GarageBand Edit controller information with MIDI Draw
In addition to editing notes in the Piano Roll Editor, you can use MIDI Draw to edit MIDI region controller events or a Smart Controls Recording. Many music keyboards include controls for pitch bend and modulation. The pitch bend and modulation controls are often wheels, placed to the left of the lowest keys on the keyboard. Some keyboards also let you connect a sustain pedal or foot controller.
As you play, you can move these controls to add expression and character to your music. You can view and edit the movements of these and other MIDI controllers in the Piano Roll Editor. MIDI Draw can show controller information for Volume, Pan, Modulation, Foot Control, Expression, Sustain, or Pitch Bend. Smart Controls typically include EQ or tone controls, reverb and other effect controls, and controls specific to the type of track or instrument.
MIDI Draw works in much the same way as track automation, with a couple of key differences. MIDI Draw is restricted to MIDI regions. It uses MIDI controller values, which are represented as curves between automation points. Editing automation points and curves is similar to editing track automation.
Turn MIDI Draw on
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Click the MIDI Draw button in the Piano Roll Editor menu bar.
The MIDI Draw area is displayed below the notes area. You can choose controller event and Smart Control types from the MIDI Draw pop-up menu to the left of the MIDI Draw area.
Edit controller events
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Choose the controller type from the MIDI Draw pop-up menu.
Drag an automation point to change its value for the chosen controller type.
Edit Smart Controls automation data
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Choose the Smart Controls type from the MIDI Draw pop-up menu.
Drag an automation point to change its value for the chosen Smart Controls type.
Resize the MIDI Draw area
Drag the dividing line between the MIDI Draw area and the Piano Roll Editor notes area vertically.