How to Use Voloco as a Pitch Correction Plug-in in GarageBand (iOS)

Looking for better pitch correction than GarageBand's built-in plug-in? The Voloco app works as an AUv3 plug-in on iOS devices, giving you access to professional vocal effects, advanced pitch correction, and audio processing tools directly inside GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad.

Note: This guide covers using the Voloco app as an AUv3 plug-in for iOS. If you're looking for information about Voloco Producer (our desktop plug-in for Mac and Windows), see the Voloco Producer - User Manual.
 

What You'll Need

• iOS device (iPhone or iPad) with GarageBand installed
• Voloco mobile app installed on your iOS device
• Voloco Premium subscription (required for AUv3 plug-in access)

If you don't have a Premium subscription yet, see How do I buy a subscription to the app?
 

Why Use the Voloco app in GarageBand?

The Voloco app offers more advanced pitch correction and vocal processing than GarageBand's built-in effects:

• Over 70 vocal effects for creative sound design
• Professional audio processing (Compressor, EQ, Echo, Reverb)
• Advanced pitch correction with customizable settings
• Real-time vocal effects while recording
   

How to Add Voloco to a GarageBand Track:

Step 1: Create or Open Your Project

Open the GarageBand app and create a new project or open an existing project on your device.

Step 2: Add an Audio Recorder Track

Tap the "+" icon to add a new track and select Audio Recorder. This is the track type that supports vocal recording.

Step 3: Open Track Controls

With the Audio Recorder track selected, access Track Controls:

On iPhone:

• Tap the gear icon in the top right corner
• Select Track Controls from the menu

On iPad:

• Tap the Track Controls icon (three vertical sliders) in the top left corner
• This opens Track Controls directly

Step 4: Access Plug-ins & EQ

Scroll down in Track Controls and tap on Plug-ins & EQ. You'll see a list of all current plug-ins on the Audio Recorder track.

Step 5: Edit Plug-in Slots

Tap the blue Edit text to the right of the Plug-ins & EQ title. This expands the list to show all available plug-in slots with (+) and (-) icons.

Step 6: Remove Unwanted Plug-ins (Optional)

If you plan on using the Voloco app's built-in effects, you can tap the red minus sign (-) icon to remove any of GarageBand's built-in effects from the signal chain. This gives you a cleaner signal and lets the Voloco app handle all the processing.

Step 7: Add the Voloco app to the Signal Chain

Tap any of the green plus sign (+) icons to add a new plug-in.

Step 8: Enable Audio Unit Extensions

A menu of available plug-ins will open. At the top of your screen, tap the toggle for Audio Unit Extensions (also called AUv3). This displays all compatible AUv3 plug-ins installed on your device.

Step 9: Select the Voloco app

Find and tap the Voloco app from the list of Audio Unit Extensions. The Voloco app will be added to your Audio Recorder track as a plug-in.

Step 10: Close the Plug-in List

After selecting the Voloco app, you'll return to the Plug-ins & EQ list. Tap the blue Done button next to the Plug-ins & EQ title.

Step 11: Turn On Voloco

Make sure the Voloco app is active by tapping the power icon next to the Voloco plug-in name. When the toggle is blue, the Voloco app is turned on for this track.

Step 12: Open Voloco Settings

Tap the Voloco plug-in title to open the full settings interface.

Step 13: Explore Voloco Controls

You now have access to all of the Voloco app's controls directly in GarageBand:

• Effects (FX): Choose from 70+ vocal effects
• Compressor: Control dynamics and add punch
• EQ: Shape your vocal tone
• Echo: Add delay effects
• Reverb: Create space and atmosphere
• Mix: Adjust vocal volume level
• Key: Set pitch correction key and scale

Step 14: Set Your Key Manually

Important: Tap on Key settings and manually set the key of your project. Unlike the Voloco mobile app, GarageBand does not automatically detect the key of your backing track. Setting the correct key ensures your pitch correction stays in tune with your music.

Step 15: Start Recording

You're ready to record! Tap Done in the top right corner to return to your project window. The Voloco app will now process your vocals in real-time as you record in GarageBand!

Key Differences: Voloco AUv3 Plug-in vs. Voloco Mobile App

When using the Voloco app as an AUv3 plug-in in GarageBand on iOS, note these differences from the standalone Voloco mobile app:

Available in the Voloco App’s AUv3 GarageBand Plug-in:

• All vocal effects (FX)
• All audio processing tools (Compressor, EQ, Echo, Reverb)
• Real-time pitch correction
• Mix controls
• Key and scale settings

Not Available in the Voloco App’s AUv3 Plug-in:

• Publishing tracks to the Voloco app's social network
• Voloco Beats library (use GarageBand's backing tracks or import your own)
• Auto-mastering
• Lyric videos
• Multi-track recording features (though you can add the Voloco app's AUv3 plug-in to multiple tracks in GarageBand to process different vocals separately)

These features are designed for the Voloco mobile app workflow. For GarageBand users, focus on using the Voloco AUV3 plug-in for its powerful vocal effects and pitch correction, then complete your project in GarageBand.

Remember to Set Your Key

The biggest difference between using the Voloco app on your phone vs. using Voloco as an AUv3 plugin with GarageBand on iOS: manual key detection. Always set your key manually in the Voloco app’s AUv3 plug-in settings to ensure your vocals stay in tune with your backing track.