How to Record Rap on iPhone with GarageBand

No computer around? With GarageBand on your iPhone you can record a verse just fine. The app is free, and all you need is your phone, headphones and a beat. Here's how.

1. Put your beat in the Files app

GarageBand pulls audio files from the Files app. So save your beat there first, for example in iCloud Drive or a folder on your iPhone.

2. Start a song with the Audio Recorder

Open GarageBand, create a new song and choose the Audio Recorder. Then tap the Tracks button to go to Tracks view. That's where you see your tracks side by side.

3. Set the section to Automatic

A lot of people miss this step. A section in GarageBand is usually eight bars long. Import your beat without changing this and only the part that fits in those eight bars comes in. Tap the button on the right edge of the ruler, tap the Inspector button next to the section name and turn on Automatic. Then tap Done.

4. Set the tempo to your beat's BPM

Tap the Settings button in the control bar, then tap Tempo. Set the tempo to the BPM of your beat. That way the grid lines up with the beat and cutting parts is easy. According to Apple, imported audio files don't follow tempo changes, so the beat itself keeps sounding the way it does. Don't know the BPM? Check it with the free Beat Lab.

5. Import the beat

In Tracks view, tap the Loop Browser button, choose the Files tab and browse to your beat in the Files app. Tap the beat and drag it to the start of bar 1.

6. Set your level

Go to your Audio Recorder track. Rap your loudest part and watch the input meter on the left. If it turns red, drag it down or rap that part a bit softer. Under the Input Settings button you'll also find a noise gate. It cuts out noise between your lines. Don't set it too high, or quiet bits of your voice drop out too.

7. Record with headphones

Put on headphones, or the beat ends up in your recording through the speaker. Wired headphones are the safest bet, since Bluetooth can add delay. Want a few beats of run-up? Turn on the count-in under Metronome and Count-in in the settings.

Tap the record button and record your verse. Do it in sections, say four or eight bars at a time. If something goes wrong, you only redo that section.

8. Export your song

Go to My Songs, long-press your song and tap Share. Choose Song, pick the audio quality, fill in the title and your artist name and share the file.

Tips for a better recording

• Keep your phone at the same distance from your mouth, so your level doesn't jump around.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb. A notification in the middle of a take is a waste.
• Record in a quiet room with soft stuff around you.
• Want to go a step further? You can also connect an external mic or interface. The Monitor button then becomes active and you can hear yourself back.

Want autotune on your voice? In GarageBand on iPhone it's called Extreme Tuning. Read autotune in GarageBand.

Prefer another app? Read how to record rap in BandLab on your phone.

Only recorded an idea in Voice Memos? Read how to convert a voice memo to MP3 or WAV. On a Mac? Read how to record vocals in GarageBand on Mac. Want to make the beat on your iPhone too? Read how to make a beat on iPhone with GarageBand. Need a beat? Browse all beats.

FAQ

Why does my beat stop after eight bars?

Your section probably isn't set to Automatic. Turn that on in the section settings and import the beat again, or make the section and the region longer.

Does my beat change when I change the tempo?

No. According to Apple, imported audio files don't follow tempo changes. Only Apple Loops and most Touch Instrument recordings adjust.

Can I record rap with just my iPhone?

Yes. The Audio Recorder uses your phone's mic when nothing else is connected. An external mic usually sounds better, though.

Source: Apple's GarageBand for iPhone user guide, on the Audio Recorder, song sections, tempo, importing and sharing.