Apr 14, 2011 Tutorial: Recording Guitar in GarageBand for iPad Setup and Equipment needed. First off before even starting the application. Launch GarageBand for iPad and plug your guitar into the iRig. Audio Recorder. If you want to record acoustic guitar, you can use the iPad's built in.

1. Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband Ipad Pro
2. Record Guitar Garageband Iphone
3. Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband Ipad Pro
4. Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband

This post is going to take you step by step through the process of how to record acoustic guitar and vocals at the same time with just one mic. The idea here is to capture the authenticity of your performance. Of course you might get a more perfect rendition of the song if you record multiple tracks. But that may be at the cost of spontaneity. You play and sing at the same time, so why not record what you do? This guide will also be useful for recording acoustic guitar and vocals for YouTube.

Furthermore, you may not have a huge budget to record guitar and vocals simultaneously, and so this is a nice, inexpensive low-budget option. There is no doubt you get better results with multiple microphones, BUT that is more expensive, and certainly much more complicated. Here you will learn how to record acoustic guitar and vocals on a computer, iPad or smartphone using simple recording software like Audacity or Garageband. And the good news is you can easily do this on a small budget.

[The following content contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure policy here.]

The Best Recording Equipment for Acoustic Guitar and Vocals

Option 1: Condenser Microphone + Audio Interface

The best microphone for recording vocals and acoustic guitar is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with cardioid pickup pattern. This type of microphone will be able to capture the nuance of your live performance. To record the guitar and vocals on your computer you will also need an audio interface. There are 2 key features the audio interface will require: an XLR Mic input with built-in preamp, and phantom power*. So make sure any interface you choose has both of these. Good examples of entry level interfaces include the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or the Presonus iTwo Audio Interface.

You will also need an XLR microphone cable and a good pair of closed-back studio headphones so that you can monitor your performance. Finally, to position the mic correctly, you will need a microphone stand with boom arm for easy adjustment.

If you are buying both the microphone and interface from scratch, then consider buying an all-in-one studio package (like the one pictured above) which comes with the interface, microphone, XLR cable and headphones plus recording software all in one box. This is a cost effective way of getting together all the recording equipment you will need. In fact these packs have been designed for recording and acoustic singer songwriter. Both the interfaces mentioned above are available in studio packs.

Option 1 summary of equipment required: Large diaphragm condenser mic; audio interface; XLR microphone cable; studio headphones; microphone stand

Option 2: Portable Digital Recorder

A portable digital recorder such as the Zoom H4N Pro really is a one-stop solution to record your guitar and vocals. With high quality built-in stereo microphones, you can literally just position the recorder and press record. This upwardly mobile bit of kit will also allow you to use your own microphones. It has two XLR inputs with excellent pre-amps. Plus it provides phantom power if you want to use a condenser mic. AND even better, you can use it as an audio interface too.

To record your guitar and vocals it will work best if you have a microphone stand. You will also need a little adapter as it is designed to fix onto a tripod. Or, if you own a camera tripod, why not just use that?

Option 2 summary of equipment required: Digital Recorder with built-in microphones (such as the H4N Pro) and optionally a microphone stand and tripod-mic stand adapter, OR camera tripod.

Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband Ipad Pro

Option 3: USB Condenser Microphone

If you are on a tight budget, then buying all the separate components listed above might be too much. So instead you could invest in one good quality large diaphragm USB condenser microphone. This is a microphone that you can plug directly into your computer or, with the right adapter, an iPad, iPhone or android. A USB mic has a built-in interface, and also uses the USB power so nothing else is required to record. Go for the best quality you can, and preferably a USB mic with headphone port too.

Click here to directly compare all the best-selling USB mics available. You can listen to them all, and watch videos. And below are 4 of the best USB microphones to record guitar and vocals simultaneously in Garageband or similar software. All these have a headphone output too.

Option 2 summary of equipment required: USB Microphone; Studio Headphones (optional); Microphone Stand.

The Best Software For Recording and Mixing Acoustic Guitar and Vocals

So in this case, the best recording software package is the one you have available. You will be able to record using your mic+interface or usb mic in ANY recording software once you have the hardware set up correctly. (Just read the step-by-step guide that comes with your hardware, or look at the Manufacturer’s page online for set-up advice)

Optimal Microphone Placement To Record Guitar and Vocals

1. Make sure you have the microphone the correct way around. The cardioid pickup pattern means that only the front of the mic will be picking up a signal so make sure the front of the mic is pointing towards you.
2. Do not place the microphone too near to the guitar (too low) or your mouth (too high). Aim for a mid-point between the two. The ‘best’ placement will vary subtly depending on whether your guitar is being strummed loudly, or if you have a more delicate finger-picking style. So you will have to experiment a little.
3. Aim for a distance of 12 – 18 inches from you. (30 – 45 cm). Any nearer will be too close to pick up that balanced signal you are looking for.
4. Check the meter in your recording software while you rehearse. Aim for a signal varying between 50-75% of the max. The MOST HORRIBLE sound when you record digitally is clipping. This means you are pushing the level too hard. If you are used to playing live with analog equipment, then pushing the levels is not so bad. But when you record on your computer, do leave a bit of headroom.
5. Once you are set up, you can record yourself as many times as you like. If there is the odd error, then you can punch in corrections. You can also use your recording software to add a little reverb and EQ.

• Will a pop filter and/or shockmount help you to record better tracks?
• Once you have mastered recording a single take, should you think about trying to record multi-tracks of vocals and guitar, maybe against a click track?
• Maybe invest in a second mic, and experiment with placement to record the guitar and vocals on separate tracks while still playing live ….
• If you buy an audio interface, and you have an electro-acoustic guitar, then at the same time as recording through the mic, you can also, on a separate track, record the output of the guitar, so try that too.

Good luck!

Record Guitar Garageband Iphone

*phantom power – is the power source required for condenser microphones. Most professional audio interfaces have a phantom power switch. Make sure the one you buy has this.

Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband Ipad Pro

Recording Acoustic Guitar On Garageband

Mar 15, 2011 11:01 AM