Mac Compatible Audio Interfaces
PreSonus AudioBox USB USB Recording Interface
Affordable way to begin multitrack recording with most music softwares
Audio interfaces are the staple of home studios. They are among the best home recording equipment for Mac or PC. Digital audio companies produce two significant variations of the analog to digital audio converter. One is the form of a digital mixing console; mimicking the feel of a classic board, however providing analogue digital audio conversion for mics, guitars, line-level instruments, effects processors, and other lines-ins. Some of these boards feature option 48v phantom power, or integrated effects, but options vary widely from unit to unit (and from cheap to expensive). The other variant of interface is rack mounting consoles. While these may not simulate the feel of a convention board, they commonly provide excellent audio quality, reliable construction, and compact size. If you’re looking to record a large number of digital tracks inexpensively these can be a very valuable asset. Not only can you daisy change multiple units (of the same audio interface brand and model) to obtain additional tracks, the devices can provide up to 8 preamp mic/instrument channels (per unit), as well as additional line-inputs.
There are many features to be aware of when considering an audio interface. One thing is to make sure the a few of the channels feature preamps. These will make all audio sources much more audible (and thereby increase head room) while recording. Furthering that point, make sure it features good preamps. In its infancy analog/digital I/O unfortunately sported poor audio quality, and noisy digital preamp circuits. As the technology evolved, many upgrades brought about higher audio fidelity, and nearly noiseless preamps. A sub par model may feature noisy, and ineffective preamps; quality models commonly offer low distortion circuits, with clean and transparent sound. This means high definition recording consisting of high signal-to-noise ratios, and usually around 70 dB worth of gain. While you may save a decent sum by choosing a more affordable interface, it commonly will suffer in preamp and digital conversion circuitry. To get the audio quality of a Mac recording studio, it would be best to invest in a decent audio interface immediately; all audio recorded using it will automatically sound better.
M-Audio ProFire 2626 High Definition FireWire Audio Interface - 26-in/26-out Analog to Digital Conversion
Experience audio studio (24 bit/192 kHz) fidelity from a home recording Studio using FireWire 400 or 800
There are two different standards in digital audio quality. While cheaper interfaces feature lower audio fidelity, it is best to attempt to get as high of definition as possible (basically the digital equivalent of large headroom). FireWire, with its slightly faster connection speed tops out around 24-bit/192kHz, giving you pristine audio quality and functionality (sometimes not even requiring a power cord). USB, being slightly slower, only reaches about 24-bit/96kHz. It is important to first consider if the device will function with your computer (if your Mac lacks FireWire, obviously it would not be the proper choice). Then it is important to consider how much you are willing to spend. If you are seeking to create your own Apple music studio, it would probably be best to look at a high definition FireWire model (with at least 8 mic/instrument preamp channels). If your only seeking podcast recording equipment on a Mac, you might be able to settle for a 2 mic preamp unit.
Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini Portable USB Audio Interface ___________________ Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
M-Powered Pro Tools LE Audio Workstation _______________________ Pro Tools LE Audio Workstation
Software compatibility has two fronts. First, one must determine if the device will function with Mac OSX. After that, one must determine which sound recording software compatible with Apple will communicate with the interface. While its seem remedial, you might buy a quality converter does not function with your current recording software. Worse yet, you may be in the middle of a project, and lack the ability to produce it with the new device. While it could just be a matter of upgrading to a different recording software, it might be easiest to simply find a compatible device in the first place. Companies like Avid (the Digidesign Mbox), only function with studio apps like Pro Tools (considered the industry standard), and commonly call for a USB iLok. If you are looking to create a Pro Tools based studio, and have a powerful computer, these can be very effective interfaces. However, if you are just starting your home studio for Mac, you might be much more satisfied with a more universal analog/digital converter. A good multi channel A/D-D/A converter will function with Cubase, GarageBand, Pro Tools, Live, Logic, and Sonar.
The audio interface (of whatever sort) is a quintessential step in transforming any Mac or PC into a recording studio. While you may use more economical options such as your computer’s built-in mic/audio input, a USB microphone, or some sorta handheld recorder; you simply will be unable to obtain the quality an audio interface has to offer (without spending more than an interface would be already). The best part for any continuing recordist/musician, is the majority of pre-existing audio gear you already own should function with the device. Microphones using XLR and quarter inch instrument cables simply plugin to the device to begin converting.
Some interfaces included an iteration of the onboard DSP mixer. This DSP allows for for creating different recording environments. Not only may you create a custom master tracker, some devices allow for multiple independent monitor mixes to be shared through the interface. This is commonly done using some sort of software control panel to configure the different recording setups. A functional DSP supports saving mixes for later recall, as well as an active track monitoring during recording.
Functionality differs from device to device (especially in terms of I/O). Along with the number of ports, one of the other largest discrepancies is the actual type of ports installed on the device. While a mobile interface may only feature microphone and quarter inch inputs (sometime S/PDIF and MIDI), a full rack unit will most likely posses multiple TRS, XLR, MIDI (for keyboards and other outboard hardware), S/PDIF, ADAT, and TS combo inputs. If you are interested in recording multi-track music, it is important to get a device with as high of connectivity as possible.
M-Audio Fast Track Pro 4x4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with 2 Preamps
Highly compatible compact audio workstation for Mac or PC
Some of these devices feature standalone capabilities. The device’s preamps and channels function without connecting to a computer. This allows you to either use the interface with conventional storage methods (via the master channel output), or as a live audio processor. While it may not sport the features of a mixing board, it beats the price any other setup, and proves such a small device can excel in versatility. The audio interface is pretty much the easiest way to obtain the mobile recording experience, and maintain studio quality sound.
Digital audio used to mean sacrificing the quality of audio found at large studios. Before the capacity of hard drives skyrocketed, it also used to meant limited recording time. Now, audio quality and storage capacity alike have made groundbreaking steps forward that eliminate both of those shortcomings. Not only that, the introductory price to those advances is fallen to lower than ever before. If have interest in a DIY Mac compatible audio studio, an audio interface would be a major step in the right direction.
Mac Recording Studio Equiptment: The Basics
Recording is merely a combination of a number of steps and gear. To begin recording, you need both the proper mac recording accessories, and compatible recording software for Apple. This equipment involves mics, cables, devices to convert live audio to digital, and other audio accessories related to recording.
The Necessities - What you will need to Start Recording on you’re Mac Computer
Music Recording Software
USB/FireWire Audio Interface
Microphone(s)
Monitors (Speakers or Headphones to sample the audio)
Audio Recording Software
The first thing you must do is be able to actually record tracks. Sound recording software, like GarageBand, Logic, Cubase or Pro Tools (to mention a few) all function in a very similar manner. Each allows for multi track recording of audio input, as well as offering certain mixing and mastering features. One of the main differences is in the number and quality of digital effects included with the app. A much more cost recording suite like Pro Tools, or Logic Pro features many more mastering features then say GarageBand (included with any new Mac) or Ableton Live (included with many audio interfaces). However, without prior experience using DAWs, it can be much more difficult to command an intensive application like Pro Tools than a consumer level on like GarageBand.
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - Eight Mic Preamp Channels through USB
Audio Interface
The audio interface is key to producing quality audio tracks. Probably 50% of your audio quality will depend on your choice of interface alone. That is not to say the you must pay for the most outrageous device on the market, but you should still be very consciencious about your decision. There are a few basic criterion with which to grade the audio interfaces you consider. Most important is the device must support multi-track recording. Many of the original digital audio interface introduced only featured stereo tracking; and while this may have sounded decent on the immediate headphones or home stereo, it was very lacking for future mixing opportunities (in that all of the tracker are already condensed to stereo). The next feature is the audio quality; you want to make sure that the selected device produces audio that is at least 24-bit/96kHz (you may obtain greater bit rates with a FireWire interface; but make sure you computer is compatible first). Compatibility is another selling point; many applications will only work with certain suites (M-Box for example, only work is Pro Tools stations). It is essential that your interface will function with the recording software you have chosen.
The easiest route for recording one mic would be something like the Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB converter. It provides driverless, studio quality USB audio to any Mac running OSX. Another great advantage to the Icicle is optional phantom power for mics that require 48V. The Icicle is pretty much the easiest way to begin recording for under $50. A setback is you can only record one track at a time; but that being said, you can easily begin overdubs, or podcast recording in no time. Simply plug your microphone XLR cable into the device, and the device to your computer’s USB port.
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Microphones
If you are seriously looking to start your own Apple Music Studio, you will need an assortment of mics. At first you will want to start with very versatile microphone. Best would be something like a large capsule cardioid mic (such as the M-Audio Nova or equivalent). Another good choice would be a Shure SM57 (great for drums, percussion, and guitar amplifiers) or SM58 (for vocals or harp).
Monitors
Before you can release your album/song, you will actually need to listen to it a few times. To best facilitate mixing, you will want as clear of audio as possible. While you could choose an $800 set of studio monitors; you might actually want to release a few tracks before making such an investment. The easiest route would be a pair of desktop computer speakers. Most likely, you already have a set lying around that you could supplement for a set of monitors during your early recordings. A set of reference headphones also go a long way in recording towards obtain clean audio. The Grado SR-60i can serve as an excellent set of reference headphones; while their open ear construction does not facilitate overdubbing.
In the end, producing music is a not simply a matter of combining music software and recording equipment. It will take a fair amount of practice and effort to master overdubbing and recording. Like anything the more you work at it the better you get. With the proper Mac studio equipment will only go you so far when recording, after that it is up to your own talent and ambition.
