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 Getting New Imac G5, need best setup for small recording use |
 Mon 17 Oct 2005, 05:25
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#1
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 Newbie Group: Members Posts: 19 Joined: 13-Oct 05 From: Surprise - US Member No.: 71,205  |
I just ordered the new IMac G5, I have heard some things about using macs, (I am new to mac, been a pc guy for a while). I heard you need external sound cards and the like. What does a guy needs for the basics to set up the mac for recording tracks using guitar, vocal, drum machine and keyboards, not all at the same time, maybe 2 max at the same time? I just need to know the basics so I can get up and running. I'm not even sure yet what kind of software to use, I was going to play around with garageband until I found something I liked better. Any info would be great.
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Mon 17 Oct 2005, 13:32
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#2
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 10-Sep 03 From: - UK Member No.: 24,514 |
The iMac G5 has built in line-level audio which works fine (certainly for most non-pro uses while you're learning anyhow!)
You'll need a pre-amp for your mic and guitar. If you don't have a mic pre (or mixer, etc) already, then a sound card with mic pres and Hi-Z input would be the neatest solution, although you can get pretty good results with a stand alone mic pre and the built in mac audio. It's all down to budget from there... Get a firewire rather than USB interface if you can afford it, with built in MIDI for your keyboard. As for software, garageband will make a pretty good first step. There is an upgrade path to Logic Express (and then on to Pro) which will load all your garageband songs. |
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Mon 17 Oct 2005, 15:42
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#3
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 13 Joined: 04-Oct 05 From: Derby - UK Member No.: 70,824 |
QUOTE (johnnyboy @ Oct 17 2005, 04:25) I just ordered the new IMac G5, I have heard some things about using macs, (I am new to mac, been a pc guy for a while). I heard you need external sound cards and the like. What does a guy needs for the basics to set up the mac for recording tracks using guitar, vocal, drum machine and keyboards, not all at the same time, maybe 2 max at the same time? I just need to know the basics so I can get up and running. I'm not even sure yet what kind of software to use, I was going to play around with garageband until I found something I liked better. Any info would be great. Hey - I have JUST bought an iMac 20 setup - very similar studio to what you need I think... I got Logic 7 & a UA-25 USB audio interface which works like a dream... Check it out - it may also be the answer for you?  I was a PC user this time last month- I am never looking back! 
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 Tue 18 Oct 2005, 20:34
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#4
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Rookie  Group: Banned Posts: 28 Joined: 27-Sep 05 From: Akron - US Member No.: 70,550 |
Congrats on switching!
Garageband is a great place to start no sound card s needed interface yes I use a Tascam US-122 but there are alot of interfaces out there alot swicthing to firewire mine is usb which is fine for me no complaints and its kind of like a swiss army knife of connections Good Luck! David |
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