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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: BusterKeaton on 30 May 2005, 17:24

Title: Mac Mini Studio?
Post by: BusterKeaton on 30 May 2005, 17:24
My inner elliot smith is just burning to churn out acoustic ballads and have them adored by the world, So ive decided to invest some cash in a PC based home studio, Of course like the rest of the world the "cash" to be invested is not plenty. Ive read a couple articles online on how the mac mini can be a somewhat functional for recording, I really wanna use a mac but cant really afford a the higher end. Anyone have any advice? caveats?
Title: Mac Mini Studio?
Post by: captainawesome on 30 May 2005, 18:17
Yeah, I've been saving up to do the exact same thing.  This summer I plan to buy a Mac Mini, a cheap condesnser mic, a preamp, and a mixer, and set up a cheap recording studio.

Worth a try, I think.
Title: Mac Mini Studio?
Post by: ryanjnelson on 01 Jun 2005, 07:19
The Mac Mini would indeed be a nice solution to at-home recording.  It's packaged with iLife '05, including Garageband, one of the simpler home-recording software solutions I've used.
Couple things to keep in mind, though:  The Mac Mini doesn't have a built-in audio-in jack.  So, you will need to get some sort of USB or Firewire based audio input support.  Personally, I'm in love with the Griffin iMic (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71602/wo/Mx0p2qcYI5GD3Bcz4731DQkZ3gj/9.0.11.1.0.6.25.7.11.0.3).
Also, as I'm sure you're aware, the Mac Mini doesn't come with a keyboard or a mouse or monitor.

Another option you might consider is the eMac (http://www.apple.com/emac/).  Very similar specs to the Mac Mini, except that is has an audio input included (eliminating the need for the iMic), a built-in monitor, and comes with a keyboard & mouse.  For a total of $300 more than the Mini.

As an example of what this type of recording can produce with just a guitar & cheap condenser mic, consider listening to my cover of The Police classic, Man In A Suitcase (http://ryanjnelson.lundo.com/mp3/rjn-maninasuitcase.mp3).
Title: Mac Mini Studio?
Post by: -sam on 01 Jun 2005, 20:41
Quote from: ryanjnelson
Another option you might consider is the eMac. Very similar specs to the Mac Mini, except that is has an audio input included (eliminating the need for the iMic), a built-in monitor, and comes with a keyboard & mouse. For a total of $300 more than the Mini.


Of course you could take that three hundred bucks, pick up a M-Audio Firewire Solo (http://www.cascademedia.net/products.asp?catid=103&prodid=1597) and have a hundred bucks left over.  Not sure if it will work with garageband though...

-sam