Anyone know how Garageband 2 compares to Pro Tools LE 6.9 in terms of sampling rates and how this affects the quality of recording?

Im pretty sure Garageband 2 runs at 44.1k 16bit, while protools LE with Mbox runs up to 48k 24bit, with Digi002 hardware runs up to 96k at 24bit (maybe even 32bit?)

Protools great (above CD quality) recording and mixing - but you have to dither down to 44.1k 16bit at mixdown stage as this is the sample rate of a recordable CD

Garageband good recording quality at CD sample rate of 44.1k 16bit

Ive got good results with both applications, Protools definately more accurate and professional than garageband.

If your goal is to get your music back to CD, your best bet in Pro Tools is to record at 44.1kHz/24-bit. Dropping bit-rates doesn't have anywhere near as much detrimental effect on the sound quality as sample rate conversion. So going from 48k to 44.1 is pretty destructive. But recording at 24-bit means your sessions will sound the best that they can. Besides, it gives you quite a bit of extra head-room. Always record at 24-bit when you can.

- Alexey Mohr
http://www.thelexfactory.com