Root-Note Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Hello, I would like to be able to record some basic demos on my Mac, but there seem to be many variations on how to do so and I want to avoid the bad ones. I know I could use a mixer, but any decent one is expensive; there's also the option of an interface like this: http://www.gak.co.uk/en/lightsnake-usb-xlr-cable-soundcard/3922 but I have a feeling that I'll be lampooned and folk will throw tomatoes at me for even considering it. Unfortunately I'm poor and I want to see if it is possible to have a semi-decent recording without an amp or an overdraft. Predicament or just stupid, you decide. There's also the wonder of connecting a DI box (for I have one) straight into the Mac, but I don't know if there is a kind of cable to connect either an XLR or 1/4" jack to a USB or Firewire 800 - also does it make a difference connecting to a Firewire instead of a USB? Also I didn't see much point of getting a pre-amp as I'll take care of that on Logic Pro. The whole reason for this is because I want to record stuff to send to my bandmates so they can jam/ record their own parts over it and then send it back, making a rough version of a new song, via e-mail. Thank you for reading this post, Mike (Root-Note) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 (edited) Hi Mike - I'll just say that if you were going to spend £34 on a Lightsnake you'd probably be better off spending an extra £15 and buy this instead... [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lexicon-Alpha-Studio-Audio-Interface/dp/B000HVXMNE"]http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B000HVXMNE[/url] Edited May 28, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 I use toneport ux1, into GarageBand . Soon will explore logic when I'm more brave. There are many options, but that's mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingraybassman Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 I use the M-audio fast track. Come up pretty cheap second hand on here and ebay. Can't really fault it. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M-Audio-Fast-track-USB-audio-interface-ideal-for-home-recording-guitar-vox-/201095955928?pt=UK_Musical_AudioMIDI_Interfaces&hash=item2ed240c5d8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root-Note Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 (edited) Thanks for the recommendations guys. I have another friend who records his guitar straight into a MIDI Keyboard (This is the one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Midiman-M-Audio-M-Audio-Oxygen-8-MIDI-Controller-Keyboard-/121306763574?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item1c3e725136 ) I presume that this has a very similar effect in recording. Also are there any things like the bass being too quiet or background noise whilst recording with either the M-Audio Fast Track and the Lexicon Alpha? Edited May 29, 2014 by Root-Note Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 [quote name='Root-Note' timestamp='1401367083' post='2462840'] Also are there any things like the bass being too quiet or background noise whilst recording with either the M-Audio Fast Track and the Lexicon Alpha? [/quote] No, they are very high-quality units. Just increase the input until the peak light starts to come on then back off a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root-Note Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Excellent. Cheers man. Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monckyman Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 M audio mobile pre stereo usb audio box here, works flawlessly, sounds fine, cost £30 on ebay. Good for bass/guitar and mic ins Also works with ipads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Root-Note' timestamp='1401367918' post='2462855'] Excellent. Cheers man. [/quote] You're welcome. I use an Edirol UA-5 which is superb (2-in 2-out 24-bit/96kHz) - didn't recommend as they are discontinued and rarely turn up on eBay. [size=4]However just had a look and there is one available presently...[/size] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Edirol-UA-5-/261488603183?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Access_RL&hash=item3ce1ef702f"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3ce1ef702f[/url] Spec here: [url="http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-5/"]http://www.roland.co...oducts/en/UA-5/[/url] If you could get it for £50 that would be a total bargain, IMO. Edited May 29, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krispn Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 In the past I've just used a basic pedal to get the signal in there and then used GB for any other tone stuff. If its just a basic signal intp the mac that will do it. I now run a preamp into the mac and that gives me all the signal boost i need etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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