Recording with iMac Options

[hflax]

I have an iMac. I believe it is OS 9, and I want to start recording with it. I haven't bought any software or external equipment. I dont have the slightest idea about how to go about this. I want to record guitar and vocals primarily, and later add more stuff. I am on a limited budget, but I want quality sound. I was going to buy a Four track, but everyone told me the computer was the way to go. Any advise?

[abbie]

Not sure of your level of knowledge in this area, but you will need a mixer, a couple of audio cables to go between the iMac audio jacks and the mixer. I have never used it but ProTools/Free looks good. Personnally I am using Opcode Vision DSP which works really well ($60 download - I have gotten 16 audio tracks out of it without running out of steam plus provides VST support) but I don't recommend it since it appears to be a dead product and I have heard of people having problems authorizing it. I am using an iMac 333 with OS 8.6.

[dixiechicken]

Digidesign have "Protools Free# a combined audio/midi recording program for free,
http://www.digidesign.com/ptfree/

They also have Mbox a USB midi/audirecording interface that will accept electric guitars, vocal mics, midi-keyboards etc. It comes with Protools Light.

Thats abot 650 - 700$ for everything.
If you are prepared to pay more you can get firewire interfaces from Motu.
http://www.motu.com/. Klick Products-tab and Hardware-link.

Good luck: Dixiechicken