I have a 14" MBP 10-core CPU; 16-core GPU; 16 GB/1 TB SSD. I have a Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface. I am not a musician but I’ve been playing guitar for 50+ years. Over those years I have mastered every bad habit there is. Now, I want to approach it seriously. I sold 2 guitars at Carter Vintage Guitars though consignment (great experience) and bought a new Martin acoustic with a pickup and a PRS electric. I assure you that my old guitars were not what was limiting my abilities. I just thought getting new guitars would give me an impetus to learn. I also just started Paul Davids’ Learn, Practice, Play beginner guitar course. (Don’t laugh) I think that actually learning some new techniques, tabs, scales, and some theory will be good for my brain.
My questions:
Ableton Live Lite software came with the Volt. I would like to use an Apple product, either Garageband or Logic Pro (unless someone has a better alternative). Should I start with GarageBand then switch to Logic if I hit a brick wall or just start with Logic? Do I have enough computer power to run Logic? The guitar course comes with some backing tracks. I was thinking of recording myself along with these tracks. My goal is to eventually record one song (original or a cover) that I wouldn’t be totally embarrassed by.
Can I use Apple AirPods Max headphones or do I need wired head phones?
Second, love Paul David.
- I won’t laugh because the best trumpet player I ever studied under continued to take lessons.
Ableton is cool, but I would start right off with logic personally. GarageBand will be sufficient though. Logic will give you a bit more control for EQs and other effects, but maybe I’m too familiar in my workflow, so I guess start with GarageBand lol, it’ll work.
You’ll want wired headphones for this endeavor. AirPods may work when just listening back, but playing with tracks and instruments should typically always aim for the least amount of latency possible.
If you know your headphones really well, you’ll not necessarily need monitors at this time. To buy them at this time would be because you have some extra money, you don’t want to always be wearing headphones when mixing, and you are comfortable making sure you get the most out of the monitor placement (distance, height, etc.)
Thanks @Jeremy and @Christian for your advice/comments. I’ll start with GarageBand for now. I do see Logic in my future, though. Will look for some good headphones and will hold off on buying monitors. Can’t wait to get started.
+2 for GarageBand to get started. Just like guitars, it’s SO easy to fall down the recording gear and DAW software rabbit hole (I speak from experience) and lose sight of the practice / learning part GarageBand works great out of the box and that UA interface will ensure pristine sound!
Lots of good advice above, so I would just like to recommend a class available on LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda) that forever changed the way I listen to music. It is called
Audio Recording Techniques with Bobby Owsinski
and while he uses ProTools, he teaches principles and techniques that will be common across tooling.
As a follow up, there is also a class on mixing and mastering - equally riveting.
Looks like this guy is the master and he has many resources available. I need to check out his videos and his course on LinkedIn Learning. I don’t subscribe but it may be worthwhile (and maybe I can do the course using the free trial).
to this!! 
GarageBand works great out of the box and that UA interface will ensure pristine sound!
