Getting Started with Garageband
In this page, we’ll explain how to get Dubler set up with Garageband
First of all, make sure the Dubler software is open and the microphone is connected to your machine via the provided USB
Note: If you are using a new MacBook you may need a USB-C adapter to connect the mic
The Vochlea logo at the top of the application will light up if the microphone is connected
First of all, make sure the Dubler software is open and the microphone is connected to your machine via the provided USB
Note: If you are using a new MacBook you may need a USB-C adapter to connect the mic
The Vochlea logo at the top of the application will light up if the microphone is connected
Once this is done you simply need to open Garageband and load in a software instrument. Once the track is selected you can then use Dubler to control the instrument
If this doesn’t seem to work go to Garageband → Preferences → Audio/MIDI look at the MIDI status entry. It should display at least one MIDI input. If it doesn’t, simply click the Reset MIDI Drivers button.
If this doesn’t seem to work go to Garageband → Preferences → Audio/MIDI look at the MIDI status entry. It should display at least one MIDI input. If it doesn’t, simply click the Reset MIDI Drivers button.
The great thing about GarageBand is that it’s super easy to set up and use! The downside is GarageBand does not support more advanced MIDI features.
Separating Triggers and Pitch
Dubler has the capacity to send MIDI data to two different MIDI channels simultaneously – allowing you to control one channel with triggers and another channel with pitched information at the same time.
Unfortunately, Garageband, as an entry level Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), doesn’t have the ability to take advantage of this feature. Instead all MIDI information in GarageBand is combined and fed directly to the active instrument.
Thankfully this doesn’t prevent you from making great beats and melodies using GarageBand with Dubler! To get the best experience we advise to only activate the side of Dubler you are currently using. That way you will avoid accidentally playing a pitched instrument by beatboxing, or hitting a drum when singing.
You can do this in Dubler using the on/off toggle switches for each channel.
Separating Triggers and Pitch
Dubler has the capacity to send MIDI data to two different MIDI channels simultaneously – allowing you to control one channel with triggers and another channel with pitched information at the same time.
Unfortunately, Garageband, as an entry level Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), doesn’t have the ability to take advantage of this feature. Instead all MIDI information in GarageBand is combined and fed directly to the active instrument.
Thankfully this doesn’t prevent you from making great beats and melodies using GarageBand with Dubler! To get the best experience we advise to only activate the side of Dubler you are currently using. That way you will avoid accidentally playing a pitched instrument by beatboxing, or hitting a drum when singing.
You can do this in Dubler using the on/off toggle switches for each channel.
Beyond GarageBand
GarageBand has great ease of use and is a very powerful tool. However, some features of Dubler cannot be fully utilised in GarageBand.
GarageBand does not facilitate MIDI CC mapping (which is required to unlock use of the AAA EEE OOO control dials).
It also has a fixed buffer size and therefore the audio latency in GarageBand, which is longer than in same DAWs, cannot be changed.
If you want to start taking your music making further, and take advantage of simultaneous MIDI channel control and CC MIDI mapping, we recommend testing out some of the free trials of other DAWs (such as Ableton, Logic, Reason, FruityLoops, Cubase and more).
GarageBand does not facilitate MIDI CC mapping (which is required to unlock use of the AAA EEE OOO control dials).
It also has a fixed buffer size and therefore the audio latency in GarageBand, which is longer than in same DAWs, cannot be changed.
If you want to start taking your music making further, and take advantage of simultaneous MIDI channel control and CC MIDI mapping, we recommend testing out some of the free trials of other DAWs (such as Ableton, Logic, Reason, FruityLoops, Cubase and more).