GarageBand lets you use your computer like a recording studio.
GarageBand is an entry-level digital audio workstation, or "DAW," for Mac computers. It enables you to record, edit and mix your music on your computer, using live instruments and native software instruments. It is a convenient option for home studio producers. Silent Brass is a brass muting and amplification system from Yamaha. It has a mute to enable you to play without disturbing neighbors and an amp with headphones that lets you hear yourself at your preferred volume. Although convenient, Silent Brass does compromise some of the distinctive brightness of a brass instrument. However, GarageBand has the tools to manipulate the sound of the recording to remove the stuffy tone and restore sharpness to the sound.
Instructions
1. Click the GarageBand icon in the "Applications" folder. This launches GarageBand.
2. Open the relevant song session from the "Recent Projects" tab.
3. Click the headphones icon on the brass audio channel. This solos the audio, enabling you to hear it in isolation.
4. Click "Track," "Track Info" and then click the "Edit" tab that opens on the right-hand side of your screen.
5. Select the "Visual EQ" tool. This is a basic equalizer that lets you boost and reduce various frequencies in the audio.
6. Click the arrow icon on the bottom right of the Visual EQ tab. This opens a list of preset equalization presets.
7. Select "Brass Brighter." This automatically enhances the mid and high frequencies that are naturally present in unmuted brass. This will partially restore some of the brightness to the sound of the brass recording. If you want to further tease out the natural brightness of brass, adjust the frequency curve on the Visual EQ interface. This is a manual method of boosting and cutting frequencies. It is an experimental process. Once you hit upon a "sweet spot" where the stuffiness and dullness recedes, stop adjusting the curve.
8. Click the "Master Reverb" icon in the "Edit" tab. Reverb adds ambiance and an approximation of space to the sound. Adjust the slider dial right to increase the amount of reverb. Reverb will give the brass a subtle airy sound that compensates for the stuffiness of the Silent Brass mute.
