Field Guide

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GarageBand Issues on Mac

Having trouble loading AmpStamp in GarageBand on Mac? We’ve got the fix.

GarageBand, unlike Logic Pro, does not necessarily make audio routing as clear when instantiating new tracks. It makes sense since GarageBand is meant to be more of an introduction to digital recording, providing a quick, easy to use interface to get up and running and making some music. That being said, it can also lead to confusion if you want to dig deeper in knowledge, not in your wallet for Logic Pro, to get more out of GarageBand.

So we need to address an important issue with regards to AmpStamp. AmpStamp is meant for guitar, but can be used on other instruments, and expects mono input. AmpStamp supports stereo output, so in total you can run AmpStamp as either:

  • 1-in-1-out, or
  • 1-in-2-out

It sounds simple, but that’s not how audio tracks are created by default in GarageBand. In order to get GarageBand to expose plugins that require mono input, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new audio track in GarageBand
  2. Toggle the input from mono to stereo and back to mono
  3. You can now replace the default Compressor plugin with any mono-compatible plugin that you have installed

And that’s it! We tested this with GarageBand version 10.4.6, let us know if this works for you too!

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Tuning a Plexi

There is something magical, maybe even mysterious, about an old Plexi. Based on historical records, we know that there were several revisions, that part tolerances varied over the years, and that build quality could be hit or miss. But one thing is for certain, if you find a winning combination of all of these elements, you know it. The sound registers as “the” sound you have been looking for.

Or maybe not. As we drift further and further away from the period known as Classic Rock it’s getting more and more difficult to find information about recording techniques, gear, and performances captured on seminal records of that period. Enter AmpStamp, our attempt at cataloging the most desirable gear, with the ability to recreate the most coveted tones in guitar history.

Let’s take a look at the VG402C Amplifier paired with the VG 4x12B 100W ’78 Cabinet. This setup covers both ’68 and ’69 era Specs with a slightly newer cabinet. We’re using the EQ110 Ten Band Equalizer to tighten the sound of the guitar coming into the amplifier.

With the EQ110 Ten Band Equalizer we’re cutting low-mids to tighten the bass and boosting highs to improve clarity. It’s a common shape that can even help clean tones cut through in a mix.

’68 Spec

We think you’re going to instantly hear the low end punch and mid-growl that epitomizes classic rock guitar tone. And at a low gain setting! Remember, this was in the pre- to early-days of master volume amplifiers, players were getting their sound more from power amp distortion. Studio engineers kept asking the musicians to turn it down! And that’s what makes this Spec a classic: the ability to pack a punch at a lower volume. Enjoy!

’69 Spec

Voiced brighter than previous revisions, this Spec shines when pushed to the max. You can really hear the tubes screaming! No boost needed. We’ve added a switch so you can dial it back if needed, but we don’t recommend it. Let it rip!

Signal Chain
  • EQ110 Ten Band Equalizer
  •  VG402C Amplifier, daisy-chain channels I and II
  • VG 4x12B 100W ’78 Cabinet