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Recording a Real Instrument

Before you start recording:

Record button

To record a Real Instrument:

  1. Select a Real Instrument track you want to record in, or create a new Real Instrument track.
  2. Make sure the track is set to use the correct input channel (or channels) and the correct format (mono or stereo). Turn on monitoring to hear your instrument as you play and record.
  3. Play a few notes and watch the track’s level meters to make sure the track is getting input from the instrument.

  4. Move the playhead to the point in the beat ruler where you want to start recording.
  5. Choose Control > Count In to have the metronome play a one-measure count-in before recording starts, or set the playhead a few beats before the point you want the recorded part to begin, to give yourself time to start playing.
  6. Click the Record button (the red circular button) to start recording.
  7. Play your instrument. You see the new region appear in the timeline as you record.
  8. As you record, watch the track’s level meters to make sure the track is receiving input, and that the input level is not high enough to cause “clipping.” If the red dots next to the level meters light up while you record, lower the input signal and try recording again.

  9. When you are finished playing, click the Play button to stop recording.

GarageBand includes a metronome, which plays a steady beat while you record to help you play in time. To learn about using the metronome, see Related Topics below.

Related Topics

Using the metronome

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