How to record MIDI from QwertyZen to GarageBand

The goal of this article is to show how easily you can record multiple tracks in GarageBand by performing in QwertyZen Community Edition. An example workflow could be.

1. Set a tempo for the project. Eg: 120 bpm.
2. Create few tracks with instruments. For example:
   • Guitar for lead
   • Guitar for rhythm
   • Synth for chords
   • Bass
   • Percussion
3. Select a track, hit record, play on the keyboard, stop record.
4. Change to another track and repeat.

Before recording each part you can hit play to play the current tracks, then experiment and practice the part you wish to record. This will help build the composition in layers. You can always undo/redo, or fix anything at any time.

To accomplish these goals let’s learn how to record MIDI from QwertyZen to GarageBand. To send the MIDI output from QwertyZen to GarageBand we will need a virtual MIDI cable. Fortunately, Garage Band provides its own virtual MIDI port called “GarageBand Virtual In”.

1. Launch the GarageBand app.
2. Open a project or create a new one.
3. Create a new MIDI instrument track. Eg: Electric piano, or clean guitar.
4. Launch the QwertyZen Community Edition app.
5. Flip the Output Device switch to the right to activate MIDI output.
6. Click the DAW Midi Port dropdown and choose “GarageBand Virtual In”.
7. Play notes on your keyboard. You should hear the sound from GarageBand instrument.
8. Press command + tab to switch to GarageBand.
9. Change the instrument to one of your choice.
10. Click the record button and recording will begin.
11. Press command + tab to switch to QwertyZen.
12. Play your musical part for that track.
13. Press command + tab to switch to GarageBand again.
14. Press space to stop recording.
15. Create a new track with a new instrument.
16. Repeat the process to record, play the part, and stop again. This time you will hear your previous performance.
17. You should now have a two track musical piece.

GarageBand has some useful keyboard shortcuts to help this process of multi-track recording

• R – Start recording
• space – Play/pause or stop recording
• enter – Move play head to start

If following these steps did not get you there, please login and comment below what issue you faced. We will help you get there.

Other apps may not provide a virtual MIDI cable like GarageBand does. Learn how to setup virtual MIDI ports in MacOS.

Coming soon:

• Learn how to record the audio output of QwertyZen’s internal synthesizer in GarageBand.
• Learn how to record MIDI in other musical apps