From the Garage to the Studio

One thing I did not mention about last week's keynote speech at the Macworld Expo, was the release of iLife '05, Apple's software suite that includes upgraded versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iTunes, and Garageband. Many of the upgraded versions sport some very exciting features, including Garageband, which is growing from a low-end audio production suite to a powerful application.

Apple is borrowing technology from their high-end production suite Logic, and offering it in Garageband. The most impressive feature with the new version is the ability to multitrack record (record up to 9 inputs at one time), music notation and transcription (most audio production suites shy away from notation), and automatic tuning features for less-than-stellar vocals. For these features alone, it might be worth the $99 upgrade fee.

One thing that makes Garageband worth more than it's weight in gold is the bundle of software instruments and effect plug-ins that come with the program. I discovered (accidentally) that Apple allows the ability to use Audio Units, which are plug-ins designed specifically for Logic. Once I discovered this, I knew that Garageband could be expanded well beyond it's limits. Strangely enough, Apple doesn't tell you how to go about installing these extra packages (likely because they want the user to purchase their Jam Packs instead). I had to resort to finding the answer to my query on the web. I tried using the Audio Units provided in my Garageband package, and I was blown away by the sound quality. My tracks sounded sparkling and full of life. I knew I had to have more.

Last night I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who happens to be a very serious recording engineer. He owns his own recording studio and over the years has probably invested well over six figures into his recording equipment arsenal. He also happens to be a big-time Apple nut. We were talking about the latest releases from Apple, when he suggested I visit a site called KVR Audio. What I found was a site dedicated to the distribution of open-source audio plug-ins for all the major audio-production suites, including Pro Tools, Cubase VST, Logic, and Garageband. I downloaded a couple freeware Audio Units to see if they would work in Garageband. After some fiddling (and a little prayer) I managed to install these plug-ins and had them working in Garageband. Needless to say, I was electrified, and impressed by the sound coming out of my speakers.

If you are into computer-assisted audio recording, you have to check out the KVR Audio site. I have placed a weblink to the site on the sidebar. Once there, you will find links to almost any plug-in imaginable and software is available for nearly every suite, as well as any platform you use (PC, Mac, OSX).