just got GB, 1st time mac user, a few ??'s

[jaykub]

I am brand new to GB and I have a few general questions....ok, I play in a band and we want to make weird ambient noise textures to use on our upcoming cd, can I create these textures and soundscapes/effects in GB and then burn them to cd to say listen to on my stereo?

does it basically do the same things as say soundforge or acid pro? because our drummer has these 2 apps on windows and they seem to be pretty awesome, I was just wondering how GB compares to these apps

thanks

 

[fingers]

I am brand new to GB and I have a few general questions....ok, I play in a band and we want to make weird ambient noise textures to use on our upcoming cd, can I create these textures and soundscapes/effects in GB and then burn them to cd to say listen to on my stereo?

Yeah - no problem - export to itunes is built in.

does it basically do the same things as say soundforge or acid pro? because our drummer has these 2 apps on windows and they seem to be pretty awesome, I was just wondering how GB compares to these apps

thanks

I have never used soundforge or acid pro - but GarageBand is a very powerful app but it has a few limitations - midi import/export etc . I am very confident that GB will do pretty much what ever you would want it to do...

Check out what people are creating with GarageBand at any of the GB community sites or at my site - if you want to hear what it can do.

GarageBand has a fantastic GUI, is aimed 100% at new/young musicians but has certain restrictions so that it doesn't compete with Apple's Logic (their flagship audio app). Many pro's are using it as a songwriting tool and many old wrinkly audio chappies like me use it cos it's so much fun. GB more than anything (well maybe Reason) has shown how making music on a computer can be fun and not an excercise in technical and engineering competence.

I hope this helps.

 

[mikeyfern]

Keep in mind both those apps you mentioned cost hundreds of dollars, while garageband is free, or $50. It's a cool program, but there are limitations. Garageband is like using a really nice 8-track with some basic effects.

A professional program like the ones you mentioned (Digital Performer from motu.com would be a mac equivalent) costs hundreds of dollars.

That said, yes you can make weird noises in Garageband by messing wih filters and amp settings, and it is super easy to export songs to a CD. GB is incredibly easy to use.

Enjoy!

 

[seamuskrat]

Books to suggest?

Can you suggest a good online or printed source for GB? I am also a music newbie, but I do a lot of video work, and wanted to make my own organ score for a silent movie,but i have NO CLUE how to even begin in Garage Band.

There seem to eb a number of books, but my local bookstores do not carry them, so I am seeking advice before I purchase some online.

 

[fingers]

Can you suggest a good online or printed source for GB? I am also a music newbie, but I do a lot of video work, and wanted to make my own organ score for a silent movie,but i have NO CLUE how to even begin in Garage Band.

There seem to eb a number of books, but my local bookstores do not carry them, so I am seeking advice before I purchase some online.

If you want to use GarageBand - then check out Mary Plummer's GarageBand book - it's the official apple certified title - and it's pretty cool for beginners - here's my take on it -

http://www.macidol.com/review.php?id=9

Also Taking Control of GarageBand - a $5 eBook might be useful too - I haven't reviewed it yet but looks like a good un -

http://www.tidbits.com/takecontrol/garageband-music.html

There are a few communities for GB - macjams.com, icompositions and my site being some examples - ask in the forums if you get stuck!

GB is a great tool - maybe not ideal for video work but it's amazing value. (and a lot of fun)

Good luck