Newbie Advice

[Turn Em Loose]

I'M the newbie. I'm not looking to give a newbie advice.

Long story short, I've acquired a Mac computer. I'd like to work it into my basic practice space.

I'm not looking to record records, or mix or master. Nothing like that. I want to be able to easily record myself playing and play it back. And I'd LOVE to be able to slow down a playback to really pick apart my playing.

How would I go about doing this? And yes, money is an object. I mean, I can spend some money. But the less spent the more betterer.

Thanks in advance!--The ol' DG.

 

[And I]

You'll want an audio interface. Lots of good affordable choices. Many include usb-c connectors which I assume your mac has. Focusrite is a popular choice, they have a few options under $200. This will give you an input or two for instruments, and outputs for speakers and/or headphones.

As for playing recorded material slowed down, most DAW software can do this. I use Reaper, and it has a slider for playback speed with an option to preserve pitch. A Reaper license is only $60.

 

[AceOfBassFace]

You can use Garageband on your Mac to record multiple tracks, mix, and change tempo etc. It's free. So you just need a USB interface.

The focusrite Scarlett ones are a sweet spot for price vs quality. M-audio are a bit cheaper, still pretty good quality.

Behringer makes some sub $100 interfaces. https://www.amazon.ca/Behringer-UMC...refix=audio+interface+behringer,aps,75&sr=8-1

 

[And I]

Oh right garageband... i use PC if you couldn't tell.

 

[DirkP]

(...) And I'd LOVE to be able to slow down a playback to really pick apart my playing.
(...)
Thanks in advance!--The ol' DG.

For this part I recommend to try "Amazing Slow Downer", I use it on my iPad since years, but it is available for Mac notebooks or desktop-computers, too.
Best part (for me): you can use it along with Spotity.
There is a trial version available.
Amazing Slow Downer

 

[mb94952]

I'm in the SAME club as you and just posted a thread on the same topic. Not that misery loves company, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one freely admitting I NEED help.

 

[Krisfield]

In Logic there’s the Time Stretch function, that keeps the pitch but stretches out (or shortens) the time effectively slowing down the audio. In GarageBand I think it’s called Follow Tempo and Pitch. Can’t confirm cause I don’t have GB installed.

 

[DirkP]

In Logic there’s the Time Stretch function, that keeps the pitch but stretches out (or shortens) the time effectively slowing down the audio.

But in ASD and similar apps, you can simply choose a track from your Spotify list and slow or fasten it, while keeping the pitch. Or even raise or lower the pitch in realtime. That's much more handy.

 

[Krisfield]

But the OP said “I want to be able to easily record myself.” And with a couple of clicks, you can time stretch the audio you have recorded.

But in ASD and similar apps, you can simply choose a track from your Spotify list and slow or fasten it, while keeping the pitch. Or even raise or lower the pitch in realtime. That's much more handy.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I'm in the SAME club as you and just posted a thread on the same topic. Not that misery loves company, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one freely admitting I NEED help.

Oh, I need help with many, many more things than this.

But the OP said “I want to be able to easily record myself.” And with a couple of clicks, you can time stretch the audio you have recorded.

Yeah, I’ve got Amazing Slowdowner on my iPad. Use it all the time. I’m looking to record myself and slow it down during practice to pick apart my playing.

 

[Krisfield]

Sounds like GarageBand would be your solution if you want something free. Logic Pro is a behemoth of a DAW. You can also practice to a drum beat and zoom in on the wave form see where your played notes are in relation to the beat, ie are you ahead or behind the beat.

Oh, I need help with many, many more things than this.



Yeah, I’ve got Amazing Slowdowner on my iPad. Use it all the time. I’m looking to record myself and slow it down during practice to pick apart my playing.