GarageBand FAQ: Optimize

Q. How can I optimize GB's perfomance and reduce latency?
[Related Entries : What does Locking do , File Size Doesn't Change , Regions ]

A. There is always a certain amount of latency in digital recording, however there are quite a number of things you can do to try to get a little more performance from your Mac, and reduce latency...

Don't run other applications while using GarageBand.
Lock Audio (Real) Tracks that use effects, and all MIDI (Software) tracks with which you are not currently working
Don't use effects while recording
Disable recording for all tracks

Make sure your Energy Saver System Prefs is set to Highest Performance, if this is an option
In GarageBand's prefs, under the Audio MIDI tab make sure Maximum Number of Tracks is selected
In GarageBand's prefs under the Advanced tab, select a lower number from the "Maximum Number Of" popUp menus
Turn off FIleVault if you've enabled it
Place your projects on the Fastest Hard Drive you have, never try to work from removable media such as a DVD
Monitor directly from a Zero Latency interface, if you're using one

Was this information helpful? Yes / No

GarageBand from Apple Computer uses audio loops and MIDI loops in Apple Loops format. It can work with Audio Units plug-ins. Apple Macintosh Compatible FireWire and USB interfaces can be used to connect Audio and MIDI instruments to your Mac, and be recorded into GarageBand.

200,000 Views!