Audio Interface in Logic Pro

[rcw02]

Hi all... this is my first post. I have done a fair amount of searching and I can't find the answer on my own. And, I am a complete newbie and have no experience recording anything.

I am currently shopping for components to add to an iMac based system that will hopefully run Logic Pro 9. I got a good deal on a used iMac and I jumped on it...

But, my question concerns the audio interface... It seems like most people have a strong opinion on which way to go, but what I'm trying to figure out is how the program will see the audio interface. What does it look like as far as tracks go?

For example, if I am feeding 2 guitars, 2 vocal mics, and 1 midi keyboard through an 1 audio interface, will there be 5 different tracks showing in LP9? Can anyone provide a screen shot?

Thanks!

 

[TimOBrien]

You need to get an interface with as many (or more) ins/outs than you want to record at the same time. An 8-channel interface will let you record 8 independent tracks at the same time.

Here's a good guide and tested suggestions that WORK: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm
(you'll want to bookmark and read through all of Tweak's Guide while you're there...)

Another good article: Choosing an audio interface - http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep08/articles/audiointerfaces.htm

 

[rcw02]

Thanks Tim!

I've been reading through most of that stuff, but I'm a visual kind of guy and didn't understand exactly how the interface would be represented in the software. I think I'm beginning to understand now...

Problem is, I'm starting from scratch and I've not had the opportunity to actually see a true home studio in action, except for Garageband that's on my wife's laptop.

I have roughly 2000.00 to play with and I currently have:

• iMac (Intel Based)
• MIDI Keyboard
• Zoom HD8
• Guitars
• Guitar goodies, like a Line 6 Looper
• 1 Shure SM58

I know that I will still need:

• Audio Interface
• More mics
• Software, something like Logic Pro 9
• Monitors

I'm sure I'm leaving things out and I plan on researching as much as possible.

I am currently looking at this http://houston.craigslist.org/msg/1549799924.html

Would something like this work well with what I have?

 

[SnoboarderX27]

That interface should work fine. I'm using LP8 with a Presonus FP10.

It will work like this:

Install your device driver. Open Logic. Turn on your device. Logic will probably say it has detected that device and ask if you want to use it. If Logic doesn't automatically do this, go to Preferences > Audio and under Device select the one you want to use.

Go Track > New or press the "+" button to make new tracks (at least that's how it works in LP8). Create the number of tracks that you want to record simultaneously. One at a time, select each track and under the inspector panel on the left go to the input selection and select the correct input for that track. So if your snare mic is plugged into input 1 on your device, title track 1 "snare" and leave it on input 1. If your kick mike is plugged into input 2, title your second track "kick" and select input 2 for it. When all your tracks are set to the correct inputs, highlight the "R" button on each track that you want to record to. Tracks will only record when their "R" button is red. Check the levels for each track, then you're good to go.

I know you wanted a screenshot, but hopefully this helps anyway.

 

[rcw02]

Actually, that did answer my question. I have played around with GB enough to understand those instructions, so thank you!