Using Garageband For Recording Real Instruments Options

[industrialplaid]

Over the past couple weeks I have been working on recording quite a few songs using my Powerbook G4, Garageband v1.1.something, a shitty SM-57 ripoff vocal mic, the iMic USB device, and a variety of guitars, my voice, and a bass. I understand that the quality of my end-product is going to be severely impaired by my shitty equipment (especially the mic), but my goal is just to record some serviceable versions of my original compositions fully intending to do a much better job at a later date (hopefully with other musicians).

That being said, I'm trying to figure out how I can do the best job I possibly can with what I have. I have two problems right now with the setup I've been using, and I'm not sure how to solve them.

1) The levels are extremely low on my songs even when everything is cranked up to the max (the master volume and the individual track volumes). I have to set my speakers to volume levels twice what I would use for a typical CD to be able to hear my songs at an acceptable level.

2) There is a lot of white-noise on all my tracks, due I assume to the shitty mic I was using.

Is there anything I can do with my current setup to correct these issues? I'd like the songs to be audible and less "noisy". If Garageband isn't capable, can you guys recommend any freeware programs out there that might be?

Thanks.

[dixiechicken]

Industrialplaid!

Your problem is partly your equipment.

But more important is....
For a good signal to record into your softwarew/computer, you must have:

1)
A signal of the correct amplitude/voltage
Example)
A proffessional line input is usually designed for 0,775 volts,
the impedance (frequency dependent electrical current resistance) of the line input is in the order of
10-20 kilo-ohms)

2)
Your line input in the example above should be fed by an output from your
mixer, iMic, soundcard or whatever you're using with a 0,775 volt signal (average value)

This output impedance should be in the range of 200-1000 Ohms

Rule 1) is:
Low impedance outputs drive highimpedance inputs - for proper loading in the signal chain.

Rule 2) is:
Levels should equal each other.

Bothe rules are equally important to get a good clean signal with no/low NOISE & no/low DISTORTION
to record.
You need to check the tech specs of your equioment to see IF your gear at least to some degree
fulfills these two rules.

Cheers: Dixiechicken