Apple GarageBand '09 - Manual (Page 51)

Chapter 5 Tutorial 3: Recording Vocals and Musical Instruments 51
Turning on monitoring can cause feedback (loud, sharp noise) if the audio input picks
up the output from your speakers. You can choose “On with Feedback Protection” to
have GarageBand automatically turn off monitoring if feedback from the input source
occurs. You can also avoid feedback by listening with headphones rather than speakers.
You can reduce possible feedback by making sure the microphone or instrument is
pointed away from your speakers, and by turning down the master volume.
6 Adjust the recording level for the track so that the level as high as possible without
causing clipping or distortion.
To adjust the recording level, do one of the following:
 If the instrument or microphone has a volume control, adjust the volume control on
the device.
 If the instrument or microphone is connected to an audio interface, adjust the
volume control on the audio interface.
 In the Track Info pane, drag the Recording Level slider left to lower the input volume
for the selected channel, or drag it right to raise the input volume.
Note: You can’t control the volume of some audio interfaces and other devices from
GarageBand. If the Recording Level slider in the Track Info pane is dimmed, you
cannot adjust the input volume in GarageBand.
 Select the Automatic Level Control checkbox to have GarageBand automatically
lower the input level to avoid clipping, and raise the level to avoid excessive noise
when recording.
Note: If you chose “On with Feedback Protection” from the Monitor pop-up menu,
you cannot select Automatic Level Control.
Adding a Basic Track
You can also add a basic track. A basic track is a stereo Real Instrument track containing
no effects. You can change the input source and effects settings of a basic track after
adding it to the project.
To add a basic track:
m Choose Track > New Basic Track.
The basic track appears in the timeline, and the Track Info pane opens. You can make
the same input settings described in the previous section.
Adding an Electric Guitar Track
If you play an electric guitar, you can add an Electric Guitar track and record your guitar
in the track. You can choose a guitar preset, choose a guitar amp, and add stompbox
guitar effects to customize the sound of each Electric Guitar track.