I got a Macbook and Garageband what else do I need to record

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EXPcustom

EXPcustom

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I got a Macbook Pro and Garage band, I need to start recording tracks to send to my drummer so that way we dont waste time when we rehearse.

I just want to be able to plug my guitar and bass direct into the laptop. I am not looking to mic cabs or anything like that just want to put down riff and song ideas to share. Also I hate it when I come up with a riff then forget it later so I just need a quick and easy method to get it recorded.

So what else should I get?
 
A decent MIDI interface. Something you can take your 1/4" cable end from your ax and plug into, and then send that signal via USB2.0 or Firewire to the Mac. I use an M-Audio ProFire 610 - a bit overkill for you, as I do mic my cabs. But check around, there are a ton of options out there.

Peace,
V.
 
What V said, and look into some guitar modeling software like Revalver, Amplitube 3, Guitar Rig 4, etc (unless you have a POD HD or Axe-fx already of course)
You may not need these however, if you're satisfied with the amp simulations built into the newer Garageband. I have the older version and the amp models are terrible sounding.
 
I am not going for tone just an easy way to plug in and get the ideas recorded. I got access to a studio with a real pro tools setup, mics etc. just not practical for everyday "oh shit I came up with a riff and need to record it". :lol: :LOL:
 
Plugging your guitar straight into the computer sounds like shit, I did that for a while. It doesn't show the correct impedance to the guitar and the 'Line in' on your Mac doesn't have quality AD/DA converters, or any at all as far as I know :confused: You should buy a cheap USB interface, PreSonus AudioBox works well for not too much cash, you could plug your guitar directly into that and use the built in preamps to bring the input signal up to the proper level. You could run your guitar into an overdrive or buffered bypass pedal to load the guitar before plugging into the computer and seeing if that helps.

Improperly loaded guitars sound BAD :( But the bottom line is that if it works for you, it works for you.
 
Get something like the Apogee One or Duet USB interface, just got one for my Mac to use with Garageband and it works great. I also purchased Guitar Rig 4 Essential yesterday, some nice sounds in there ;)
 
Mark Day":ne2op09p said:
The Duet is awesome...it's firewire.

Mark
Click to expand...

Yep and its tough to beat those converters until you get WAY up in price.
 
There ya go. Done :D

As for playing shit on the fly, I just received my xmas gift 'to me' today in the mail, a Zoom H4n recorder. Now this little puppy is DEFINITELY what I call "on the fly"... :rock:

Good luck with everything... :thumbsup:

V.
 
For super cheap you can use an audio cable that is 1/4" on one end and 1/8th" on the other and use the line in on the side. GB has gtr sounds in there you can use....The Duet is really good too....I also used the Line 6 UX2 with good success.
 
the ux2 is good cause you get pod farm with it...be warned its a little touchy setting it up with a mac though..
 
EXPcustom":owlwxcbc said:
I got a Macbook Pro and Garage band, I need to start recording tracks to send to my drummer so that way we dont waste time when we rehearse.

I just want to be able to plug my guitar and bass direct into the laptop. I am not looking to mic cabs or anything like that just want to put down riff and song ideas to share. Also I hate it when I come up with a riff then forget it later so I just need a quick and easy method to get it recorded.

So what else should I get?
Click to expand...

Just sell one of the tuning pegs on your avatar axe and hire a studio and engineer.

I understand that headstock is very valuable.
 
axemeaquestion":1yn9tlf6 said:
EXPcustom":1yn9tlf6 said:
I got a Macbook Pro and Garage band, I need to start recording tracks to send to my drummer so that way we dont waste time when we rehearse.

I just want to be able to plug my guitar and bass direct into the laptop. I am not looking to mic cabs or anything like that just want to put down riff and song ideas to share. Also I hate it when I come up with a riff then forget it later so I just need a quick and easy method to get it recorded.

So what else should I get?
Click to expand...

Just sell one of the tuning pegs on your avatar axe and hire a studio and engineer.

I understand that headstock is very valuable.
Click to expand...

Take a good look you'll never have it. :lol: :LOL:
 
155":3qms7m8w said:
the ux2 is good cause you get pod farm with it...be warned its a little touchy setting it up with a mac though..
Click to expand...
It was really easy on mine....except for having to register it.
 
It is a battle, let me tell you. Once you get all your stuff intact, then comes the actual process of recording amps. That is a pain. Trying to get the amp to sound good, distorted, while it passes through your microphone. Yikes, it is such a pain in the ass. I have been messing with recording for just under a month, total, and am finding it to be quite the pain. Something always seems to sound "off."
 
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