[boanerges]

I am recording various acoustic instruments using an AT 822 mike and M-Audio Pre-USB pre-amp into my PB G4. I intend to use Garage Band. Should I consider a "better" software package to get better fidelity? I am not interested in Post-processing, only in getting the best recording quality to AIFF files for subsequent transfer to CD.
Any recommendations or thoughts gladly accepted.
JV

[Weezer]

Direct input accoustic guitar will be a letdown if you do that, it just doesnt sound right. I generally use a condenser mic into an Mbox, and garageband. the new garageband is quite nice actually.

[analogika]

I wouldn't worry about the software side. The different DAW software packages DO sound decidedly different, but the difference there is smaller than, say, investing in a better pre-amp.

The only problem with GarageBand is that it only does 16-bit recording. 16 vs. 24 bits *does* make an audible difference, but for general use, I wouldn't sweat it.

[analogika]

Originally posted by Weezer:
Direct input accoustic guitar will be a letdown if you do that, it just doesnt sound right.

If you want a real acoustic sound, two condensors will do it.

I rather like the "studio" sound of some acoustics, so a combination of DI and a mic gives excellent results IMO.

[jamil5454]

As previously stated, mics are the first thing that should be considered when dealing with audio quality. The preamps on the MobilePre aren't horrible, but a nice powered mixer will probably get you some mileage. And, if you want 24 bit recording, you're going to need something better than the MobilePre. Also, you can download the free audio editor Audacity to do your high-res recording and then just import the wav into GarageBand for further effects/editing.