Recording interfaces/Macbook Pro/Garageband

[moggieman]

(not sure if this is in the right forum)

i'd like to start demoing out some things with bass/synth.

i just got a macbook pro, and i plan on using garageband. i know the mic on the macbook is horrible, and i don't want to mic my cabinet, so what interface should i go with?

i'm not looking for anything expensive, just something to record some decent demos on.

i have a markbass little mark II head which has a line out. i would like to be able to go bass/synth->pedals->amp->interface->macbook. i would like to be able to adjust the eq from my amp as opposed to going pedals->interface->macbook.

Thank-uh youuuuuuuuuu

[jrmy]

I know a lot of people love the Apogee Duet. I use the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, and dig it a lot - because I do most of my recording at home, I use direct in through the Fast Track, but it does have XLR ins as well. I've never had any problems with it, and would recommend it highly.

EDIT: the only thing I don't like about it is that it's set up to get its power through USB, and they assume that you'll use the USB for the audio input as well. On my setup, that creates unacceptable latency, but I got around that by using the audio outs instead. It meant I had to go in and tell my Mac which audio ins to pay attention to, but that's the only hiccup I've had. Been using it like that for well over a year now, and it's been great.

[Derelict78]

I use the m-audio FireWire solo and im liking it. no latency...FireWire is fast!

[moggieman]

m-audio appears to be a common theme.

why are there so many models around the same price range?

[Rygot]

I use an m audio fast track of some sort and even though the usb latency is annoying it can easily be fixed in audacity or something else by adding in a small amount of silence to a track...

[moggieman]

Latency meaning what you play isn't instantly recorded?

[jrmy]

Latency meaning what you play isn't instantly recorded?

Exactly - there's a slight delay between what you play and what is recorded on the computer. It happens most often when you have a slow connection or your computer is overtaxed. As I mentioned before though, the Fast Track Pro also has audio outs - you can use those with no risk of latency.

[CBA]

If you want something great but "expensive", get the Apogee Duet. If you want something pretty good but "cheaper", anything PreSonus.

I'd stay away from M-Audio with a Macbook Pro. It (the Mac) deserves something much better and more reliable.

Make sure you go Firewire as well. 400 is just fine!

Also try this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=149&t=11085


C

[jrmy]

I'd stay away from M-Audio with a Macbook Pro. It (the Mac) deserves something much better and more reliable.

Say wha? Have you had bad personal experiences with M-audio? I'm using my Fast Track Pro with my G4 tower, and it's been nothing but good to me. I mean, I may have gotten "a good one," but I didn't realize they had a rep for problems in general...

[CBA]

I'd stay away from M-Audio with a Macbook Pro. It (the Mac) deserves something much better and more reliable.

Say wha? Have you had bad personal experiences with M-audio? I'm using my Fast Track Pro with my G4 tower, and it's been nothing but good to me. I mean, I may have gotten "a good one," but I didn't realize they had a rep for problems in general...

Mmmmm... yeah. But mostly with a giant MIDI keyboard that had to be replaced twice. The third one was eventually just tossed in favour of a Casio Privia which I've never had any problems with. So, to be fair, no... but if one were to go on reviews, M-Audio would be at the bottom of the list. I did two or three years worth of "research" on DAWs and specifically what would work best with my MBP, and M-Audio was always given a low rating in sound quality and reliability. Guess I can't totally trust that if I haven't used one, but it was enough for me to stay away (plus the keyboard thing). I'm glad you dig yours though... the Apogee Duet is always praised as a great, simple, reliable unit, and I concur. Nothing but happiness with it.

C