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If you're happy with the mp3 recorder, then plugging in a decent mic and using that to record in garageband
So I can plug a mike right into the computer?
But there are many advantages to giving each instrument and singer its/their own microphone, etc, and record multiple tracks at once. Then you'd need the thingie ND is talking about.
Oh, yes, I totally understand that. It's just not financially feasible for me at the moment. And kind of overkill for our immediate needs. (We recorded an album professionally and just released it this year so we have something that sounds good to send out to when we need to.)
So I can plug a mike right into the computer?
Yep. You might need a 1/4" -> 1/8" adapter if you want to use a production mic, but those are $3 at radio shack and you might already have one anyway.
The 1/4" to 1/8" adapter will only work with a high impedance microphone which are very low quality. If you want to use even something like a Shure SM58 then you'll need an interface with a Mic Pre-amplifier in it. If you want to use a condensor microphone then you'll need something with Phantom power.
Something like The M-Audio FastTrack USB will do it if you don't need phantom power.
eta
The The Mobile Pre adds phantom.
I'd also like to know how to choose between an iBook and a PowerBook.
I think it depends on what you want to do with it. Since I use my computer for design work, and this is my main computer now, I was steered towards the PowerBook.
Plus it was shiny and had that groovy backlit keyboard.
The 1/4" to 1/8" adapter will only work with a high impedance microphone which are very low quality. If you want to use even something like a Shure SM58 then you'll need an interface with a Mic Pre-amplifier in it. If you want to use a condensor microphone then you'll need something with Phantom power.
ACK ! Okay now I'm all scared again! A who? With the whatnow?
So I can plug a mike right into the computer?
Not on an iBook, as it has no audio input. Which is why you need at least some sort of cheap USB interface for audio input.
The main thing I miss on my iBook is the ability to connect to an external monitor in digital mode and to support external monitors at higher resolutions.
ACK ! Okay now I'm all scared again! A who? With the whatnow?
A really really cheap microphone will plug right into the computer. Pretty much okay for a recording that is lo-fi and only for reference, you really wouldn't want to play it for anyone. For a nicer microphone you need an interface like the ones I linked to. Tommyrot is right, for the iBook you'll need some kind of audio interface but it could be something really cheap like a griffin iMic.
This is why asking ND for sound advice can be interesting but at the same time absolutely terrifying. =)
I still say that if you're happy with the thing you're using, a low-quality microphone with an adapter will work just fine. It's almost certainly what you've got now.
Me, I'd look into convincing my band that multi-track recording ability is worth the money for a multi-track device, and go for it. Because they're cool.
ETA:
Not on an iBook, as it has no audio input.
Oops, true. My bad.
A really really cheap microphone will plug right into the computer. Pretty much okay for a recording that is lo-fi and only for reference, you really wouldn't want to play it for anyone. For a nicer microphone you need an interface like the ones I linked to. Tommyrot is right, for the iBook you'll need some kind of audio interface but it could be something really cheap like a griffin iMic.
Okay. That seems like what would work for us right now.
Me, I'd look into convincing my band that multi-track recording ability is worth the money for a multi-track device, and go for it. Because they're cool.
HAH! See, I'm the non-instrument playing lead singer. I'm going to want to spend extra money on flashy new outfits!
Apple has updated iTunes, and putting colour screens on all iPods. The 30Gb iPod seems to have disappeared.
[link]
(Wondering if the Student computer store at the looniversity has 30 Gb on clearance right now...)
