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A few questions on MAC recording.

BassSurfer

BassSurfer

Jun 30, 2006
2,447
120
Brooklyn & Queens, NYC
www.savewashingtonstreet.org
#1
I have a standard Macbook Pro with no line in jack on the side ( just headphones )

It has garageband as well, but would the best option be just getting an audio interface for this? I don't have that direct line in, but does this even matter? I am very new to this so anyone who can point me in the right direction, it would help a-lot!

Don't want anything TOO serious, but any recommendations on a audio interface would be nice to hear too..

ANY help would be great!

Thanks!

EDIT: was just told the jack is a combo line in/headphone jack..is this true?
 
#4
If i were you i would go with the new pro tools boxes. The Mbox 3 mini would probably be perfect. I was thinking of getting the apogee one, but with the pro tools products, you can use them on both Logic and on Pro Tools. Cant do that with most other products.
 
#8
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

MAC :D?

In all seriousness though, I'm with everyone else in suggesting that you find yourself a nice interface. I've got an Echo AudioFire4 and it works great for what I need it to do. I've heard good the Line 6 UX1 and UX2 and they come bundled with some software and plugins to use if you want.
 
#10
I'm interested in recording some stuff at home, as well as capturing some rough recordings of band practice. Is there a definitive answer of which interfaces are best, or which ones should be avoided? It seems like everyones got their own views on it; some praise M-Audio, others Presonus, and some like Line 6's stuff. I just want to be able to plug in a couple of mics, or a bass or guitar, and do some recording with Garageband.
 
#11
TheEmptyCell said:
I'm interested in recording some stuff at home, as well as capturing some rough recordings of band practice. Is there a definitive answer of which interfaces are best, or which ones should be avoided? It seems like everyones got their own views on it; some praise M-Audio, others Presonus, and some like Line 6's stuff. I just want to be able to plug in a couple of mics, or a bass or guitar, and do some recording with Garageband.
Click to expand...

I think today is more a question of how much do you want to expend on an audio interface.

I'd prefer the more traditional brands like APOGEE, MOTU, RME, M-AUDIO etc… every brand has their budget line where you can choose from.
 
#12
Like with any gear out there there's no definitive answer to which is best. I have experience with all of the three brands you mentioned. IME presonus has the best pre's you can get for the money one of their units cost. I own a M-audio Fast track pro now,and I hate the fact that you can't bypass the pre's and the drivers are really bad.
 
#13
2 of the most important issues with interface quality are:

The pre-amp (how much gain it has)
-cheaper units are usually in the 50db gain range
better ones are in the 60-80db range
Phantom power needed for condenser mics
Many have posted here that they cannot get enough gain to get proper recording levels with some of the cheaper units. If you have to run the pre-amp full volume you get more noise.
(M audio profire 610= Adjustable Gain >53dB without pad)
(presonus firestudio mobile=Gain Control Range (± 1 dB) –10 dB to 70 dB)
Signal to noise ratio around 100db or higher is good too.

The other factor is the quality of the digital converter.
one of the specs to look for is Jitter. listed in Picoseconds
the higher the jitter number the lower the accuracy of
consistent sampling intervals (translates to loss of clarity.

Not all publish these specs in their documentation.
(Jet PLL Jitter Elimination Technology)

some of the interfaces under $600 that have decent pre-amp gain are:
Apogee Duet 2 pre's (Mac only) firewire
Motu Ultralite (mac or PC) 2 pre's- 6 line ins -firewire or usb
Presonus fire studio project (mac or PC) 8 Pre's - firewire
PreSonus FireStudio Mobile (mac or PC) 2 pre's 6 line in -firewire

Check manufacturer website for compatible driver for the operating system you are using on your puter.
 
#14
BassSurfer said:
I have a standard Macbook Pro with no line in jack on the side ( just headphones )

It has garageband as well, but would the best option be just getting an audio interface for this? I don't have that direct line in, but does this even matter? I am very new to this so anyone who can point me in the right direction, it would help a-lot!

Don't want anything TOO serious, but any recommendations on a audio interface would be nice to hear too..

ANY help would be great!

Thanks!

EDIT: was just told the jack is a combo line in/headphone jack..is this true?
Click to expand...

For not too serious and no money, if you have an amp with headphone out, you can run that into the line in on the Macbook. Works great.
 
#15
After reading this thread, I looked at my manual and see that I have a "audio in/optical digital audio in" port. How would I exploit this?

Link Removed

I was already decided on the MOTU MicroBook before reading this thread, but I am just curious.

Not for serious, just thought it might be fun to play around with in addition to lessons.
 
#16
The jack is there, so I think it makes sense to learn how to use it. If you have an active bass, a mic pre, or a mini-mixer and an 1/8" adapter, you can get a moderately good sound running direct into your Macbook.

It's a little noisy, the frequency response is only so-so, and headroom is limited, so you'll have to watch your levels like a hawk. With some care, it can be good enough for YouTube audio, recording rough demos to show your band, etc.

But unless you bought your mic from Radio Shack, you're definitely going to hear a major sonic improvement once you step up to an external audio interface.
 

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