I'm using a PreSonus Audiobox USB as my interface into Garageband running on my Mac laptop. I have not loaded any PreSonus software. When I plug 2 mics into the PreSonus and start recording on Garageband, it seems all the controls on the PreSonus unit don't really work. All the levels and such are controlled by the Garageband level controls. Jul 16, 2014 With Capture for iPad, you can record and save multiple songs on an iPad, and Capture is the only app that provides direct wireless transfer of your recordings to PreSonus Studio One® for Mac® or Windows® (version 2.6.3 or later), where you can edit and mix. Aug 02, 2012 Garageband recognizes the Audiobox, and asks me if that's the interface I want to use. But there's no sound coming through. In fact, the option to adjust recording levels is not even lit up/active for me to adjust. I've tested sound through the Audiobox itself by plugging my headphones in directly. Presonus iTwo with Garageband on iPad. I really miss my M-Audio Fasttrack 8R. M-Audio/Midiman had the most stable drivers and best customer support, until they were bought by Avid, and the sold again, decimating one of the best value midi/audio interface companies. StudioLive Series III Ecosystem Learn how the PreSonus StudioLive Series III Mixers can help you build a system that is tailored to your needs today but readily expandable as your needs evolve over time.; Audio Interfaces Finder We've been making recording interfaces for a long time. Whether you use Mac®, Windows®, or iOS®, we have an interface that fits your application and budget.
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USB 2 Audio Interfaces For Mac, PC & iOS
PreSonus have expanded their AudioBox range with two compact interfaces that will work with your Mac, PC or iOS device.
The AudioBox iOne and iTwo are the most recent additions to the popular line of USB interfaces from PreSonus, sporting a familiar blue paint job and adding iOS compatibility to the specification sheets. The larger of the devices features two simultaneous mic, line and instrument inputs, an input-versus-playback mix control for direct monitoring, plus MIDI I/O. Meanwhile, the iOne has a single mic preamp, one instrument input and is devoid of line inputs or MIDI ports (a simple on/off toggle switch is included for direct monitoring here). Unlike many competing iOS-ready interfaces, no additional cables or adapters need to be purchased to start recording, and the package is augmented by the inclusion of an ‘Artist’ version of the manufacturer’s own Studio One DAW software, plus a handy way of moving work in progress from the iPad to the computer.
Case Study
The build quality of both boxes is very respectable on the whole. The sturdy aluminium cases have an even-colour finish and chunky, industrial-looking bolts on corners. There are, however, some sharp edges where holes have been cut for the input sockets, and even the edges of the case could be a little smoother to the touch. Unlikely to cause injury perhaps, but this does detract from the overall quality. The buttons feel a little bit ‘hollow’ when pressed, but gain and headphone level pots are more solid, with gentle clicks to assist with setting and matching levels. The chunky main volume dial is pretty sturdy too, and doesn’t wobble about like the knobs of some competing devices. The various controls are laid out sensibly on the front panel, with a signal activity/clipping LED included on each input to act as a simple level meter.
When connected to a computer, the iOne and iTwo are bus powered through the supplied USB cable. For use with an iPad, the interfaces are first connected to a charger using the USB cable (ie. the charger plug supplied with the iPad) and then connected to the iPad using its own 30-pin or Lightning cable. Unusually, the charging icon isn’t shown on the display of the iPad in this configuration, although Presonus maintain that a ‘trickle’ charge will reach the iPad to avoid a drain in power. A support article on the web site suggests that apps running in the background should be manually killed and flight mode selected to avoid battery drain. During testing with a first-generation iPad Mini, the battery did in fact slowly drain when using the Capture Duo app, losing charge more rapidly on more intensive apps such as GarageBand. https://onwebturbo.weebly.com/drum-racks-ableton-download.html. I consider this not an inconsiderable shortcoming as it renders extended sessions impossible without having to stop recording to recharge. The associated ‘battery range anxiety’ detracts from the would-be relaxed atmosphere of recording on the iPad — very frustrating!
Installation
The driver installation package for Windows is reached via a download. On the Mac side, no driver is required as the interfaces are class compliant. However, the hardware does require Mac OS 10.8 or later (despite 10.7.5 being listed as the minimum specification on the packaging). Commendably, PreSonus supply a user-friendly operation manual as an additional download also including tutorials for recording a range of instruments, processing and mixing tips, and even a recipe! Following product registration, the Studio One Artist software is downloaded. The installation packages are rather large: around 3 to 5 GB for the main application with the software instrument soundsets. The download runs into many more gigabytes still when users select options for third-party content (eg. the free version of Native Instruments’ Komplete player).
The Capture Duo app for iPad is available for free from the App Store. It offers an incredibly simple way to record sketches as lossless audio files without the bells and whistles of virtual instruments or loops. You record tracks on the app and then, cleverly, the app sends the project over to Studio One on the computer via the Wi-Fi network. The feature is extremely helpful, considering that alternative apps such as GarageBand fail to offer a method for moving recording projects across to the computer for more detailed editing and mixing. The downside, though, is that the free version is limited to only two tracks; you have to pay £7.99$9.99 to get the full 32-track recorder, so this extra cost needs to be taken into account when purchasing one of the devices.
Studio Tour
The entry-level Studio One Artist is an incredibly worthy inclusion, rather than being bundled software you might never use due to limitations. Unlike ‘starter’ packages from some other manufacturers, there is no audio track limit and it has a wide range of useful plug-ins. Notably, these include a surprisingly capable amp simulator with additional stomp-box effects, a passable digital reverb, an impressive range of monitoring utilities, including real-time frequency analysers/phase checking, and a full seven-band equaliser. These features alone make Studio One Artist a very strong contender for audio recording and mixing when compared to its competitors.
The interfaces feature two balanced line outputs and a Kensington security slot. The USB 2 socket connects to either the computer or iPad charger plug via the supplied USB cable, whilst the iPad is connected to the Device port using its own power cable. The iTwo adds MIDI I/O.Added to the capable audio facilities, there is also a multitude of software instrument patches. Among these are some perfectly decent synthesizer, drum and pad sounds that wouldn’t be out of place in a finished production but, as you might expect, sample-based presets such as pianos are only really suitable for demo material. Nevertheless, there’s enough to get you started before wanting to add any additional third-party software instruments.The Duo Capture iPad app. Whilst there are only very basic mixing controls (volume and pan per track), projects can be sent via Wi-Fi to the Studio One DAW software on your computer. A paid upgrade is required to access the full 32-track version.
In The Field
All the software is straightforward to operate. On the iPad, the Capture Duo app offers simple level and pan controls plus basic editing features, allowing the user to concentrate on recording decent takes, and I found it fairly straightforward to get a project underway in Studio One. The simple approach to direct monitoring works fairly well on both interfaces: a 50/50 mix is fine in almost all applications and helps to avoid any latency that would be experienced when monitoring through software (particularly with iOS). Personally though, I’d prefer to have the option to pan the input signals hard left and right in the monitor mix to help separation, and the headphone amplifier could be a little louder for some applications.
When monitoring real-time effects through the software on the iPad (eg. using an amp simulator in GarageBand) the resulting latency is bearable on all but the fastest of musical passages. In Studio One, virtual instruments can be triggered with no discernible latency; in testing, the interfaces handled low buffer settings without any nasty side effects.
Mixing with Studio One Artist. The entry-level DAW offers a range of capable audio plug-ins including a full seven-band equaliser with real-time spectrum analysis and digital room reverb.In terms of audio quality, I found the iOne and iTwo to be just fine. No obvious noise is apparent on inputs and the preamps are perfectly functional, but you shouldn’t expect miracles in the quality of the converters. I took the time to compare the playback quality of uncompressed audio between interfaces to the on-board sound from my MacBook Pro. At similar listening levels, the iOne and iTwo gave slightly clearer reverb tails on the reference tracks and an very slightly fuller low-frequency response. Whilst these are only very small differences that don’t really ‘wow’ the listener, the interfaces are well up to the task for recording in a home studio.
All in all, the AudioBox iOne and iTwo offer a useful feature set, good sound and build quality and a refreshingly useful software bundle. For the home studio, these are well worth a look, but it’s unfortunate that the iPad integration isn’t quite as refined as it could be. Recommended.
Alternatives
Although it costs more, the Apogee One works with Mac and iOS (but not Windows) and provides up to two simultaneous inputs including a useful internal condenser mic. Ie driver download for mac. There’s no MIDI I/O, but direct monitoring is taken care of by an app, which includes the option to vary pan and volume for each input in the monitor mix. The Roland UA22 Duo Capture EX is a closely matched contender to the iTwo in terms of specification, and its solid build quality and respected preamps make this well worth your consideration. However, it does require the Apple Camera Connection Kit to make it work with an iPad, and sample rates are limited to 48kHz. The Alesis iO Hub is an entry-level, two-input audio interface for Windows, Mac and iOS. It too requires the Apple Camera Connection Kit as an additional purchase, and a 9V battery is also required to supply phantom power to condenser mics when used with an iOS device — so I’d say this is more readily suited to those who record using dynamic mics.
Specifications Compared
iTwo
- USB 2.
- 24-bit with sample rates of up to 96kHz.
- Two simultaneous mic/line/instrument inputs on combination connectors.
- Two TRS jack line outputs.
- One headphone output.
- MIDI In/Out.
- Direct monitoring input/playback mix control.
- Requires Mac OS 10.8.5 or 10.9.4/Windows 7 or later (tested using Mac OS 10.9.4).
- Works with all iPads except first generation (iOS 7.0.3 or higher required).
- Supplied with USB cable and Studio One Artist DAW (via download).
iOne
As iTwo except: Rca model vr5220 a user manual.
- Two simultaneous inputs comprising XLR mic input and one instrument input (no line inputs present).
- Simpler direct monitoring — on/off button only.
- No MIDI In/Out.
Pros
- Easy to use, with solid construction and clean signal paths.
- Zero-latency software monitoring.
- Useful iPad integration: no camera kit required and easy transfer from Capture app.
- Capable entry-level Studio One Artist DAW included.
- Two simultaneous inputs available even on the iOne (mic plus instrument).
Cons
- Gradual drain of the iPad battery when powered through the interface.
- Full Capture app is a paid extra.
- Headphone output could be slightly louder.
- A stereo option for direct monitoring would have been useful on the iTwo.
Summary
Attractive, affordable packages for recording on computer and iPad. Neat iOS integration and useful bundled software are definite plus points, but those requiring higher-quality preamps and more flexible direct monitoring may want to explore other options.
information
AudioBox iOne £104.99, AudioBox iTwo £129.00. Prices include VAT.Source Distribution +44 (0)20 8962 5080
Audiobox iOne $129.95, Audiobox iTwo $159.95.PreSonus Audio Electronics +1 225 216 7887. Ableton mac price.
Recording
Editor Rating: Excellent (4.5)
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Pros
- Streamlined, professional interface.
- Makes it easy to record and mix music.
- Enjoyable instrument lessons.
- Works with Logic Remote on the iPad for wireless control.
- Supports 24-bit recording and third-party plug-ins.
Cons
- Podcast features have disappeared.
- No PC version.
Bottom Line
GarageBand is more powerful than ever, and now gives novices and pros alike easy recording built into every Mac. It's still the best way to get started recording or to learn piano or guitar on a computer.
There's been a seismic shift in how records are made. A couple of decades ago, it took a mountain of gear to make an album. Now, you can do it with the built-in software that comes with every Apple computer, thanks to the free GarageBand. Unlike the cartoonish version that debuted in the early aughts, the new GarageBand features a surprisingly serious presentation that roughly mirrors the high-end Logic Pro X digital audio workstation, or DAW. Although GarageBand lacks Logic's amazing flexibility, vast array of instruments, and powerful mixing and mastering features, it's almost as powerful when it comes to handling other tasks. The fact that GarageBand is free makes the app all the better, and a clear Editors' Choice for entry-level recording software.
Setup and User Interface
For this review, I tested GarageBand 10.3.2 on a 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and macOS Mojave. To use this app, you must plug in a USB-compatible MIDI keyboard and either a pair of headphones or a small pair of desktop speakers. For plugging in an electric guitar or bass, or connecting microphones to record vocals and other acoustic instruments, you'll need an audio interface of some kind, such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
GarageBand's basic interface layout mimics that of Logic Pro X and other proper multitrack software. I vastly prefer this to GarageBand's old design, which tried to imitate a four-track tabletop recorder. When you first create a project, you're tasked with selecting a template for the kind of music you want to record, as well as an empty project you can populate from scratch. Selecting one brings up the main interface. The top-right portion of the window is where you add and mix new tracks. Sheek louch after taxes download. You click any recorded data to bring up an editor in the bottom portion of the display. Here you can switch between piano roll and score views, an audio editor, and, where appropriate, an EQ tab that displays a beautiful, clean-sounding parametric equalizer for the given track.
SEE ALSO: Showdown: Original 1984 Macintosh vs. Today's Apple iMac
The left side of the display shows your selected instrument. The top bar includes icons for triggering the various windows, a transport bar for recording and playback, an LED-style readout for the current beat, bar, tempo, meter, and other information, icons for loop recording, a guitar tuner, a count off, and a metronome. It's easy to resize the various windows and zoom levels using the on-screen sliders. To the far right, you can launch a Notes page, an audio loop browser, and a media drawer for recorded audio and movies you want to sync music to. Apple also added support for the Force Touch trackpad and Touch Bar that come built into the latest MacBook Pros.
Recording, Smart Controls, and Remote
Recording is as simple as arming a track and clicking the Record icon. You can record at 24 bits with a mic, if you have a USB-powered one or an audio interface with a mic preamp into which you can plug a microphone. You can record and mix up to 255 tracks, and only your audio interface limits how many you can record simultaneously. You can easily record multiple takes, and comp them. With version 10.3.2, you can drag and drop on-the-fly Voice Memo recordings of your latest idea right into GarageBand.
Basic editing is simple, but if you want to really dig into GarageBand, advanced features are available, too. Flex Time lets you massage the groove of a given audio track, while Groove Matching perfectly matches the timing, tempo, and feel of the other tracks to the one you have set up. These are surprisingly transparent sounding, as long as you use them within reason.
Presonus Audiobox Software Download
There's still no proper mixing board. Instead, you use the left side of the Arrangement window as a mixer, with horizontal sliders on each track. There's a reverb effect, and you can pan tracks from left to right in the stereo field; you can also apply compression to recorded audio tracks. GarageBand includes a basic mastering track to boost your levels and get a finished sound, though it's nothing like what you'd get in a professional-level digital audio workstation, such as Logic Pro X or Pro Tools. Still, it's a much-appreciated inclusion in a free recording app.
GarageBand works with the excellent Logic Remote app that's available free on iOS devices. You can use your iPad or iPhone to wirelessly play any GarageBand instrument on the Mac, adjust the Smart Controls for individual sounds, and otherwise edit and arrange your project. It also has built-in transport controls, so you can record with a guitar or vocals on one side of the room while you remotely start and stop the Mac on the other side using Logic Remote. This process used to require the use of a $1,000 hardware control surface and a professional digital audio workstation program; now it's free on your phone or tablet.
Taking another page from Logic Pro X, GarageBand boasts Smart Controls that highlight the most effective parameters to tweak for a given sound, and present knobs, buttons, and sliders for you to adjust, depending on the instrument. You can now record performances with Smart Controls, too, letting you shape and evolve sounds in real time that then get printed to the track as automation data.
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Many Instruments
There's a solid sound library built in, and Apple has been continually adding to it over the past several years; you no longer need to pay $4.99 to get extra sounds. Out of the box, you get an array of sweet-sounding acoustic and electronic drums, electric and acoustic basses, and a small variety of synth pads, leads, and basses. There's a nice acoustic piano, electric piano, clavinet, and tonewheel organ, new Mellotron patches, and acoustic and clean electric guitars. The orchestral instruments contain several choir samples, a harp, and a pipe organ, in addition to the usual strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. A new Chinese instrument section includes the Erhu and Pipa, and for Japan, the Guzheng, Koto, and a set of Taiko drums.
Guitar and bass players can plug in and choose from a selection of 28 instrument-specific amps and cabinets with a choice of several microphones, plus 35 separate stomp boxes and a handy tuner. You also get Drummer, a virtual session player plug-in that accompanies your tracks with one of 28 players. Drop one on a track, and you'll get an automatic groove you can tune in real time to simplify or busy up the playing. GarageBand 10.3 adds two new players for roots and jazz-influenced brushwork. More than 3,000 Apple Loops help get you started in a variety of genres, and there's even a library of 400 sound effects for basic post-production work. (Note: You'll need to download most of the sounds separately by heading to GarageBand > Sound Library and selecting Download All Sounds; they're not included in the initial App Store download.)
Across the board, the patches sound good to excellent. I particularly like the Steinway piano and the acoustic stand-up bass. GarageBand supports third-party AU plug-ins, so you could buy or download free virtual instruments and add to your sonic repertoire—and those will of course carry over if you upgrade to Logic Pro X or another professional DAW. A quick check around the internet revealed people having trouble with existing third-party plug-ins, so check each manufacturer's website for updated compatibility with GarageBand.
Mac Garageband Download
Options, Options, Options
GarageBand comes with 40 free basic guitar and piano lessons you can download; to get started with these, click Learn to Play in the New Project window. Each lesson provides real-time feedback as you play to show you what you've done correctly or incorrectly. The Lesson Store is no longer; you now get more than 20 free downloadable artist lessons from famous artists such as Sara Bareiles, John Legend, Rush, and Sting, playing their signature hits and showing you how to do so. Apple used to charge $5 a pop for these, so this is an excellent freebie.
Presonus Audiobox Mac Garageband 7
There are plenty of online sharing options for social networks, as well as the ability to export to MP3, SoundCloud, iTunes, or a custom ringtone file for your phone. You can also save projects to iCloud, or better yet, start a project on GarageBand on the iPad or iPhone, save it, and then open it in GarageBand on the desktop. You can now import projects from the iOS Music Memos app, as well.
Stunningly Versatile
GarageBand is incredibly powerful for a free DAW. There are lower-cost DAWs on the PC side that come in at under $100, such as Cockos Reaper and Studio One Artist, but there's nothing free with this much power and this many included sounds. If you prefer a full mixing console, many more instruments and effects, pitch correction, proper mastering, and other pro editing features, Logic Pro X—also an Editors' Choice for Mac users—is an excellent buy at $199. Ableton 9 trial download. Deckadance mixtrack pro script. All told, you can't beat GarageBand for getting started making music, immediately and affordably.
Apple GarageBand (for Mac)
Bottom Line: GarageBand offers easy music recording for novices and pros alike, and it comes free with every Mac. The app is still the best way to learn piano or guitar on a computer and easily earns our Editors' Choice nod.