Quick and easy Mac recording

[Groovy Mucker]

If I want to build multiple tracks (incl vocals) one by one, since there's only me, do I need a mixer? Would I be better spending the money (I'm thinking $100 - $200) on a single preamp and getting better quality in the preamp?

Ta.

 

[trogdor]

Yes you would be better off getting a preamp, since you do not need multiple channels simultaneously. Depending on your price range, I would check out something like the M-audio DMP3.

 

[dwillis45]

Ditto on what Trogdor said. Just make sure you have a soundcard or interface (USB/Firewire) to link the preamp to the computer. Otherwise, for the "quick and dirty" approach you would be using the Mac's built-in input and all the quality issues that goes with it. If you don't have a soundcard or interface, take a look here:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Audio-Interfaces--2418

 

[Groovy Mucker]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate my questions are at a very basic level.

The D MP3 is a preamp, I think: so am I right in thinking I also need an analogue-to-digital converter (or rely on the Mac's soundcard, which you don't think is up to the job).

If I do need an A-D converter, what would you recommend at the $100-$200 level (or a bit more if you think it wise)?

Any books which deal with home recording at my level ('Recording for Dummies'?) that you can recommend?