bassmonkey
Well-known member
I have the old shape iMac. Anyone know if it is possible to record my bass onto an MP3 file quickly and easily? I mean without buying any more software or expensive boxes. I am running the latest version of OSX.
- Thread starter bassmonkey
- Start date
azzy_wazzy
Well-known member
If you're running the latest OSX, does that mean you also have Garageband? That is the simplest and quickest way I can think of doing it.
bassmonkey
Well-known member
No, that's an add on.
There is a program on the computer that would allow me to do this I think. My question really is one of connecting the bass to the computer, rather than a software one.
azzy_wazzy
Well-known member
Gotcha - just wasn't sure if you had iLife or just the OS on it's own.
Short of downloading some sort of program, I don't think there is a way of doing it without needing something else. I know how to get the bass to sound through the speakers after plugging it in, but am clueless on how to get it into a track without using anything else.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along!
Short of downloading some sort of program, I don't think there is a way of doing it without needing something else. I know how to get the bass to sound through the speakers after plugging it in, but am clueless on how to get it into a track without using anything else.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along!
bassmonkey
Well-known member
azzy_wazzy
Well-known member
I hope that too.
I'll just go into my corner and let my stinking cold finish me off
roballanson
Well-known member
I'll just go into my corner and let my stinking cold finish me off
Been partying too hard there azzy?
azzy_wazzy
Well-known member
If only! Just dying of a streaming nose and nasty throat along with a fuzzy head - no alcohol or fun involved unfortunately.
Anyhow, I'll stop cluttering up bassmonkey's thread and die in peace
WillPlay4Food
Well-known member
All you need is a 1/4 to 1/8 converter cable to plug into your line in port. To clarify, you need a female 1/4" to male 1/8" converter. You can pick these up at Radio Shack pretty cheap.
Here's a picture
Model: 274-875
Catalog #: 274-875
$4.49
Use this and record into GarageBand. If you don't have GarageBand/iLife, then grab a copy of Audacity, which is free. This will record and can output as mp3 if you download the additional required libraries.
If you can, use an outboard hardware preamp (like the one you use to feed your amp) instead of relying on a software preamp to bring up your bass levels.
I just realized you said old model iMac. If you mean a CRT version (doesn't have an LCD monitor) you may not have a line-in port and you'll have to pick up a USB input. Cost on these can vary widely depending on how much functionality and included software you want, but basic models start around $30 and can be found at Guitar Center. You could probably pick up an iMic at the Apple store, but that looks to be $40.
Here's a picture
Model: 274-875
Catalog #: 274-875
$4.49
Use this and record into GarageBand. If you don't have GarageBand/iLife, then grab a copy of Audacity, which is free. This will record and can output as mp3 if you download the additional required libraries.
If you can, use an outboard hardware preamp (like the one you use to feed your amp) instead of relying on a software preamp to bring up your bass levels.
I just realized you said old model iMac. If you mean a CRT version (doesn't have an LCD monitor) you may not have a line-in port and you'll have to pick up a USB input. Cost on these can vary widely depending on how much functionality and included software you want, but basic models start around $30 and can be found at Guitar Center. You could probably pick up an iMic at the Apple store, but that looks to be $40.
Last edited:
pepperman
Well-known member
But, it would need to be a Mono adapter, right?
azzy_wazzy
Well-known member
Yay for people who are much cleverer than me! I can now sleep in peace
bassmonkey
Well-known member
Cheers for that WillPlay4Food. My iMac is the one with LCD display and the dome-shaped base. Would it be possible to connect the DI output from my practice amp to the computer or would this cause problems?
WillPlay4Food
Well-known member
OK, you are now confusing me. Does your iMac look like this?
http://images.apple.com/pr/photos/iMac/imac-lowres.jpg
Or like this?
http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/i/z/rv/2004/09/imac-300x225.gif
If it looks like the one in the first picture, you'll need a USB audio input device. Otherwise, you can get the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. Either way, you should be able to use your DI out, you'll just need to use adapters to change from XLR to 1/8. Just start out with the DI level low, and slowly turn up the level as you play until you see the levels in your recording program in the appropriate range.
http://images.apple.com/pr/photos/iMac/imac-lowres.jpg
Or like this?
http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/i/z/rv/2004/09/imac-300x225.gif
If it looks like the one in the first picture, you'll need a USB audio input device. Otherwise, you can get the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. Either way, you should be able to use your DI out, you'll just need to use adapters to change from XLR to 1/8. Just start out with the DI level low, and slowly turn up the level as you play until you see the levels in your recording program in the appropriate range.
Psychicpet
Well-known member
OR.....
TAPCO has a little "M-Box" looking device that comes with a bundled version of Mackie's Tracktion software. All for under 2 bills.
yes, a pain to go buy new software/harware but it is pretty nuts anbd inexpensive.
TAPCO has a little "M-Box" looking device that comes with a bundled version of Mackie's Tracktion software. All for under 2 bills.
yes, a pain to go buy new software/harware but it is pretty nuts anbd inexpensive.
bassmonkey
Well-known member
Neither!
It is the model which came before the second picture.OR.....
TAPCO has a little "M-Box" looking device that comes with a bundled version of Mackie's Tracktion software. All for under 2 bills.
yes, a pain to go buy new software/harware but it is pretty nuts anbd inexpensive.
....and in English please.
BTW when you gonna do another one of those fantastic OVRDRVN.com things? They're a lot of fun. How about a bit more Funk Drum 'n' Bass?
He has this one:
Going from 1/4" to 1/8" with that adapter straight into your iMac is going to give you less than stellar quality. If you do come around to wanting to get more serious and spend a little.. I would suggest this box from M-Audio
M-Audio FireWire Solo
available at Guitar Center for under 200, comes with a nice software bundle too.
Going from 1/4" to 1/8" with that adapter straight into your iMac is going to give you less than stellar quality. If you do come around to wanting to get more serious and spend a little.. I would suggest this box from M-Audio
M-Audio FireWire Solo
available at Guitar Center for under 200, comes with a nice software bundle too.
bassmonkey
Well-known member
He has this one:
Going from 1/4" to 1/8" with that adapter straight into your iMac is going to give you less than stellar quality. If you do come around to wanting to get more serious and spend a little.. I would suggest this box from M-Audio
M-Audio FireWire Solo
available at Guitar Center for under 200, comes with a nice software bundle too.
Yep, that's the Mac!
Psychicpet
Well-known member
I did a slap thingie here:
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBKp8EI8GbE"]YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia]
but there should be some stuff soon... sorry for the delay
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBKp8EI8GbE"]YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia]
but there should be some stuff soon... sorry for the delay
bassmonkey
Well-known member
I'll check that out when I get home.
BTW I forgive you.
