It features multiple inputs, so you can connect a mic, musical instruments and media players. It offers great audio quality, if you don't clip or peak the audio. But don't worry, there is a dial for each input as well as the master volume dial on this interface. Jun 26, 2019 How do you use multi-select to make changes to more than one item at a time in GarageBand iPhone or GarageBand iPad? In this video, I show you two different methods to select and edit multiple.
Here in North America the NHL playoffs are now in full swing and perhaps you’re inspired to play some rocking organ! With GarageBand for iPad we get some great keyboard sounds with nifty screen controls! Not only can we use these keys in our songs that we’re recording, but as I explained in a recent tutorial, live use is also a possibility!
Setup and Equipment Needed
There are a few things we need.
- Controller Keyboard with power supply - There are many to choose from and I use an Axiom Pro 61. You will definitely need the power supply as the iPad does not provide power through it’s dock port. If you want to use the Korg Nano series, you will need a USB hub with power supply.
- Camera Connection Kit - Our keyboard controller communicates with GB through this device.
Axiom Pro 61
Apple's Camera Connection Kit
Controls
Each instrument has it’s own layout (organ with drawbars, synths with filter controls) but also there are some functions just above the keyboard and these will vary with the instrument selected. For example, “Sustain” will be on piano but not organ, organ will have the “Rotary” switch for the Leslie, all depending on the instrument.
Although we’re going to be using a keyboard controller, if you want to use the onscreen keyboard, you get different controls for how your screen keyboard responds. On the far left is an “Octave” plus and minus. A middle button for “Glissando”, “Scroll”, “Pitch” which vary again depending on the instrument selected and the right side has a “Scale”, “Arpeggiator” and “Keyboard Layout”.
“Glissando” lets you slide across the keys like a real keyboard would. Think of the piano player using the back of his hand and sliding up or down the keys.
Garageband For Ipad Air
“Scroll” allows you to play a note and while holding it, slide the keyboard up or down. Useful if you need to get into different octaves of the on screen keyboard quickly.
“Pitch” is a like a pitch bend wheel but lets you pitch up or down between notes simply by sliding your finger. Great for the vintage synths!
“Scale” is great for solos if you want to try different sounding scales in a piece of music. Once you pick the scale you want to use, the keyboard becomes more like a single row marimba minus the #/b keys. If you use a kb controller, you will still have all the notes available but you can learn what notes are used by playing them on the iPad and matching them on your keyboard. You’ll soon be playing “Klezmer” with ease!
“Arpeggiator” is your freedom to play multiple notes with one chord held down. You can choose note order, rate, and octave range. Great for dance tunes or your version of “Teenage Wasteland”! Unfortunately, the arpeggiator does not work with a KB Controller.
Keyboard Controller
Using “Smart Instruments”
Recording Tips
Want the best interface for Garageband? Read our reviews of iOs, iPad, USB, Midi audio interfaces.
BEST INTERFACE FOR GARAGEBAND ~~ TOP AUDIO INTERFACE REVIEWS (USB, PORTABLE, IOS)
Welcome to the Best Interface for Garageband guide. If you're looking for the best interface for Garageband, see our reviews. We tested USB, iOS, Midi and iPad audio interfaces, so use this guide to get the best interface for Garageband. We can help you get the best interface for Garageband!
Interface | Description | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) | Small but powerful audio interface. | 5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
Focusrite iTrack Solo Lightning | Perfect for a home studio. | 4.5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 | The best choice for serious musicians. | 5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
Not only does this small but powerful audio interface give you all of the features that you need to get the best recordings, but it's also easy to use. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 operates smoothly with your Garageband setup, and you can use it in a home studio or on the go (it's very portable). This USB audio interface can work with iPad, iPhone and every PC or laptop.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface is easy to use directly out of the box. This is the best interface for Garageband at this price!
This audio interface is compact, portable, easy to use, and a great choice for people that need a simple interface for Garageband. It features multiple inputs, so you can connect a mic, musical instruments and media players.
Garageband For Ipad App
It offers great audio quality, if you don't clip or peak the audio. But don't worry, there is a dial for each input as well as the master volume dial on this interface. And, the Go:Mixer also comes with a peaking LED which comes in very handy when recording.
Though this interface for Garageband is pretty versatile, it is lacking XLR input and 48v Phantom Power, which is the only downside of this interface.
Another Focusrite audio interface in this guide, that's right! Focusrite is known for producing extraordinarily high quality USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces for both Mac and PC. Now, with the iTrack Solo Lightning, they are offering most of their top features combined into this little box.
While the iTrack Solo Lightning is smaller and lacks a few of the features of Focusrite's more expensive interfaces, this audio interface still compares well to other interfaces at this price point.
Don't let me get started on the mic preamp! It gives you the ability to record clean and clear recordings every time, and there's also 48v Phantom Power, so you can use any studio quality condenser microphone you want.
Its super-low latency will certainly impress even the best musicians, especially those who are using Garageband and an iPad to make music.
If you need a portable audio interface for Garageband, this might be the one! The iRig Pro I/O is designed to be 'plug and play', and it's easy to use with studio gear - microphones, guitars, basses, keyboards.
It packs 1/8' stereo headphone output with preamp and level control, and it's compatible with iOS devices. Besides that, the unit can charge your iPhone or iPad while in use, if you take advantage of the optional DC power supply.
Did I mention it also features MIDI Out jack? This feature gives you even more flexibility and control over your MIDI gear.
If you have some older gear with five-pin MIDI connectors, the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a good choice and a Focusrite 2i2 alternative.
That said, AudioBox iTwo has the same iPad functionality and it's just as portable as the 2i2, but harder to use. because of the smaller design.
The AudioBox iTwo might be the best interface for people with older gear.
If you don't mind spending a little extra and want to get the best interface for Garageband, pick the Komplete Audio 6 Mk2.
The Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 features a unique design and it's easier to set up and use than other interfaces we listed above, but it's more expensive. And, the Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 interface has all of the advantages of the Focusrite 2i2, but adds two extra line inputs and outputs, and features a built-in MIDI interface.
Let's take a look at top considerations when buying top audio interfaces for Garageband.
When buying the best interface for Garageband, you want to make sure that the interface is portable and compatible with your software. Don't worry, all interfaces above are compatible with Garageband and most operating systems (iPad, iOS, Mac, Windows computer).
Whether you like recording live music or you want to use MIDI instruments with Garageband, it is essential that you pick an audio interface with the correct inputs and outputs.
Garageband Input Monitoring
When buying audio interfaces, the first thing you notice is their design. And, good design also makes an interface easier to use!
Garageband Ipad Tutorial
If you need something portable, we recommend small interfaces (USB or lightning) without a lot of knobs, as they are much easier to use with Garageband - we tested it! You can see a photo, read reviews and check ratings before buying any gear on Amazon or Sweetwater.
The Wire Cutter, Gearank, The Garage Band Guide and Tabers Best Reviews also submitted good reviews on their websites. You can read their buying guide as well!
New News