I already touched the subject in another thread but this discussion is the “casa madre” of this question.
Does anyone have a good DAW for android other than “USB Audio Recorder PRO”
Would be nice to have something that can be combined with other apps like when recording a video.
Hats off to you Eric!
Simply amazing!
Hi Everyone!
I’m reviving this thread hoping I might get some advice. I just changed my computer to a Macbook Air M1 and I have been having a lot of issues with GarageBand. I have a Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD that seems to be working fine since the instrument signal appears, I can hear my bass through direct input but even with a little bit of clipping on the channel the volume in GarageBand isn’t sufficient to hear my bass. GarageBand keeps telling me the interface is not available and then it reappears, the microphone on Garageband is constantly on and disabling plugins and resetting it has not worked.
If you have had similar issues your comments would be highly appreciated. I don’t want to consider another DAW if possible since it had been working really well for me and the basic stuff I do with it. Thank you in advance! Cheers!
Just to be clear, this setup had been woking without these problems or this setup has been working well in spite of these problems?
Hi Eric! My former setup with an Intel Macbook worked perfectly and I never had trouble. Only since I changed to the M1 have I been having trouble. Thank you!
I just gave it another try and it worked but I noticed that in System Settings - Privacy - Microphone if the microphone is not enabled I don’t get any signal at all. Enabling it leaves the mic on all the time and the computer keeps changing in Sound Preferences back to the microphone instead of remaining in U-Phoria UMC202HD. But then the interface is not always available. Really confusing.
I’m going to differ to some of our other Mac people. @howard @MikeC @John_E I’m sure there are others but those were the first I thought of.
There likely a number of things at issue with your Mac. But there are some simple, mostly free, things you can do to address them.
First, make sure you’re running at least the latest version of the Ventura MacOS (Sonoma MacOS is newer, so you could run that if you like).
Caveat: Frequently, major MacOS versions require applications that have been updated to work with them, which leads to the next point.
Second, make sure you’re running the latest versions of your applications. Check each for an update and install all that have one.
Third, restart your Mac. A restart will clear caches and other system junk that’s accumulated over time the machine’s been up and running. Sleeping doesn’t count as it doesn’t provide the benefits of a restart.
Lastly, there’s an application that works literal wonders at keeping Macs running lean, mean and rock steady. It’s called CleanMyMac and it’s developed by a company called MacPaw. It is not free but it is indispensable for any Mac owner. I’ve been using it forever. It clears ALL caches, optimizes your internal drive, frees up memory that software naturally hoards for itself, maintains your machine at peak performance, safely and completely deletes any application you choose without leaving orphan files and other crap behind, and tons of other things most Mac owners don’t even suspect their machines need. Honestly, Apple should have bought CleanMyMac decades ago. It is that necessary and that good.
Once you’ve done all of the above, and keep up a cadence of periodic maintenance, your Mac will keep humming.
I have been running Macs since the first one came out, and I currently run an M1 Mac Studio, an M2 MacBook Pro, and an Intel iMac.
I realized the other day we have five macs right now (not counting work machines😂)
Not seeing issues with Logic on a M2, fow what it is worth.
Pro Tools, hands down… just a bit too pricey for me right now though. I had compromised with Ableton back in 2016 and it’s done fine. I’m considering switching to Logic however, instead of upgrading Ableton, as I don’t do live performances with it and I hear Logic is tailored more toward ‘traditional’ studio recording techniques.
Once you are familiar with Logic, you can get MainStage for 30 dollars, which covers all your live needs (and is based on Logic (but I don’t think Logic is required to use MainStage)).
I use Ableton Live 11 Intro with a Windows 10 laptop and Behringer UMC 22 audio interface. I’ve tried other DAWs (e.g. Bitwig and MPC Beats) that I got free with various midi keyboards but settled on Ableton. I use it mainly with keyboards and digital wind instruments, but I’m working on using with guitars and bass guitars. I also got a Mackie usb microphone that I plan to use to record harmonicas. There’s a lot I want to do with Ableton - just starting really.
Thank you very much, Eric!
Hi Mike!
First of all thank you for taking the time to write extensively and in such detail.
I’m running on Sonoma 14.0 with all the applications in their latest version and there are no further updates. I do have CleanMyMac but I had not run it on this computer. I certainly got rid of a lot of junk, particularly cache.
I just did that and briefly checked and it seems to have gotten better. Still if I put the computer to sleep I have to turn the sound monitors off, unplug the interface, start up GarageBand, plug the interface in and turn on the monitors for Garageband to recognize it and work. It is not ideal but it works.
Something worth mentioning is that I use an UGREEN dock. I had a lot of trouble in the past with the original Apple adapter. The Intel MacBook Air wouldn’t even recognize the interface. I just ordered a new updated UGREEN adapter compatible with the M1. It’s worth the try and less than a set of strings.
What calls my attention is that the microphone icon on top of the screen is still permanently on when using Garageband (I feel spied on…) and if I deny access to it I get no signal on the track. That’s kinda weird.
Your input was of great help. Thank you.
I remember drawing 2D CAD files on a Classic with a B&W screen smaller than an iPad mini and spending a day installing Illustrator or Photoshop from 15 discs. That Mac even had the incredible 4MB disk from Macintosh that was placed underneath the computer! (not pictured)
Definitely run a Smart Scan with CleanMyMac. But be sure to update CMM so it runs well with Sonoma. 
I did run it before answering. It seems to have helped.
But you got me on the CMM update. I don’t know what it is or how to update it.
Sorry, CMM = CleanMyMac.
Thanks again. I just checked and I’m running the latest version.
Cubase 13 rumors about. Steinberg took down their online shop and are relaunching it with the promise of “a new product”.
Also I missed the memo but Steinberg is now owned by Yamaha… and has been since 2004 
I just found out Yamaha also owns Line 6. For some reason I thought they were owned by Ibanez.
Yep. And Ampeg
Now they just need to buy Roland and Korg.
