued stretched play it.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since the beginning of the year. this is my first home studio software we find a lot of opportunity in the studio such as programmable automation volumes, effects, tempo.
the trouble is taken to the sounds in three phases choice metronome will not know. I do not find a way to control the virtual pedals that's unfortunate.
Despite this quality must go further move towards LOGIC PRO 150 euros for download at the store apple.Actuellement I move on studio one is not so intuitive and general public.
mixing it is linear so there must know the shared stereo spectrum.
to register quickly if that is what is a good basis for other software evolved.
Anyway it comes with the macbook so public as all software video picture which also allows to edit images with music made with garage or otherwise.

Good read.

Pre-installed on every Mac. It is easy to start to use it.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Completely compatible with the machine. Software light enough even if you add various effects and treatments for multiple tracks, the computer follows easily.

OVERALL OPINION

I use Garageband for 1 year and I am very happy. I used Cubase before investing in an Apple laptop and I must admit that the simplicity of Garageband is very significant in relation to the complexity and heaviness of Cubase. I use it with my Line 6 sound card to record guitar, bass, vocals, percussion etc.. And I also used to mix samples in WAV format audio coming from my Digitech loop pedal.
The effects are truly integrated property, whether for guitar pedals or for mixing, I find my account.
I only regret that some features such as reversing an audio sample to read backwards but it must turn to Logic Pro!
Also, it is not possible to export to WAV, which is a shame since apple format is not recognized by everyone.

The instal. is fortunately no worries, not much to say about config.général ...

To be honest I have not set foot in the manual, the software bringing me aucnu interest.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I'm working on a Macbook (snow leopard) 3GB Ram, with a Digi 003 or Mbox Micro. In short, my config manages the carefree Garage Band, it lacks more than that ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have 3 years and I can count on the fingers of my hand the number of times I tried to work have finally resume my project to another sequencer worthy of the name.

Fortunately I have not had to buy it since it is included with OS X, they could break the head a little more, "provided" should not be synonymous with mediocrity.

The most basic functions are not impossible to export noon if you have not Logic (which is chargeable). Too small and not intuitive!

I work all day with various sequencers such as Pro Tools, Logic, Reaper etc ... Reaper even in its free version evaluation is much more powerful.

Why clutter your hard drive with unnecessary things.

Comes with Mac OSX

I got this software bundle in the new MAC OSX

First and foremost its free, (if you get a new mac). Simple to use and very intuitive. This is a great program for musicians who want to start to get into producing or just want to record there own music. There are tones of different tones and filters you can add to your instrument and a lot of different MIDI instruments to play around with and be creative. If you have never used audio editing software this is a great way to get started mixing and producing. You can do a lot with this program without much practice.

It is not very versatile. There is a reason you wont go to a pro studio and see the sound engineer running garage-band, it just can't do as much. Some of the MIDI instruments don't sound as authentic but that is to be expected

I would guess 'construction' would mean coding, and in that case I would say its very good, and I personally have not had it crash out on me very often.

If you are serious about producing music, you are better off with a mac anyway, and since all new macs come with this software, its worth a try. If you are going to invest money in real production, I would shell out some dough for a more robust piece of software (Logic/Reason/ProTools/Etc).

If you are just a musician who wants to compose some tunes, without learning a complex program, then Garageband is your program!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This peice of software was given to me as part of an iLife upgrade. It was 59.00 cdn or 49.00 US for the bundle of 5 iApps thrown in.

The first thing I noticed abot this software was the lack of tecchnical ability needed to use it. I have some ability but had been completely out of the industry for 10 years. This fact alone is significant. You could almost say that Garageband is what sucked me back into a world I swore to leave behind. After playing with the loops for a couple weeks I could not bare it anymore. My friend loaned me his guitar and I plugged it directly into the stereo line in jack on the 2 years old eMac.

one of the best things about GarageBand was the nice amplifier simulators. Some may balk at them but it was just like plugging in to my old fender chorus tube amp. The guitar I borrowed was an old rivera with these pickups that you could find on the old Harmony guitars. Its in bad shape but I'm no guitar technician. I can barely play really.

I'm told it works with most digital audio workstations but this is something I have yet to find out for sure.

Very little is bad about this software. Mixing down songs could be done at higher bitrates. It does abuse the computer processor more than other packages like cubase ot abelton live. right now I am workign on an eMac G4 700Mhz with one gig of pc133 ram. Right now my only limitations are my lack of computer and a good tactile DAW.

A great user interface that mimics apple's Soundtrack software with audio controls that are very easy to learn. The midi capability is great and seems to intigrate with any unit I ask about.

With a more powerful mac (say a dual G5 with a couple gigs or more of ram) I could probably break the 8 track barier that has been hedging my creative juices. There are many people out there using this software on older iBooks and making great music. Perfect for recording live performances. For 49.00 US you just can't go wrong if you own a G4 or G5 Macintosh with OS X running. Oh and it actually comes free with all new Macs.

you can hear some evidence from me and thousands of others at http://www.icompositions.com/auditorium/
my tracks are listed under the artist BlackLily.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this software for free with my new Mac but you can also buy it in a local store for $49,- where it is a part of the famous Apple iLife suite.

The best part of this software is that it allows any new musician to learn to play his instrument in many ways. You can just play fi. you guitar plugged into your audiocard, then you can start up presets for guitaramps and have a sound you would not even try to build yourself with hardware. When you add loops to your song the real fun starts: suddenly you play in a band!
If you have a midi-keyboard, like the Ozone Oxygen, you can also play many virtual instruments of sublime quality.
All the loops, amps and vi's are made by eMagic.

This software needs a lot of resources from your computer. Get a big G4 or G5 with a lot of RAM to use the max. number of tracks. You can easily record 16 tracks on a G3 though but leave vi's and loops out.


There are a 1000+ loops, 15+ virtual instruments and about 100 presets for amplification available in the Garageband application. If you add the Jam Pack you get thousands of loops, vi's and presets extra. Installation is simple, same goes for the user interface.

Get it now!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

It can hardly be simpler.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use it on an iBook G4 1GHz - 640MB RAM with an audio / MIDI interface USB (TASCAM US-122)
Trs works well on this config. but do not abuse the number of instruments (Systm saturation) is not a G5!
Not possible to quantify the perf. I beginners!
Config. trs currently stable.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 3 months with software instruments and three weeks with the US-122 and my guitar (but only at weekends)
It trs ergomonique and intuitive (ie not a factory gas!)
No other essay, most are too expensive.
It's simple, cheap and more than enough for beginners!
Not enough of experience, but given the price and the editor, I think I would do this choice.

ILife silent pr-installed on my Mac. For now I only have one version of GarageBand.

No support of my Midi control surface in this version .. bad.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Config: Powerbook G4 1.5 Mhz, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB HD, Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
Emagic EMI sound card 26. Novation Remote 25 keyboard.
Audio Recording: Microphone RODE NT200 => ART TPS Pramp => Table Soundcraft Compact 4 => sound card (or Pod XT for the guitar directly into the Soundcraft)

No problem except that the software s'avre greedy. I use the same plugins / instruments with Logic Pro but I put a lot of tracks Monis virtual instruments. A ten track (each with at least two external plugins), began tiring level CPU (ya-til in a Freeze V2?).

No problem crash.

OVERALL OPINION

User Logic and Live for years, I first use GB for jam quickly climbing structures piece bass / drums.

One day I started to ask a ide original fiddling and using the supplied Apple loops, and then adding my own recording guitar and vocal parts and my MIDI keyboard ... I had not realized that was leaking and operation level ide ides in no time. I have fun and spend the day sleeping well accomplished two compounds with respect to time.
So even if I'm not going to throw my usual tools more productive (Live for inspiration and composition of rhythmic structure, Logic for everything else), GB is a great Notebook luxury knows almost everything done quickly. In the end, thanks my plugins like "PSP Vintage Warmer," I had a mix that was the road (and no balls ps have in Logic, not yet for version 7 rcuprer my work).

Likes:
- Ergonomics
- Its great opportunity to work one ct caches often "toy" that is apparent.
- Apple Loops that can slow / acclerer, Pitcher leisure ...
- The ct prt employment
- The ranking tool / search loops ... THE BEST I have ever seen (that I have my whole collection of samples available for such a tool).

I like least:
- CPU consumption
- Lack of possibility of routing to the mix (no Send / Aux / Bus ...)
- No support for MIDI control software (mixing in particular).
.. but next to the price, it's a fucking tool.

computer music I started almost 10 years ago with Magix Maker PC ... reminds me of a tool, except that the audio engine and Midi can see nothing. You can have excellent quality and uen great capacity for work on GB, no doubt about it.

I have not really made a choice and even if I work on more pro (Reason, Logic, Live, Tracktion), I think I'll split the Version 2 just to have a tool that changes my inspiration changing (and simplify) my work habits. Besides the possibility to save his job in Apple Loops.

I will also look at the ct of the pack in Apple Loops format (as User Logic is a logical investment)
Ideal for a songwriter who wants to not take the face to make up (knowing that his work can be rcupr GB in Logic Pro / Express 7 later)

Report qualitPrix: unbeatable

I did not need to install it because it came with my macbook pro

we do the config from preferences

everything is rather transparent, there are not many technical terms

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

So I have a mac book pro 1.83 ghz with 512 MB ram
the software runs normally, but rarely crashes happen
performance: the internal sound chipset I can record about 8 tracks with effects
BEYOND there is severe slowdowns or temporary blockages but few crashes
so my config is rather stable

OVERALL OPINION

I use this software for 3 months
the simplicity and richness of effects on offer and the reasons for audio and MIDI are a plus.
I consider this software as a digital recorder ideal for demos.
q / p is good.
It is obvious that this software has its limits quickly if they want to divert ateignables use first.
It tends to be confused with logic or cubase etc as there is a sequencer Intgr and virtual instruments as well as fx
but his features are less extensive than the famous sequencers.

silent as the software that came with my Mac OS X I did not directly chosen
and I think the use of its abilities to the max before moving on to a more soft srieux like Cubase, Logic or other
but even when I keep to record my music or other ides.
so yes I would do that recorder of choice for a DMOS.

Here is a site where you can listen a lot of tracks recorded exclusively on garage band:
http://www.onvibes.com/simon
go into space and then select the music section gbd (garage band) ...

WARNING: I'm talking about garageband 4, which comes with then iLife'08. So there are features not found with forcment antrieures versions.

- Installation extremely simple, like all Apple products.
- No incompatibility meeting I possde an external USB sound card m-audio (which I do not recommend otherwise) that does automatically recognized
- Configuration gnrale trs simple. They have retained the bulk (thank you them). Those who want rgler latency audio books or other rglages may however be due (that said I've never seen the intrt)
- Manual and online help impeccable. We look for a subject with a word cl are the subjects classs by relevance ... And that's really relevant!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Mac mini G4@1.25GHz, DD 7200 r / min, 1 GB RAM, Mac OS X.4.10
It's not a config trs powerful in view of what is happening today on the mac mini. I strongly advise to change to a DD 7200 tr / mn
external sound card m-audio usb. Simple, although I / O numrique, mdiocre for the rest. FYI, the new mac mini intgrent standard I / O numrique.

4 GB works fine on my config, my compos intgrent gnral in a shuffled track midi + audio and virtual synths, with numerous audio effects unit (up to 13 tracks). In select "optimize for minimum time limit for reading," I have no problem in real time. At worst, an apple a prvu converting tracks to gain performance (rarely used.
The recording time with the rel read tracks also pose little problem, even if it happened to me once to remove some tracks to record.
I can not quantify the performance, lack of comparison on the same platform.
My configuration is stable trs. Much more than cubase cakewalk or PC. No bugs, no crashes.

OVERALL OPINION

I use GB for 2 years, and version 4 for 15 days (release)
What I like most:
it's simple. A child can use it, one would find trs quickly and at worst, you type a word in cl aid and found it right away.
it is powerful. Audio, MIDI, synths default, audio effects unit, controllable now playing (!), Number of tracks than enough (never reached the limit), quality of sound (IMMEDIATE leave the world PC and get on mac is my advice). Dsormais, the few complaints that I as the impossibility of CONTRL tempo and the absence of design tool partition fell. Version 4 brings almost everything you could possibly need (well was not worth even when the final design for the partition), it simply exports the project, we can make a soundtrack for a video

I regret: not management 5.1 (I push the plug a bit far, eh?), no change of time signature (from a 4 / 4 a 5 / 4), that is my opinion big black spot (especially for contemporary composers and jazz

I almost tried everything before acqurir, even the free Linux or squenceurs professional products such as ProTools. I prfrais silent before cakewalk, the simplest and most stable for my use. But all software are contained gas plant compartment GB. As always, Apple treats its interface and ... It's simple and it works!

The report is simply qualitprix INESPRE! 79 for the iLife suite, which also intgre GB video editing software (not bad at all), Fast Fashion to dvd, photo management and Fast Fashion Web page is gift limit. In addition, for every purchase of a mac following is provided for free!
I've never had a squenceur this level the price

With exprience, I would like 2 years ago and a half: I throw my PC and Microsoft, I m'achte a mac! Every good musician has to throw his Windows PC ... We can make music dcemment windows.
I would especially since prices have fallen further mac hardware that are even better, that software is more powerful ... Just wait for the release of bone x.5 lopard ...

I put 9 for the time signature that can be changed (may be for version 5?)

Finally, GarageBand is a tool INESPRE almost free, super stretchy, which possde all the features a home studio needs. Do not see the logic of ct is a gas plant, has nothing do with GB, even if ad features supplmentaires.
Do you just qq audio effects unit like the excellent ozone3 and filter effects free.
I am not at all trying to get another product.
Avoid gadgets GB as "Magic GarageBand" has not used anything except for those who want to make music without ever having learned anything. Otherwise, you just buy a mac

PS: unlike Willy Begonia's assertions, it is quite possible to record multitrack in real time. All you need is a sound card adquate.

... Comes with my macbook!
... Child's play for the raborder Mao despite dirty exprience on pc!
Everything is simple, but it is a means that will not require further if you are!
software provides for: say anything .....
I put 8 because it is easy but even when limited!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Macbook 2ghz/1G ram .... no sound card (that of the mac), has turned trs ... well, taking care to freeze some tracks ...
But I put 9 freezes sometimes required for

OVERALL OPINION

I've had three months .... was good to make zik floor without a manual .... your exact Surprisingly, however, it soon became easy to get by dipping loops prfabriques!
RAS

Installation without problem in the case of an updated book with ILIFE08.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use Line 6 Toneport UX 2 UX8 and now as an interface to connect my guitar. Since this upgrade ilife 08 GB 4 indniable I noticed a loss of sound quality (especially loss of volume and grain) such that I, God meri another Mac keep up with GB V3.qqchose that it still works perfectly (and grain quality sound exceptional for such a small budget!)

OVERALL OPINION

Really dcu by GB4 not really simple to record two tracks simultaneously and useless gadgets.
Nanmoins GB is THE REFERENCE in Contents of squenceurs without "taking head" and the effective ds Premire minutes. Mac is really the only qualitative solution for musicians.

It is a pity we have to install the software on the system disk

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have an old iBook G3 800Mz with 640M of ram and hard drive with firewire externne
My config is a little light, I admit. But an app that wants great service should run on a small machine. With GarageBand I have acquired in 2004, I just read 5 or 6 audio tracks. The amp simulations kneel the CPU and the virtual instrument.
My setup is admittedly old, but it is enough to play 10 audio tracks with Tracktion and Reason in re-wire.

When I read opinions of people who have MacBook Pro and that drive only 8 tracks, I think that there really is a problem in the optimization of this app.

[edit] I just change the machine to a Macbook 2.4Ghz and 2GB of Ram.Je got back to use Garage Band while waiting to buy Logic (I also have Cubase SE, but I'm too lazy to re learn to use)
Everything works fine. I do not care more than the number of effects and virtual instruments. I even made films without slowing the machine.

The effects are very compelling, virtual instruments honest (there's more of course)

I leave a note as average, with an old machine is hell

OVERALL OPINION

Assets:
easy to install and use
cheap
good effects

Cons:
unless you have a big machine, we can not do much
In my version, I have to keep the same pace from beginning to end of the song.

Appraisal:
I'm glad to have recovered a free version of Tracktion, which runs very well on my old iBook. I can even record 8 tracks simultaneously, it would have been impossible to do with Garageband.

[edit] With a recent machine, it is perfect for home models: D
(I do just to hassle quintuplets). To narrow things I spend my logic projects under

Everything has been said, this software is a ridiculous ease of use, everything is ready for mac, no-brainer for sound cards, latency does not exist, the software is preinstalled on the started, you plug the guitar and it's ready ... Difficult to make access easier, it's just impossible to return to the computer music PC after that.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I currently use a mac mini 2.26 Ghz with 2GB of ram (the entry level at the time of writing) with the latest version of GB (that of the iLife 9), this config is amply sufficient to use the software with a bunch of runs without slowdowns.

A word about people who complain about not being able to run properly on their config software: iLife réguièrement is updated to reflect new config offered by Apple, to run the latest version of the software on a mac for 5 years is not recommended, for against the version of time is not a problem, even with a high number of tracks.

OVERALL OPINION

I use Garageband for some months, it is a blessing for all musicians wishing to register models without taking the head with technical details, I used more than a dozen different software computer music on a good package bw without finding something decent, it's just amazing to see that garageband surpasses them all when it is free!

Of course there are points on which one can quibble, it is not possible to use VST, but given the impressive list of proposed base virtual instruments, I do not seem a problem, there is plenty to do knowing that the target software amateur musicians rather than the pros of computer music.

The latest version offers several new features, including guitar lessons / piano for beginners, they are also quite well made, we review the basics of both instruments, the handling agreements / lines. Function by Magic Garage Band is pretty futile against (the computer actually plays a live component and it is possible to change by changing such instruments or style ... not convinced of the value.

What can I say except that trying to adopt it, difficult to reverse when you see gas plants proposed by the competitors.

GarageBand was designed for the Mac OS, by the developer who made the Mac OS, so Apple's beautiful software homogeneity makes GarageBand painfully easy to start up. I don't own a Mac myself, but I've done my share of being around my friends when they first get Macs, so I can tell you right now that GarageBand is a cinch to get running.

For goodness sake, GarageBand comes installed on new Apple computers as it is, and if yours doesn't have it for some reason, iLife is almost criminally simple to set up, since it's designed to so perfectly integrate with Mac OS.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Because of this, there should be no compatibility problems whatsoever, and it runs smoother than a new patent leather shoe.

It has the basic functionality needed for anyone to get started on anything. Basic recording and MIDI functions hold your hand into the world of audio recording as long as you're willing to get into it yourself. Presets are the name of the game in GarageBand, so you're not overwhelmed with parameters until you understand basic workflow.

It is possible, however, to overwhelm your machine. As long as you have a relatively modern computer, you should be fine. And being the beginner you probably are, you won't be running forty tracks at once because you want to comp all your takes.

OVERALL OPINION

I could see how GarageBand would be a great tool, even for professionals, when quick idea capture is all that's needed. Logic is a wonderful tool, as are all the other DAWs, but quite honestly, they can get rather unwieldy if all you want to do is record a guitar lick so you don't forget it later. GarageBand doesn't come with any bloat.

However, you can do some rudimentary projects on this as well! After all, we've heard of projects being done in Audacity, and GarageBand, I've found, is just quite a bit more comprehensive.

Apple's Garageband is their beginner DAW that they recommend everybody try. It's meant for those who just want to dabble in recording. It's built so that it caters towards simplicity rather than trying to overwhelm the user with tons and tons of options like so many other DAWs out there. It's a bit lacking in terms of compatibility with certain plug-ins out there. While certain plug-ins do work with the DAW, such as Superior Drummer, there are certain features that you might be missing due to the limits of the actual implementation. I never read the manual, so I can't really comment on that. However, Apple's support is usually great, and they have a forum dedicated towards helping out users in need.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Garageband is known for its stability. There are few programs out there that are as stable as this is. However, as I said above, it's a bit limiting. I'm a power user, so this is all in the perspective of someone who records as more of a profession rather than a hobby. I find the lack of options to be a bit limiting as to what I can do. While it works for just scribbling down ideas and making some basic tracks on the road, I find myself wanting my full DAW more than anything else.

OVERALL OPINION

Garageband is a great DAW for those who are just starting out, but keep in mind that it has its limitations as to what you can actually do. It's not meant for power users, and those who are used to professional DAWs might find it a bit lacking overall. However, if you're a casual musician who needs something basic to use, Garageband should suit you nicely. The best part about the software is that it's free, so you're more than welcome to use it to its fullest. If you can, however, I recommend trying to save up for Logic Express. You'll get so much more out of that DAW than any other DAW out there in terms of price, and it's extremely stable to boot.