Macbook? Ultimate starting kit ?!

[newkids123]

Hi, I'm currently an inspiring artist trying to record my poetry into songs.
Inorder for me to add instruments into my songs, is there a way where I can use a program to add in the keys and notes I want?
And I want to leave the possiblity of having people playing the parts so I can record it.

My cousin shown me a pretty nice laptop the Macbook, and the programs that come with it would be perfect for me to start such as Garage Band in iLife.



What do I need other than the Macbook to get the full studio recording experience other than the laptop itself.
Such as what would be a good mic for me to invest in, and other equipments.

Is a Mbox really important for me?


Much help appreciated, I been reading alot on these forums.


Thanks in advance,
HCT


edit-Sorry for posting in the wrong forum

 

[hrwmusic]

just to speed up your response, and to not get at anyones nerves, id post this in the newbie forum. Theres great guys there who can help ya out.-

 

[gummblefish]

Garage band is pretty good for starting off, it alows you to add loops together, that automatically sycronize with each other. This might help in your situation, you should be able to make your words work over the backing that garageband provides...if nothing else it could help you learn to work around melody, and get an understanding of timing and space in a songs context. You dont really need anything with garage band, i wouldnt particulary say you "need" an MBox, there are cheaper things out there. If you really want an audio interface, perhaps look at M audio, they do very cheap, and In my opinion, good interfaces. In regards to a microphone i would go with as good as you can afford mic, maybe something that is a good all-rounder, MXL make some Decent models for less that £100 or dollars or whatever you are paying, i have heard good things about Studio Projects as well. They seem to be pretty well thought of round here. You can also get USb microphones that go straight in to your mac/pc. You could maybe get a midi keyboard with the interface if you want to go do that route. Hope some of this helps.