Apple computers allow you to create professional music, audio books, podcasts and other audio content using digital recording and editing software, some of which is specifically designed and marketed by the Apple corporation. For example, if your computer uses Mac OS X Leopard (10.5) or Snow Leopard (10.6), you can find Apple's GarageBand audio recording software among your standard system applications. For older Macs, you can purchase GarageBand as part of the iLife bundle package. For even more audio editing features, Apple markets its Logic Express and Logic Pro software.
Instructions
1. Set up your recording equipment. To obtain a truly professional sound, you will need an external sound card that connects to your Macintosh USB port and contains jacks for microphones, instruments and other audio hardware. You can find this type of sound card---commercially referred to as an "audio interface"---at any music supply store. Connect your microphones, instruments or other necessary hardware (depending on your type of audio project) to your interface using 1/4-inch audio cables for analogue instruments, XLR cables for microphones, and MIDI cables for digital synthesizers, controller keyboards and other digital instrumentation.
2. Open your digital audio program of choice. In addition to Apple's official recording programs, GarageBand and Logic, you can select from many other Mac-compatible digital audio workstations, such as Cubase, Pro-Tools and Reason. Create a new audio project by clicking "File" on the left side of your menu bar and selecting "New" from the drop down menu.
3. Create an "audio track" for each layer of audio you intend to record. For example, if recording a single voice for an audio book, you may need only one audio track, but if recording a guitar, a voice and a piano, you will need three tracks. Audio tracks allow you to save each instrument, vocal section, audio sample or other self-contained piece individually---a process known as "multi-tracking." To create a track in GarageBand, click the "+" button in the lower left corner of your project window. In Logic, click "Track" on your menu bar and select "New Track." If using a third-party program, look for a "Track" menu or for a "New Track" option on your menu bar.
4. Click the left column on any track to select it for recording. Your audio tracks appear like horizontal bars, with titles, such as "Track 1" and "Track 2," appearing in the left column. Once you select your track, click the "Record" button to begin recording. Most programs use the universal "Record" symbol, which looks like a red dot. In GarageBand, the button appears beneath your track list in the lower center part of your screen. In Logic, it appears on the bottom strip of your Project window. Most programs feature this button near the top or bottom of the screen.
5. Record a voice or instrument part onto each track and mix or edit by using the mixing features provided by the software. If using GarageBand, double-click the title of a track to bring up your mixing options. If using Logic, click the "Command" key and the "2" key simultaneously to bring up your mixer. For third-party software, try double-clicking your tracks, or find the menu that reads "Effects," "Mixer," "Mix" or "Inserts."
