newbie with iMac, seeks advice

[YML]

Hello all,
I just bought a new iMac 700, using OS X 10.2, and am eyeing the Griffen audio adapter thing that puts an audio line in through the usb port.

The question is like this: What is the shortest possible route from here, to using my computer as a simplest possible 6-8 track mixer, without having to buy lots more stuff like a real mixer for example.

All I want to do at this stage is to record myself playing an acoustic (or perhaps an electric) guitar and singing, and then I'd like to be able to play back and record a bass track overt that, perhaps percussion. Also, someone will be emailing me tracks, which I'll then want to record my tracks onto.

I'll need at least one mic, I understand that : ) Will I need two mics? What software (absolutely cheapest possible) should I use? Can I run the bass direct into the Griffen adapter thing? I"m talking just getting up and running, and then little by little I can consider investing in more stuff. Oh, one other thing: should I scrape up more money to get the MOTU 2x2 MIDI interface instead of the Griffen one, or does it make a difference for what I want to do? Thanx!
Yummel

 

[Abyyss]

Don't know about anything else u said because I'm not the EXPERT (plus I didn't read all of your post I'm sorry )

SOFTWARE:

Right, I would recommend the Cubase series 'coz they're GREAT!

If you want the cheapest possible, I'd go for Cubasis VST.... I think they're on 4 now. It's nice and cheap (around £50 - so probably about $65) and will do what you want it to do (though you'll have to search around for some decent sounds to use if you ever want to use artificial ones). But if you have more money you could start looking into the more powerful Cubase series which go all the way up to SX (at around $700? not sure) which can do everything - probably too much for what you want to do at the moment.

How much would you spend on the software at max?

THat way I can fish out the best Cubase/cubasis one for you.

(I made the sis bit bold 'coz I don't wanna send you searching for Cubase VST which is a lot more expensive.)

Hope this helped - sorry I couldn't help you with the first half of your post.

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

You might want to move this thread over to the Recording Forum.

Most of the people over here don't use MACS.

I do know one thing for sure. You are going to need something to go in between the mics/acoustic guitar and the IMAC.

You are also going to need a program for recording purposes and a program for editing purposes.

Peace......