GarageBand Use Audio Units plug-ins with GarageBand
You can use Audio Units plug-ins in your GarageBand projects to add new sounds and effects. Some Audio Units may be installed on your computer, and many more are available from other sources. You can buy Audio Units plug-ins from a variety of third-party vendors, and find free Audio Units on the Internet.
There are two types of Audio Units plug-ins you can use in your projects:
Effect plug-ins: These include common audio effects such as reverb, compressors, delays, and other unique effects. You can use Audio Units effect plug-ins on individual tracks and on the master track.
Instrument plug-ins: These include pianos, organs, synthesizers and other keyboards, and other instruments. You can use Audio Units instrument plug-ins on software instrument tracks only.
You add Audio Units plug-ins to a track (including the master track) in the Smart Control inspector. You can turn Audio Units plug-ins on and off, change them, edit their settings, and remove them the same as plug-ins included with GarageBand. For more information, see Add and edit effect plug-ins.
Add an Audio Units effect plug-in
Click the Inspector button
in the Smart Controls menu bar to open the Smart Control inspector.
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In the Plug-ins area, click an empty plug-in slot, choose an effect category, then choose a plug-in from the Audio Units submenu.
The plug-in window opens, showing the plug-in’s controls.
Add an Audio Units instrument plug-in to a software instrument track
Click the Inspector button
in the Smart Controls menu bar to open the Smart Control inspector.
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In the Plug-ins area, click the Instrument slot, choose either AU Generators or AU Instruments, then choose a plug-in from the submenu.
The plug-in window opens, showing the plug-in’s controls.
Adding an Audio Units instrument plug-in replaces the original instrument plug-in. You can return to the original instrument plug-in by choosing the patch again in the Library.