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How to Record From an Amp to GarageBand

GarageBand has many software instruments to choose from, including a variety of guitar amp simulators. However, many guitarists prefer the sound of their own amp to that of a simulator. Because of this, you’ll likely need to know how to record a real amplifier in GarageBand. Fortunately, recording an amp into GarageBand is nearly as easy as recording a software instrument in GarageBand.

Things You'll Need

  • Microphone
  • XLR Cable
  • 1/8-inch Stereo mini plug to XLR adapter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a new track in GarageBand by clicking “Track,” “New Track.”

    • 2

      Select “Real Instrument” from the window that appears, and click “Create.”

    • 3

      Place a microphone in front of your guitar amp.

    • 4

      Plug an XLR cable into the microphone, and then plug a 1/8-inch mini plug adapter to the other end of the XLR cable.

    • 5

      Plug the 1/8-inch mini plug adapter into the “Line In” jack of your computer.

    • 6

      Click the “Apple” icon in the top-left corner of your computer.

    • 7

      Click “System Preferences.”

    • 8

      Select “Sound” from the “System Preferences” menu.

    • 9

      Highlight the “Input” tab of the “Sound” menu.

    • 10

      Select “Line” as your input source, to use the signal from the microphone you plugged in.

    • 11

      Play the guitar through the amp, and adjust the sensitivity of the microphone by dragging the “Input Volume” slider left or right.

    • 12

      Click the “Record” button on the new track you created in GarageBand. This button will glow red when it is armed for recording.

    • 13

      Click the “Record” button at the bottom of GarageBand to begin recording the guitar amp.

    • 14

      Press the "Stop" button when finished recording.

Recording Music

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