GarageBand - Low Export Volume

EustaceWalks wrote:

I've used third party mastering software

I'll export it with normalise unchecked, or attempt to capture it in Audio Hijack, and boom; it's distorting, peaking

having Mastering software is one thing, but knowing how to use it is another and takes some time to learn. you're going in the right direction by turning Normalize off, but this is where the art and science come in to play; you need to Master the recording to keep it from clipping/distorting, yet keep the level up.

this is typically accomplished by using compressors, limiters, EQs, alone or together. Mastering requires knowing what each song needs, it's not a "Flip this switch" setting, since each song is different.

do some web searches for "Mixing and Mastering" and do some reading (it's not the kind of thing that can be taught in a single forum post).

there are also a ton of video tutorials online that show how to properly use Compressors and Limiters to make/keep the sound punchy without distorting.

EustaceWalks wrote:

Right, but it's virtually impossible [to keep the output from distorting] in GarageBand

you need to keep an eye on the Master Volume meter at the top of the window, don't let it peak into the red.