Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - help mic'ing guitar amp into Mac Garageband

Dnew · March 17th, 2009, 08:58 PM

I'm trying to record my guitar amp into Garageband on my Mac and the options are dizzying. I've tried to search through links, but maybe you all can help me cut to the chase?

I was just going to buy a Shure SM57 and plug it directly into the mic port of my iMac, but after talking with a salesperson at Musicians Friend, they recommend a mic preamp and possibly a condenser mic.

So...

1. If I'm mic'ing an amp and possibly a room with a full drum kit and amp, would the condenser mic be better than a dynamic mic? (I'm not wiling to go through the time and expense to mic the drum kit individually-- this is purely a hobby)

2. The sales guy recommended the $40 MXL Mic Mate XLR to USB Mic Interface because he said that I'll get quality loss plugging the mic directly into my computer. Problem is, the reviews are not great. People complain about volume loss and distortion. I want something that doesn't color my sound and is a cheap, easy to use solution. I'm not a tweaker- I just want the sound that I hear to transfer to the computer.

3. I've seen separate units that allow you to plug in mic's and guitar, etc, but they seem to be $200-500. Is it necessary to spend this kind of money and if so, what unit would you all recommend.

I started with just wanting to plug a microphone in and it's developed into what seems like a pretty complex and costly venture. I'm not a professional musician. What would you recommend?

Thanks.

March 17th, 2009, 08:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dnew TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 38 Posts: 19	help mic'ing guitar amp into Mac Garageband I'm trying to record my guitar amp into Garageband on my Mac and the options are dizzying. I've tried to search through links, but maybe you all can help me cut to the chase? I was just going to buy a Shure SM57 and plug it directly into the mic port of my iMac, but after talking with a salesperson at Musicians Friend, they recommend a mic preamp and possibly a condenser mic. So... 1. If I'm mic'ing an amp and possibly a room with a full drum kit and amp, would the condenser mic be better than a dynamic mic? (I'm not wiling to go through the time and expense to mic the drum kit individually-- this is purely a hobby) 2. The sales guy recommended the $40 MXL Mic Mate XLR to USB Mic Interface because he said that I'll get quality loss plugging the mic directly into my computer. Problem is, the reviews are not great. People complain about volume loss and distortion. I want something that doesn't color my sound and is a cheap, easy to use solution. I'm not a tweaker- I just want the sound that I hear to transfer to the computer. 3. I've seen separate units that allow you to plug in mic's and guitar, etc, but they seem to be $200-500. Is it necessary to spend this kind of money and if so, what unit would you all recommend. I started with just wanting to plug a microphone in and it's developed into what seems like a pretty complex and costly venture. I'm not a professional musician. What would you recommend? Thanks.