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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: Depechemode1993 on December 01, 2006, 10:50:39 PM

Title: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: Depechemode1993 on December 01, 2006, 10:50:39 PM
So I never actually figured out what to do with my macbook for transfering shows. I have audacity and I really like it, but I only have a line in jack to my laptop. What are some of the quality soundcards that I can use externally through a usb. (if thats even possible?) I am not really good with computers and that sort of nature but, I want to get back into taping as I now have time! (and some cash)  ;D thanks everyone.

Ryan
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: Patrick on December 01, 2006, 11:11:59 PM
What format are you going to be transferring from?
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: Depechemode1993 on December 02, 2006, 12:51:32 AM
What format are you going to be transferring from?

DAT, Cassette, MD. I'll probably be soon getting an R-09.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: greenone on December 02, 2006, 09:03:12 AM
I use an older version of what is now the ESI-Pro U24. Anything in their Waveterminal line should do the trick via USB.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: nic on December 02, 2006, 09:40:15 AM
you would really be better off with a firewire based sound card than usb.
while a couple of years ago most external interfaces were usb, today they are firewire.

look at the Presonus Firebox
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: shruggy1987 on December 02, 2006, 10:24:10 AM
for transfers the M-Audio Firewire 410 is solid and well priced.  Its powered over firewire on the macbook.  I wouldn't use it for too much analog in, but it has optical and coax in which are fine.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: scb on December 02, 2006, 01:12:54 PM
doesn't the macbook have an optical in?
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: nic on December 02, 2006, 02:02:27 PM
doesn't the macbook have an optical in?

true.
the inputs and outputs are 1/8" stereo mini & optical.
my Powerbook has them as well
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: greenone on December 02, 2006, 05:53:16 PM
you would really be better off with a firewire based sound card than usb.
while a couple of years ago most external interfaces were usb, today they are firewire.

If he's transferring DATs and cassettes, why drop $300 on a firewire interface when a $150 USB interface will do? Once he has the R-09, he'll be able to just use a card reader or connect directly anyway...
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: noahbickart on December 02, 2006, 07:58:50 PM
The Macbook has a bit accurate optical line in. If all you want to do is transfer DAT, etc. at 16/44.1 you don't need to buy anything other than an optical cable, unless your dat deck only has coax connections...

-Noah
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: Depechemode1993 on December 03, 2006, 10:16:30 AM
The Macbook has a bit accurate optical line in. If all you want to do is transfer DAT, etc. at 16/44.1 you don't need to buy anything other than an optical cable, unless your dat deck only has coax connections...

-Noah

I don't see an optical in on my macbook? Thanks everyone for you help. it is greatly appreciated! +T to all.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: scb on December 03, 2006, 11:21:47 AM
the the same jack as the line input
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: phreshie on December 04, 2006, 12:55:58 PM
digi/optical in is on the left side - power, 2 usb's, optical, headphone - in that order
so let me get you guys right if i go optical in from say dat/hd recorder, i only need a program to run the audio into, not itunes, right
sorry to chime in here but i just got myself one of these powerbooks and i'm trying to figure out its potential for taping/transfering

tx
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: greenone on December 04, 2006, 11:59:57 PM
You got it...iTunes doesn't record, but I think new Macs are bundled with Sound Studio - check your Applications folder for it. That should do the trick.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: bgalizio on December 05, 2006, 12:39:38 PM
You got it...iTunes doesn't record, but I think new Macs are bundled with Sound Studio - check your Applications folder for it. That should do the trick.

My Intel iMac wasn't. But, Sound Studio is cheap. Audacity is free.
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: firmdragon on December 05, 2006, 02:49:34 PM
it may just be the macbook pro that has the optical in
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: hummat on December 05, 2006, 02:56:13 PM
Garage Band will record.  Or if you drop a few bucks for Quicktime Pro, I believe that will record as well. 
Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: scb on December 05, 2006, 06:53:47 PM
it may just be the macbook pro that has the optical in

nope

check out http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html

Title: Re: Soundcard for Macbooks?
Post by: Depechemode1993 on December 06, 2006, 09:46:32 AM
Garage Band will record.  Or if you drop a few bucks for Quicktime Pro, I believe that will record as well. 

Audacity is nice. I'd rather get that. not a big fan of garage band.