Recording straight into a Mac

[Root-Note]

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)

[discreet]

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

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

I use toneport ux1, into GarageBand . Soon will explore logic when I'm more brave.
There are many options, but that's mine.

[stingraybassman]

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

[Root-Note]

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

[discreet]

[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.

[Root-Note]

Excellent. Cheers man. Xx

[Monckyman]

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.

[discreet]

[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

[krispn]

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.