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anonymous 26 June 2007

Hi!

I am fairly new to the recording world. I recently purchased a Macbook Pro, which includes Garageband. I realize that this program is not in line with something like Pro Tools or LogicPro, but for me it's simply a way to get ideas onto the computer.

I also have a Yamaha P250 stage piano. The combination of these two pieces of equipment leads me to believe that I have the capabilities of getting a fairly good sound by recording in Garageband. I may be wrong, but I'd like to give it a try.

Some questions, for those who are kind enough to helpa beginner:

How can I record stereo keyboard into Garageband? I have the output running from the keyboards headphone jack now, simply to trick the system into hearing mono. What are my other options for recording my actual keyboard sound in stereo into GB?

Also, with regards to capturing vocals--I have an okay mic--but is there something I can use to capture stereo vocals as well? I am hoping to get an okay sound if I invest in the right equipment to do it.

Some have told me I need an interface or a preamp, and some have told me that I can run directly into the Macbook, bypassing all of that. What do you think is best and most cost-effective for capturing quality sound.

I'd hate to think that nearly $4K in equipment went to waste.

Thanks in advance!
Nathan

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cfaalm Tue, 06/26/2007 - 06:33

Welcome to RO!

There are a few ways to do what you want.

If it is only piano you want to get on there, perphaps it would suffice to record the MIDI-data only through a USB-cable.

If you want to have your P250's sound on there, maybe it's a good idea to do both. In that case you'd be better off with a USB soundcard of FireWire soundcard, that has at least 2 XLR inputs (for your stereo vocals) and 2 line inputs for your P250 which can then be recorded in stereo too. That soundcard does not need a MIDI-port, because you can already connect your P250 with the USB-cable. If it is on there, it doesn't hurt.

You can experiment plugging in your P250 with a 2x TS(1/4" jack) to 1x TRS minijack and plug that into the line in of your Macbook.

Anyway, a Macbook Pro is quite a machine to simply get things onto the computer. It can do much more than that.

Recording with notebooks is usually done on an external, preferrably FireWire drive. This helps if your trackcount rises. Any audiosequencer brand (Logic. ProTools, Cubase etc.) will advice you to have a dedicated audiodrive, though you can start recording on your systemdrive.

Rock on!

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