Macbook to XLR - recording question

[hydro]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right spot on the forum for this, but it involves cables and mics and recording stuff. I want to use garage band for recording short guitar clips, etc. I have an SM57. I've seen a few converters for XLR to 1/8" to plug into the macbook's headphone jack for use as an external mic. A couple of different kinds under $50 or so. Anyone have some experience with this kind of thing?

Edit: is a preamp necessary also? For my purposes I think the A/D conversion of the Mac itself is probably good enough... but maybe I need a little preamp or something...?

Also I am happy to delete and move the thread elsewhere if this really isn't the spot.

Thanks!

 

[Dahla]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

You need a preamp. The output from a mic is not line level.

For dead easy recording, and for just having fun, check out some USB mics. That is plug-n-play.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

Is there something special about a macbook's headphone jack that allows analogue audio in? A normal headphone jack is audio out only.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

Agree with the above. Either get a USB mic or a USB interface for the 57.

 

[hydro]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

Is there something special about a macbook's headphone jack that allows analogue audio in? A normal headphone jack is audio out only.

Mac headphone outs double as a mic input if you have the right kind of plug.

I am looking at the Blue Snowball USB mic. Seems pretty straightforward- had anyone used one?

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

I use a Snow Ball in omni for Skype/Google Hang Outs/online gaming.
It will work fine for plug n play recording.

However, if you are recording guitar, I think you will get better results using a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and your 57 at the same cost, and it doubles as a great headphone amp and monitor controller.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

Since you already have a 57, I say +1 to the Focusrite Scarlett. Any of the models is a worthwhile investment. I have the 2i4 and really like it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RealtyViking]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

If you go with a USB mic I would step up to the Blue Yeti or even the Yeti Pro depending on how you are going to use the microphone. Snowball is around $70, Yeti $100 and the pro is $200.

The main difference being the sample rate with the Snowball at 44.1 kHz and the Yeti at 48 kHz. Doesn't sound like a big deal but it limits the snowball to a frequency response of 40Hz to 18kHz where the Yeti has a frequency response of 15Hz to 20kHz. An average human can hear from 20Hz to 20kHz so the snowball is missing the very low and very high end of the audible sound spectrum. The problem I have had with the USB mics is that at stage volume they clip and I can't pad like I can with an interface. The Yeti Pro is supposed to resolve the issue with a SPL rating up to 120 dB, but I have not tried one so I have no idea if it works. The Yeti Pro also increases your sample rate and bit rate from 48kHz and 16 bit (Yeti) to 192kHz and 24 bit (Yeti Pro) respectively.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

You own a 57, go get a cheap interface and your on your way.

 

[mtsv]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

I have a similar setup. What you can do is to buy a USB sound card (M-Audio Fast Track etc) and connect your mic through it. You can also plug your guitar directly and use record using the amps & effects in Garage Band.

 

[hydro]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

I think one of the Blue USB mics will be good enough for what I am trying to do, which is just record clips and short demos, etc.

That little Focusrite solo is pretty cool though...

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

I have a Solo, 2x 2i2's, and an 18i20. I can cut tracks or mix at any computer in the house, which was my goal.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

If you have a 57 dont go buying a usb mic for guitar, just get a cheap interface like the Solo or a UR22.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Macbook to XLR - recording question

+1 for getting an audio/MIDI in/out box. It will offer phantom power for some mics, aid monitoring and do sterling service for solitary home recording project work.