Why Can T I Get Garageband On My Mac

When we search for – “GarageBand for Windows”, Numerous of fake sites appears in search results. These sites promise you to provide a ported version of GarageBand software, and when you hit the download button it redirects you to Apple App Store. In this article, I am not going to provide you any ported version, because there is no such version Available. But, If you’re using good specification computer, then I am going to tell a way to get GarageBand for PC. And, if you’re using an old computer (Old hardware), then you can check GarageBand alternatives.

What is GarageBand?.

Mar 18, 2017  After looking at the Storage Overview on the Mac, it wasn’t hard to see what the problem was. As you can see in the picture on the right, GarageBand was taking up almost 47GB of storage space for the instruments and lessons and the best part is, that I didn’t even have GarageBand installed!

GarageBand is a music production software and digital audio workstation, that is available only for macOS and iOS devices. It is developed by Apple, and it’s a part of iLife software suite, that’s why it is not available for windows OS. With the help of GarageBand, you can create and podcasts.

This software is quite famous, because many big musicians like Rihanna and Fall out boy (Rock Band), uses this software to record and edit their hits. If you’re a Mac user, then you can easily get it from Apple App Store. But if you’re a Windows users, then you don’t need to buy MacBook, just because of GarageBand. Because Windows is capable to do much more things than you think of.

Contents

  • 1 Get GarageBand for Windows 7/8/8.1/10.
  • 2 GarageBand Alternative.

Get GarageBand for Windows 7/8/8.1/10.

Run MacOS on Windows.

You can’t download GarageBand software for Windows, But you can install MacOS on Windows. As I mentioned before, GarageBand is available only for Mac and iOS. So, by installing macOS on Windows, you can easily get GarageBand on PC.

GarageBand is powerful software, and to run it requires at least 2 GB RAM and a powerful CPU. And MacOS also required minimum 4 GB RAM and powerful CPU, to run smoothly in Windows. So, make sure you’re using the high-end computer. Else, your PC might get stuck, or you”ll face some performance issues.

Install Mac on Windows – There are two ways to install & run mac on windows.

  1. Build a Hackintosh. (Not recommended)
  2. Run MacOS inside Windows, using VirtualBox.

Follow this guide – How to Run Mac on windows, using VirtualBox.

After installing MacOS with the help of above-mentioned link first set up your Apple ID. Then simply open Apple App Store, from App store icon available in the Dock. Then search for the GarageBand software and download it on your virtual Mac.

That’s how you can get, GarageBand for Windows 10. But if your PC isn’t capable to install and run macOS inside Windows. Then you can try, some “GarageBand Alternative”, which provides the almost same feature.

GarageBand Alternative.

There are many digital audio workstation software available, which I already mentioned in “Best Music Production Software” Article. So, before checking out these GarageBand alternatives, I suggest you read that article.

LMMS. (Free)

LMMS (Linux multimedia studio) was first developed only for Linux Distros, later it’s launched for windows also. It is a free digital audio workstation application program. It allows to create and edit music similar to, GarageBand software. The visual appearance of LMMS isn’t like GarageBand, but it provides numerous of good features. The first impression of LMMS will make you feel like photoshop of music.

It accepts GUS patches and sound fonts and it can import MIDI (Musical instrument digital interface) and hydrogen fires. You can also import FL studio project files but FLP support have been removed by the developer. With LMMS you can read and write customize themes and presets. And you can export audio in two formats – OGG and WAV. The software comes with many editors like – Song, Beat + Bassline, Piano roll, Automation. With the FX mixer, you can also able to mix an unlimited number of channels.

With LMMS, You can produce music by – arranging sound samples, synthesizing sound (BitInvader, FreeBoy, Kicker and many other) and by combining the sequencers and trackers. Overall, it is a perfect software for music creation. And after using it you don’t need to search for “GarageBand for Windows”.

LMMS System Requirements.

  • 1 GHz CPU.
  • 512 MB of RAM.
  • Two Channel Sound Card.
  • Available for – Linux, OpenBSD, OS X, and windows.

FL Studio 12. (Paid, Trial Available)

FL studio is much better than GarageBand software. It is most-widely used Digital audio workstation. LMMS is free, So there isn’t any customer support available for that software. But for FL Studio, customer support available, because it cost 99 USD. The design of FL Studio is user-friendly, anyone can use it, Doesn’t matter you’re expert or not.

The software comes with multi-touch support (for mixer also) and step sequencer can get detached from the main software window. It allows to compose, arrange, edit, mix and record professional quality music. The new version of FL studio which is 12, comes with some advanced features. FL Studio 12 comes with hundreds of copyright-free samples to create songs. VST support also available in the software, and installation & discovery is improved in new design.

Why

FL Studio comes with real-time stretching, which allows real-time, independent tempo and pitch variations. The software comes with the variety of plugins and generators (synthesizers). It also supports third-party VST and DirectX Plugins. It is bundled with a numerous of sound effects and common audio effects for music creation.

FL Studio 12 system requirements.

  • 2GHz Intel Pentium 3 or AMD CPU with SSE1 support.
  • 1 GB of RAM.
  • 1 GB free disk space for software installation.
  • Works with all version of Windows.

Reason 10. (Paid, Trial Available.)

GarageBand for Windows isn’t available but “reason software” available. The “reason” is premium quality music making software, that comes with all required features. It comes with fully loaded instruments, sound, and effects that music needs. You can mix, create, edit and compose music with this digital audio workstation.

The reason software provides a virtual rack, that builds itself when you create the song. It automatically fills the rack with devices as you need, to get good sound. It’s effects and instruments cover every need from acoustic to synthetic and electronic. With reason, you can record first and can pick tempo later with real-time Stretch.

Image Credits –
propellerheads

This music creation and GarageBand alternative come with VST plugin support. That allows adding any effect and instrument plugin to software’s rack. It comes with unlimited audio recording (depends on your storage capacity) and instrument channels. There are tons of features that this software provides, you can get a list of features from software’s official site.

The software provides premium features, so obviously it isn’t free. But still, it comes with 30 days Trial. And if you like the software, and want to unlock more features, then you can pay 399 USD.

Reason 10 system requirements.

  • AMD or Intel multi-core processor.
  • 4 GB of RAM (8 GB if you use large rack extensions)
  • 20 GB disk space.
  • Windows 7 and later version. (64 bit)
  • Monitor with 1280 X 768 resolution.

Stagelight 3. (Free)

Stagelight is professional music creation tool, GarageBand Competitor, that packed with royalty free sounds. With Stagelight program, you can build beats, create mashup loops and songs. In this music production software, you can also add your own sounds or can take control of your created mix. The software is available for all major platform Android, MacOS, and Windows. Although it doesn’t offer the similar feature that GarageBand does, still you can create professional quality music with it.

It comes with virtual instruments and effects, 7 drum kits available, which you can expand also. Stagelight comes with the live mode, which allows testing different loops and audio clips together. The user interface of StageLight is simple and user-friendly, anyone can create music with it. Stagelight is free until you don’t need Additional content. And you don’t need to search for “GarageBand for Windows”, After using it.

Stagelight system requirements.

  • Dual Core CPU or higher.
  • Minimum 2 GB of RAM.
  • Intel HD Graphics.
  • 1200 x 768 screen resolution.

REAPER.

When it comes to audio production software, nothing can beat REAPER. It is a digital audio workstation that comes with multi audio recording tool, which makes it GarageBand alternative. The current version of this program is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. REAPER is free for 60 days, And none of its features is locked in the free version. It works like the host to popular plugin light VST and AU and you can import all media formats in it.

No doubt, It is cheaper than FL studio and comes with the highly customizable user interface. REAPER provides 300 plugins, which gives you enough material to create professional quality music. REAPER isn’t a video editor, But still, it can be used to cut and replace video files and also you can replace audio. Some common video effects like wipes, fade, crossfade also available. It also comes with the variety of effects, including ReaVerb, ReaDelay, ReaPitch, and ReaEQ.

REAPER System Requirements.

  • Dual Core Processor.
  • 2 GB of RAM.
  • Sound Card.
  • 2 GB Disk Space.
  • Support All version of Windows.

Conclusion – GarageBand for Windows.

These are the alternatives of GarageBand Software, that you can use in Windows and Android Devices. But, still you want GarageBand for Windows, then it only can be possible with virtualBox. And it requires lots of RAM and Intel Core i5 and higher processor. That’s why I suggest you try out music production software from this list. If you’re still confused, which one you should try out. Then download LMMS, Because it’s free and comes with lots of features.

GarageBandGuide Using GarageBand App4.5/5(33votes )

GarageBand is a music creation studio that is present on your Mac. If you are wondering how to use GarageBand on Mac, then read this thorough guide that will tell you all the details if you are using the application for the very first time. We’ll guide you on how to download GarageBand from the Apple Store, how to install it and how to get started with this digital audio workstation (DAW). We’ll make you familiar with GarageBand workspace and also highlight some of its eminent features.

This app is perfect for music professionals and is loaded with a plethora of innovative features to create the best music for different purposes. It is quite effortless to use and is one of the best apps from Apple.

What Should You Know Before Using GarageBand on Mac?

You must own an Apple device that is capable of running GarageBand. If you are using it on your iPad or iPhone, ensure that you have the latest OS installed on your device. If you are using the MacBook or Mac Desktop, you can use this application as well.

Downloading GarageBand on Mac

If you find GarageBand already installed on your Macbook /iPhone/iPad, you can skip this part.

If you are using your Macbook, open your web browser and in the search box type “download GarageBand” and hit the return key. You’ll see “GarageBand in Mac App Store –iTunes – Apple” displayed on your screen. Click on this result.

You can view the app in Mac App Store and purchase it. It is available for $4.99. You can click the “Buy App” option to make the purchase. Once the download is complete, you’ll see an option “Launch Application” if you are using Google Chrome.

If you are using GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad, you need to go to the App Store. Search “GarageBand” in it. Once the results appear, tap on it and purchase it in the same manner as mentioned above.

How to Select Project Type on GarageBand on Mac?

After you have successfully opened GarageBand, a screen appears in front of you which looks somewhat like this:

If you click on New Project, you get plenty of options

  1. Keyboard Collection
  2. Electronic
  3. Amp Collection
  4. Songwriter
  5. Voice
  6. Empty Project
  7. Ringtone
  8. Hip Hop

Depending on your goals, you can select the project type. For example, if you are a songwriter who wants to record himself while using an electronic or acoustic guitar then you may select the ‘Songwriter’ option. If you do not have anything in mind and want to build everything from scratch, then you can select ‘Empty Project’.

How to Select Track Type in GarageBand on Mac?

Once you have selected the ‘Empty Project’ in the ‘New project’, the next screen that appears in front of you is the ‘Track Type’ screen. We have 4 options to select from:

  • Drummer: Selecting this will play drums automatically with your song
  • Audio (Guitar/Bass): Record Bass or Guitar using GarageBand as an amplifier
  • Audio (Microphone): Record yourself via a microphone
  • Software Instrument: Play sounds that are present on your Mac

Overview of the GarageBand Screen

This is how a typical GarageBand Screen looks like if you have selected “Empty Project”.

Transport Controls

The Transport Controls are located at the upper-half of the screen and help us to navigate the music while we are recording and editing it. These transport controls have the usual meaning. Starting from left, they denote:

  1. Rewind
  2. Fast-Forward
  3. Stop
  4. Play
  5. Record

The LCD

Also located at the top of the screen right next to the Transport control is the LCD that gives information about the project that we are working on. Starting from left, they are:

  1. Project/Time: We can toggle between analyzing our song as a measure or in terms of hours, minutes and seconds.
  2. Measures: This shows us the beats, bars, and ticks of the song in real-time.
  3. BPM: BPM stands for Beats Per Minutes. If the BPM is higher, it denotes that our song is playing fast. The default BPM in GarageBand is 120.
  4. Key: Change the musical key of your project with this button. The default key in GarageBand is C Major
  5. Time Signature: Change the time signature of your song with this button.

Why Can't I Download Garageband On My Mac

Cycle Tool, Tuner, Count-in, Click

Located on the right side of the LCD screen is a collection of four buttons in the order written above.

  1. Cycle Tool: If you want to repeat certain tracks, you can use this tool.
  2. Tuner: Tune instruments using this tool.
  3. Count-in: This option will provide you four clicks before it starts recording a track. This option comes in handy to give you a few seconds to prepare.
  4. Click: This option lets you toggle between hearing and not hearing a click while recording a track.

Why Can't I Get Garageband On My Mac Windows 7

Master Volume Slider

This option is present on the top-right corner and it lets you adjust the volume of the song.

Conclusion

This was just a brief introduction on how to get started with GarageBand on Mac. You can get the specific details if you want for a particular section. GarageBand is a revolutionary app present on iOS that lets you create amazing music with minimal effort.