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Oct 08, 2012 My Akai MPK Mini just arrived, so i decided to make a small beat with it. I hope you enjoy it and as always hit that like button if you do. Oh, and i have a huge project in progress, you. Use Touch Instruments to play keyboards, drums, guitars, strings, and more. Record your own vocals or plug in your guitar or bass, and play through a great selection of amps and stompbox effects. Get started with Touch Instruments.
Developed in 2004, Apple’s Garageband quickly rose to the top for DAWs that were great for beginners. It has a simple layout and it is relatively easy to develop your songs on. The best MIDI keyboard for Garageband is going to be an option that is cheaper, portable, & compatible.
The good thing about this is that Garageband is a very common free DAW (digital audio workstation) or in other words: recording studio.
Mar 01, 2009 going to buy a keyboard, what is the best one to get for garageband09 and imac, many thanks that's kind of like asking - what guitar should I use with GB? There are tons of guitars and tons of keyboards, so the 'best' one has to do with what is best for you, your budget, your preferences.
Do you want to learn how to play the piano and the guitar like your rock idols? Some of GarageBand's features.
Turn your Mac into a music studioGarageBand is a music composition application that helps you to create your own songs, from an intuitive interface. Well, enrol in this true school of rock and try out GarageBand, an application with which you'll learn how to play the best rock songs of all times or even write your own songs. Likewise, it lets you access guitar and piano lessons (a function that is only available in certain countries and prior payment).Completely redesigned to simplify music writing.
MIDI keyboards are definitely one of the most important purchases you can make when it comes to music production and songwriting.
If you’re looking to just wet your feet with making beats and producing music, Garageband makes for an easy choice as it comes with MACs and IOS. You can now download it for Windows as well.
My personal opinion is that you should just get a cheaper MIDI keyboard to use with Garageband as you get used to learning music production.
Because of this, I’m excluding some of the more expensive options I would recommend to just keep it simple.
If you’re curious to more expensive options, you can read more about MIDI controllers and my favorite 88 key MIDI keyboards in the links above.
Note: I’ve played every MIDI keyboard that I talk about in any of these articles. I have also spent years touring the country playing keyboards in a moderately well-known band. This article is meant to give you a better understanding and help make a decision.
Contents
- 1 Best MIDI Keyboards For Garageband
- 1.1 Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- 1.2 Arturia Microlab
- 1.3 M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- 1.4 Nektar LX 61 +
- 1.5 Arturia Keystep Pro – Best All-Around
Best MIDI Keyboards For Garageband
Below are my favorite picks for Garageband. I hope you find this list helpful!
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK 3 is an incredible mini controller that works really well with all major DAWs. The integration is flawless with Garageband and Novation typically makes super user-friendly controllers in general.
You are presented with 16 pads, & 8 knobs. Another big win for Novation with this controller is that you can also control hardware synthesizers with it.
This means that if you have a really nice hardware synth that you want to control, you now have an incredibly cheap way to do so with the Mini MK 3.
Up until recently, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 was the best option for mini controllers, but now with the Novation Mini MK3, it’s hard to not have it as my top pick.
Pros
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads
- Comes with impressive free software including Ableton Live Lite
- Fully controls Ableton Live
- 8 rotary knobs
- Pitch & Mod sliders
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons
Keyboard For Garageband Ipad
- Smaller keys
Arturia Microlab
Best Keyboard For Garageband Ipad 4
The Arturia Microlab is one of the smallest and portable MIDI keyboards currently available. With this being said, it doesn’t have a ton of different features to play with.
The Microlab comes in 3 different colors that all look pretty cool in my opinion. One of the nice features with the Microlab is that it actually has a built-in USB cable that retracts.
This is convenient if you’re looking to just throw it in your backpack while traveling. You also don’t need to remember an additional USB cable either.
As far as features, this is a pretty stripped down controller that is made for producers on the go or for beginner producers.
Pros
- Retractable USB cable
- Only weighs 1.8 lbs
- Comes with bundled software
- Inexpensive
- Works great with Garageband
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited features
- No pads
- Small keys
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a keyboard I recently started recommending. You can get it in 49,61 or 88 keys, but the 49 key model is the cheapest.
There aren’t really a ton of features with this controller, but it has all the beginner essentials that you need.
You will find a pitch-bend and modulation wheel that feel pretty decent in structure.
Pros
- Great bundled software including Ableton Live Lite & Skoove
- Lightweight
- Full-sized velocity-sensitive keys
- iPad & iPhone compatible (Great for Garageband App)
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Very slim
Cons
- Not a lot of features
- Lacks pads
Nektar LX 61 +
The Nektar LX 61+ is a great controller that you can use with Garageband. What I like about this option is that it has 61 full-sized keys, 8 pads, as well as faders and rotary knobs.
This is one of the most affordable 61 key MIDI keyboards currently available on the market.
The Lx 61 + includes the DAW software Bitwig and this is a great software to have when you’re starting out.
What’s nice about this software is that it’s easy to use and it’s been streamlined for beginners.
I’ve been recommending the LX 61 + a lot lately for many other DAWs just because of its simplicity and the fact that it has 61 full-sized keys.
If you’re a fan of ripping solos, you can do so nicely by taking advantage of the number of keys as well as using the modulation wheel and pitch-bend.
One thing that I feel like people complain about with this controller is that the key-bed isn’t great. While I do agree, I feel like that’s more on the buyer. It’s relatively inexpensive for a MIDI controller and it’s not a digital piano.
It doesn’t have weighted keys and its primary goal isn’t to replicate an acoustic piano, it’s to transfer MIDI and allow you to write music.
If you’re looking to spend around this price range, check out my guide to the best digital pianos under $300 if you’re looking for a good key-bed with 88 keys.
Pros
- 61 Full-sized keys
- Included DAW software (Bitwig)
- Full transport buttons
- Pre-mapped
- 8 pads
- 9 faders
- 8 control pots
- Only weighs 9 lbs
Best Midi Keyboard For Garageband
Cons
- Key-bed isn’t the greatest
Arturia Keystep Pro – Best All-Around
The Arturia Keystep Pro is a brand new controller from Arturia that is a little bit steep in price compared to the others that I will mention.
With this being said, this is easily one of the most advanced controllers that you can own currently. For a very long time, the original Keystep by Arturia was kind of a best-kept secret that not all producers even knew about.
With the Keystep Pro, it’s no longer really a secret and it is now being recommended to all producers and musicians.
It is equipped with a 4-track polyphonic sequencer, & a dedicated 16-track sequencer.
This controller works extremely well with all major DAWs including Garageband. With this being said, it’s not specifically made for Garageband and doesn’t have special functions for it.
Pros
- 4 track sequencer
- 16 track drum sequencer
- Aftertouch
- Polyrhythmic sequencing
- 7 different arpeggiator modes
- Lightweight
- Metronome out
- Aftertouch & velocity-sensitive
- One of the best MIDI keyboards currently available
Cons
- A little bit more expensive
Conclusion
Keep in mind that there are tons of different DAWs out there that you can use with your MIDI controllers. I think that the ones featured in this article are the best controllers for Garageband as they all have a nice price tag and there’s a good range of sizes.
(Last Updated On: April 8, 2020)Contents
- 4 1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface – Best For Beginners
- 5 2. Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- 6 3. Audient iD4 High-Performance USB Audio Interface
- 7 4. Arturia AudioFuse 14 x 14 USB Audio Interface
- 8 5. Antelope Audio Zen Studio – Editor’s Choice
What’s an Audio Interface?
Before revealing the top 5 Best Audio Interface for GarageBand, we will discuss the brief history of an audio interface. This is simply a device used in making quality and good quality studio recordings at home it being an external sound card with inputs for mics and instruments like speakers and headphones for singing. What makes this device dependable is the function it supports inclusive of recordings of voice, keyboard, guitar much, much, more providing also metering and other important features. A type of external hardware capable to be connected to desktops or laptop computers via USB for modern pcs and older versions via ports like Ethernet as well. More to say is that these well-known audio interface devices work with both iOS and Windows Software, however, not forgetting the use of an additional adapter.
Now, having gotten that out of the way, what are the best audio interface devices available on market today?
Now, having gotten that out of the way, what are the best audio interface devices available on market today?
Top Five Best Audio Interface for GarageBand
Reviews of Best Audio Interface for GarageBand
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface – Best For Beginners
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface is one of the popular and trending easy to use devices working much to the efficiency suiting best any Garage-band and musician/podcaster. Why settle for the Scarlett 2i2? The device unlike other similar pieces of recording equipment is easy to use allowing the immediate recording with the exclusion of normal delays in setting up compared to the many others needing lots of software updates upon installation. So, looking at things from that angle, the robust design Scarlett 2i2 is a pretty dependable device and guess what? It’s small too! No need for the extra hustle carrying this little baby around! The Scarlett 2i2 back panel is finely furnished with the USB 2.0 connector and stereo line outputs with its front panel comprising of two Focusrite preamps presented with hybrid input ports reserved as the main action of the device. A device that can take an XLR cable or even a ¼ inched jack with a rocker switch below selecting Instrument as well as of course Mic inputs. More to say is that the Scarlett 2i2 comprises also of a 48V phantom power button glowing bright red whenever activated serving both inputs when connecting two microphones and a Direct Monitor button feeding input signals directly to the twin monitor options.
Additionally, for the user, there is a large grey dial controlling your speaker’s volume, as well as a separately driven headphone level dial having its own connector below. So, if you are looking for audio interface best working smoothly with your garage-band software don’t hesitate to get your hands loaded on this little baby!
Features and Specifications
- Two natural-sounding Scarlett mi preamps with plenty of even gain, conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz?24-bit, two instrument inputs specially design for the handling of seriously hot pickups super-low latency for using plug-ins in really having no need of DSP.
- Ideal for recording two mics at a go, crisp and clear conversion, recordings made easy especially for having Gain Halos around the gain knobs, instant recording, limited time offer, the inclusion of pro tools and much, much, much more!
- Item of Focusrite with the model number AMS-SCARLETT-2I2-2ND-GEN
- Weighs 1.32 pounds with product dimensions of 1.9 x 6.9 x 4.3 inches, USB 2.0 Hardware interface, size 2i2-2 Mic Pres, voltage of 240.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile, useful in both home recording and podcasting, live recordings. Ideal interface for daily use. It is a small, easy connection with Garage-band, ideal for beginner’s use not complicated to work with.
- Compact, has two Focusrite pres of ‘Safire’ quality, ideal for recording two mics at a go, also with a clear and crisp conversion.
Cons
- Has no digital I/O, low buffer setting produces popping and line noise, crackling and distortion after long time use.
2. Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD is an audio interface designed with two channels for working with having complementary features you truly come to rely on usually found on the more expensive models out there. It is an audio interface model coming with multiple LED indicators making ease of monitoring, bundled up with EDM/DJ friendly DAW software Tracktion with complementary instrument as well as effect plug-ins. It being a reliable machine for your outdoor Garage-band it’s a great selection of the many models not just for being readily affordable but for its features such as the MIDAS-designed mic preamps and 24-bit/192kHz AD/AD conversion giving you the same sound quality as the popular mixers, however in a more portable form factor and at a fraction of the cost. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD is compatible with a wide array of the popular recording software of today, offering also zero-latency monitoring, with each of the machine’s features safely protected with the impact-resistant metal chassis. Further to say is that what makes this machine of great use is it featuring two versatile inputs of combined XLR/TRS ports, having also four outputs, not forgetting decent controls.
Features and Specifications
- U-Phoria UMC204HD, a studio in a Black Box for its cool recording features, has 192 kHz Precision, MIDAS producing great quality sound, has zero-latency monitoring, Tracktion to record, edit, mix and share.
- 2×4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for recording microphones and instruments, 2-state-of-the-art, MIDAS designed Mic Preamplifiers with +48V phantom power, compatible with popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools, Abbleton Live, Steinberg Cubase, etc.
- Audiophile 24-Bit/192 kHz resolution for professional audio quality can stream 2 inputs/4 outputs plus 1x MIDI/O with ultra-low latency to your pc, supporting Mac OS X and Windows XP or higher.
- Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD of weight of 1.37 pounds, product dimensions of 7.3 x 5.1 x 2 inches, USB Hardware Interface.
Pros
- Readily affordable, has impressively clear sound, is of versatile design, great for electric guitar, keyboard and even bass use making it ideal for Garage-band, Cool recording features.
- Zero-latency, Tracktion to record, edit, mix and share, 192 kHz precision.
Cons
- Other users are affected by driver issues and other software bugs fixable only after updating the main software.
- Though it’s affordable it’s rather at a price than it was intended to be for the best value of your money.
3. Audient iD4 High-Performance USB Audio Interface
Another on the list is the Audient iD4 which is undeniable to the best audio interface for your Garage-band you can get offered under $200! As it stands, the Audient iD4 is basically a simple two-input/two-output device featuring a mic preamp complete with phantom power for using condenser mics. It is the smallest and least complex member of Audient’s iD range of USB computer audio interfaces featuring two separate inputs: one mic/line input on a combination XLR/jack connector with switchable 48V phantom power, having also a J-FET-based instrument DI input, each of them having an individual gain control. It has an instrumental level DI for the plugging in of your bass or guitar, having also the main output for your speakers and dual headphone output, the whole device designed to be powered by USB and when using Apple’s camera connection kit, can also work with iPhone/iPad. More to say is that the Audient iD4 is one truly of great value for your money, basically ideal if you want to use it for your Garage-band.
Features and Specifications
- Audient iD4 USB Audio Interface OPEN BOX, has two separate inputs of which one is a mic/line input on a combination XLR/jack connector with switchable 48V phantom power, J-FET-based instrument DI input, each with individual gain control. The remaining I/O is made up of a headphone output on TRS jacks—mini and quarter-inch—and a pair of TRS jack loudspeaker outputs.
- Audient iD4 USB Audio Interface OPEN BOX weighing 1.63 pounds, dimensions of 8 x 7.2 x 3.9 inches, model number of 18-90008, voltage of 5 with USB 2.0 Hardware Interface
Pros
- One of the best models around,
- Is of the best value of your money,
- Has an excellent preamp, ideal for Garage-band.
- Has 2.0 USB Hardware Interface, has speaker output and dual headphone output, when using Apple’s camera kit, can also work with iPhone/iPad.
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
4. Arturia AudioFuse 14 x 14 USB Audio Interface
The Arturia AudioFuse is a somewhat classy audio interface with great sound and of a stylish design. Attractive as it is, the device is a portable Mac, PC as well as iOS-compatible interface having raft features and which despite having a compact frame, has plenty of connectivity on offer. Not only does this little device incorporate conventional mic, line and instrument inputs, but you can also connect a turntable, while one of the line outputs does duty as re-amp out for guitar recording. The Arturia AudioFuse is a square and somewhat heavy device coming in several colours festooned with buttons, white LEDS and dials, having also a snug fitting lid protecting it from damage whilst in transit. On the device, situated along the front edge are combi inputs and two fully independent headphone feeds, which, in turn, can accommodate both mini-jack and ¼-inch plugs. The back of the Arturia AudioFuse comprises of speaker outputs for two pairs of monitors, line connectors, MIDI/Out ports, which, because of size restrictions have been replaced by mini-jack connectors found in the box. When it comes to digital interfacing, both S/PDIF and ADAT In/Out, the device having also inserts for inputs 1 and 2 for the possibility of tracking through hardware compressors or channel strips.
Features and Specifications
- Arturia AudioFuse with 14 x `4 USB Audio Interface with 2 Mic Preamps, 2 phone Preamps, ADAT, SPDIF, Word Clock, and MIDI I/O, 24-bit AD/DA Converters at up to 192 kHz, and with Sampling Rate of Silver.
- Crystal-clear audio quality Exclusive, low noise Discrete PRO preamps Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux Ultra-low latency as low as 3ms, Hi-Z inputs and outputs for easy guitar re-amping.
- 5dB A-weighted EIN rating guaranteeing the widest dynamic range for your audio, class-leading signal-to-noise ratios on the pre-amps and the purest discrete Analog signal paths to ever grace an audio interface. Has Pristine studio quality at the heart of AudioFuse, with each of its components promising the highest possible audio excellence. Its >131, AudioFuse set to be the centre of your studio by adding to this a host of connectivity options well as hands-on workflow approach.
- Arturia AudioFuse of weight 4.19 pounds, dimensions of 7.2 x 6.8 x 6.6 inches, model number of 810101_S, Classic Silver, with USB Hardware Interface.
Pros
- It is great for Garage-band, has great sound, allows loads of connectivity, stylish design, compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, with Linus Ultra-low latency as low as 3ms
Cons
- Highly priced, other interfaces with similar levels of I/O are available for a lower price.
5. Antelope Audio Zen Studio – Editor’s Choice
The Antelope Audio Zen Tour audio interface another of the available devices for your Garage-band, one considered as a high-end portable audio interface the guitarist would come to love if they grabbed hold of it! Incredibly flexible with a small but useful touchscreen enabling all the basic functions of the unit like input gains, headphone levels as well as talkback directly accessible using the front panel buttons and the large ‘soft knob’. More to say about the Antelope Audio Zen Tour is that is it is a portable Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 audio interface great at making an impressive front end for studio or mobile-DAW setup. A lovable device with the capability of handling 26 inputs and 36 outputs combining excellent sound quality with a large collection of built-in DSP-based effects, essentially latency free. The front of the Antelope Audio Zen Tour are two headphone outs, two re-amping outs and four line/Hi Z inputs, all on ¼-inch jacks. The back of the device comprises of four dual XLR ¼ inch inputs, two pairs of monitor outs on ¼-inch jacks, eight Analogue outs on a DB25, two RCA sockets for S/PDIF in and out, with a power connector and USB and Thunderbolt sockets. Further to the say, on the left-hand side, the device comprises of two ADAT pairs of ins and outs, having installed the software on your computer then you are all set and good to go! The Antelope Audio Zen is our choice for the Best Audio Interface for GarageBand.
Features and Specifications
- The Antelope Audio Zen Tour comprises of 4 mic pres & 4 line/hi-z ins with phantom power, 8 Analog outs, 2 headphone and 2 preamp outs, plus an array of digital I/O, built-in talkback, as well as also having a touchscreen control panel.
- Has 24-bit, 192 kHz audio and Antelope’s signature flawless conversion, guitar amp modelling and effects processing with virtually zero latency. It has FPGA-based hardware models of vintage gear and equalisers, at no cost at all, 32 channels via Thunderbolt and 24 on USB for zero-latency audio streaming.
- Antelope Audio Zen Tour with weight of 3.09 pounds, dimensions of 6.5 x 10 x 2.4 inches, model number of Zen Tour, screen size of 3.5 inches.
Pros
- An incredibly flexible audio interface, great for Garage-band.
- It is truly portable, has latency-free DSP, 24-bit, 192 kHz audio and Antelope’s signature flawless conversion.
- Has 32 channels via Thunderbolt as well as 24 on USB for zero-latency streaming.
Cons
- Comprises of only one compressor.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
Of the viewed five products, I would recommend out of the three that I think would be ideal for you. If you are a beginner wishing to use the audio interface, the best to settle for is the Scarlett 2i2 USB 2ND-GEN interface. If you are more experienced and want an amazing to work with the sound device, I recommend the Behringer U-phoria UMC204HD which will work best for you. The Antelope Audio Zen Tour has great review rating from the users which is my third and final pick out of the five, for you, which would do if you have a little extra in your wallet. If not, then you either settle for any of the other two I left out or any other audio interface best suiting your Garage-band. Pick your choice for the Best Audio Interface for GarageBand today.
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