Although DIs convert instrument signal effectively, they are most commonly used alongside professional recording equipment and thus may not have the appropriate outputs to get into your Macbook. Since you want to avoid adapting your connections / signal multiple times, make sure to find a DI that has the output you want. Search for an “interface”. The term interface is often used for more complex options of connecting instruments to computers, and implies a more automatic compatibility with modern laptops via USB or other means. Search “guitar macbook interface” or similar to see some options. These work very similarly to DIs by amplifying the signal on its way to the laptop, but are sometimes sold in conjunction with software suites that help model various classic amplifiers and effects once your signal has made the leap to digital.
Note: Older versions of Macbook had a “microphone” 1/8inch input, while newer versions do not.
If you plan on using a tuner or foot pedal with your instrument, these will also need to be added to your setup. For most basses, this means you will have to connect the foot pedal and tuner to your guitar with correct accompanying attachments before you attach your DI. If you are recording, you may also want to consider using some fretboard lubricant. This will decrease the amount of squeaking caused by sliding your fingers down the strings. [4] X Research source
More recent Macbook versions do not have an audio input for a direct connection but older models do. Be careful when you’re connecting your cable to your Macbook’s audio input! This port can look very similar to your headphone input. In most cases, your headphone input will be indicated by a small headphone or musical note symbol beside the port. [6] X Research source
You’ll have to experiment with GarageBand to find which amp produces the kind of sound suited for your recording. You can also customize amp pre-sets through the amp pop-up menus. Using these, you can change between amp types, models, cabinets, and mics. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
Even if you don’t intend on using your headphones and instead plan on using the readout in your digital audio interface (DAW), which in this case is GarageBand, plugging in headphones can still improve the quality of your recording. A Feedback Protection feature can be enabled in GarageBand from the monitor pop up menu. Toggle this feature “On” in that menu to protect yourself from excess feedback. [10] X Research source
Once you have opened a New Project and the associated dialogue box has appeared, options should be available for digital amp users who are not using an external amp. Since you’re using headphones, you’ll also want to change your from “Monitor Off” to “Monitor On. " These settings can be found in the “My Instrument” pop up menu. [12] X Research source
Navigate on your Macbook from Settings → General → Accessibility. In the resulting menu, you should see a Mono option, which you should turn off. After adjusting this setting, your sound production should be A-OK. You may need to close GarageBand and re-launch the program for your setting changes to take effect. [13] X Research source
You may have activated one of these features through an accidental click or by hitting a hotkey mistakenly. Check each of these simple solutions before attempting something more drastic.
If you’ve bought your equipment used and were never given a manual, or if you have lost your manual, you can usually search the make and model of your equipment to find its specifications. In many cases, you might even have a digital copy of the manual available to you.
