[drphoto]

I'd like to play around w/ Garage Band. Do I need an instrument to USB converter like the one made by M-audio (~$100) or can I use a 1/4" to miniphono adapter and just plug into the audio in port?

If converter needed, anyone know of the cheapest one?

[Crimson]

Hi dr,

I use an RME Fireface (firewire, up to 24/192) to Logic Studio and my son uses an M-Audio PreUSB (~$100, up to 24/96) to Garageband. Both have line, instrument, and mic inputs. The M-Audio is a little noisy, but you get what you pay for. The line input on a Mac is just that: a line input, and cannot be converted to a high-impedance instrument input. Check out any of the online pro audio stores (Sam Ash, Sweet Water, Zzounds, etc) and search for computer interfaces. There are tons of them out there.

As an aside, the Apogee Duet, supposedly a great dac, also doubles as an instrument interface for Macs.

[pjchappy]

Highly recommended: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/EMu-0404-USB-2.0-Recording-Interface-White?sku=501295


Paul

[drphoto]

Thanks for the feedback. I just want something cheap to play with. I'm not a musician, just a guy trying to learn to play. Thought it my be entertaining to try some of the virtual amps. If I do any recording it would just for me to evaluate my progress.

Would an ordinary direct box allow for input to the audio in? You know those things that match impedance so you can say plug a bass directly into the PA's mixer board. Those are really inexpensive
.

[srb]

Would an ordinary direct box allow for input to the audio in? You know those things that match impedance so you can say plug a bass directly into the PA's mixer board. Those are really inexpensive

Not sure how one of those would match up, as they are intended to plug into a mixer's balanced input.
 
Here is a USB guitar interface built into a 16' cord, the Alesis GuitarLink:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GuitarLink/
 
$40 delivered.  They are available most anywhere for the same price, so if you want to buy one locally, Guitar Center usually carries them.
 
Steve

[drphoto]

Thanks Steve. That's exactly what I wanted.

[pjchappy]

Well, this thing comes with some virtual amps and effects.  You can upgrade the amp/effects models, too.  http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Pod-Studio-GX-with-Pod-Farm?sku=250006

I have this version http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-UX1-with-PF?sku=250003, which I upgraded to the E-MU interface awhile back. 

With the Line 6 units, the amp and effects models are great sounding.  Would be great to rock out with some headphones.  For $100, that smaller version can't be beat, IMO.


Paul