Best cheap way to record into macbook?

[jdredskinsfan]

Hello all.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I've been lounging around recently and am still on the hunt for a good way to get CLEAN recordings through my computer (a macbook). For a temporary solution, I'll be using garageband, and I've already set aside some money for a mic (Beta 57A) and some other random goodies. The main thing that I have left to do (with the maybe $100 that I have left) is either:

a). Buy a Tapco Mix.60 and an ART preamp, then use an rca to 1/8" adapter to go into my macbook's line in or;
b). Buy a dedicated usb audio interface, skip the mixer, and go straight in from there.

Now, I don't really need multitrack capability (I'm doing mostly solo work and won't ever need to record more than two tracks at the time, which I found out can be done even with a simple mixer), and my only three instruments are vocals (through the 57A), guitar if not miced, and later on probably a synth or something similar. Really, all I want is decent, clean recordings (they don't have to be totally professional, though, as I know that's difficult through a modest home studio) that I can share with people and use for my own benefit. I don't know anyone who records, so I can't see how the line in or interface works, so your help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone could provide me some input on either of my options I would be GREATLY appreciative.

Thanks,
John

[getbent]

get a toneport.

I use mine more than my firewire mixer, it works great for vocals, guitars, etc... for what you want you can start at 70.00 and get rockin.

[CatfishStudios]

I got a Toneport for my Brother in law, on his birthday..he runs it through his laptop with great results, but im not sure about apple compatibility...

[getbent]

it definitely, 100% works on macs.

[jdredskinsfan]

I'll definitely have to look into that. I've heard that option befroe but never really thoguht about it so I'll have to check it out.

[Grin'n'pick]

+1 on the Toneport, if you want to do this cheaply it is one of the best options. I use mine with Mac or PC, but the cheapest and best way is into Garageband on the Mac where the results are fine.

[Durtdog]

I bought (I should say "picked up") a Toneport after reading posts by Getbent and others. It's good cheap, easy fun. And I think they just went down in price a bit at MF. Hard to go wrong.

[jdredskinsfan]

One more quick question - would I be able to run a synth (with an audio out) through the toneport and still get the sound exactly as outputted from the synth?

[JimiBryant]

or mebbe download Audacity and try it with the built-in mic?

my friend records his jazz combo that way and the results are shockingly good.

it's freeware; a basic 2-track recorder and also pretty user-friendly.

[aznrambo481]

even the computer mics aren't that bad. I recorded a whole song on one of those... you get some background noise but it's passable.

[jdredskinsfan]

Yeah, I've been recording a lot with the built in mic. The sound quality's pretty good, I just hate all the background noise.

I think I'm going to get the UX2 - it seems more flexible for later on - and I may get a condenser instead of the 57A. As I asked before, though, my main question is with the provided stereo line ins if I could hook up an analog synth and record completely dry to get the exact sound that comes out of the synth. Is it possible to use gearbox with no preamps or anything? At this point the vocals and guitar stuff is fine, I'm just trying to figure out if I'll also be able to hook up and monitor a synth.

Thanks!

[Daddydex]

Originally Posted by jdredskinsfan

Yeah, I've been recording a lot with the built in mic. The sound quality's pretty good, I just hate all the background noise.

I think I'm going to get the UX2 - it seems more flexible for later on - and I may get a condenser instead of the 57A. As I asked before, though, my main question is with the provided stereo line ins if I could hook up an analog synth and record completely dry to get the exact sound that comes out of the synth. Is it possible to use gearbox with no preamps or anything? At this point the vocals and guitar stuff is fine, I'm just trying to figure out if I'll also be able to hook up and monitor a synth.

Thanks!

If the synth has 1/4 inch or XLR out I don't see this as being a problem. I would think you could adapt it easily to any interface.

Dan

[Brian blaut]

I have the ux2. Its great. The modeling and effects is very decent and a LOT of fun. Don't plan on using the modeling? No problem. It's still one of the more affordable audio interfaces out there. Just turn off the modeling and mic your amp using the toneport's mic inputs, or run other audio equipment into the 1/4" inputs. Very versatile for very little cash. I use it on my Macbook Pro with GarageBand. Works flawlessly.

[jdredskinsfan]

Yeah, the synth has stereo 1/4" outputs so I think it should work if I just do it into the 1/4" inputs on the back of the UX2. Sounds like I've got it all covered. Thanks guys!

[brandt]

I use a Presonus FireBox and Garageband. For acoustic I have a matched pair of Behringer C-2 direct in to the FireBox. Lots of gain, nearly silent pre-amps - really a slick set up for very little green.

You can hear the examples of this set up at www.therealplacebos.com

[jdredskinsfan]

Man, that sounds great. I figure if I can get a pretty clean sound like that I'll be psyched. Pretty nice site too!

Now, though, here's the list of stuff I put together to get my home studio kicked off. I've already got my macbook - probably the most crucial part - but here's the list of everything else. I've been browsing a lot of reviews and all of this stuff seems pretty solid, but I'm open to any changes or comments as long as it's no more expensive than this stuff right now.

Audio-Technicia AT2020 condenser mic
Line 6 UX2 toneport
Musicians Gear tripod stand with boom
Livewire XLR mic cable
Sennheiser HD215 headphones for monitoring
And some Dunlop Shakers just for fun...

All for around $350. Sound reasonable?

[epimetheus81]

Originally Posted by jdredskinsfan

Man, that sounds great. I figure if I can get a pretty clean sound like that I'll be psyched. Pretty nice site too!

Now, though, here's the list of stuff I put together to get my home studio kicked off. I've already got my macbook - probably the most crucial part - but here's the list of everything else. I've been browsing a lot of reviews and all of this stuff seems pretty solid, but I'm open to any changes or comments as long as it's no more expensive than this stuff right now.

Audio-Technicia AT2020 condenser mic
Line 6 UX2 toneport
Musicians Gear tripod stand with boom
Livewire XLR mic cable
Sennheiser HD215 headphones for monitoring
And some Dunlop Shakers just for fun...

All for around $350. Sound reasonable?

That looks good. You'll have to tell me how the AT2020 works out. I was looking at one of those or a Sennheiser e835.

[jdredskinsfan]

I actually went for the next model up on ebay - the AT3035 - and so far it's been great. I would definitely recommend it if you could get your hands on one. I got mine brand new for $130.

[kastco]

Hopefully I don't sound too ignorant but I have recently started recording with GarageBand (last 6 months) and I am still learning. What exactly is a toneport? I run my Tele through a Digiteck 250 and than through a interface. Is there a better way of doing it? Thanks for the info. Chris

[Daddydex]

Originally Posted by kastco

Hopefully I don't sound too ignorant but I have recently started recording with GarageBand (last 6 months) and I am still learning. What exactly is a toneport? I run my Tele through a Digiteck 250 and than through a interface. Is there a better way of doing it? Thanks for the info. Chris

This is the most basic toneport:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TonePortGX\

It is an interface that comes with Line6 amp simulator software for direct recording.

Dan

[kastco]

Right now I am using a Lexicon interface. Is a Toneport the better way to go?

[Daddydex]

Originally Posted by kastco

Right now I am using a Lexicon interface. Is a Toneport the better way to go?

Not really, I think the Lexicon serves the same purpose. Good luck.

Dan

[monetmelly]

if money is a issue just get a condensor mic that connects with usb and use garageband. Its very limited but it is the most cost effective way to play

[fuzz1812]

Garage Band already has an amp simulator, which is actually pretty flexible if you play around with it a bit. Multiple styles, effects, tracks, layers, etc.

I bought an instrument cable from the Mac Store for about $25. One end goes into the guitar, the other plugs into the "audio in" jack that every mac has.

The only problem I've encountered is an occasional latency issue when the mac speakers are used as an instrument monitor. This usually happens when there are lots of open applications, and the processor has trouble keeping up. It doesn't impact the recording - it's just distracting to hear a delay in the playback on the monitor.

[kastco]

In addition to my interface is there a filter I should run my guitar through also. Even with the interface I still notice some humming depend on what effect I have dialed into the Digitech. I notice this background noise on all of my guitars, several are store bought original and others are custom builds so I know it is not the guitar. Thanks for any info. Chris

[woodman]

Originally Posted by fuzz1812

Garage Band already has an amp simulator, which is actually pretty flexible if you play around with it a bit. Multiple styles, effects, tracks, layers, etc.

I bought an instrument cable from the Mac Store for about $25. One end goes into the guitar, the other plugs into the "audio in" jack that every mac has.

The only problem I've encountered is an occasional latency issue when the mac speakers are used as an instrument monitor. This usually happens when there are lots of open applications, and the processor has trouble keeping up. It doesn't impact the recording - it's just distracting to hear a delay in the playback on the monitor.

it's a good practice to quit all open applications when using GB -- gives your processor/system/interface a fighting chance.