Recording into a Mac

[Alex]

I've got a new Macbook Air now - pickup purchases had to be postponed, I needed this for my research and when traveling. Now I understand that Macs are quite nice for recording and since I never really got anything properly done with my Terratec/Ableton setup I want to try something simpler.

What would be an easy and good-sounding way to record song sketches and straightforward demos. I know the computer already has Garageband on it and I think that is a good starting point. I believe I would need some sort of interface on this laptop, as it doesn't have a line-in.

I want to do three things mainly, and I want to be able to do them with minimal setup/learning time:
- Program drum tracks and backing tracks in a simple way.
- Record electric guitar directly into the Mac without amp.
- Record my ENGL straight into the MAC (it has a line-out and a power soak for silent recording)

Maybe some of you can give me some advice regarding this?

[Lucifuge]

You didn't say what exactly the Terratec/Ableton setup involves, but since Terratec manufacture audio interfaces, maybe you already have an interface?

If you want to record guitar direct, you probably should get an interface with a high impedance "instrument" input (unless you use a separate DI box), for recording from the line out on your amp you just need a line input. Most of the interfaces on the market should come with Mac drivers or use built in drivers and not need any extra software.

Garageband will have drum sample modules and various amp simulations - they won't be up to the same standard as a dedicated application, but should be enough to get started with.

[Andrew W]

I agree with Lucifuge. Garageband is actually pretty decent and you can get excellent results from it. It does lack flexibility but for the money it's very good.

[Alex]

My Terratec is a Phase X24, a Firewire interface. I kind of got it working, I was playing around with it, and I got some decent results in Ableton with it, but I think that Garageband will work easier and better for song sketches.

I was thinking of getting an Apogee Jam interface, since the MBA doesn't have a Firewire interface.

[Lucifuge]

Yeah, just when Apple succeeded in persuading everyone that Firewire is superior to USB for audio/video use, they then drop it from their computers.  :roll:

Don't they make a Thunderbolt-FW adapter cable though? Not sure how it would work for audio, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't...

[Andrew W]

Don't they make a Thunderbolt-FW adapter cable though? Not sure how it would work for audio, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't...

They do indeed.

[Lew]

REAPER if you want simple. LOGIC if you have cash.

Apogee Duet or RME Babyface if you have cash. Mbox mini if you're broke :-)

[JJretroTONEGOD]

can highly recommend Cubase 7.5 if you can afford it, it's only just come out but I'm loving it.