GarageBand, typical for many Apple offerings, is so deceptively powerful it requires two TC PDFs to cover it. Take Control of Making Music with GarageBand ’08 and Take Control of Recording with GarageBand ’08, both by Jeff Tolbert, cover the two main uses of the audio recording software that ships on every Mac.

I know GarageBand pretty well and indeed I often teach it – but I learnt something almost straight away from both these books. They are bulging with practical information ... how to add notes in notation view buy Command-clicking; the fact the loop browser has its six columns divided so: the first three from the left are instruments, the fourth is music styles, and the last two are for various modes. The difference between Real Instruments (blue – actual recordings) and green Software Instrument (MIDI) tracks is related in clear language, along with many other of the inherent mysteries of GarageBand.

Learning how to use and manipulate the new arrange sections was particularly illuminating – you have to cut the sections of music and then the arrange section at the top to be able to move entire sections with just a drag of the Arrange named part.

And how abut this? You can tell how much recording power your Mac has. Watch the playhead as music plays. If it’s clear, you have plenty of processor speed. If it turns yellow, you’re in the warning zone; if the playhead is red, you’re in danger of maxxing out your processor. When GarageBand runs out of processing power, playback stops and you’ll get a warning. I obviously haven’t been taxing my GarageBand enough as I didn’t know this!

In the Recording TC PDF, you learn about such essential topics as using external microphones – what to buy? A ‘dynamic’ mic picks up the greatest range of sound, a ‘condenser’ is more sensitive. (Jeff says get one of each!)

You will need an additional amplifying audio interface to get really good quality sound into your Mac. Alternatives available in New Zealand include the USB Alesis (the two-channel IO2 is about $250), a FireWire Presonus FireBox or DigiDesign’s M-Audio and M-Box (FireWire and USB).

The first two work really well with GarageBand and are much cheaper. The last two come with full featured Pro Tool software that is not yet Leopard compatible; as an OS 10.4 solution, Pro Tools is right into Pro territory – but the M-Box inputs can be used to record into GarageBand. Lots of keyboard tricks are mentioned too – not the MIDI keyboard or grand piano you might have – the Mac keyboard. Like pressing Z or Return starts you back at the beginning of the track, and pressing R starts recording right away. Cool.

Jeff Tolbert’s advice is practical and hands-on – nothing beats having a big enough screen (or two monitors) with a Take Control book open while you work through an application step-by-step.

Near the end of the Recording TC book is a list of the effects and how they work – this is a great resource if you’ve ever played with them and wondered just what on earth was going on. 

The Making Music TC PDF is likewise full of tips and hands-on sequences to teach you how to get the most out of loops – it’s really excellent.

Conclusion  Master levels, pan, effects, automation, Arrange sections, learn some cool new tricks – great stuff.

What’s new  mentions all the new features in GarageBand ’08. 

What’s great  all the tips and hands-on parts  

What’s not  I would have liked a little more on podcasting and, specifically, how to score movies.

Needs  some serious engagement with Apple’s terrific audio software.

Looks 7/10

Usability 9/10

Value for money 9/10

> Take Control of Making Music with GarageBand ’08 and Take Control of Recording with GarageBand ’08, both by Jeff Tolbert c$13.30 each (US$10 each)

* Prices in NZ dollars at time of review for download-only purchase

Description get a lot more from GarageBand ’08 and learn heaps about music and recording as well

System anything that can display PDFs

Contact  Take Control Books.