GarageBand For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Chapter 3

Introducing Multitrack Recording with GarageBand

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding the basics of digital multitrack recording

Recording tracks

Mixing tracks into a song

Mastering a song when it’s finished

Managing your song files

There’s no getting around it: Making a song with GarageBand uses pretty much the same process that musicians and producers use to make hit records in multimillion-dollar recording studios. GarageBand is easier and a lot less expensive, but the process is much like the one the pros use.

And so, to use GarageBand well, you need to understand the multitrack recording process that lies beneath it. After you understand multitrack recording, you can plan and produce better recordings with GarageBand. If you’re ignorant of the process, you’re likely to flail about hopelessly, without ever composing anything good enough to listen to more than once. It’s that simple.

Even if you’re a grizzled old studio vet who has been overdubbing and sweetening tracks since ...