I'm really antsy to start doing home recording, of both studio and live variety. My MacBook obviously has Garageband but I'm wondering if there are other (maybe better) Mac-friendly tools I should know about.
For example, I know that ProTools has a free version of their software available online, but as I understand, it's only compatible with PC. Also, has anyone recorded straight into their computer? Is the sound quality any good?
I've been recording into the computer for the last decade. The sound quality is just fine for what we're doing as song writers.
I do suggest getting an external soundcard with a firewire connection instead of using the MacBooks Line in or Mic input. There are so many out there now with 2 preamps.
You can check out the firewire sound card varieties here at audiomidi.com (it's not the only place to buy but here's the link just to see what's out there).
http://www.audiomidi.com/master.cfm?CID=326
The Presonus Inspire 1394 might do all you need (vocals and guitar). I use the M-Audio Firewire 410.
GB already has a lot of loops and you can add more from their expander libraries and there are also lots of Apple Loop libraries out there made by companies outside of Apple.
I'm on a Mac too and I'm using Logic 7. Yhey also have Logic Express. but as i see it, if you get nice and comfy with GBand first then move on to Logic you might have an easier time. When i first got into the computer recording thing, it took me a good year or so to get comfortable with all of the capabilities available. I started on a PC using Cakewalk 9.
After I got comfy with it all, I moved on to a Mac with Logic.
It doesn't matter if you're using PC or Mac or this software or that. Just get to know it inside and out and then your software will just be invisible during the creative process.
You already have GB (and that's enough to do audio recording), get a 2 channel preamp firewire sound card for a bit better quality recording. Plug your mic in and get going.
You can always use iTunes to convert to MP3 or AAC for sending over the internet.
You can have people in cyberspace record parts for you and you just import them into GB. You're good to go, in my opinion without needing to get any other sofftware.
