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what's needed to plug my bass into my Mac?

rich18rich

rich18rich

Oct 11, 2008
130
5
57
saco, ME.
www.reverbnation.com
#1
In the simplest way possible. Is that what a MIDI interface is? What is needed on the hardware end? I have a program called Garage Band. Does this help? Where can I find more info on this type of recording interface?
Thanks in advance. I know someone knows the easiest and cheapest solution.
Rick Rick
 
#5
Etienned said:
That above solution works well if you have a line/mic input,
sadly, apple has been removing them from their laptops...
Click to expand...

The laptops ,have an in/out on the side, no?
the13" does. That you can use.
I prefer using the apogee duet and the A/D thingies are much much better in that thing than they are in the mac.
 
#7
Contrary to what you'll read on many forums.

do as LITTLE as possible to get going. REcording gear is a total abyss --- most folks buy gear and don't read the software manuals etc...

the small "sucky" things commonly work for us much of the time.

---

Opinion...
Get some sound into your mac....then head over to youtube for software coaching vids.

Tim
 
#10
garmenteros said:
I use a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/2-1-4-Female-Ja...847?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f7b6f04f into my macs input and garageband or amplitube picks it up right away... no interfaces no nothing...
Click to expand...

This is the best thing you can do right now. Once you're familiar with recording software and you know exactly what you NEED to upgrade, then spend the money. For now anything other than the adapter would be a waste.

The quality is also excellent. Many people on here will say they couldn't get the sound to stop clipping/crackling/etc. They just didn't set it up right. And if you can't set up a 1/4'' to 1/8'' adapter, then you should not be buying something worth hundreds of dollars :)
 
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#11
I've tried several ways to do this and by FAR the best was using the Guitar Rig Mobile. It is a little box the size of a pack of cigarettes where you plug in your instrument and headphones and a USB cable into your mac

The software it comes with has a good SVT-ish modeling you can use and a TON of guitar stuff. It sounds amazing and is not only a good way to record by I use it all the time to learn songs. It has a player that you can add to your mix and not only can you control the play controls, you can also change pitch and tempo. It works REALLY REALLY well.

I got mine used on Craigslist for about $40.

Also, if you get one I'd recommend always use the headphones for rehearsal and laying initial tracks as there is no noticeable latency.
 
#13
m_bisson said:
This is the best thing you can do right now. Once you're familiar with recording software and you know exactly what you NEED to upgrade, then spend the money. For now anything other than the adapter would be a waste.

The quality is also excellent. Many people on here will say they couldn't get the sound to stop clipping/crackling/etc. They just didn't set it up right. And if you can't set up a 1/4'' to 1/8'' adapter, then you should not be buying something worth hundreds of dollars :)
Click to expand...


After Delving into the Abyss...

Can't stress how prudent (SMART) the above comment is.

I own some $$$$ interfaces... the reality is that I only pull them out when doing highly paid studio scratches.

When reading forums, they'll make it sound like you need $5000 in gear..

-----

Quite sincerely.. most guys spend thousands and never read the manuals.. (or just quit).

Owning a Ferrari to get the milk and bread works --- probably not the most prudent while you're in drivers ed.

-----

Get going... start reading.. save the money
 
#15
If your only goal is to get your Bass sound on your Mac i would go for the adapter or even better use the headphone out from your amp if it has one.

Be aware though that recording is as addictive as playing bass and that soon you will be wanting to record more and better.
In that case i would invest in a simple USB-Audio Interface.

It is really not a waste of money and you will be glad afterwards.
 
#16
DonnyDanger said:
If your only goal is to get your Bass sound on your Mac i would go for the adapter or even better use the headphone out from your amp if it has one.

Be aware though that recording is as addictive as playing bass and that soon you will be wanting to record more and better.
In that case i would invest in a simple USB-Audio Interface.

It is really not a waste of money and you will be glad afterwards.
Click to expand...

Upgrading in baby steps is pointless.
I got my first drumset when I was in grade 8. It was a $500 Yamaha kit and I loved it. I knew that I would be drumming my whole life and wanted something better within a year of starting. What did I do? Saved my money. I did NOT upgrade to a mid-range kit, nor did I buy mediocre hardware/gear. I saved and saved and saved... Now I own a kit worth a little over $8000 (including cymbals, hardware, etc). It is the second drumset I've owned. I saved a few thousand dollars by skipping the "small upgrade" stage and was able to afford my dream kit much sooner than I thought. The extra time spent saving also gave me more time to decide just what was right for me.

Now I'm set for life. Unless something gets damaged physically, those drums will last me the rest of my life.

Be smart about how you spend your money. Sure it's nice to have new things, but there are certainly more important things you could be spending money on than recording interfaces....
 
#17
To be clear... some of us are suggesting to save your money and start learning... it's common for folks to go full-on buying gear... and never read the manuals (or understand how to create a clean and full signal)

A little bit really depends on your end point... I can't tell you the number of guys I know that own $2000 interfaces and only scratch track vocals and acoustic guitar...

It takes time to understand the hows... and what it takes... many times it's more technique/education... than a long list of must have gear.
 
#19
I use the M-Audio Firewire solo and it works great. Simple to use (doesn't really require the manual too much) and I get a killer sound from my 03 American Jazz Bass. It's not too expensive either, I traded my digital camera for it!
 
#20
I agree with the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter, or guitar cable with 1/8 jack. Cheap, easy, works great. Plug into the Mac and open Gband. Start clicking. Click your track and look at the Edit info on right. Point and click. It's addictive.
 

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