Apple GarageBand 2.0 - Manual (Page 32)

32 Chapter 4 Using Apple Loops
You can use several methods together to find specific loops. For instance, you can use
keywords with the Scale pop-up menu, or with the search field, to find only bass loops
using the major scale, or to find only percussion loops with “latin” in the file name.
Adding Loops to the Timeline
When you find a loop you want to use in your song, you add the loop to the timeline.
To add a loop to the timeline:
m Drag the loop from the loop browser to an empty part of the timeline where there is
no track. A new track of the appropriate type is created, and the loop is added to the
new track.
You can also create a new track, then drag a loop of the same type (Real or Software
Instrument) to the track. To learn about creating tracks, see Chapters 6 and 7.
There are two types of Apple Loops: Real Instrument loops or Software Instrument
loops. In the loop browser, the loop’s icon shows which type each loop is. Real
Instrument loops can be dragged only to a Real Instrument track, and Software
Instrument loops can be dragged to either a Real or Software Instrument track. Either
type can be dragged to an empty part of the timeline to create a new track.
You can also convert a Software Instrument loop to a Real Instrument loop when you
drag it to the timeline. Real Instrument loops require less processing power for
playback, which can allow you to use more tracks and effects in your song, especially
for songs with many loops.
To convert a Software Instrument loop to a Real Instrument loop:
m Option-drag the loop from the loop browser to the timeline.
By default, option-dragging a Software Instrument loop converts it to a Real Instrument
loop. You can change the default so that dragging a Software Instrument loop converts
it to a Real Instrument loop, and option-dragging does not convert it.
To change the default behavior for converting Software Instrument loops:
1 Choose GarageBand > Preferences, then click the Advanced tab.
2 Turn on the “Convert to Real Instrument” checkbox next to “Adding Loops to the
Timeline”.
Drag a loop to an empty
part of the timeline to create
a new track for the loop.