USB/FW Interface for recording into garageband?

[Kusabi]

I recently bought a Macbook Pro with OSX and have been having a lot of fun recording through the built in mic into GarageBand. However, the quality of using the built in mic leaves a lot to be desired. In order to improve the quality of my recordings I plan on buying a USB or FireWire interface. The cheaper the better and as I will be recording only one track at a time multiple channels aren't necessary. Suggestions?

 

[pilmat]

One of the best sound cards you can get is an Apogee Duet. I just got the new Duet2 and it is really awesome. It is NOT cheap though, but you might be able to pick up an original Duet for cheap. After moving up from a Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1, the difference in recording and playback quality is surprising.

 

[basszillla]

i have a MBox2 & an E-Mu that i'd sell - both only used a couple time, so almost brand new.

 

[ric stave]

Or look at the Apogee ONE ($249) or the JAM ($99) for 1 channel interfaces.

 

[Hellbastard]

My first audio interface was a Line 6 GX Line 6 POD Studio GX with POD Farm: Shop Pro Audio & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend, a single channel USB interface.
The good thing about Line 6 interfaces is that you get the POD Farm software that allows you to route your signal through several simulation plug ins.

 

[Lexicon]

I have a Presonus Firebox going into my Macbook Pro and love it. The updated version (Firestudio Mobile) is supposed to have higher quality preamps, but for my purposes the Firebox is fine. I picked up mine on ebay from an authorized dealer as B stock and it's been flawless.

 

[charlie monroe]

I use an MAudio FastTrack Ultra.
Intuitive out of the box. Clean enough for what I need to do.

 

[Kusabi]

I just got done looking up info on the interfaces you guys have mentioned and I think I'm going to check out the Apogee JAM. Anyone have experience with it?

 

[uhdinator]

Check out Mackie black jack. $149.
Works well with Macs.

 

[Sufenta]

+1 for the Duet. We recorded drums last night, one channel for kick and one regionally placed near the snare, and the results are amazing. Very easy to use, lots of control, and virtually flawless audio quality. Bass recording sounds great as well, one direct and one miked on the cab. Highly recommended!

 

[Gregor69]

I use a ESI DuaFire Firewire interface to record into my macbookpro (garageband) and it works fantastic (edrums/bass/guitar/vocs). Right now i'm recording with my new Korg Pandora PX5D which also sounds very good because of the pandora sounds.

 

[Pickebass]

Or look at the Apogee ONE ($249) or the JAM ($99) for 1 channel interfaces.

The Apogee one is great because you can also use use a mic as well. Good quality at a reasonable price. Also check guitar center for a use one. I've seen them in the used section for about $150.

Also might want to consider using a POD of some type. A used bass pod xt you could probably get for around $100.

 

[droo46]

+1 To the Line 6 Pod Farm. I fooled around with it and I've been really pleased with all of the simulations.

 

[RCCollins]

Tascam Fireone isn't perfect in every way, but works darn well if you ignore the jogwheel and as a bonus, it's got MIDI connectivity as well!

They're available CHEAP - I might even have one to pass on to a TBer for a song...

 

[IK Obi]

What is your budget and how many things do you need to record at once?

 

[Kusabi]

Id like to stay under $300 and I'll be recording one track at a time.

 

[R Baer]

I'm using an E-Mu 0404 and really like it. The pre amps in it actually sound quite good with bass, and it has no real latency that I can tell. The headphone amp is also very good quality.
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[garmenteros]

Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Interface: Shop Pro Audio & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

I use this with garageband, but mostly with logic studio 9. Excellent unit and no noise to speak of. It also has phantom power should you need it.