recording guitar into Mac

[CleanBlues]

I'm hoping someone here has had experience recording to a Mac. I am thinking about getting into a little bit of recording, but don't have the big budget to get myself a digital 4-track. I was considering a Tascam tape 4-track, but I get the feeling I'll end up wishing I had the benefits of digital.

So, my newest thought is a POD. I can get a copy of Macromedia Deck software, and I'm wondering if I'd need anything else to record via the POD.

I have great tube amps (Pro Rev and Ampeg Reverberocket) for the "real thing" but would enjoy being able to get ideas recorded. I live in an apartment where turning up the amps is not an option. Something like the POD would give me a headphone amp, a direct recording device, a back up amp, and a new way to mess around with different amp tones.

Any comments/suggestions/warnings are appreciated.
Jim

[Boogs]

I can't help you with the POD, so apologies right off the bat. If you have a decent Mac and a tube amp, you're there in good shape to start with. I used to use a Tascam tape recorder and use a Mac now - don't even think about going the tape route! I sent music to labels, but they can't release music made that way. And sound quality isn't even the primary issue, it's the editing capabilities - you have total freedom with software. I use my old Tascam as a mixing board and pre-amp, route it to my amp for monitering, and to my computer's sound card for recording. Hope that is some help until someone can sort you out on the POD issue.

[macmidi]

You don't specify the type of Mac you're using. G3? G4? Do you have audio inputs (old G4)? or do you need a USB solution?
I use a POD into Cubase and Logic via my G4's soundcard (MAudio) with no problems.
I'm not familiar with Macromedia Deck. Do you mean Bias Deck?
But as long as you have an audio app, you can input audio. however, I'm not sure macromedia has multiple track options like a dedicated app like ProTools, Cubase etc would have.
ProTools hasa free version on their website and is a great audio app and editing is a breeze on it BUT it's supported by the Apple Sound Manager only. It will not support a soundcard (hence why it's free).
If you have an older Mac that has audio inputs, ProTools will support it and you can record multiple tracks of audio. If you have a newer Mac with no audio inputs, ProTools will support the iMic by griffin technology.
You can't beat ProTools free and I'm sure Macromedia will not have half of the options in PTFree and it's quite easy to learn.
That's the route I'd go. I also sequence keys and the ProTools built in sequencer technology is by far the worst, so I use Cubase and Logic for that.
Bascally, all you'd need is an adapter (1/4" from the POD to an 1/8" jack or you can get a stereo Y-cable) to your Mac, hit record and you're off!

[CleanBlues]

macmidi,
Thank you~!! That's what I was hoping to hear. I have a blue & white G3 (USB and Firewire, and also a SCSI card that I had put in). I've downloaded Pro Tools Free. It sounds like you're saying all I need now is the iMic from Griffin and I'm all set? I'm doing all this research because I can put the POD on the ol' Christmas list, but I don't want to get the POD and find out I'll need a lot more stuff to get started.
Thanks,
Jim

BTW, Bias Deck was originally put out by Macromedia as part of a software package they produced. It's now produced by Bias.

[macmidi]

If you have a B/W Mac, you still have an audio input in the back and do NOT require an iMic.
You can start recording now. Please note though that the optimal way to go is with a soundcard as using the Mac's built-in audio will sometimes add computer noise to your recordings but it sounds like you just wanted to experiment before actuall making a big commitment and money, so that it why I suggest using what you have before moving forward.
If you have a mixer you can run a 1/4" cable fro the mixer to your Mac and input 'dry' guitar and use some of ProTools' effects to add on later.
Hope that helps.

[CleanBlues]

So, I don't need the iMic at all? What would I need, a 1/4"-to-1/8" converter?

I don't have anything bought yet (aside from the B&W G3). I'm researching the Line 6 POD, Johnson J-Station, and Yamaha DG-Stomp. I figure these would work well as tools for getting ideas and tones down quickly. Mic'ing my amps isn't a great option, seeing that I live in a apartment and volume is always a concern (as is bugging my wife by endlessly playing the same things over and over again!!).

Sounds like, using the Pro Tools Free, a 1/4-to-1/8 converter, and a POD, I can start recording guitar tracks quickly.

[macmidi]

No. you don't need an iMic.
Just to clarify. You don't need a converter, you need a cable adapter.
You can get one of those at any electronics store. Just plug it into the mic input of your B/W.
Take a look at the Behringer VAmp too. It sounds pretty cool.


[This message has been edited by macmidi (edited November 13, 2001).]

[CleanBlues]

Thanks for clarifying that. I think I'm going with a Yamaha DG Stomp, because it is built with the footpedals that allow for better live situation playing. Thanks again!!