Recording

SlipKnoTCraig133 · Post by **SlipKnoTCraig133** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 7:12 am

I want to record a Triton into garageband and was wondering if I could do it using just a USB connection. Will that work?

kanthos · Post by **kanthos** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 8:13 am

Nope, the USB only sends MIDI data. You at least need a 1/4" female to 1/8" male connector, a 1/4" instrument cable, and your computer's microphone jack, though this won't give you a good quality recording.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:08 pm

If you are on a macbook (like mine, white, newish), the Microphone jack doubles up as an line in socket too, which will work in stereo.

However it is still preferable to get a higher quality USB or FireWire audio interface for recording purposes.
Some can be found rather cheaply now too.

odeon · Post by **odeon** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 6:31 pm

There are several inexpensive sound cards of good quality. For example, there is the M-Audio 2496 with very high-quality inputs.

Gagggy · Post by **Gagggy** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:00 am

Go for odeon's advice and keep an audio card in mind, if you don't have a decent one.
USB is used for data transmission, just as MIDI is.

SlipKnoTCraig133 · Post by **SlipKnoTCraig133** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:27 pm

Thanks. What's the most inexpensive sound card out there and where can I get it?

Gagggy · Post by **Gagggy** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:28 pm

I recommend you start of with something small and simple, since you are new to it.
Anything from M-Audio up to RME should be just fine. Audiophiles from M-Audio, or anything in that class may interest you.

I personally can recommend EMU 1820 sound card since I'm using one.
Pristine sound, excellent preamps!

SlipKnoTCraig133 · Post by **SlipKnoTCraig133** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:23 pm

Once you get a soundcard how do you install it into the computer? I have a black macbook. I'm thinking of going internal if possible b/c all the external ones seem expensive, unless anyone knows of one under 60 dollars.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:10 pm

the internal cards are only for desktop/tower architectures. they use the PCI slot that is only available on a desktop motherboard.

so a USB or FireWire interface is your best bet. They can be had quite cheaply for variable quality. I'd recommend you do a price ordered search on a music hardware supplier's website.

like thomann or Digital Village or Dolphin in europe and the UK, or musicians friend or something in the US (I don't know many US sites - I don't use them).

Gagggy · Post by **Gagggy** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:14 pm

They can be had quite cheaply for variable quality.

Exactly! But the more money you put into it , the more flexibility you'll get.
So, try a bit more than 60 bucks if u can.

i.e. EMU model 1212 does not have any external interfaces.
You plug it in the PCI slot of your PC, and it's on.

You should research the topic a bit first, then narrow down a few models.
If so, we can probably decide which to buy. Maybe we've tried some of those, so , please do post.

platinumaudiolab · Post by **platinumaudiolab** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:55 am

The triton is a very nice piece of gear. Trying to record it using an generic/onboard soundcard is not a good idea. Unless your goal is to just play around and keep your scratch takes for ideas, you're going to have to shell out for a good soundcard/interface.

Just posted a buying guide for the holidays recently, trying to help new buyers sort through the murky waters.

http://www.platinumaudiolab.com/tutoria ... _interface

As mentioned the audiophile 2496 produces excellent results for such a low-budget price. I can't believe i'm still recommending it nearly 10 years later, but its still a great entry-level buy.