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Building a system in GarageBand
To use GarageBand, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) system will be built.
A digital audio workstation is a system for digitally performing a series of music production processes, from recording voice, MIDI data and instruments to editing, mixing and mastering.
What is important here is that it is not necessary to build this system as long as you have a computer. What is important here is that as long as you have a computer, you do not need to build this system.
The reason why it is necessary to build a system is because building a system allows you to create works of high quality.
If you simply want to enjoy music, there is no need to force yourself to build a system. You can create music with just a computer (iPhone/iPad) and GarageBand, and you can transmit your music to the world.
What you need to build your system
Now, for those who are aiming for high quality, we will introduce the items and equipment needed to build a system.
If you do not need any of these items, you may skip this section.
The first thing you will need is an audio interface.
audio interface
An audio interface is a piece of equipment that converts analog signals, such as the sound of a guitar, bass, or other instrument, or the sound of vocals, into digital signals for input to a computer, or converts digital signals into analog signals for output to speakers.
An audio interface can amplify and input low output sounds such as guitars. This is because the audio interface contains an amplifier called a preamplifier.
This makes it possible to record the sound louder even with a small signal.
This reduces the amount of noise and makes it possible to record in a quality that is easy to hear.
If you are using a Mac, the recommended audio interface manufacturer is Apogee, but other audio interfaces can also be used these days.
Apogee
Apogee Electronics is an American manufacturer of digital audio interfaces and audio converters, USB and iOS microphones, as well as audio production software.
The company is recommended for Mac users because of its compatibility with Macs.
Duet2 APO-D2U-001
USB2.0 adoption, maximum sampling rate of 192Hz, audio interface for Mac. It is a compact and portable audio interface.
Quartet
An audio interface with legendary sound quality, why the Apogee Quartet is perfect for the studio.
Apogee Quartet is a professional USB audio interface designed to provide the ultimate desktop recording experience for Mac and iOS devices. It features 4-channel inputs and 8-channel outputs with Apogee’s industry-leading AD/DA conversion technology and world-class microphone preamps. The interface offers outstanding sound quality and personal studio-style configurability.
Quartet for iPad and Mac provides a professional recording environment for any device, with special circuitry for direct connection to iOS devices, as well as for use in a Mac USB 2.0 environment. In addition, a USB MIDI port is provided for use with Core MIDI-compatible keyboards and controllers.
MIDI keyboard
Even if you do not have a MIDI keyboard, if you select “Show Keyboard” from GarageBand’s “Window”, you will see a keyboard that can be operated with a keyboard.
This keyboard allows you to make sounds and input MIDI without a MIDI keyboard. You don’t have to go out of your way to buy a MIDI keyboard.
The top left button allows you to use the keyboard as a keyboard.
In addition, recent MIDI keyboards are linked to DAWs, so it is possible to make detailed settings simply by operating the MIDI keyboard.
However, a MIDI keyboard will make inputting easier and recording smoother.
A recommended MIDI keyboard is Native Instruments’ KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Native Instruments
Native Instruments (NI) was founded in 1996 by Stephan Schmitt and Volker Hinz in Berlin, Germany, with the goal of opening up and popularizing a range of real-time sound synthesis technologies for general computer use. The company was founded by Stephan Schmitt and Volker Hinz in 1996 in Berlin, Germany.
The KOMPLETE series of plug-ins is well-known, and there is no shortage of tones to choose from. It is almost impossible to use all of them (there are too many). (There are too many)
KOMPLETE KONTROL
The 49-key or 61-key Fatar professional-quality keybed makes for a very nice bounce when you play the keys.
The KOMPLETE series of plug-ins is famous for its plug-in effects, which include a huge library of sounds.
These plug-ins are immediately accessible from a MIDI keyboard, making them easy to use in conjunction with Logic Pro and GarageBand.
When you purchase and register your KOMPLETE KONTROL hardware, you will receive a free download of KOMPLETE 13 SELECT (MASSIVE, MONARK, THE GENTLEMAN, etc.), a lower version of the classic Instrument & Effects plug-in.
The package comes with over 11,000 sounds and 50 GB of Instruments & Effects, which is great for any genre.
Monitor Speaker
Installing monitor speakers creates a monitoring environment for mixing and mastering.
Unlike listening speakers, monitor speakers allow the sound to be heard flat, so the original sound during mixing and mastering is faithfully reproduced.
This faithful reproduction of the original sound allows the sound to be heard in good balance no matter which playback device is used.
Recommended monitor speakers are YAMAHA.
YAMAHA
The Yamaha Corporation Group is a global company operating in three areas: musical instruments, audio equipment, and components/equipment/others.
The audio equipment business offers a wide variety of solutions from professional to consumer use, utilizing both digital and acoustic technologies cultivated with “sound and music” at its core.
The company is a long-established business that has developed in a wide range of fields, including professional audio equipment, music production equipment and software, audio-visual equipment, commercial karaoke, networking equipment, and voice communication equipment.
MSP Series
The MSP7 STUDIO is the top-of-the-line model in the series by the Yamaha studio monitor development team that developed the NS-10M STUDIO, and has been thoroughly pursued for its ability to reproduce the original sound required of near-field monitors.
It is the ideal monitor speaker for use at home or in a home studio.
The MSP7 STUDIO has a magnetically shielded design that is fully compatible with computer-based music production such as DAW, etc. By adopting the “Advanced Magnetic Structure” method that achieves a magnetically shielded effect while minimizing sound degradation, the MSP7 STUDIO achieves both a magnetically shielded effect and high sound quality, and has dramatically improved sound quality compared to conventional models. The MSP5 STUDIO is designed to be magnetic.
The MSP5 STUDIO is the successor to the MSP5A powered monitor speaker, which has been highly acclaimed in a variety of fields.
The MSP5 STUDIO has been significantly improved in terms of utility, design, etc., from the cabinet shape to every detail.
The “SW10 STUDIO” is a quick-response powered subwoofer equipped with a large 180W output amplifier, and is an ideal match for the MSP series, enabling the construction of various monitor systems, including surround monitors. With the recent focus on high-bit recording, multimedia content production, and other recording studio production tasks, the need for higher quality near-field monitors has been increasing. The new model is a flagship product with an unparalleled level of perfection.
monitor headphone
Monitor headphones are another important item. Checking the fine details of the sound with monitor headphones will improve the accuracy of the mix.
Also, when recording, wearing sealed headphones that do not leak sound into the surroundings to record a song or an instrument will enable you to record just in time with the rhythm of the surroundings.
The standard monitor headphones are the Sony MDR-CD900ST, which can be found in any studio.
Recently, there are many high-quality sounding monitor headphones from other manufacturers on the market, so you can check the sound at a store and find the headphones that you like best.
The important thing is not which monitor headphones you are using, but rather what features the monitor headphones you are using have and how they sound.
You need to find out if they produce good bass or treble, and choose the ones that you are comfortable mixing with.
The reason why the MDR-CD900ST is still so popular is that many engineers have been mixing and mastering with these headphones for a long time, so they understand the characteristics of the headphones. In fact, those who buy them now may prefer to use a different headphone.
SONY
MDR-CD900ST
Originally developed for use in the CBS Sony Shinanomachi Studio (now Sony Music Studio), the MDR-CD900ST has been marketed for professional studio use and has become a favorite in numerous recording studios.
The MDR-CD900ST was developed for professional use in recording studios, post-production studios, and broadcasting stations, and has become a favorite of many recording studios.
This has succeeded in achieving clear sound quality with minimal distortion and the original sound image intact.
The use of originally developed driver units has also greatly improved the resolution (detection limit) required for monitoring.
It reproduces the subtle differences in sound contour, localization, and echo spreading, and conveys the “real sound” to the ear.
The speakers are designed to withstand input (maximum input: 1,000 mW) and the frame and cover have been reinforced to emphasize the quality of the sound, as well as to provide durability and stability that will withstand use in recording studios and broadcasting stations.
By pursuing various conditions from a professional standpoint, we have earned a high reputation and trust from studio engineers and musicians.
(Specs)
Extremely high resolution, clear sound contours, and a wide audible frequency range make it easy for musicians to hear the sound.
Durability and stability to withstand use in recording studios and broadcast stations are achieved by reinforcing input resistance, frame covers, eliminating folding mechanisms, and uniquely developed speaker units.
Model:MDR-CD900ST
Type Sealed: Dynamic
Driver unit: 40mm, dome type (with CCAW)
Maximum input: 1,000mW
Impedance: 63Ω
Sound pressure sensitivity: 106dB/mW
Playback frequency range: 5 to 30,000Hz
Cord length: 2.5m
Cord thickness: Φ4.0mm
Plug: Stereo standard plug
Condenser and dynamic microphones
These condenser and dynamic microphones are used when recording vocals, live hawk guitar, and drums.
There are many different types of microphones and the sound that can be recorded depends very much on which microphone you choose, so you should choose your microphone carefully.
There are many things to consider, such as which frequency bands can be recorded and what their directivity is.
Choose a microphone based on its specifications, not on its price.
Here are some simple tips on how to choose.
How to choose a microphone
When choosing a microphone, what do you want to do with it first? The first thing to consider when choosing a microphone is what you want to do with it. Do you want to sing with the microphone, or do you want to do recording with it, or do you want to record an instrument, or do you want to narrate?
Depending on how you want to use it, you will need to consider the type of microphone.
Microphones can be divided into  two main types.
Dynamic microphones, such as SHURE’s SM57, which can be found in any live house.
The other is the  condenser microphone, which can be found in recording studios. .
First, in selecting a microphone, choose whether you will use a condenser microphone or a dynamic microphone.
condenser microphone
Condenser microphones are used for recording vocals and adding voices to animations (postrecording).
The characteristic feature of a condenser microphone is that it can record detailed sound. They are more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can accurately capture sound at high frequencies. However, they should be handled with care.
Condenser microphones! These are fragile. They are vulnerable to moisture and vibration. Dropping it would be a disaster.
The quickest way to store them is to put them in a Ziploc with a moisture barrier, but there are also products called dry boxes (desiccators) that store microphones. This is a great way to store them because it automatically sets the humidity and temperature.
Many people who work with cameras and other equipment may have one.
Condenser microphones require a special power supply called phantom power. Phantom power is already installed in the audio interfaces available today, so you don’t have to worry about it too much.
The price is more expensive than dynamic microphones. Well, is it because of the complex design?
A desiccator is an item that protects the condenser microphone from moisture and dust, which are enemies of condenser microphones.
dynamic microphone
Dynamic microphones have a simple design and are the microphones you are used to seeing.
Dynamic microphones are the standard for use in live performances and studios. They are very easy to handle because they do not break easily when dropped and are resistant to high humidity and temperature.
They can also handle high volume, which is good for recording loud sounds.
The price is much lower than condenser microphones. Maybe because they are simple and in demand?
directivity
Microphones have something called directivity. Each microphone determines which direction it can pick up sound from. In order to maximize the sound you want to capture and minimize howling and other noises, you must decide where to place the microphone while paying attention to its directivity.
So, if you choose blindly, you will be in trouble. You want to record vocals, but you end up capturing the sound of an air conditioner! Etc.
Now let’s look at directivity.
There are three types of directivity.
1: Omni-directional
2: Unidirectional (cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid)
3: Bidirectional
These three types of directivity can be distinguished by the microphone.
omni-directional (microphone, etc)
An omni-directional microphone collects sound from all directions with the same sensitivity. This directionality is useful when you need to pick up the voices of everyone at the table evenly, such as in a meeting. On the other hand, it cannot pick up someone’s voice with pinpoint accuracy.
Unidirectional (subcardioid)
Subcardioids yield a slightly narrower range than omni-directional microphones. Subcardioids also have a slightly wider range than cardioids. Subcardioids are sometimes used for recording musical instruments.
Subcardioids are sometimes called wide cardioids.
Unidirectional (cardioid)
Cardioid is a typical example of unidirectional. It gets its name from its resemblance to the shape of a heart.
It precisely captures the sound in front of the microphone and does not pick up much sound from behind the microphone.
It is also easier to pick up the voice of people who sing while moving the microphone.
Unidirectional (supercardioid)
The supercardioid blocks sound from the sides. However, sound from the rear is slightly subsumed.
Unidirectional (hypercardioid)
Hypercardioids have a bit of the bi-directional nature we will discuss next. It is more sensitive to the back than the supercardioid.
Hypercardioids also block sound from the sides.
bidirectionality
Bidirectional is also called figure 8. Because it can receive sound from both sides, it makes it possible for two people to sing and record a song. The rear side is just as sensitive as the front side.
It shuts off sound from the sides and picks up sound from the front and back.
The omnidirectional at the top will capture a variety of sounds. From there, as the directivity moves downward, it captures the targeted sound.
Also, modern microphones allow you to switch directionality, so it’s a good idea to choose such a product.
frequency response
Frequency response varies from microphone to microphone. There are a variety of microphones, such as microphones with extended highs and microphones with extended mids.
To use a microphone that suits you, you should choose a microphone that is different from your voice quality.
If you have a high frequency range, choose a microphone with a good midrange, and if you are a vocalist with a good midrange range, choose a microphone that extends the high frequency range, which will give your voice a nice fuller sound.
Guitar and bass
There is also something to keep in mind when recording guitars and basses. That is whether or not the audio interface has a Hi-Z jack.
All audio interfaces on the market these days probably have a Hi-Z jack, so this should not be a problem.
The rest of this chapter will be complete once you get familiar with GarageBand and learn recording techniques.
Summary of GarageBand System Construction
Today, we have introduced the equipment needed to build a system in GarageBand.
As explained at the beginning of this article, if you want to create something good, you can consider purchasing it, and if you just want to enjoy music for now, there is no need to buy it.
However, an audio interface is useful to have, so it is a good idea to have one, even if it is an inexpensive one.
There are various specifications to check when purchasing, which I hope to explain in detail in other articles.
If you know the features of the equipment you buy and can mix and master according to those features, rather than just getting the best equipment, you will be a master of the world.
See you soon.
