Sound Recording Software for OSX - The Basics

Recording audio takes a combination of gear and software. Like anything, there's a great deal of different options available. If your only starting out its probably best to stick with something rudimentary as possible.  That is not to say you do not want to go with a DAW (digital audio workstation) of some sort; just simply that you may wish to take an intermediate step before investing time and effort into highly professional and specific software such as Steinberg's Nuendo. Audio software is a quintessential part of creating your own apple music studio, without it none of the necessary Mac recording accessories will function with your computer.

The layout and engineering of most DAWs follows a similar theme: a tracking screen (with pict files of active tracks), a mixing environment (possibly a second screen), and some sort of effects/plugins display. Some audio recording software features additional beat making and sample options. However, this is not a feature, or the focus of some major DAWs. That being said, once one becomes accustomed to one piece of PC audio recording software for Mac, it becomes much easier to use other such music software.

Logic Express - condensed version of Apple's DAW

Recording and Mac recording studios take a fair amount of practice to get acquainted with. While it may seem pretty drag and drop/plug and play, the details of creating a finished product develop over time. Not only does ones ear become more accustomed to tuning in, effects become more recognizable (and usually controllable). If you start out with the very best of the best for recording software, you may find the environment too foreign to manipulate. Commonly the diverse effects, various menus, and overall vastness of professional recording applications make then difficult to comprehend and use. If you have had this problem you should not be disgruntled, as it is only the natural response. Given a short amount of research, or work with a simpler DAW, one can achieve great success in learning how to use recording software. As these steps become more comfortable, one may want to upgrade to a more professional software.

Keep it simple and then work up. As mentioned, it is probably easiest to start with a simple editing and mixing application and working up to the best channel mixer software for Mac. This being said, there are still many applications to choose from. If you already have your own Mac, you may want to begin with GarageBand (included with iLife). Usually it comes free with your Apple computer, and it provides a tastes of what sound studio recording apps have to offer. You may not want to consider mixing an entire orchestra from the ol' Garage Band, but you certainly could take care of your first demo album, podcast, or home soundtrack.


If you wish to begin with a more professional environment, it is simply a matter of deciding which direction you would like to CONTINUE to go. That is to say, many professional sound recording softwares feature beginner and professional level of their software; and while the introductory models may not feature the effects or quality of its professional counterpart, they do provide the a familiar and workable environment to assist in later mastering the pro level apps. Take Apple's Logic for example; it features two grades for either home or studio recording. While the Express version may lack some of the features of the Studio counterpart, it certainly provides an excellent recording environment for most intermediate recordist and producers.

Logic Studio - Pro grade Mac recording software

Pro Tools (considered the industry standard) is another example. It too features and introductory LE & M-Powered variant as well as a standard and HD version. The drawback being reduced features and track numbers for the less professional version (the biggest of which being individual track mode). While the lower models may to some hits in the features category, they still provide excellent experience for mastering the HD version. As Pro Tools 9 HD has some many different capabilities it can be found very confusing upon first use.

Needless to say (type), the list could continue with the majority of professional sound recording software for Apple Mac. It is best to summarize by saying be cautious when looking for recording studio software; as easy as it is to buy an ineffective one, it is to buy a too-effective one (at least for the moment). If you feel there is a particular application you like, buy the introductory version; if you like it and would like an upgrade, most companies feature some sorta upgrade version (usually for not too terrible a price).  In which case, it your question is one of music recording equipment for Mac.

Desktop Speakers for Mac and PC

Many of us have personal computers, unfortunately, many of us too have internal computer speakers that are a little lacking (to say the least). There are hundreds, if not thousands of computer speaker systems available for consumer selection. Unfortunately, many of these products also can be found as lacking as the built-in ones. While high quality desktop speakers are available for both Mac and PC; it is often hard to determine actual audio fidelity or dependability based on pictures or price.

It really depends on what you want out of your computer audio. Not everyone requires 90 decibels and a subwoofer in their office, but then again some would like a 5.1 digital surround sound system for their PC and movies.

JBL Duet II - Compact High Performance Speakers

If you have a laptop you might be interested in a set of small computer speakers. There exist many options for laptop audio; portable usb speakers, 2 speaker systems, and rechargeable units are all convenient choices for laptop use. This division of speakers may not provide the greatest audio quality, but they will fit on your desk, be significantly louder than your preinstalled hardware, and often times accommodate auxiliary input. If you simply seek economical computer speakers, a small and affordable set could be the best choice.

With a desktop computer you would probably be much more satisfied with a larger unit. Some companies offer office sized systems with subwoofers optimized for desk use. Unlike a convention household stereos, manufacturers focus on minimizing the amount of desk space required, while maximizing playback quality. Mac users may only make use of stereo systems, however, PC users may experience true digital surround sound. This provides full 5 speakers system audio for gaming, music, movies, and any other media compatible with the 5.1 surround-sound system.

As mentioned, it really depends on what you are looking for. Opinions vary largely on what are the best desktop speakers for Mac or PC. Generally, a set of speakers from a reputable manufacturer will deliver satisfactory results. That being said, it still can be quite difficult to find the exact set of speakers needed. If you are interested in more information about speakers, including reviews and recommendations for home audio systems, more information can be found at http://desktop-speakers.com.

Mac Music Recording and Production Equipment

Looking to start recording your own podcast, album or soundtrack with a DIY Apple based home sound studio?

Today, home recording is easier than it has ever been before (especially when using a Mac). Unlike prior digital storage methods, current virtual sound recording can deliver high quality digital audio without significant interference or loss. Whereas digital once was seen as a step down from traditional methods, it is becoming a standard in most recording studios. While the mixers, microphones and software platforms used in many professional studios end up negating the cost advantage of digital audio; nearly anyone can obtain the basics for beginning recording on a Mac.

There are really only two necessary components to beginning recording:
First is sound recording gear; the microphones, FireWire or USB audio interfaces, digital recording consoles, headsets, and any other necessary requirements for software based audio recording. There are many brands available (Mackie, Alesis, M-Audio, Presonus, or Blue - to mention a few). With the availability of products online, it only takes a few days to obtain your own Mac compatible microphone and equipment for recording. When looking at potential music equipment it is always best to consider whether the device will function with your Mac. Unfortunately, many companies remain very proprietary in their audio units compatibility. The first consideration is always whether or not it will function with Mac, the next is whether it will function with the software platform your using. Making sure a device is compatible with multiple suites ensures your gear will function with later software.

The second essential component is the Mac recording software. Luckily for most Macintosh users, the computer comes stocked with some good, basic audio software for recording. While GarageBand does not quite have the plugins or audio quality of apps like Pro Tools or Nuendo, it still packs a decent recording environment. For anyone recording their first album, or an ongoing podcaster, GarageBand can provide an adequate mixing and recording console. With its multi-tracking capabilities, built-in audio plugins, and significant system integration; the recording software is a great introduction to the digital recording world. In the end, if its features are a little lacking, you can always upgrade to a higher performing app.

Regardless to say, recording is hardly the restricted field it once was. While it still requires a small sum to begin any home studio endeavor; it still is possible for anyone with enough ambition, and research to begin their own recording projects. If you are looking to start recording either podcasts, music, or any other audio, creation of a home studio should be a serious consideration.

LightScribe for Mac - Easy Disc Labeling

This is intended to help anyone who has ever asked "How do I engrave a custom DVD label?"
One answer is a Mac compatible LightScribe drive (assuming you are already using an Apple). Using a LightScribe burner for Mac, you can go from never having printed a label, to etching custom disc labels within a half hour. And unlike other CD printing methods, LightScribe requires no additional purchase after the initial LightScribe drive (and continuous supply of discs).

Until recently, buying and printing custom disc graphics could be tedious or pricey. Conventional press-on methods required continuous effort; and ran the risk of potentially becoming lodged in some slot loading optical drives. CD/DVD capable inkjet printers do provide quality results, but demand a large quantity of ink or toner. Not only that, without a high quality printer, the results of inkjet labeling tend to be a little lacking.

Recently, a developer ad Hewlett-Packard (Daryl Anderson) stumbled upon the idea of chemically coating the upper sides of CDs or DVDs in order to engrave custom disc images. The imaging and optical storage divisions at HP then brought this technology to life in a line of external disc burners (2004). Labeled "LightScribe," the technology uses an infrared laser to alter the color of a reactive dye coating the disc. This functions much in the same way as CD burning; the disc spins in concentric circles, while the laser etches an image from the center to the outside.

The only con of the device is that it will only provide a greyscale image. Unfortunately, while the laser may be able to alter the pigmentation; it really can only darken and lighten. This is not to say it will provide an unsatisfactory graphic by any means. While it lacks color, LightScribe provides laser precision for any text or graphics. And since the introduction of color LightScribe discs, Apple users may choose from 5 different colors (along with the original sepia or white).

At the moment, if you want to add a LightScribe drive for Mac disc burning and etching, you have to do so externally (as Apple does not provided internal LightScribe disc drives). This is done by obtaining a compatible LightScribe burner for Mac (along with the correct software for labeling CDs and DVDs compatible with Apple). After the purchase of the drive (along with the coated discs), your set to start burning your own laser engraved fonts and images onto CDs.

New Mac Computer Technology For 2011

MacWorld Expo 2011 - And the CES - Consumer Electronics show are just a few weeks off. We'll soon find out what Apple's got up its sleeve for the year ahead ( I hope it's support for Mac USB 3.0 - but we'll see...)

I also think Solid-State hard disk drive storage is going to rapidly become the de-facto hard disk any sane person won't want to settle for less.

HP is developing insanely great printing technology (Epson is a has-been) especially their latest touch-screen models with AirPrint support that folks who want to print from iPad just love.


And as for the Mac compatible audio recording and sound studio scene.. well, more on that next post.

Computer Speakers For Your Desktop - And More

Been pounding on my MacBook all night - Working on a website about computer speaker systems for Mac and PC users. Been doing alot of research and reviewing the best audio speaker options for desktop - and portable use. People vary widely in their sound requirements. Some really want top, pristine-quality audiophile speaker systems, others just want something inexpensive thats simply LOUDER and a little bit better than their laptop or netbook's built-in speakers, on the cheap. Whether it's full-range audio at your desktop - or compact portable travel speakers for music on the go - I'm building a site that has something for everyones taste, and budget.

Mac Compatible Microphone - Affordable Quality Cardioid Mic

I was very surprised by the quality of this product. With such a low price (comparatively), I believed that this mic would not perform as well as any of its competitors. However, the mic performed quite well; I was able to record both acoustic and electric guitar without any difficulties. It even served as a decent drum overhead for a couple sessions. All I needed was a USB or Firewire audio interface and it worked immediately with Garageband.

Hello Kitty - Guitar and Headphone Amp

My kid sister is a mess: 1. Because she likes HELLO-KITTY stuff. And 2. She lacks real musical talent but that doesn't stop her from wanting to become a rock star. Just to shut her up, dad bought her her first electric guitar:



And so she can (mostly) keep the racket to herself: a Hello-Kitty headphone amplifier so she can walk around the house sing and strum to herself, and drive us crazy that way:

I can't believe dad spoils her like this. But anything to stop her wanting and whining. I just tell myself when she grows up (if ever) - she's going to move on and give the stupid thing to me. By then I hope the hopefully long-discontinued Fender Hello Kitty guitar will become insanely valuable to gee-tar collectors, and I'll make thousands of dollars off her silliness.

Summertime Blues - Folk - And Whatnot

Been working sound and lighting for a big tent summer performance series. Joan Baez, Dave Mason, Nitty Gritty Dirt band to name a few this month. Learning so much about the sound equipment and audio gear and cables, my god the cables involved to make it all happen and sound good night after night! But at least it's a fixed location and sound setup. Can't imagine what it's like trying to make it all work On The Road trying to setup and tear down one venue to the next....

Hello Apple Mac Musicians

Starting a new blog here to share my passion and interest in music, Apple computers and audio gear for Mac folk wanting to set up their own DIY at-home recording studio.