Bridging the gap between guitar amp and GarageBand

  • Thread starter Thread starter Richard Sweeney
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Richard Sweeney

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Hi, I already typed this out once and the website said I hadn't logged in even though I had. So heres mark 2.

I want to record some guitar led blues music from my guitar amp into my computer so I can add simple software drums and record vocals to it. As a hobby. But I want it to sound as pro as I can for, say £200.

I have a 4GB RAM macbook pro with GarageBand and all my guitar gear (guitars amps effects) already. I just need to record the amp to the computer. I'm pretty sure I want to mic the amp as its a big part of my tone. I've been told the Shure SM57 is a good hobby dynamic mic. So what I'm asking is how to connect that to my computer. I know its not an XLR-1/8" adapter :3

From my research, I think its either a sound card or an audio interface? I think?

My aims are to be able to record one, maybe 2 layers of guitar and one, maybe 2 layers of vocals, per song. (one track at a time)

As a bonus I'd like to be recommended a nice mic for the recording of the vocal tracks.

Thanks in advance and apologies if I leave out any crucial details you need.

EDIT: AS ANOTHER BONUS, I'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DO SOME LIVE IMPOV RECORDINGS OF ONE GUITAR AND ONE VOCAL TRACK.
 
Yes, you need to get an audio interface, which will take the place of the soundcard in your macbook when you are recording. You will need at least 2 inputs wiht mic preamps. There's lots of choices within your price range, not sure what is available in your country, but the M AUdio Fast Track Pro and Focusrite Saffire are generally available everywhere.
Consider upgrading from Garageband at some point, as well, to a full-featured DAW.
 
mjbphotos said:
Yes, you need to get an audio interface, which will take the place of the soundcard in your macbook when you are recording. You will need at least 2 inputs wiht mic preamps. There's lots of choices within your price range, not sure what is available in your country, but the M AUdio Fast Track Pro and Focusrite Saffire are generally available everywhere.
Consider upgrading from Garageband at some point, as well, to a full-featured DAW.
Click to expand...

Thanks for confirming! I will look into the 2 you suggested, it looks like they are both available here in the UK. I'm no stranger to buying from the US though. What would you suggest for a vocal mic? Thanks.
 
The SM57 will work for micing your amp. That and the interface is going to be close to your budget limit. I used the 57 for recording my first CD, not the best choice, but what I had. I got an AKG Perception 220 off of Ebay at a great price including the carry case and shockmount, so that's my primary 'go-to' vocal mic now.

If you want to save some money on the 57, look at the GLS ES57 on amazon. I just ordered 2 for micing my amp for band use (1 as spare). We've got a couple in the band already and everyone likes them - at 1/3 the cost of a Shure, it's a steal.
 
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