iMic vs audio in

Is there any advantage to using the iMic interface over my macbook's audio in port? I've noticed that when recording with a microphone the iMic gets a slightly louder signal (probably because you can toggle the low/high impedence signals), but aside from that...not sure whether usb gives a cleaner sound than the audio port. Any thoughts?

Well, I'm a sound engineer and most musicians who want to do a quick line-out recording just for evaluating their performance later, use the iMic.

Most of them say the iMic sounds superior. That said, they are musos and not engineers. I have not tested the iMic, but I guess you can choose to take their word for it.

Personally, I would use the line in for "just messing around" recordings but use a proper external sound card for important recordings.

thanks!...I do think the iMic gives you a slightly cleaner sound, especially with "line" level stuff (guitars, etc)