Audio Production Features:  

Garage Band features a standard matrix where MIDI files, recorded/imported audio files can be modified and manipulated. With seamless iTunes compatibility, tracks can be imported and exported with ease. Though the program offers users tools to make minor adjustments to sequence and sound, the synthesizing and mixing features seem underdeveloped when compared to other programs like Reason, and with limited hardware and external MIDI support, Garage Band can require several additional steps, many of which can reduce or corrode quality through compression, before being available for incorporation into a track or general modification. Another weakness of Garage Band is its inability to create multiple time signatures. However, Apple has improved this weakness slightly by enabling automated tempo changes.

One advantage Garage Band does have, however, is its seamless compatibility with other iLife products. Garage Band can be used to score films or provide soundtracks to other iLife products.

Garage Band Performance

Garage Band can be run with great effect on Macbook Pro and recent iMac models. However, Garage Band requires too much power to be run with consistency and without latency on most MacBook models.

Input/ Output:  

Garage Band is compatible with any files that can be converted to MP3 or included within iTunes. While instruments like microphones or guitars can be given direct line-ins, Garage Band offers limited hardware and external MIDI device compatibility, greatly reducing the users range.

Help/ Support:  

Garage Band features built-in help guides, tutorials and search features in addition to a detailed FAQ section and forum hosted by its Manufacturer, Apple. Additional assistance can be obtained via email.

Garage Band works well for the casual hobbyist, but lacks most of the tools and features to go beyond simple editing and modification tasks. Though Apple does offer additional add-ons and upgrade features, even when accounting for those features, Garage Band is still miles behind other feature-rich, creatively-inclined, user friendly Recording Studio programs like Reason.