All user reviews for the Apple GarageBand

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.

The software comes with the machine. Difficult to be more consistent. Simply assign the inputs and outputs on the sound card ... and roll!
There are some aid from the menu.
If a person has tinkered with software sequencers, we toured two / three hours.
And yet, we must admit that I am a bit slow because I tried all the guitar amps, from sheer gluttony.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The computer is an iMac 21 inch with Snow Leopard. There is a dual core. If we glue his ear to the metal, maybe we can hear them fight. 'll Try, like ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have it for two months. Previously I tinkered with Pro 24 and Cubase Atari (to give an idea of ​​the age of the captain), I also approached the Music Maker on the PC and Cubase LE.
The latter configuration was very unstable, creaked, had made an average sound.
I use it to mock-up of titles.
I send my groovebox sequences or drum loops I have in an external HDD then I record guitars, vocals, percussion ...
And Ben ... is bluffing. The collection of amps is quite convincing (especially the Vox and Fender, but it is a matter of taste). The audio response is taken from his excellent (I have good microphones and good processing chain before recording and playback).
You can record in 24 bits and 16 bits for return to the CD format. All transactions are linked together with easy and logical as and when the progress of a recording and mixing. The compressor, reverb and delay are included in good order ... and adjustable.
There is an automation track in the mix.
I have not tried the software instruments because I did not use. I can not comment on it.
It lacks a console to see the mix, but frankly, for a software for the amateur musician, it's up to expectations.
To be more precise, in the case record and mix demos for a myspace, it's enough.

The setup was completely done already. The Application was already in the computer and there is no manual for it, it's just a mediocre software that came with the MacBook Pro. GarageBand is only compatible with Mac, as it was made by Apple Inc. so you can't use it in Linux or Windows. It was pretty easy to figure out how GarageBand works it lacks many important tools for real producing. The program is already configured for the Mac working system and the defaults shouldn’t really be changed since you don't need to. The typical functions are accessible and easy to understand since GarageBand is made for people who are new to electronic music production. Everything in the program has an easy, self-descriptive name. For example, when you change some audio's voice sound, the presets have names like "Deep Voice" or "Helium Voice", etc while in other more professional programs to do this you need to use the EQ, Pitch Change, Compressor, etc. So, it's very easy to use and understand GarageBand but it lacks a lot of professionalism.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The software does work correctly with this configuration since the program is installed already when you buy the Mac Computer. The default is meant to have GarageBand work at optimum performance which obviously makes it stable since professionals had it configured to Mac machinery, so the program will rarely close by itself or have any errors. If used GarageBand for about 3 months before I got something better to produce.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like about GarageBand is that it's free and that it's easy to understand and access. It's pretty good for beginners and to play around with, but to produce professionally, it's very bad. The program lacks a lot of tools to mix voices in with an instrumental and it has very poor sounds to make instrumentals yourself. The sounds it offers you are just a few and they are very weak. GarageBand for making beats is horrible and for mixing, it isn't very affordable. Its value is great obviously since it's free but that still doesn't make the program better. The sound quality is pretty weak and it could be better. There are few tools to make sound be better. This was my first model to produce since it came with my MacBook Pro and I disliked it back then too.

This program comes standard on Macintosh computers. I never particularly cared for it very much, having been familiar with Pro Tools (and to a lesser extent, Logic) already before I purchased a MacBook Pro. The program is easier than Pro Tools to get started using, in fact, in hindsight it'd have been better to learn initially in this program. The setup is pretty basic, though it took me a little bit to figure some things out (for instance, to use the mic you have to set up a real audio track instead of an instrument track, etc.). The functions, which are somewhat limited, are easy to access.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The software usually works fine for the most part. The configuration of the software with my MacBook pro is usually fine, however, sometimes I actually do a LOT of recording (like jamming and leaving it recording for the duration). When this happens, there have been times where it can't handle the workload. This can be prevented by keeping the number of tracks to a minimum. The performance is usually pretty fast, I think that maybe using it too frequently in a short amount of time would make it perform slowly, and occasionally stop recording in the middle of a take.

OVERALL OPINION

I like the ease of use that Garageband offers. I really think that it's the best thing to use if you need to make a rough demo of something, a project you have no intention of releasing. I've actually been able to record a full kit and bass guitar with the Apple mic, and have managed to get really good sounds just by EQing and compressing. As far as mixing goes, there's enough features to make your projects at least listenable. The virtual instruments certainly don't hold a candle to Logic, though, so don't expect to make great music with those. Overall, it's a good program to have.

Apple Garage Band was easy to install, as it came installed with my Mac Book Pro when I bought it. It is designed by Apple, for Apple computers, so I never had any compatibility problems at all and it has always run smoothly for me. The interface of the program is very easy to follow, and is really just a simplified version of Apple Logic. I mostly use this software to record ideas and demos straight from the microphone on my Mac into Garage Band. I don't have a manual for this, but if you have never used any program like this, it might be a good idea to have around. However, on the other hand, if you have any experience with audio or MIDI software, you should be able to figure this out without a manual.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I am currently running Apple Garage Band on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I have never had a problem running as many audio or MIDI tracks as I'd like in Garage Band with this set up. I have run up to about twenty tracks of audio or mixed audio and MIDI at once without issues. However, how many tracks and effects you can run at once really depends on your machine more than the software itself.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using Apple Garage Band for around year since I got my Apple computer that it came installed on. While I have Apple Logic and Pro Tools that I use for most of my projects, I use Garage Band for demos and ideas when I just want to record straight from my computer microphone. The price of Garage Band is free with an Apple computer, but is cheap within the iLife bundle if you need to buy it. Garage Band is powerful software even though it comes with all Mac computers. It is great for beginners looking to try out this type of software.

(Originally written by Billy B�gonia/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

It's a pity that the software has to be installed on the system's hard drive.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I'm using an old iBook G3 800MHz with 640 M RAM and an external firewire HDD.
I admit that my system is not very powerful. But a consumer software should work with an old computer. I bought GarageBand in 2004 and I can only play 5 or 6 audio tracks. The amp simulations and the virtual instruments use virtually all CPU resources.
I know my system is old but it has enough resources to play 10 audio tracks with Tracktion and Reason via Re-wire.

I've read reviews from people who say they can only play 8 tracks with a Macbook Pro, so I guess it must be a software optimization problem.

[edit] I just replaced my old computer with a 2.4Ghz Macbook with 2Gb RAM. I'll stick to Garage Band until I buy Logic (I also have Cubase SE but I'm too lazy to learn how to use it).
Everything works fine. I don't care about the number of virtual effects and instruments anymore. I even compose music for movies without a hitch.

Effects are very convincing and virtual instruments are ok (of course you can find better ones).

I'll still give it an average grade because it's really lousy with an old system.

OVERALL OPINION

Pros:
Easy to install and to use
Not expensive
Good effects

Cons:
Few possibilities without a powerful computer
With my version I can't change the rhythm in the middle of a song.

Conclusion:
I'm happy that I found a free version of Tracktion that works very good with my old iBook. I can even record 8 tracks simultaneously which would be impossible with GarageBand.

[edit] It's perfect for demos production at home if you have a new computer :D.
I will use Logic to polish my songs.