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Post subject: How do I connect my Strat to my MAC
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:59 am
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Hey all, What is the best way to play my Strat through my MAC??? I have garageband and I would appreciate any tips on playing and recording through my mac. I have been told I need a MIDI and I am not finding much info on-line regarding how to get started. Thanks!!!


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Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:33 am
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Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:16 am
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Location: Scotland
There are various ways.

I mic my amp most of the time, just have the mic running through a wee amp (not all mics will need phantom power however) then into the line in on my mac. I find it gives me a nice signal.

Alternatively I can use the D.I. (Direct inject - you can buy DI boxes too, they help give a level line out signal from a guitar amp's headphone or line out socket) out on my bass amp which gives me a nice level amplified signal (pre EQ though :(). Again this just runs through the line in on my mac.

These are both pretty low tech solutions but workable ones none the less.

A more hi tech approach would be to invest in a firewire (or usb) interface, which acts as a little mixer in basic terms. This will allow you to plug various audio signals from various sources using various types of cables (usually 1/4" Jack or XLR). Basically from there the box will take the signal and shove it through your firewire connection into whatever audio app you're using.

By Midi I'm guessing whoever told you that meant a midi pickup type thing...personally I wouldn't bother with that.


Just so you know how low tech you can go (still achieving good sound quality) here's my set up:

Old 70's AKG vocal Mic > iRiver H120 (my mp3 player which I've modified to act as an amp) > Mac line in > Garageband/Quicktime

I find this gives a satisfactory sound, you can check out what it sounds like on most of my youtube videos.

Simple! Have fun messing with it :D


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Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:51 am
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You can get a usb guitar cable. One end plugs into a usb port on your computer and the other plugs into your guitar. Just make sure the one you get is compatable with mac.


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Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:22 am
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Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:46 am
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Location: New Jersey
I'm not familiar with Macs, but usually you would get an interface that could be either Firewire or USB - At least for the PC Firewire is quicker I think. Anyway if you look up brands like M-Audio, Presonus, or Digidesign- just to name a few- you will find a ton. Obviously you want to make sure they are Mac compatible. You can alos check out a music gear website like Musicians Friend or Guitar Center and look under the Recording tab.

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2002 Fender MIM 70's Reissue Strat
2006 Squier QMT Deluxe Strat
2005 Epiphone Classic Quilt Top Les Paul
Zagar ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric
PRS CE 22 Electric
Ibanez Sage Series 12 String Acoustic


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Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:54 pm
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I killed three birds with one stone by buying a Digitech effects pedal with a USB connection. I can connect to my Mac, I have an effects pedal to mess around with, and I can practice my guitar with various sounds in the morning without waking up my toddler.

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Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:03 am
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Sorry I have not thanked you all sooner. Thank you, I work during posting hours so that prevented me from responding. Thanks again.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:48 am
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Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:32 pm
Posts: 1384
Location: uɐʇsıʞɔnuɐɔ 'puɐlʇɐlɟ
I use a emu-404 has 2 "multi inputs" jacks that can take xlr or 1/4, plugs.
http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185

Quite happy with the purchase!
I use it instead of the sound card in my workstation now too..

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