Total Beginner Needs Guiding Hand, Help for beginner Options

[russellthemessia...]

Hello all.

I am new both to Mac Music and making music on a Mac (or any other PC). I have absolutely no idea as to how audio setups work, MIDI interfaces, preamps etc. I once naively believed I could just plug my guitar into my computer; that gives you an idea of the level of ineptitude I display. BUT, I am willing to learn so, any plain English explanations of how best to go about recording my voice, my guitar and keyboards (yet to be bought but willing to spend some cash) would be much appreciated. I must make it clear that I fully intend to buy Logic Express 6... other than that, I am a little lost. I do not intend to spend more than £350 after having bought Logic... Many thanks in advance for your time.

[xingu]

Russell,

You know what? You'll probably be better off starting out with Garageband considering your budget. That will give you synths, drums and everything else you need to begin making complete songs. There are no drum loops including with Logic Express, and the included synth options are limited. Plus, you'll free up a decent amount of extra cash to put into your gear.

A mixer should be unnecessary if you're getting an interface. Fantom/phantom power is used to supply power to condensor mics, which require it before they produce a signal. On your limited budget, you'd be best served by buying something like a Shure SM-57 - a good all-around dynamic mic suitable for vocals or instruments.

An SM-57 ($99) plus an interface like the Tascam US-122 (about $200) will come close to eating up your current budget - then one of the cheaper MIDI controllers like the Ozone is another $140 or so. Also think about how many USB ports your Mac has. Maybe something like M-Audio's Ozone (about $250), which combines a MIDI keyboard with a USB audio interface, plus the SM-57 would be a good option as well.