Recording yo'self

Gear
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I have yet to listen to the Zoom session done recently for DAI stuff. I should probably do that first before I ask this question. That would be the smart thing to do.

…

Sometimes, I am not a smart man. So, I do not have a Mac, which means no GarageBand for me. But! I do have an iPad, which means yes GarageBand for me!

Is it worth getting something like an iRig for my iPad and using GarageBand? Or should I get a Windows application and use a different piece of hardware?

Ultimately, I’m looking for the most cost-effective solution to get me started.

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That’s where I started and found it VERY cumbersome.
GarageBand on an iPad is not the same as on a mac and very un-user friendly to use.
I returned the iRig and got a focusrite Scarlett and used my PC instead.

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If you get an IrigHD2 you can use it with the iPad or windows and it comes with Amplitube 5 SE for Windows/Mac and Amplitube for iOS.

I’ve been using my iRigHD2 for 4 years, it works great! Amplitube 4 that came with it had better options for bass than 5 SE does. I mostly use it with windows but I sometimes use it at my friends place with his iPad and a small plug in amplified speaker.

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You’ll want to punch yourself in the face trying to record using GarageBand on an Ipad vs a Mac. It’s very tedious, compared to the experience on my Imac.
I haven’t used a PC in 15 years so I’ll let others post their thoughts on going that route.

I use Focusrite Scarlet DAI into my Imac. Simple and it works.

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The Scarletts are simple and good quality and while not the cheapest are not out of line either. They are a solid choice.

I wouldn’t recommend music editing on any mobile device, period. That said, millions of people do it, for some reason.

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I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Scarletts. If I wasn’t firmly entrenched in my Zoom U-44 would consider going that direction.
I no nothing about Garage Band, but I have heard lots of scary tales about it. I bath myself in Apple product repellent daily, so I can’t comment much about Macs either. Good luck in your quest!

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Garage Band on macs is fantastic for a free product. Basically, Logic Lite. Kind of like the relationship between iMovie and Final Cut.

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I was amazed at all the stuff you get in garage band. I’ve never used it for anything but it looks pretty good :slightly_smiling_face:

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It does a lot to make itself very easy to use. Comes with a small but decent set of amp sims and effects too.

And the drummers are a cool idea for incorporating drum tracks easily and quickly (if you are not trying to be exacting).

You’d run in to its limits and want to upgrade quickly for real music production but for recording covers it would be absolutely fine.

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Check out this thread as well:

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My recording equipment totals around £100. A Behringer and FL mobile.

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I may ask to borrow some of yours, Pam, if Apple ever produce something that I would consider worthwhile buying ;). Luckily, Apple have their own native repellent.

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:rofl::joy::rofl:

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I have the go mixer pro, it’s very easy to use. Recoded the kids at school jamming the new version is better and at the same price.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GOMIXERPROX--roland-gomixer-pro-audio-mixer-for-smartphones

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I love my iPhone and iPad but despise our mac.

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I love all Apple products except their mice, which really really suck. Their laptops are best in class though (despite the premium cost) and the displays on their iMacs are phenomenal.

And iPhones are just great devices, especially for audio, compared with their competitors.

My only pet peeve with Apple products is their perennial reduction in upgradeability over time. But that’s how you get to super-thin aluminum laptops. It’s a tradeoff.

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I have the go mixer pro also. For self recordings find this the EZ way to go. Usually one or two takes done. I have M-audio interface, and Reaper, Mixcraft software for audio recording.

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I’m not an apple fan at all but iOS devices are magnitudes better for music than Android and you just can’t beat the MBA M1 for price, speed and battery life in a small/light package.

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Yeah we are really liking our M1 mini.

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My 2cents…jyst started. Focusrite scarlet was a no brainer to set up. For DAW, I tried Ableton lite, protools, cakewalk, and reaper. Reaper was the only one I could figure out, as i am stubborn and didn’t want to watch tutorials. Reaper takes up very little space and recording covers is as simple as importing the backing track and then creating a new blank track to record on, then rendering them together.

If i can do it. So can u

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