In a previous video: showed you guys how to set up your AudioBox USB to Studio one. Mic positioning ('Roll the Bones'): 3-4 mics and it captures the kit superbly with a nice room sound. If you're not sure of what his technique is, just do a Google search for 'Glynn Johns'. When using just a stereo mic, experimentation is key with the distance from the drums, in line with the kick or snare, placing it as an overhead, etc.
- How To Use A Microphone With Garageband Ipad
- Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Download
- Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Software
- Use Ipad Mic With Garageband 2
While the iPad has a nice microphone that records decent quality audio, I have been wanting to explore the possibility of getting even better audio using some of the external microphones I already own, such as the Snowball from Blue. The Snowball works great with Garageband for iOS, provided you have the proper adapters to connect the mic to the iPad. In order to connect the mic to my iPad mini with Retina display I needed an Apple Camera Connection Kit as well as a Lighting to 30-pin adapter. Both of these I already owned, but if you don’t have them already they can be purchased at any Apple store. Some electronics stores such as Best Buy also carry them.
When you launch Garageband with the Snowball plugged in and select the Audio Recorder as your instrument, Garageband will actually let you know if you are using the external USB mic to record (just look in the text box to the right of the VU meter.
As much as I love the Snowball, I wanted to have a more portable solution that I could take with me if I wanted to record while on the road. After doing some research online, I think I found a really nice setup consisting of the following parts that I purchased on Amazon:
- Behringer XM8500 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone ($19.99)
- Planet Waves 10 Foot Classic Series XLR Microphone Cable ($11)
- IK Multimedia iRig PRE ($35)
The IK iRig PRE is the key to the setup. It provides power to the XLR microphone by way of a 9 volt battery and connects to the iPad through the headphone jack. I can then connect my headphones to the iRig PRE if I want to be able to listen in while I record.
This setup also works well if you are blind and want to create recordings with Garageband while using VoiceOver, as you can hear the VoiceOver speech with your headphones and still use the microphone to record. Garageband has excellent support for VoiceOver and it allows recordings to be posted directly to SoundCloud from within the app. I created the following recordings to show the difference in quality between the three different options for recording: built-in mic, Blue Snowball, and Behringer mic connected with iRig PRE. All of the recordings were made using VoiceOver and Garageband on the iPad.
First, the built-in microphone on the iPad:
How To Use A Microphone With Garageband Ipad
Next we have the Blue Snowball connected to the iPad through a Camera Connection kit.
Finally, we have the Behringer XLR mic connected to the iPad with the iRig pre using the headphone jack.
To me, I think the Snowball sounded the best, but it is not very portable due to its weird shape and weight.
Want the best interface for Garageband? Read our reviews of iOs, iPad, USB, Midi audio interfaces.
BEST INTERFACE FOR GARAGEBAND ~~ TOP AUDIO INTERFACE REVIEWS (USB, PORTABLE, IOS)
Welcome to the Best Interface for Garageband guide. If you're looking for the best interface for Garageband, see our reviews. We tested USB, iOS, Midi and iPad audio interfaces, so use this guide to get the best interface for Garageband. We can help you get the best interface for Garageband!
| Interface | Description | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) | Small but powerful audio interface. | 5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Focusrite iTrack Solo Lightning | Perfect for a home studio. | 4.5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 | The best choice for serious musicians. | 5 out of 5 | CHECK PRICE |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
Not only does this small but powerful audio interface give you all of the features that you need to get the best recordings, but it's also easy to use. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 operates smoothly with your Garageband setup, and you can use it in a home studio or on the go (it's very portable). This USB audio interface can work with iPad, iPhone and every PC or laptop.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface is easy to use directly out of the box. This is the best interface for Garageband at this price!
This audio interface is compact, portable, easy to use, and a great choice for people that need a simple interface for Garageband. It features multiple inputs, so you can connect a mic, musical instruments and media players.
It offers great audio quality, if you don't clip or peak the audio. But don't worry, there is a dial for each input as well as the master volume dial on this interface. And, the Go:Mixer also comes with a peaking LED which comes in very handy when recording.
Though this interface for Garageband is pretty versatile, it is lacking XLR input and 48v Phantom Power, which is the only downside of this interface.
Another Focusrite audio interface in this guide, that's right! Focusrite is known for producing extraordinarily high quality USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces for both Mac and PC. Now, with the iTrack Solo Lightning, they are offering most of their top features combined into this little box.
While the iTrack Solo Lightning is smaller and lacks a few of the features of Focusrite's more expensive interfaces, this audio interface still compares well to other interfaces at this price point.
Don't let me get started on the mic preamp! It gives you the ability to record clean and clear recordings every time, and there's also 48v Phantom Power, so you can use any studio quality condenser microphone you want.
Its super-low latency will certainly impress even the best musicians, especially those who are using Garageband and an iPad to make music.
If you need a portable audio interface for Garageband, this might be the one! The iRig Pro I/O is designed to be 'plug and play', and it's easy to use with studio gear - microphones, guitars, basses, keyboards.
It packs 1/8' stereo headphone output with preamp and level control, and it's compatible with iOS devices. Besides that, the unit can charge your iPhone or iPad while in use, if you take advantage of the optional DC power supply.
Did I mention it also features MIDI Out jack? This feature gives you even more flexibility and control over your MIDI gear.
If you have some older gear with five-pin MIDI connectors, the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a good choice and a Focusrite 2i2 alternative.
That said, AudioBox iTwo has the same iPad functionality and it's just as portable as the 2i2, but harder to use. because of the smaller design.
The AudioBox iTwo might be the best interface for people with older gear.
Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Download
If you don't mind spending a little extra and want to get the best interface for Garageband, pick the Komplete Audio 6 Mk2.
The Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 features a unique design and it's easier to set up and use than other interfaces we listed above, but it's more expensive. And, the Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 interface has all of the advantages of the Focusrite 2i2, but adds two extra line inputs and outputs, and features a built-in MIDI interface.
Let's take a look at top considerations when buying top audio interfaces for Garageband.
Use Ipad Mic With Garageband Software
When buying the best interface for Garageband, you want to make sure that the interface is portable and compatible with your software. Don't worry, all interfaces above are compatible with Garageband and most operating systems (iPad, iOS, Mac, Windows computer).
Whether you like recording live music or you want to use MIDI instruments with Garageband, it is essential that you pick an audio interface with the correct inputs and outputs.
When buying audio interfaces, the first thing you notice is their design. And, good design also makes an interface easier to use!
If you need something portable, we recommend small interfaces (USB or lightning) without a lot of knobs, as they are much easier to use with Garageband - we tested it! You can see a photo, read reviews and check ratings before buying any gear on Amazon or Sweetwater.
Use Ipad Mic With Garageband 2
The Wire Cutter, Gearank, The Garage Band Guide and Tabers Best Reviews also submitted good reviews on their websites. You can read their buying guide as well!