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Macbook Pro Anger

#21
I have had a lot of trouble duplicating the recording quality/ease of use on my Windows laptop that had with my older MacBook, and I was disappointed to see that Apple removed the mic-in port on the newer MacBook models. I haven't been able to record with my Windows machine without lag, monitoring, or various playback issues.
 
#22
And I'll chime in that I found it equally easy. I started with a windows box running an motu 828 and cubase. Then turned that exact same rig into a hackintosh. Everything worked the same under either OS. I've since jumped back and forth with no issues that took any great length to solve.
That said, except for my gaming rig, every computer (4) phone (2), tablet (2) in my home now are Apples. Once I stared expanding the device count keeping everything similar is just easier.
 
#23
LowSide121 said:
Hey guys,

So I just recently bought the Macbook pro with Retina Display. The damn thing doesn't have a mic output/input jack so I can't record the way i did before with an adapter jack and cable straight from the bass.

It's looking like the only way I can record direct in is if i purchase an audio interface.

Have any of you resolved this issue a different way? And if not could you recommend me some cheap audio interface gear?

Much love,
Zach
Click to expand...

only God knows the strained work that my Macbook (white one) has digested in the last 6-7 years in my home studio, and now I use even a iMac quadcore...so I'm a fellow Apple user when it comes to pro recordings, but I NEVER understood why the new aluminum laptops do not have a dedicated, phisically distinct input for instrument, mics etc.
Even my white one, ancient and at the bottom of the line at the time of purchase, do have one.
Sometimes Apple seems to choose an illogical solution, but maybe they think that because it's a Pro, it should be used in a pro manner, i.e. with a pro external interface...
For sure I would not buy a 2000 + laptop without all the connections/ports that I need or would need.
And yes, even for semi-pro recordings I have used the built in soundcard in the past, with respectable results. there are better choices, YES, and now I use Echo audio interfaces, but it's so easy to have a built in complete flexibility for the occasions where you need them, without carrying outboard equipment.
Some examples? Rehearsals in multiple bands without technical prepared musicians/rooms, fixing an idea for a new song when you do not have time to access/possibility the whole studio system, capturing bootleg-type live performances, when you are lazy...
 
#24
sratas said:
Sometimes Apple seems to choose an illogical solution, but maybe they think that because it's a Pro, it should be used in a pro manner, i.e. with a pro external interface...
system, capturing bootleg-type live performances, when you are lazy...
Click to expand...

The new MacBook Pro 13" is basically the bottom now, and it doesn't come with all the extra software that they used to. Not even GarageBand, which my white 2007 13" even came with preinstalled. I don't get why they haven't dropped the 'Pro' part of the name for this model, because it really is very basic.

EDIT: My partner's didn't come with GarageBand etc., so I'm assuming this is normal but I could be wrong.
 
#26
Ben Wilkie said:
The new MacBook Pro 13" is basically the bottom now, and it doesn't come with all the extra software that they used to. Not even GarageBand, which my white 2007 13" even came with preinstalled. I don't get why they haven't dropped the 'Pro' part of the name for this model, because it really is very basic.

EDIT: My partner's didn't come with GarageBand etc., so I'm assuming this is normal but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

no garageband? Really?
Illogical...at least, questionable choices, for sure.
Apple should stick more with the original thought that sold so many Macs, the reliability and "ready for use" in the two pro fields of audio and graphics work
 
#27
sratas said:
no garageband? Really?
Illogical...at least, questionable choices, for sure.
Apple should stick more with the original thought that sold so many Macs, the reliability and "ready for use" in the two pro fields of audio and graphics work
Click to expand...

Yeah, the iLife package was completely missing. I would say she bought either 2010 or early 2011. But, the Apple website now says in its specs section that both current 13" and 15" MacBook Pros come with iLife, which includes GarageBand. Maybe my fiancé got a dud...
 
#29
droo46 said:
The 15" Macbook Pros have a mic in jack and the Retina Macbooks do not because they were intended to be smaller and more portable like the Air.
Click to expand...

I did not look at the contemporary line of Macs, and the 13 inches?
If not, is it Logic that someone has to spend for a 15 to have a stupid mini-jack input (worth maybe 1 dollar?).
For the sake, I'm a huge Apple fan, but also an apple user, so I have the right to give an unbiased feedback to the company in every way.
I think that a physical input should be maintained in all Macs, point.
 
#30
You're absolutely certain the headphone out can't be changed to mic in in the 'Sound' setting?

Completely bizarre. Still, it's worth it to get something like the Apogee Jam or One. I got to try the Jam recently through a friends Macbook, and it sounded great. If/ when they update it to support the Lightning connector, I'll get one (or, if it's cheap enough used, I'll buy one and the Lightning-adaptor).
 
#31
I have a retina as well, awesome!
Yes, not designed for line in.
Apple is gouging on the thunderbolt cables and adaptors...
50 bucks for a cable and 30 for a fw800 adaptor.
It'll be nice when 3rd party stuff comes out,
The transfer rates and editing capabilities on the computer are
astounding.
At least there are 2 usb ports for use with a proper quality,
affordable interface.
 
#34
I have a MacBook Pro and am also looking for recording solutions. I don't want to shell out for the Apogee Jam and I have a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver, so I think I'm going to buy an XLR-to-USB cable (such as Art's XConnect). Has anyone tried this?

I currently run my bass though my SansAmp and then into a 1/8" adaptor into my Pro, which sucks because I can't hear my bass as I'm recording (though I get pretty good quality). Once I can go through the USB, I'll be able to use my single 1/8" jack as an output for my headphones.
 

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