Topic: Old(ish) Mac Laptop as recorder?

[powermonkey]

I've got me an old(ish) Mac laptop, and I was wondering whether or not my machine would be useable as a recorder? Is there anyone out there who has experience of using the audio line-in on a G4 powerbook - is it noisy, or would I be able to get away with going from the board into the Mac? I've got a variety of cables and adaptors to go from board to my R09, so that's covered. Would I need a pre between the board and the laptop?

I realise I'd have to matrix in post, with all the hassles that entails, but would I be able to get a half-decent result using my mac at the board, and my CA mics> R09 for the audience source? I'd be using audacity, I believe, for the board recording - unless anyone out there can reccomend any similar (free) recording software that'll work better.

I might be recording a friend of mine's band next month, and while I'd love to just plug into the board I thought what the hell, let's try a matrix, that might be fun!

Any thoughts?