[Sebastian]

my inlaws have a white powerbook (don't have a model to provide) which they'd like to use to record music events at their church. they're not exactly adept users, so they couldn't answer many of my questions - should that powerbook simply be able to accept any unpowered mic on a 1/8" adapter, such as the factory mic that was provided with my old g3 desktop? I know some models require powered mics (my g5 won't recognize the old g3's mic, for example). they've got a miscellaneous unpowered mic (again, no details) for which they indicate they've been unsuccessful in getting it to record for them.

Also, what software might you recommend for simple recording/editing? nothing fancy, ease of use is paramount for these folks..

[macaddict0001]

Is it an ibook? because there is no such thing as a white powerbook unless you painted it or something. The ibook has a built in mic. here is some recording software
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos.../audacity.html
if that one is too complex perhaps something more like this
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...gdatabase.html
note that both of these require mac osx

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by Sebastian:
they've got a miscellaneous unpowered mic (again, no details) for which they indicate they've been unsuccessful in getting it to record for them.

Also, what software might you recommend for simple recording/editing? nothing fancy, ease of use is paramount for these folks..

White Apple laptop == iBook, not Powerbook.

not a lot of information to go on, but if they have the mic, they'll need three things:

1.) a microphone pre-amplifier to boost the mic signal to line level

2.) a way to get that signal into the 'book

3.) a way to record it once it's in the 'book.


IIRC, none of the iBooks have ever had an audio input built in.

1.) can be taken care of if they have an old hi-fi amplifier or a cheap old mixing board sitting around with a microphone input. This amp's/mixer's line out can then be piped into a 2.) Griffin iMic (about $50).

If they have neither a mixer nor an old hi-fi-amp, the simplest solution is to get a converter box that has mic-preamps built-in. These are available from M-Audio, Tascam, etc., at varying price points.

Apple is rumored to be introducing an audio interface on Jan. 11th which may fit the bill perfectly, provided it has mic preamps.

Once in the machine, the signal can be recorded with GarageBand or any of the lightweight solutions available when you search www.versiontracker.com for recording software. Soundstudio works okay. GarageBand may not run properly on the iBook, depending upon how old it isand what processor it's running on.

-s*

[spiky_dog]

Originally posted by Spheric Harlot:
Apple is rumored to be introducing an audio interface on Jan. 11th which may fit the bill perfectly, provided it has mic preamps.

yeah, wait and see if apple introduces their "asteroid" breakout box. if not, then a cheap mic preamp such as the m-audio audio buddy would be in order. then get a cheap mic to go with it, record in garageband, and you'll be set. you/they probably don't want to be recording music with a plaintalk mic or the like (those 1/8" long plug mics from the pre-G3 days)...