Troubleshooting Guitar Recording Issues in GarageBand with Zoom H6

Issue Summary:

• When recording guitar in GarageBand via a Zoom H6 interface, the sound records very quietly, capturing only a distant, robot-like crackling noise. This issue does not occur when monitoring the live guitar sound, which appears normal. The problem persists across different guitars, USB ports, and cables. Direct monitoring has been disabled on the H6, which solved the issue for microphone recording but not for the guitar.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

1. Equipment and Connection Checks

• • Confirmed the guitar and microphone work normally when monitored live through headphones.
  • Replaced USB cables and tried different USB ports on the Mac.
  • Disabled direct monitoring on the Zoom H6, resolving microphone recording issues but not the guitar's.

1. Software and Settings Verification

• • Checked and matched sample rates and bit depths across the Zoom H6, Mac's Audio MIDI Setup, and GarageBand settings (44.1kHz/16 bit).
  • Created new tracks and projects in GarageBand to rule out project-specific issues.
  • Adjusted input levels and gain settings in both the H6 and GarageBand without success.

1. Observations

• • The issue is specific to recording guitars; microphone recordings are now fine after disabling direct monitoring on the H6.
  • Monitoring through GarageBand does not apply effects to the guitar audio before recording as expected.
  • Concerns about potential data loss when considering deleting and reinstalling GarageBand as a troubleshooting step.

Unresolved Issues:

• Despite troubleshooting, the guitar recordings in GarageBand via the Zoom H6 interface continue to be plagued by quiet recording levels and crackling noise, not reflective of the live monitored sound or microphone recordings.

Questions for the Forum:

• Has anyone experienced similar issues recording instruments in GarageBand with an external interface like the Zoom H6?
• Are there known compatibility issues or additional settings that might affect guitar recordings specifically?
• Suggestions for further troubleshooting steps or settings adjustments within GarageBand or on the Mac to resolve this recording quality issue?

Any insights or experiences with similar setups would be greatly appreciated as I navigate resolving this recording issue. Thank you!