How do I prevent audio clipping in GarageBand Podcast?

Question

How do I prevent audio clipping in GarageBand Podcast?

My first try resulted in audio waveforms that were tiny, about 1/10 the height of the track when you view in the audio editor. I had to boost the gain after I made the recording, using an audio editing program.

In my second attempt at a recording, I moved the volume slider to the right very slightly and re-recorded. Now just about all of the waveforms are clipped off at the top and bottom. About 90% of my podcast had clipping.

So, either the waveforms are way too small, or huge with clipping....just by moving the volume slider as slightly as I can. I have checked the audio input volume in System Prefs and it is around 3/4 of the way up. Then I tried controlling the volume with the slider in GarageBand. Is this wrong? Should I lower the volume in System Prefs to half way?

I'm using an external mike. I can't figure out why the volume control is so sensitive. How am I supposed to adjust the volume? It's either way too low, or way too high. Am I doing something wrong?

Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Posted on Feb 17, 2006 4:16 PM

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Answer 1

Ant B

Level 1

65 points

Feb 20, 2006 11:00 AM in response to Randall Olson1

Hi,
This is what I do and my sound turns out pretty good with no clipping:

With your mic connected and chosen as the main input source, in Sound Preferences completely advance the gain on the input. And make sure the system volume is almost all the way up (about 90%). Then in Garageband, advance the main volume to about 90% and test the mic only with the track volume. Use the track volume as your gauge. Also, you may want to be aware that your vocal volume doesn't fluctuate too much (watch the meters!) and soften your percussive sounds (b's, p's, t's, etc.).

This technique works well for me. Hope it helps!
Ant B

[ Edited by Apple Discussions Moderator ]

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Answer 2

Apr 11, 2007 9:21 AM in response to Randall Olson1

The response helped

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