MIDI tracks in GarageBand suddenly getting louder despite channel volume and automation set to zero

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Level 1

9 points

MIDI tracks in GarageBand suddenly getting louder despite channel volume and automation set to zero

While setting up orchestra midi tracks, six tracks play back correctly with their volumes set in

Automation, but two tracks suddenly jump to full volume at only one particular measure of the song. I have tried moving their respective track volume faders to zero, and also pulling the track automation levels to zero, but they keep jumping to full volume ONLY at one particular measure of music. Without having access to the piano roll of all the midi cc data; I can't figure out how to correct this problem. Any one else ever experience this problem?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: In GarageBand, why do some MIDI tracks suddenly get louder even with their channel volume and their automation set to zero?

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 1, 2025 05:56 AM

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Answer 1

najrellim Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 2, 2025 05:56 AM in response to najrellim

I found the problem and it had nothing to do with GarageBand. I used the excellent BBC Orchestra plugin from SpitFire but didn't realize that it has its own "Dynamics" Midi controls built in to each instrument. Those Dynamics equate to GarageBand's "Velocity" controls, however the Dynamics are not affected by how hard the user presses the keys on their Midi controller device. The GarageBand Automation control for "Volume" will not affect the built-in Dynamics controls either.

The Good News is that Spitfire's BBC Orchestra Instruments plugin has several ways to edit its Dynamics and many other features for tailoring its sounds. Even if your problem with GarageBand velocity does not involve Spitfire virtual instruments, this video explains how to work around Midi CC controls built into a plugin.

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