How to Record Music Played by Roland SPD-30 Using GarageBand or Audacity on MacBook

If you own a Roland SPD-30 OctaPad, and are looking to record the music played on it with either GarageBand or Audacity, this guide will walk you through the setup and recording process. Additionally, you will need a Behringer UM2 audio interface and a MacBook. Follow these detailed steps to get started:

Setting Up Your Equipment

Connecting the SPD-30 to the UM2:

Connect the SPD-30 Main Out 1/4 to the Input 1 of the Behringer UM2.

Connecting the UM2 to Your MacBook:

Use a USB cable to connect the Behringer UM2 to your MacBook. This connection will also power the interface.

Setting Up Your MacBook:

Go to System Preferences Sound. Under the Input tab, select Behringer UM2 as your input device. Under the Output tab, choose your preferred output device (Behringer UM2 or MacBook speakers) depending on how you want to monitor the sound.

Recording in GarageBand

Open GarageBand:
Create a new project and choose Empty Project.

Set Up the Track:
Choose Audio when prompted to select a track type.
Make sure the input is set to Input 1 where your SPD-30 is connected.

Configure the Track:
Click on the track header to select it.
Enable monitoring by clicking the Monitor button (the icon looks like an eye).
Adjust the gain on the UM2 if necessary to avoid clipping.

Start Recording:
Press the Record button in GarageBand (red circle).
Play your SPD-30 to record the performance.

Stop Recording:
Press the Stop button when finished.
You can edit your recording as needed.

Recording in Audacity

Open Audacity:
Create a new project.

Set Up Audio Device:
Go to Audacity Preferences.
Under the Devices tab, set the Host to Core Audio.
Set the Recording Device to Behringer UM2.

Set Up the Track:
Make sure the input is set to Input 1.
Click on the microphone icon to enable monitoring if desired.

Start Recording:
Click the Record button (red circle).
Play your SPD-30 to capture the performance.

Stop Recording:
Click the Stop button when you're finished.
You can edit the audio as needed in Audacity.

Additional Tips

Latency: If you experience latency, adjust the buffer size in the audio settings of your recording software. Levels: Keep an eye on the input levels to avoid clipping. Adjust the volume on the SPD-30 and the gain on the UM2 accordingly. Monitor: Use headphones connected to the UM2 for real-time monitoring of your performance.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully record the music played on your Roland SPD-30 using either GarageBand or Audacity. Enjoy your recording!