hi there--
i'm sortof new at this. the basic idea is to run my violin (which has a pickup) through my rp300 effects processor and then into the titanium G4. as this is still at the experimental level, it seems like spending $35 for a Griffin iMic audio interface might be more appropriate than spending $200 for the echo mia midi AI. will the Griffin do the basic job of getting my sound into my powerbook?

if so, am i correct in assuming that i would plug the effects processor directly into the iMic?

then, if all goes well, i think i can use my slightly antiquated version of SoundEdit 16 to record and mix.

I'm generally wondering if I've got the gist of it right, and if the iMic will suit my basic needs just to get started. all advice is appreciated. thanks.

The general impression I get about the iMic from these forums is that people buy it, try and get it working, hate it and move on to something a little more expensive, but also more suited to the task of recording music.

The iMic does work, but I think you may experience frustration such that it could kill off your interest in making music with your Mac. If you've got a G4 TiBook, don't sell yourself short with an iMic. That's my two cents.

I owned an iMic for about two weeks. Yes, it worked and is fine for basic audio in and out, but it's really designed for people just wanting to digitise their vinyl LP collections - nothing more creative. Depending on how big or portable you want your interface to be, there are many, many options.

Otherwise, yes, just try the iMic. It's not so expensive that it will grieve you to put it to one side after a few months. If your FX box has a line out, yes, that would plug in to the iMic. If it's a send and return unit, I don't know. The iMic just has 1/8" in and out jacks.

If you have any more questions, ask again or do a search on these forums for similar posts. Good luck!