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Table Of Contents
414 Chapter 25 GarageBand Instruments
Digital Basic
The Digital Basic instrument is based on the ES2. This is a basic digital synthesizer
sound that is useful for a range of musical styles. Unique parameters are:
 Harmonics: Changes the sound dramatically as more harmonics (overtones) are
added. The impact of this parameter is difficult to describe, so please experiment
with it.
 Timbre: Changes the color of the sound from dark to bright.
Digital Mono
The Digital Mono instrument is based on the ES2. This is a monophonic digital
synthesizer lead sound. Unique parameters are:
 Harmonics: Makes the sound a little thicker (more) or thinner (less).
 Timbre: Changes the color of the sound from dark to bright.
 Timbre Envelope: Changes the color of the sound, dependent on how firmly you
strike your keyboard. If low is selected, the color of the sound won’t change much,
no matter how hard you play the keys. If a high level is selected, the sound will
change dynamically, in response to firmer or softer keyboard playing.
 Richness: Subtly detunes each played note from one another, making the sound a
little thicker as you move towards high values.
 Distortion: Distorts the overall sound, making it quite nasty and aggressive. Watch
out, though, this makes the sound much louder!
Digital Stepper
The Digital Stepper sound is based on the ES2. This is a digital synthesizer sound that
steps through a number of tones, creating a rhythmic pattern. Unique parameters are:
 Balance: Sets the balance between a harder and more spiky sound (digital) and a
warmer, softer sound (analog).
 Modulation: Makes the tonal steps faster (high) or slower (low).
 Harmonics: Makes the sound a little thicker (more) or thinner (less).
 Harmonic Steps: Makes the tonal steps more (large) or less (small) noticeable.
 Cutoff Steps: Sets the amount of cutoff applied to each step. A higher value (large)
will make the cutoff effect more pronounced.
 Duration: Sets the length of the steps.
Drum Kits
The Drum Kits sounds are sample-based. The Settings menu offers various kits,
including Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, Rock, and Techno.