Audio recording question

[theMan]

I have been struggling with my PC, I guess for the past 3 years since I got it. I keep getting disk corruption, and all sorts of crazy stuff going on, and have replaced pretty much everything. I am finally ready to give up on it. Anyway, I want to take the opportunity to go for a laptop. Also, I was thinking about giving a Macbook a try.

So here goes with the question:

I do a lot of audio recording, and I purchased a $300 PCI audio card to connect my Microphone Preamp via a 1/4" jack. I can probably sell it if I get a laptop, but then I will still need to plug in my 1/4" plugs (I am not going to sell my $400 mics and $200 preamp). Now I know for PC laptops, there are docking stations that could possibly have a 1/4", or maybe even a PCI expansion slot. Is there anything like this for a Macbook? I really know nothing about Macs at all, so forgive me for my ignorance...

thanks in advance

 

[theMan]

oops, nevermind

 

[Keitero]

There isn't a docking station for either a MacBook/MacBook Pro from Apple. There is a third-party vendor that makes one, but it doesn't offer any PCI slots. As for 1/4" jack support, adapters from 1/4" to 1/8" is all I can say to get it to work as you already have a preamp and mic setup.

As for the Magma PCI expansion system, if your PCI card has OS X support, then you are good to go.

 

[theMan]

Yeah, I guess adapters would be the simplest option. But, the problem is, I need to be able to record in Stereo (I have 2 mics). Is there any way I can record in stereo on a Macbook?

Also, how is the quality of the onboard audio of the Macbook? Do you think it will decrease the quality of my recordings over my current card significantly?

 

[Keitero]

The onboard audio is SigmaTel HighDefinition. Not the greatest thing ever made, but a damn sight better than any Realtek junk. If the new Creative X-Fi Express card was only ExpressCard 3/4 and worked in OS X then that you be cake. You could see if any of the PCI-based X-Fi cards has OS X support but I highly doubt it (check OSx86 to see if there are drivers).

 

[theMan]

Ok, I edited my post after you replied... but will I be able to plug in 2 independent channels and record stereo?

 

[Keitero]

No, there is only one stereo jack for headphones/line out and one mic/line in. AFAIK, there is no software support for the audio other than increasing/decreasing the volume.

 

[theMan]

So is it possible to do any audio recording then?

 

[Keitero]

It is, the Apple store offers a wide selection of audio hardware/software. Most are designed to work on the desktop models, but some if not all should work on the laptops as long as they are USB/Firewire/ExpressCard 3/4.

 

[theMan]

Basically, I need something like this:

This is what I need...

Are you aware of something like this?

 

[Keitero]

I just <3 that MSPaint job.

Anywho, M-Audio has a couple of hardware items that MIGHT work:

M-Audio FireWire1814
M-Audio ProFire Lightbridge - However, the only inputs are S/PDIF or Optical Lightpipes.

 

[theMan]

how about this one?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha/

 

[Keitero]

Looks ok, but does it support the software that you plan on using?

 

[theMan]

Well i mean, I have been just using Audacity, as I have yet to move up to something else. It seems good enough. I don't think there are any compatibility problems with it.

thanks keitero!

 

[xprow]

Depending on what you are looking for I would suggest the Mackie Satellite Firewire recording system. Give plent of ins/outs and can disconnect and go with you when you do portable recording at starbucks . It can be bus powered via firewire (it requires the larger firewire pin in order to be bus powered).

If you are looking for a USB option you could always try the EMU 0404 USB, EMU 0202 or EMU1616.

I currently use the Mackie Satellite which works perfect for what I do. My laptop doesnt support the bus powered firewire option, but it still works perfect for what I do. I have also used the EMU 1620 which was a good piece of hardware... but i wanted something I could use for my desktop AND laptop. The great thing to is the Satellite can now be had for a lot less than I bought it for previously.

 

[xprow]

Oh btw, I would avoid the M-AUDIO Fast Track. I own it as well but the mic preamp makes everything sound like thin tiny crap. Just make sure to read reviews on the recording interface you are looking to buy.

 

[theMan]

Ok, the thing is, I already have a good Mic Preamp, but it is not USB or firewire. So, getting a USB or Firewire interface with a lot of features is a bit of a waste. I just simply need Line In (L/R), Line Out (L/R) and USB/Firewire. Is there any reason to get Firewire over USB?

Basically, I need a usb interface that replaces THIS PCI INTERFACE. It has to have about the same features. Especially the I/O features.

Ok, I found this one:

http://www.tapcoworld.com/products/linkfw/index.html

It has the inputs/outputs I need, and seems to be relatively high quality. Anybody had experience with this one?