Use Ipad Mic With Garageband

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  4. Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Software
  5. Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Download

In this feature I ditch the recording studio and take a look at the best portable interfaces for GarageBand musicians who want the freedom to record anytime, anywhere.

The beauty of an app like GarageBand for iOS is that you no longer need to spend ludicrous amounts of money renting studio time or wait until your ‘big break’ to write, record and release your own music.

To record a microphone, follow the procedure below: To route the iTrack Solo mic input into GarageBand follow the procedure below (operating instructions for GarageBand are beyond the scope of this article, but the application includes a full set of Help files): 1. Open the GarageBand song you are working on. Hey all, I have an Ipad Pro and I'm using garage band. The mic on the Ipad Pro sounds great. Trouble is, when I plug headphones in to record vocals, my ipad seems to think that the headphones are my new microphone! But, I really want to use the Ipad Pro mic, not my shitty headphone mic. Using the Audio Recorder, you can record your voice, an instrument, or any other sound using the microphone on your iPhone, and play it back in GarageBand. You can also record sounds using an external microphone connected to your iPhone. The Audio Recorder has two sets of controls you can use to change the sound.

If you want your DIY music to sound its best however, you’ll need to ditch that inbuilt mic on your iOS device and invest in an audio interface of some kind.

There’s tons of choice out there and it can be hard to work out what interface is right for you. I’ve brought together 3 of the best portable recording interfaces on the planet to help you narrow down your options.

Let’s take a look..

GarageBand for iPad is different: projects you create in this app can be loaded into the Mac version of the software, so it stands to reason that they'll also be compatible with Logic (Logic can open Mac GarageBand files, after all). This being the case, it'll almost certainly be a genuinely useful musical scratchpad, and might even help to.

£74.99/$99.99

Compact, portable, and easy to use, the Roland GO:MIXER makes it simple to record high-quality audio with your iDevice.

With multiple inputs available, you can connect a mic, musical instruments, and media players and mix them all together at the same time.

The unit features the ability to combine five sources at once via inputs for a ¼” jack vocal mic (no XLR input or +48 V Phantom Power here), guitar, stereo keyboard, and two stereo line-level devices (such as music players, drum machines, etc.).

The quality is great, assuming you don’t clip/peak the audio. There is a dial for each main instrument input as well as a master volume dial to adjust as appropriate. The GO:MIXER also has a peaking LED which is useful to have.

All in all this little box is incredibly versatile, though the lack of XLR input or 48v Phantom Power would definitely prove limiting for some.

Tech Specs

  • Inputs: 8 channels
  • Outputs 2 channels
  • Connectors INSTRUMENT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
  • LINE IN 1 jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • LINE IN 2 jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • MIC jack: 1/4-inch phone type (no plug-in power)
  • GUITAR/BASS jack: 1/4-inch phone type (high impedance)
  • MONITOR OUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • USB port: USB Micro-B type USB Bus PowerCurrent Draw40 mA
  • Accessories: Lightning to USB Micro-B type cable (50 cm, 1 ft 7 inches)
  • USB OTG Micro-B type to USB Micro-B type cable (50 cm, 1 ft 7 inches)

£81.99/$119.99

Focusrite has a great track record for producing extraordinarily high quality USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces for Mac and PC. With the iTrack Solo Lightning, they’ve packed most all of the killer features from their range into this little box.

While it is smaller and lacking a few of the features of some of Focusrite’s more expensive units , the iTrack Solo packs enough of a sonic punch to hold its own against most other interfaces at this price range.

The mic preamp used here series are nothing short of phenomenal, giving you clean and clear recordings every time. There’s also +48 V Phantom Power available, so you can use a studio quality condenser microphone to really push the quality of your recordings to the next level.

Super-low latency brings confidence to your performance, letting you record and monitor with software effects in real time.

New gain controls and a sleek metal chassis underscore its industrial design – this thing can take one hell of a beating!

Tech Specs

  • 1 microphone input – XLR, 1 Instrument input ¼’ unbalanced, 2 Gain knobs,
  • 48V Phantom power switch, Direct monitor switch
  • 2 unbalanced monitor outputs – RCA Phone, DEVICE LINK port (to connect iTrack Solo to iPad)
  • USB 2.0 Port, Kensington Lock slot
  • Supported sample rates 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz – Mac and PC 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz – iPad
  • In the box: iTrack Solo, 1.2m USB cable, 1.2m “DEVICE LINK” cable (to connect to a Lightning iPad), Getting started guide, Registration card, USB power supply (US only)
  • Compatible with: iTrack Solo Lightning: Any iPad with Lightning connector, Standard iTrack Solo: iPad (1st gen), iPad (2nd gen) and iPad (3rd gen)


£127.99/$149.99

iRig Pro I/O is a pocket-sized full-featured audio and MIDI interface that gives you 24-bit/96kHz recording studio quality sound everywhere you go with a few additional essential features for mobile recording.

Its designed to be “plug and play” and easy to use with all of your gear — studio mics, vocal performance mics, guitars, basses, keyboards — whatever it is, iRig Pro I/O can probably handle it.

It features a new 1/8″ stereo headphone out with preamp and level control, making it compatible with even the most recent iOS devices. Plus, when used with the optional DC power supply, the unit will charge your iPhone or iPad while in use for unlimited playing and recording time – super handy!

The Pro I/O also features a new MIDI Out jack that gives you even more flexibility and control over your outboard MIDI gear.

Despite it’s small size the iRig Pro I/O has it where it counts, packing the features you’d expect from a full scale audio interface into it’s sleek form factor.

Garageband

Tech Specs

  • High definition 24-bit/96kHz audio plus MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC and Android devices
  • Connects to everything, yet easily fits in your laptop bag, gig bag or pocket
  • Neutrik™ combo input for guitar, microphone or other instruments with a professional quality preamp, phantom power and gain control
  • iPhone 7 ready with integrated headphone output with volume control
  • Powered via USB bus, two AA batteries or the optional iRig PSU 3A (PSU simultaneously charges iOS device)
  • Detachable Lightning and USB cables included for connection to iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC (MFi certified)
  • Comes with a Velcro strip to secure iRig Pro I/O to a mic stand
  • Comes with over $/€550 worth of full version Software & Apps

There you have it, that’s my top 3 favourite portable audio interfaces for use with GarageBand for iOS.

Is your favourite on the list? What did I miss out? Leave a comment and let me know, or come and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

The Shure SM58 is arguably the most popular microphone for beginners in recording and live performances. If you were to walk into a music store right now and ask for a good microphone, chances are that the shop clerk would hand you a Shure SM58 like this one from Amazon.

The reason is simple: the Shure SM58 is one of the best affordable and reliable microphones for people who are just getting into music production, recording, and live performances.

I even remember the church that I went to a kid had several Shure SM58 microphones. It was their mic of choice, probably because of the reason that I mentioned above – the fact it was the mic they were directed to by the person who worked at the store.

There’s a good chance that if you ever walk into a recording studio, you’ll see multiple Shure SM58 microphones. A recording set-up isn’t complete without at least one of them. Many studios will have multiple.

Truthfully, it’s not the cheapest microphone on the market, but frankly, for $100, I don’t think you can go wrong. I’m not a big fan of cheaping out when it comes to buying anything, really, so if you’re looking for a $40 microphone, then you might want to go somewhere else.

With that said, if you do want to purchase a similar microphone for a much cheaper price, you could grab the Shure SM48 (also from Amazon), which is essentially a numbed down version of the SM58. It’s a fraction of the price.

Ultimately, it’s not as good, but the option is there for those of us that are on a budget.

The Shure SM58 is a very solid, well-constructed dynamic microphone that has served people all over the world for many years. As I just mentioned, it’s a dynamic microphone, so it’s more versatile than other microphones, such as a condenser or ribbon microphone.

I would opt for purchasing the Shure SM58 that doesn’t come with the on-and-off switch, because if you’re ever singing with it during a live performance, or even just speaking with it on stage, you don’t want to accidentally turn it on and off.

What The Shure SM58 Comes With

(When you buy it off Amazon from the link I suggested at the top of the article, you’ll also get an XLR cable. If you buy it from the store, you won’t get the XLR cable).

  • A microphone cable (when purchased off Amazon).
  • A bag
  • Instruction Manual and other documentation
  • Microphone Clip
  • Microphone Stand Adaptor

The Shure SM58

The SM58 is a cardioid dynamic microphone, which means that it’s unidirectional, or coming from one direction only.

This is in contrast to bi-directional and omnidirectional, which are coming from two directions and all directions, respectively. In other words, a cardioid microphone only picks up on the sounds coming from one side of the microphone.

You can check out the image below to see what I’m talking about:

The idea behind the cardioid pattern is that it makes it a better option for isolating particular sounds over others.

For instance, if you’ve recorded a YouTube video and you’re speaking into the microphone while also typing at the same time, you don’t have to worry so much about the mic picking up on extraneous noises, in this case, the sound of your fingers hitting the keys.

Due to its construction, the Shure SM58 is a great microphone for a number of purposes, including speaking, singing, and recording instruments.

The microphone is concealed with a steel mesh cage, making it so that if you drop the Shure SM58, you don’t have to worry so much about it breaking, in contrast to a condenser microphone, which you may have to worry about a bit more.

Build Quality

The Shure SM58 is a very well-built microphone, due to its steel construction. If you’ve ever read my review of the iRig HD 2, you’ll know that plastic is a pet peeve of mine.

There’s something about a plastic product that just screams low-quality, but thankfully, the Shure SM58 doesn’t have this problem. There are all kinds of YouTube videos and tutorials online which show how sturdy the SM58 is, including some clips where it shows trucks running over it and whatnot.

Frankly, I find that a bit unbelievable (and also gimmicky), but the point has been made. The Shure SM58 is a reliably constructed microphone that’s going to last you through the ages on account of its insane durability.

The body is made out of metal as is the mesh protecting the actual microphone. There is also some foam on the inside to protect it from bouncing around.

The durability of the microphone is what makes it such a popular option for live performances.

For instance, if you ever go to a karaoke night at a bar, chances are, you’ll notice that they’re using a Shure SM58 because they can take a beating from the drunk patrons who drop it on the ground repeatedly and do all kinds of nastiness to it.

How It Sounds

The SM58 is known for its emphasis on some of the mid-range sounds and the minimization of bass frequencies. This makes it great for back-up and lead vocals. Just another reason why many people around the world use it on a regular basis.

Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Download

While it does have somewhat of a bass roll-off, the minimization of the bass frequencies isn’t so intense that it’s annoying or noticeable in any way. It just sounds as it should.

The spherical filter within the mic reduces undesired sounds and effects, such as the “pop” sound and wind sounds. The whole idea behind a cardioid pattern is that it’s meant to emphasize certain sounds over others.

The effect of this is the emphasis of the desired sounds rather than background noises and other sounds.

Moreover, there is what’s called a pneumatic shock-mount system which is supposed to minimize the noise when walking around with it. This is also one of the reasons why Shure SM58 is such a popular option.

In other words, due to the shock mount system, if you’re up on stage with it, you can easily pass it around to person-to-person and you don’t have to worry about it making all kinds of crazy noises.

Specifications of the Shure SM58

Frequency Range: 50Hz to 15,000 Hz

Weight: 298 Grams (10.5 Ounces)

Impedance: 150 ohms (300 ohms in reality) – Low Impedance.

Sensitivity: -54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) at 1,000Hz Open Circuit Voltage

Use Ipad Mic With Garageband App

It also comes with a two-year warranty afforded directly from the manufacturer. So if something is wrong with the mic, you just have to send it back to them and they’ll likely mail you a brand new microphone.

Ipad External Mic

Cons of the Shure SM58

Garageband

The number one con of using this microphone is the fact that it’s not the most sensitive. In other words, you’ll have to use your audio interface’s gain to drive up the power of the signal so you can hear everything (more on audio interfaces in my guide).

Another thing worth mentioning is that due to the cardioid pattern of the mic, you have to be right on top of it in order for it to sound the best. I would argue that the Shure SM58 is not the best for recording, it’s more for live performances. However, with all that said, it’s still going to work just fine for recording in your home studio.

While the Shure SM58 is not the greatest mic out there in the world, it is one of the most durable and reliable, which is the reason why it’s so popular.

How To Set Up The Shure SM58

It’s important that you have an XLR cable to hook this into your audio interface. So either buy one from the store or use the Amazon link I listed above at the beginning of the article.

Hooking up the Shure SM58 is pretty easy. I grabbed all of my equipment and set it on my bed so you can see exactly how it’s done without all of the cables making everything look convoluted.

  1. Plug your multi-port adaptor into your computer (here’s the laptop from Amazon I recommend).
  2. Use the USB to Firewire cable and run it from the adaptor into the audio interface
  3. Grab your XLR cable and plug it into the audio interface input and run it into the microphone jack.

Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Software

Other Things To Consider

As I’ve mentioned already in the article, you want to make sure that you sing or speak directly into it due to the cardioid pattern. The sweet spot on the microphone is right on top of the microphone, which is going to emphasize warmth and clarity.

Also, there is a lot of talk about the Beta version of this microphone, which is supposed to be the improved version of the same unit, however, a lot of people say it’s much worse and not worth the money.

Due to the mic’s popularity, there are also quite a few counterfeit versions of it online, so there are definitely some things to watch out for.

For example, there doesn’t exist the SM58SK version, which is a common counterfeit version of the mic seen online.

The pop filters are made out of aluminum, and not plastic, like some of the fake mics.

Chances are if it comes with the price tag of $50-$60, it’s likely a counterfeit version.

There is no “caution” label on the original microphone either.

I would opt for purchasing it directly from your local store, or on Amazon from one of the sellers who have thousands of reviews. The link I suggested above is one of them.

Typically, I like to have the pre-amp gain on the audio interface set to about 7, which is quite high, but this mic needs the power.

YouTube Video Review

Conclusion

Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Download

All-in-all, you’re not going to go wrong with the Shure SM58 when it comes to purchasing your first microphone. It’s going to pick up on what you need it to and it’s going to last you a long time. There’s a reason why it has become an industry standard.