Sign In
Register
Help
I feel dumb for being so vague, but i just got an iMic and garageband. I have a mac mini, so theres no audio input, which is why i got the iMic. I plug the iMic in, and then i plug my guitar into the iMic, and i have no idea what to do. could someone explain the different between Mic and Line? whether i should be using the chord with the red and white ends? Ive also tried plugging in a microphone to the iMic and then playing into the microphone, but that doesnt do anthing either. the computer acknowledges that iMic is plugged in, it just isnt getting any sound. im new to all this and im very clueless.
Page 1 of 1
iMic/Garageband help
MultiQuote
#2
VidPro 
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 312
- Joined: 20-December 02
Posted 25 June 2006 - 05:15 AM
First off, are you plugging the iMic directly into the computer, or using a hub? Note that the keyboard is considered a hub. I have heard that it won't work unless it is plugged directly into the computer.
Having said that, the difference between "Mic" and "Line" is the strength of the signal you are connecting. Microphones have very low signal levels, so they are boosted by a pre-amplifier circuit before most equipment can work with it, while most other sound sources, including guitar amplifiers, will have already pre-amplified their signals, so if you go through the same process as with microphones, they will be too strong and distort the sound you'll hear.
The iMic has only 1/8" mini-plug jacks, so anything you plug in has to have a mini-plug on the iMic end, but has to be connected with whatever kind of connector will fit the equipment you are plugging into the iMic. Microphones sometimes have the cable permanently attached, in which case it either is already good to go, or will need an adapter. The red and white ends you are talking about are likely what are called RCA plugs (as well as phono plugs), and they are used on most stereo systems, VCRs, TVs, DVDs, etc., but guitars I believe have 1/4" jacks and guitar amps may have the 1/4" jacks and/or the RCA connectors. If you don't already have the 1/8" mini-plug to whatever you need on the other end, they are easily found.
Once connected and a sound source is plugged in, click on the GarageBand menu, go to Preferences, pick "Sound" (or "Sound/Midi", I can't quite remember off-hand), and you should see the iMic as a selectable input.
And that is all there is to it! Well, that, and learning to use GarageBand. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Having said that, the difference between "Mic" and "Line" is the strength of the signal you are connecting. Microphones have very low signal levels, so they are boosted by a pre-amplifier circuit before most equipment can work with it, while most other sound sources, including guitar amplifiers, will have already pre-amplified their signals, so if you go through the same process as with microphones, they will be too strong and distort the sound you'll hear.
The iMic has only 1/8" mini-plug jacks, so anything you plug in has to have a mini-plug on the iMic end, but has to be connected with whatever kind of connector will fit the equipment you are plugging into the iMic. Microphones sometimes have the cable permanently attached, in which case it either is already good to go, or will need an adapter. The red and white ends you are talking about are likely what are called RCA plugs (as well as phono plugs), and they are used on most stereo systems, VCRs, TVs, DVDs, etc., but guitars I believe have 1/4" jacks and guitar amps may have the 1/4" jacks and/or the RCA connectors. If you don't already have the 1/8" mini-plug to whatever you need on the other end, they are easily found.
Once connected and a sound source is plugged in, click on the GarageBand menu, go to Preferences, pick "Sound" (or "Sound/Midi", I can't quite remember off-hand), and you should see the iMic as a selectable input.
And that is all there is to it! Well, that, and learning to use GarageBand. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Page 1 of 1
