Recording Interface for a MacBook Air

  • Thread starter Thread starter MetalThrasher
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MetalThrasher

Well-known member
I'm setting up my new MacBook Air for recording. I'm a complete noob at this so I'm seeking the expert's advice here. I have an old M audio fast track. Can I get by with it for now? I know its old so I'm thinking getting a newer interface. What should I look into? Also, I'm going to get logic pro. For the time being I'm going to use my 6505 MH with the speaker disabled and use the send on the loop to a cab sim & IR loader box. The chain goes like this: Guitar > Pedals > amp input. Amp's effect loop (send) > cab sim & IR loader box > M audio fast track > MacBook. Am I connecting everything correctly? Never done this before so I want to make sure I'm doing this right! Cheers!
 
Do you have some kind of load box for your amp's output? I'd look into something like the Suhr Reactive Load or the new St. Rock React:IR II. Also if you send directly from your FX loop, you won't have your amp's power section involved and it can sound a little harsh and lacking some punch that way IME.
 
If what you have works then it's just fine. You would need to spend a LOT of money to really hear a difference between what you have and the highend stuff. Don't sweat it.
 
midnightlaundry said:
If what you have works then it's just fine. You would need to spend a LOT of money to really hear a difference between what you have and the highend stuff. Don't sweat it.
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i agree, as long as theres no latency issues i would just go with what you have to start.
 
RaceU4her said:
i agree, as long as theres no latency issues i would just go with what you have to start.
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Thanks everyone! Now it's time for me to figure out how to use the Mac because this is my first Apple computer. Wish me luck. I'm going to fuck around with it tonight and tomorrow. It seems like I'm getting into another rabbit hole.
 
MetalThrasher said:
I'm setting up my new MacBook Air for recording. I'm a complete noob at this so I'm seeking the expert's advice here. I have an old M audio fast track. Can I get by with it for now? I know its old so I'm thinking getting a newer interface. What should I look into? Also, I'm going to get logic pro. For the time being I'm going to use my 6505 MH with the speaker disabled and use the send on the loop to a cab sim & IR loader box. The chain goes like this: Guitar > Pedals > amp input. Amp's effect loop (send) > cab sim & IR loader box > M audio fast track > MacBook. Am I connecting everything correctly? Never done this before so I want to make sure I'm doing this right! Cheers!
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Just make sure you leave the amp plugged into your cabinet. If it's a parallel loop, no sound will come out of the cabinet. If it's a series loops, turn the mix to 100%, and you should be good to go. You won't need a load box.

You can start by messing around with Garageband. I think it's still free. You can import any of that into Logic for more control.

Macs are easy to use once you find your way around.

And yes, recording is a whole other rabbit hole that can cost A LOT more than a guitar and amp addiction.
 
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