Is Garage Band an OK DAW to get Started With

[KeyboardEd]

I would like to do some post recording clean up of my recordings. My iMac, now running Catalina 64-bit v10.15.x, is not supported by Cakewalk/Sonar and Audacity. Those are the 2 I have some limited experience with.

It looks like the best answer, without spending another small fortune, is Garage Band. Before I dedicate the time & effort into learning how to use GB I was wondering if that would be good idea for post production work. I am not expecting professional capabilities or results, just better/cleaner than my raw recordings.

I don't see too much about GB here and perhaps that is my answer. However, if not GB, what other economical (~ <$150.-) DAW's are something considered useable. I have never looked into Cubase.

This will be a learning lesson for me so Pro Tools, etc. is not in my purview at this time. Seeking opinions from DAW users. -Ed L.

[ekurburski]

Garage Band is a fun toy but I really don't see it as a full DAW.  I do understand its free but the old saying is "You get What You Pay For".  I personally would recommend looking at Reaper.  No idea of how good the Mav version is but the Windows version is every bit as good as anything on the market.  Free trial and totally useable forever with a nag screen.  Huge amount of tutorial videos available.  https://www.reaper.fm/index.php.  $60.00 to buy outright.

You may also want to check out KVRaudio.com.  Lots of free DAW's and VST's.

[KeyboardEd]

Thank you.

With anything from Apple I am not sure I would ever say free!    But I understand, that's why the question before I invest any serious time in trying to learn GB. For all the time that I've been on a MAC I've never even opened the app.

I have never used any type of DAW before so I am completely in the dark. Well...Actually I have used Audacity a little on 32-bit macOS versions but not for anything much. After my last recording I realized some post-processing is necessary, or at least very preferred.

I have no real info or experience about Reaper but $60.- is not an obstacle. I'll look into it.

Any other opinions about Reaper as a viable 1st level solution? -Ed L.

[overover]

Hi Ed,

I think "GarageBand" has become a pretty good (MIDI & Audio) DAW app. You should definitely take a look at it a little.

There are many video tutorials on GarageBand on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=garageband+mac


P.S.
The next step could be "Logic Pro X" or "Cubase":

https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/

https://new.steinberg.net/cubase/


Best regards,
Chris

[KeyboardEd]

Well I have some work ahead of myself. Looks like I will be watching a bunch of YouTubes. 

Logic Pro is priced a bit high for my purposes but not beyond my comfort zone. Reaper is definately affordable. At least I now have some idea of where to begin. Thanks.

My goals for wanting a DAW are not to get top-end professional level results but I do want something good. Anyway, I appreciate the input and it's time to start watching vids. -Ed L.

[Bill]

Hi Ed

An interesting Video on what a DAW can do.  I previously thought I knew but how wrong can one get.  The video is quite long but well worth a listen.

https://youtu.be/JP8oOXvYVv8

The guy does several tutorials on different DAW's.  Thinks of the concept, not necessarily a specific recommendation.

Regards

Bill

[Genos!]

Any other opinions about Reaper as a viable 1st level solution? -Ed L.

yes, Reaper for professional work not a problem.