Line In Vs. Usb Audio Interface, help Options

[jimmyjames]

hi all,

i've just bought a powerbook g4, i have digi performer 4 installed on it. i have been having trouble connecting to my m audio duo. so, have been using the line in instead. the results i'm getting sound great to me. so, my question is, would i get better results with an audio interface for single track recording? \\ i'm only interested in recording one track at a time.

thanks, jimmyjames.

[jeffca]

I use the M-Audio Audiophile USB with my PowerBook. It sounds way better than the Line In. Of course, this might not be the ideal unit for you, but it does wotk well with Panther and DP. One of the other units they make will most likely hit the spot if the Audiophile doesn't (the Firewire Solo, maybe).

While the Duo USB is now a legacy product, they do have a revised driver as of May, 2004. You'd want to make sure that you have that installed before you decide to give it the heave ho!

Jeff

[swilder]

I've found the line in on my powerbook to be very noisy.

Scott

[dixiechicken]

Jimmy James!

If you want to do some more or less serious recording work you must by a separate audio inteface. You need to be able to adjust levels and get a decent matching impedance as regards to inputs & outputs.

Although Macs traditionally have had an advantage sound/recording wise as compared to pc:s - this is no longer so straight forward any longer.
(i'm talking about in built sound capabilities).

Sound quality is dependent on a number of factors.
If recording accoustic instruments like voice, real piano accoustoc guitar etc. you'll need a
1) Good voice, good piano a good guitar. (no shortcuts)
2) A good semiprofessional mic (condensertype generally)
3) A Good soundcard/audiointerface like MOTU-828 Mk-II as an example.
(or better if you got the money)
4) A decent/professional sound manipulation program like
Digital Performer or Bias Peak or something similar.
5) You need a certain level of know how to get the best out of your gear.
This takes time but can be acquired gradually.

These recommendations are meant to be taken as guidelines. There is no upper limit for the amount of money you can spend on these things if you got the dough. You'll have to set the limits yourself.

My rig is about 4.000 Us $ - depending on what amount of equipment
you want to count into it.
It can probably be considered semiprofessional levelwise - but so-so qualitywise.

Get back if you got more questions.

Cheers: Dixiechicken

This post has been edited by lepetitmartien: Sun 13 Mar 2005, 15:52

[jimmyjames]

thanks all, your input has been very helpful.

i was able to download the drivers for my duo off the software section of this site, and now it works just fine.

still not sure if i need to upgrade or not. i guess there is no limit on what you can spend, and so many fun things to spend it on.

cheers, james.