How to Record Vocals in GarageBand

Record vocals on a Mac

1. Pick the input device. Choose GarageBand > Settings (Command-Comma), click Audio/MIDI, and select your interface or USB mic in the Input Device menu, per Apple's Audio/MIDI settings guide.
2. Add a vocal track. Choose Track > New Track (Option-Command-N), then the Mic or Line audio track type. Pick the mic's input, check "I want to hear my instrument as I play and record" for headphone monitoring, then click Create, per Apple's add tracks guide.
3. Set mono and level. Open Smart Controls, click the Input button in Recording Settings to choose a mono channel, then sing your loudest line and set the Record Level slider. If the slider is dimmed, use your interface's gain knob instead, per Apple's before recording guide.
4. Record. Select the track header, move the playhead to the start, set the metronome and count-in, then click Record or press R. Press Stop or the Space bar to finish, per Apple's record to an audio track guide.

Turn Automatic Level Control off for singing. Apple says it raises and lowers the level on its own. Peak targets: how loud should you record vocals.

Record vocals on an iPhone

1. Open the Audio Recorder. In the My Songs browser, tap New Audio Recording, or touch and hold the GarageBand icon and tap Create New Audio Recording, per Apple's My Songs guide.
2. Set the level. Drag the In level slider so your loudest line never hits red. With an interface, tap the Channel button and choose Input 1, Input 2, or Stereo.
3. Turn on monitoring. With headphones or an interface connected, tap Monitor under the Out level slider.
4. Record. Tap Record in the control bar, sing, then tap Play to stop, per Apple's Audio Recorder guide.

No app fixes a boxy room. For the mic, room, and pop filter side, see how to record vocals at home, and for the full song, how to record music at home.

Related questions

Can you record vocals on GarageBand?

Yes. GarageBand on Mac records vocals to an audio track from the built-in mic, a USB mic, or an audio interface, and GarageBand on iPhone records them with the Audio Recorder.

How do I record several vocal takes in GarageBand on Mac?

Drag across the top of the ruler to set a cycle area, then press R. After the second pass, GarageBand stacks the passes in a take folder so you can pick the best one, per Apple's multiple takes guide.

Why can't I hear myself in GarageBand on iPhone?

The Monitor button under the Out level slider only works with an external mic, headset, or audio interface connected. Plug in headphones and tap Monitor to turn it on.

More answers: Home recording FAQ