Acoustic Guitar to GarageBand 3

Hi guitar,

1) You don't need a MIDI-only interface. You can buy a relatively cheap interface that has XLR & TRS inputs (Mic cable and 1/4' cable) too.

2) If your amp has a line out (important that it's called LINE out, not headphone) you can plug direct into the computer. But the interface route is better. If your amp doesn't have the line out, you can always use the interface and a decent mic to record the amp (alot of pros prefer the sound of an amp being miced to get the 'room' sound).

3) Yes. If your acoustic has an electric pre-amp, you could use that plugged into the interface too.

4) Plug in the interface (making sure you have all the drivers needed), plug in the instrument, select the input on the track, and hit record (reader's digest version of instructions).

5) Sorry no transcription of "real" instruments.

Good Luck!

-xs4is

Hello again guitar,

1) I'm not familiar with the Marshall that you have, but if it is MIDI only, then your better option is to get a decent interface.

2) If the slave line on your amp is a true "line-out" you could plug it directly into ouyr computer. But you need to make sure that it is a true line-in. Impedence issues could damage both your computer and your amp. And the interface will still give you better audio quality.

3) Musiciansfriend.com samash.com music123.com are some online sites, but you could do some price checking on all of them, go to a local store and see if they can price match. 9 times out of 10 they will. You need to ask yourself what you need form your interface. How many inputs/outputs, if you need just a gain knob or more complex controls, you know little things like that. And with GB you will want an interface with a lineout to monitor with (or at least a headphone jack) because GB doesn't work well when you have to split the input and output signals between devices. I would suggest googling presonus, m-audio, motu...stay away from Digidesign stuff like the MBox. Alot of people are having alot of issues with Digi products right now. The drivers will be provided with the interface or on line at their websites.

4) If you need transcription really bad, check out a program called Finale. I don't use it, but alot of people do. You could also upgrade your audio program to Logic. It has a really good transcription function, and is a much more superior DAW than GB is.


PS.
I've never gotten emails from the discussion board...are you subscribing to a bunch of threads?

Good Luck Guitar!

If you like what you read, don't forget the helpful/solved points!

Sorry to interrupt, but I have a similar question. I just made the switch to Mac and have started using GB3. I also am recording with an acoustic guitar. I have been plugging it in directly to the computer. I am extremely ingorant when it comes to recording and what equipment to purchase. Based on your comments to 'guitar' I need some sort of interface? I have seen a couple of by M-Audio. Is this the way to go? I only plan on recording one thing at a time so I don't need anything too advanced I assume. Please help! Thanks.

Hey rodey,

Try posting this as a new topic. You will get bombarded with answers that way. I don't have an interface yet. I am still shopping around. But there are ALOT of very intelligent people on this forum waitng to help you.

Good luck!

I just did - thanks for the advise!