14 Ways To Edit Audio With Garageband

would you like to know how Edit audio with Garageband? On this occasion we have prepared for you 14 tips or methods with which you will be able to make your audio edits like a true professional. These guidelines were tested by us to give you a personal experience of how to use this excellent audio editor.

As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, each of these options that we will present to you are really effective, you just have to practice and you will be able to mix, edit, cut and equalize your favorite music. These are the methods to edit audios with Garageband:

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Method 1: Edit audios with Garageband using Option (Command + T) on your keyboard.

This method for editing audio with Garageband is super simple, just follow the procedure below:

• Step 1:: For example, you can align the "Rule" to the point you want to isolate and then use the function (Command + T). You can do this in two separate areas of your workspace, in the “Keyboard grid” or in the normal workspace.

• Step 2:: You can also edit the music using the “Marquee” within the “Keyboard grid«For example, when you zoom in on an audio file, you can highlight the part you want to remove down to the smallest detail.

• Step 3:: Simply highlight it by placing the sign '+' on the audio region, by clicking and dragging over the part you want to remove and then press the button "remove" from your keyboard. This is useful for audio recordings rather than MIDI.

NOTE: : However, you must be sure to isolate only one track, whether it is a sample, audio recording, or software instrument track, etc. You cannot cut and edit more than one piece of music at a time. It has to be just one.

Method 2: Edit audios with Garageband by undoing the previous command (Command + Z)

In case you make a mistake while editing audios with Garageband, you can always press the (Command + Z) to return to where I was before.

One of the best things about Garageband is that all the commands used for everyday use on the computer are transferable to the software. Everything is quite intuitive. Many of the commands we are used to as computer users Mac They are all the same functions for Garageband.

All the commands to edit audio with Garageband

Garageband, like all other Mac software, comes with a lot of super useful and quick command options where you can quickly do things without having to click and search through every menu option. In this list, all the most used commands are provided:

• (Command + K): Displays music typing (GB built-in keyboard)
• (Command + T)– This is the function «Cut«, which is used to split tracks as you see fit.
• (Command + J): joins the regions of the track. Use the cursor and select two or more regions and then press this function, and you will notice that it literally joins them as one.
• (Command + D): This feature duplicates the track. Select your instrument/audio/drum track and then use this feature to copy and create a new one using the same settings as the first one.
• (Command + Option + S): This creates a new software instrument track.
• (Command + Option + A): This creates a new audio track.
• (Command + Option + U)– This will open a new drum track.
• (Command + C): This will copy any piece of music.
• (Command + V): This will paste that same music into a new track.
• (B)– This command shows or hides smart controls.
• (AND):displays the instrument library.
• (E): Show or hide the keyboard or editor.
• (P)– By pressing the key 'P' On your keyboard, you can also quickly open the Piano roll.

There are many other functions, but the above-mentioned shortcuts are the most commonly used ones.

Method 3: Edit audio with Garageband using Melodyne 5 as an editing tool for vocals and instruments

Editing audios with Garageband using Melodyne is a great option since Melodyne is an amazing plugin. This editing tool allows you to detect correct vocal recording mistakes and other errors that are made during the recording process.

You can use this to do things you could never do with Garageband's default pitch correction tool, including spot-correcting errors, converting tracks to MIDI, and the list goes on and on. Let's look at some things you can do with Garageband using Melodyne:

How to start editing audio with Garageband using Melodyne

To get started, just press the button 'Transfer' in the Melodyne interface and then press play on the vocals. From here, Melodyne will load the track into the interface for editing.

Easy to understand waveform/blob format

• Step 1:: Once you have printed the audio recording in Melodyne, the software displays it as “spots» and wavy lines.
• Step 2:: The blob represents the note, volume, and duration of the vocal track.

NOTE: : The wavy lines represent the direction and flow of tone.

With the plugin's main tool, you can adjust the position of notes which ultimately changes the pitch completely, according to a diatonic key signature, the chromatic scale, or randomly.

You can adjust the pitch of the note so that it is not connected to any scale.

Melodyne Algorithms

Melodyne has different algorithms for different types of audio, including an algorithm for complete mixes, such as each instrument together; algorithms for noise, percussion instruments, vocals, and also for instruments such as bass and electric guitar.

These different algorithms determine how the audio signal will be displayed in the interface and how it will be interpreted by the software.

There are three main algorithms:

1. Melodic and Polyphonic: Melodic and Polyphonic They allow the adjustment of notes and pitch, including various parameters such as amplitude (volume), vibrato, etc.
2. Percussive: The percussion algorithm It gives you the ability to adjust the note in terms of timing, which is great for drums, drum loops and other percussion instruments, or even loud instruments that don't have a particular pitch.

In other words, percussive algorithms allow you to adjust the timing and, due to the combined use of melodic and polyphonic, also the pitch of the note, even though the sound you are adjusting is not a melodic instrument, i.e. guitar versus a drum.

3. Universal: the universal algorithm It is used to stretch the note over a certain amount of time and also to transpose mixes and other instruments.

The combined functions of all the above algorithms allow for broad and subtle changes in several different parameters. For example, you can stretch a note sung by a singer.

This is not possible in Garageband using the default pitch correction plugin unless you use Melodyne, another plugin, or more time-consuming nuanced tactics.

Ringtone editing software

Melodyne is capable of editing pitch at several different levels, including pitch center and pitch modulation (also known as vibrato). Using an example to explain what we mean, it is possible to adjust the amount of vibrato within a particular note.

Even the very specific pitch fluctuation of the note can determine how far the pitch moves away from the center of the note. If there is too much vibrato and only one part is out of tune, you can pull it further towards the center, or you could make the vibrato much louder.

Not only can you adjust the amount of vibrato, but also the overall direction of the pitch. It is possible to adjust the pitch of notes on a very subtle level, for example, towards the right pitch rather than exactly on point.

How to do it

• Step 1:: To do this, select the note with the tool Pitch Modulation and then drag and drop it where you want it to go based on its location on the grid.

NOTE: : The lines will move up and down or flatten depending on which tool you use and how you use it.

If you ever used the plugin auto-tune/correction When it comes to pitch correction in Garageband, you'll know that it doesn't allow for very small, subtle changes. Melodyne makes up for this because you can actually press a note individually, rather than all of them collectively, as is the case with the default Garageband plugin.

This allows for a LOT more customization. What makes Melodyne amazing is that it is able to change the pitch of notes while still retaining their natural quality. Put another way, it is not going to change the “human quality» of sound.

• E.g.: If a vocalist has sung a particular part and you want to raise it a major third for the sake of harmonization, it will sound just as good with Melodyne.

It really does a great job of adjusting the tone without making it sound bad or weird.

Snap to grid to quantize time and correct pitch

As we mentioned above, in addition to adjusting notes individually, you also have the ability to make sweeping changes across the board, rather than adjusting each note on a case-by-case basis.

What we mean by this is that you can snap all notes to the grid according to a particular key, similar to how you do when editing audio with Garageband.

How to do it

• Step 1:: To do this, select «Edit» on the toolbar and then «Quantization macros" and later "Correct tone»Or«Quantize time«.

NOTE: : You can snap it to the grid based on a particular key signature, as well as make radical changes to the pitch drift and pitch center.

Additionally, you can change the pitch of the note according to a particular scale if you want, for example, the chromatic scale or another diatonic scale like the A major scale.

Polyphonic edition (multiple notes)

While Melodyne has many impressive features, its ability to adjust the pitch of chords and other notes played together really stands out in my opinion.

To do this, you'll want to use the algorithm "Polyphonic", which is used to match notes played harmonically (all at the same time). Melodyne, however, will use its auto-detection system to figure out which algorithm is needed. But it doesn't hurt to select the right algorithm as a preventative measure.

In the image you can see below, one of the Apple Loops de Garage band, an acoustic guitar playing chords, and you can see that Melodyne used the polyphonic algorithm to literally separate the audio so you can see each note played individually.

Because of this, you can change the pitch of each part of the strum. Honestly, it's pretty amazing.

You can use this feature for guitar or piano chords, or really any instrument that is capable of harmonizing.

How to do this

It is done in the same way as other forms of editing. You just have to use the button To transfer to output the audio to Melodyne, and the software should automatically detect which algorithm is needed for editing.

change the time

Another function to edit audios with Garage band In Melodyne it is the option of Change ThereNotes in Melodyne can be edited in a variety of ways, including shortening or lengthening, moving forward or backward, or quantized according to a grid.

This is also possible using the option Flex Timing in Garageband, but Melodyne can adjust minor details more specifically and with more nuance.

Melodyne's specificity is deeper than the Flex Time functionFor example, you can fix very specific errors and transients.

How to do this

• Step 1:: It's pretty intuitive. Just use the main tool to pull notes onto the grid line you want.
• Step 2:: Additionally, you can use the time quantization tool we mentioned earlier. Head to the top toolbar, select "Edit" and then «Quantization Macros» and then «Quantize time».

Editing time

A cool additional feature of the plugin is that it can actually detect the tempo of your song, that way you can create a quantization grid that works perfectly with the tempo of the song.

Additionally, you can generate a click track afterwards if you wish. If you are familiar with Garageband, you will know that the time editing feature is perhaps the most important aspect of the game. more limited DAW.

• E.g.: You can't change the timing and tempo of a track without adjusting the timing and tempo of the rest of the music (although there are weird and slow ways around this, as I've explored before).

Melodyne allows you to make these changes, whether for editing or creative purposes.

How to do this

In the image you can see above, I have pointed out the numerical tempo system that you can click on and make changes from there.

Volume edition

Editing audio with Garageband and adjusting the speed, strength, and volume of MIDI notes is easy, but the same can't be said for audio recordings, be it a guitar, bass, or vocal. You can of course adjust the volume, though, but only across the entire track unless you use automation.

Melodyne allows you to adjust the amplitude and volume of particular notes and sections of the audio recording.

Unwanted fluctuations in volume can be adjusted after the fact, without the use of an additional plugin, such as a compressor or noise gate, which would normally adjust ALL notes, rather than an individual note.

This has other additional benefits, including the ability to adjust for other undesirable sounds in a recording, such as breathing sounds or some type of background sound.

How to do this

As with other functions, you just need to select the correct tool from the top center toolbar.

Multi-tracking capability

With the Note Editor, you can view as many tracks as you want at the same time for reference or editing, depending on what you want.

As a result, it's much easier to make adjustments and changes while still seeing how everything looks in the context of the entire mix.

How to do this

Click on the fader option at the top left of the toolbar. This will make the tracks appear as shown in the image above.

Time detection

Melodyne comes with an intelligent algorithm that is able to understand time signatures and tempos, even if they have changed or not on a very subtle or important level.

We already said that it has the ability to create a click track, but what's special about it is that it can go along with the artists and not the other way around. But in the case of this plug-in, You can create a click track that will change depending on the musician's performance., while at the same time, you can see what the music looks like on a typical DAW grid that uses the number of beats as a unit of measurement.

Additionally, you can adjust for errant tempo changes without eliminating minor alterations in dynamics, which is useful for a live performance, for example.

Relatively easy to use interface

When it comes to using music production/recording software and equipment, the amount of controls, screens, and settings can be quite overwhelming.

In the case of Melodyne, they've done a decent job of creating an understandable interface, similar to Garageband. Garageband users know that its interface is one of the reasons it's a great DAW to start with, so we know the value of a simple workspace.

That said, I would say that Melodyne's interface isn't as intuitive as Garageband's. In fact, this is my main criticism of the plugin so far. But like any tool, it will take a bit of work to get used to it.

Keyboard shortcuts

An additional feature that some may like is the ability to create keyboard shortcuts personalized

How to do this

Go to Setting, Choose "Preferences" and later "Shortcuts«.

Standalone mode and plug-in interface

You also have the option to use Melodyne as its own software or as a plugin that appears directly in Garageband. The standalone version looks like what you can see in the image below:

How to do this

To bring up the standalone version of the plugin, simply open it as a typical app at the bottom of the toolbar. You may need to find it in your app menu first.

Method 4: Edit audio with Garageband using the zoom in and out commands (Command + Left and Right arrow key)

You can zoom in and out on your MIDI region to see the audio file in more detail. separating the fingers or bringing them together. This is especially useful when you are trying to edit minute details that you might not otherwise be able to see and therefore isolate.

You can also zoom in and out using the (Command – Left or Right arrow key).

Method 5: Edit audios with Garageband by merging tracks together (Command + J)

Another incredibly useful editing tool for editing audio with Garageband is the function (Command + J), which allows the user to essentially combine or merge tracks.

This saves you from having to copy and paste each individual little track. Instead, one can simply merge all the music into one track and then put it into a loop. To do this, simply select the two or more regions you want to combine and press Function (Command + J) and everything will come together.

It's a great way to save time and energy during the editing process.

Method 6: Edit audios with Garageband using the cycle area to edit

The cycle area at the top of the workspace in Garageband is used to repeat the same bar of a recording over and over. There are a few purposes for this, including practicing a part right before recording, multiple takes, and editing.

• E.g.: You can repeat the same part repeatedly to judge whether appropriate changes have been made during editing.

In other words, if you've recorded vocals and you forgot the lyrics during a part and said «um» or something like that, you can repeat the same part over and over and figure out what needs to be removed down to the last millisecond, without having to press "Play" repeatedly.

You know cycle mode is on when it shows up as a yellow trip at the top of the ruler. When it's off, it's no longer yellow.

There are two ways to turn it on and off: 

1. you can press the button Cycle inside the control bar
2. or just press 'C' on your keyboard.

Change where the cycle mode starts and stops: 

Select the top of the ruler, then drag the cursor to the part you want to start and stop recording.

Method 7: Edit audios with Garageband using the resize (trim) pointer

Another way to edit audios with Garageband is through the «Resize pointer», which is located at the end of each part of the "event", as the section calls it «Quick help» from Garageband.

Grab the cursor and grab your recording, moving it from side to side, left to right. Using the function/settings «Snap to Grid» allows the music to literally come back to the line and therefore stay in time longer.

Method 8: Edit audios with Garageband using the snap to grid function (Command + G)

It is much easier to edit audios with Garageband when you have this option selected within the menu "Edit" in the toolbar at the top. You can turn this feature on and off by pressing the function (Command + G).

Essentially, as we mentioned earlier, what it does is that it literally “adjusts” the music to the grid lines, that way every time you edit a piece of music, it comes back exactly on the beat.

If you want, you can turn this feature off and see how difficult it is to edit audio with Garageband. It gets super annoying, however, there are times when it's worth turning it off.

Method 9: Edit audios with Garageband using (Command + C and Command + V)

Once you have isolated the part you want, press the function (Command + C) to copy it, and then the function (Command + V) to paste as many copies as you want.

Usually, after creating a melody with the Steinway grand piano, you can open a new track «Software instrument» and then copy and paste the music to a different instrument track.

This feature allows you to complete your mix, without creating a completely different musical section. In many cases, you can create a completely different piece of music, simply by copying/pasting it to a new instrument track.

Another way to copy and paste an instrument track

• Step 1:: Select the audio file you want to copy.
• Step 2:: Hold down the key "Option".
• Step 3:: Drag the cursor left or right
• Step 4:: While holding down the key "Option", release the mouse and that's it, you've just copied and pasted a new MIDI region.

Important things to keep in mind when cutting music

Whenever you want to isolate an audio recording, it's worth noting that it can be helpful to understand what beats per minute the song is, that way you can trim the music to a specific tempo.

If you don't have the proper BPM settings, it will be almost impossible to make drums for the song, because nothing will line up and it will sound out of sync. Then, when you try to add other melodies through software instruments, etc., synchronization will be almost impossible. Therefore, Knowing the beats per minute is essential.

• The best way to do this is to count the song by tapping your hand on the table or bobbing your head to the beat.
• Next, grab a metronome, or use one online, on your phone, or in your DAW, and match the tempo of the song to how fast you were tapping the deck.

There are other ways to find out the BPM of a song. Additionally, you can check whether you have calculated it correctly or not through the way the MIDI region is aligned in your DAW.

Method 10: Edit audio with Garageband using sheet music to arrange your music (for people who can read music)

Now let's see how to edit audio with Garageband using sheet music to arrange your music (for people who can read music):

• Step 1:: You can access the Score editor simply by double clicking on your music or on «Midi region«.
• Step 2:: And then head to the Smart Controls and click the button that says "Score".

In this section, you can edit the music through standard notation. It is usually used to create bass lines. Sometimes, it is harder to hear if your bass line is out of tune, so you can either raise it a few octaves so you can hear it, or you can look at standard notation to find out if the music is out of tune or not.

Method 11: Editing Audio with Garageband (Naming Your Tracks)

If you want to give your track a name, use the “Secondary click» («right click», and the options will appear where you can see where it says «Rename track").

You can do the same thing with the actual MIDI region. This seems obvious because it is. If you're going to make music in a DAW, naming each track region will save you a ton of time, going through each one, trying to figure out which one is the kick and which one is the snare.

Method 12: Edit audio with Garageband (Reorder tracks using drag and drop)

By clicking and dragging the «Track headers«, you can easily move each software instrument track to and from wherever you want.

• E.g.: grouping the guitars, or the kick drum and bass line. You don't have to manually move the MIDI region either; it will move with the track header.

Method 13: Edit audio with Garageband (Time Quantization)

With this method of editing audio with Garageband, instead of dragging and dropping each note, you can use the Time Function quantize down in the DAW app's smart controls.

E.g.: If you've recorded music with a MIDI keyboard and some of the notes are unconventional, using the time quantization feature will get each note where it needs to be, rather than everything else.

Follow this procedure:

• Step 1:: First things first, on the software instrument track, choose the option “Region" instead of "Notes» in smart controls.

• Step 2:: In your smart controls, under the settings, «Time Quantize», select 1/8 Note and hold its quantification force around '75 to 100'. This should absorb all the notes accordingly.

NOTE: : Obviously there are more sync settings that can be used, but this is what we've used before with the quantize feature.

E.g.: when playing a guitar riff, if something is slightly out of tune or not on the right timing, the inaccuracy and the "incorrectness» of the note may be precisely what gives it its unique flavor.

Method 14: Edit audio with Garageband (select and deselect options much faster)

This is another method to edit audios with Garageband. Instead of manually selecting, say, for example, the “Silence» On a bunch of tracks, and having to go through each one individually, there is a way to press them all at once.

• E.g.: if you want to press the button «Silence» on 10 of 20 software instrument tracks, hover over the « buttonSilence» and then click on the tracking panel and hold it down while dragging the cursor down the screen. This will press all the buttons on the “Silence» on the way down.

It is the same practice to turn them off.

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Conclusion

As you can see, these are the 14 methods to edit audio with Garageband. You can try each one of them and get to know a little more about this excellent tool full of functions, features and add-ons dedicated to music editing. We hope this has helped you.