How to Enable Multitrack Recording in GarageBand

Before you start

GarageBand records audio locally on your Mac or iOS device. Check that the microphone, audio interface, or instrument you want to use is connected and recognized by the system before opening the project. If you are recording more than one input at the same time, use an audio interface that exposes each input as a separate channel. Close other apps that may use the same audio input, and set the project sample rate only if your interface or recording plan requires it.

Step-by-step instructions

Open an existing GarageBand project or create a new empty project. In the New Project dialog, choose an audio project type such as Empty Project, Voice, or Acoustic Instrument. If you choose Empty Project, GarageBand asks you to add a first track.

For each sound source you want to record at the same time, add a separate track. Use the Add Track button, choose Audio for a microphone or line input, and select the input channel or channels assigned to that source. On Mac, the track header shows the input source, and you can enable input monitoring to hear the signal before recording.

If you are recording two channels as one stereo track, select a stereo input pair when available. If you want separate control over each microphone or instrument, create two mono audio tracks and assign each track to its own input channel. The available input names depend on the selected audio device, so the menu will show the options your interface provides.

Arm the tracks you want to record. Click the record-enable button on each track header so that only the intended tracks are armed. Set each track's input level using the track or channel controls, then press the main Record button in the transport bar and start the performance or source audio. Press Stop when the take is complete.

Repeat the process for additional takes or overdubs. New recordings can be placed on new tracks or, where your version supports it, recorded as additional takes on an existing track. Keep the recording settings reversible by working in a project file that you can save as a separate copy before changing tracks or input assignments.

Check the output

After recording, play back the project and listen to each track in the context of the others. Look at the waveform or region on each track to confirm that something was recorded. Check the track meters during playback for unexpected clipping or an extremely low signal.

If an input was assigned to the wrong track, the affected track may be silent or contain the wrong source. You can reassign the input and record the track again. Keep in mind that the file format and sample rate are determined by the project settings, and the maximum number of simultaneous inputs depends on the connected audio interface rather than on a fixed GarageBand limit.

Common problems and next steps

If a track records silence, first confirm that the correct input is selected on that track and that the track is armed. Check that the microphone or instrument is receiving power if required and that the system has permission to use the microphone. Then test the signal with input monitoring enabled.

If each track contains the same combined signal, the inputs may be summed by the interface or the same stereo pair may be selected on multiple tracks. Assign each mono track to a single input channel instead. If you hear only one side of a stereo recording, check whether the track is set to stereo and whether only one input channel is receiving signal.

For timing problems between tracks, record as many simultaneous inputs as possible in one pass and avoid monitoring through software if the delay is distracting. If you notice distortion, reduce the input level at the interface or track control before recording another take. When editing is finished, export or share the project in the format your destination requires, and verify that the exported file plays back with all intended tracks present.