Setting up iMac for live music and MIDI

I recently switched from PC to iMac and realized I can no longer attach my live instruments (mic, keyboard, guitar).

My PC has a third party audio card that has several jack inputs and MIDI in/out but the iMac has only one small jack audio input and a few USB ports.

My setup is: keyboard, guitar, and microphone all go into a mixer. The mixer's out is two large jacks, stereo, this is what normally connects to the computer. Also, my keyboard has a MIDI cable.

All I can think of to do is get a twin large jack to one small jack converter for audio input and then get a MIDI to USB converter for MIDI.

Is this the solution? Anyone have a better suggestion?

Well my live setup consists of an MOTU Ultralite, which is the ULTIMATE portable interface. You might want to check out M-Audio's line of USB and Firewire external devices (Firewire 410 or Firewire Audiophile).

My PC's audio card is M-Audio. The same as the Audiophile 192 but an older model.

I don't want to spend too much money but thanks for the tip.

EDIT: That MOTU Ultralite is sweet! Maybe I don't need to pay my mortgage this month :0

I use a firepod, brilliant bit of kit.

lifeafter2am said:

MOTU Ultralite, which is the ULTIMATE portable interface.

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Your forgetting the Fireface 400 which is simply better in almost every way compared to the Ultralite..


Rimmer

Rimmer said:

Your forgetting the Fireface 400 which is simply better in almost every way versus to the Ultralite..


Rimmer

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Uh oh, another interface war! I looked at the Fireface 400, it is also an amazing card, but out of my price range and had features that I didn't need. I choose the MOTU because a TON of laptop DJ's and producers use it and love it.

lifeafter2am said:

Uh oh, another interface war! I looked at the Fireface 400, it is also an amazing card, but out of my price range and had features that I didn't need. I choose the MOTU because a TON of laptop DJ's and producers use it and love it.

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Sure. I wasn't really nagging atcha.. More that you made a big claim that I thought I had to pulled you up on..

I suppose we should count ourselves lucky that they actually work, let alone give us some time left to make some music..

Rimmer said:

Sure. I wasn't really nagging atcha.. More that you made a big claim that I thought I had to pulled you up on..

I suppose we should count ourselves lucky that they actually work, let alone give us some time left to make some music..

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Yeah for real! It is hard sometimes too, getting some gearlust every once in a while!

lifeafter2am said:

Yeah for real! It is hard sometimes too, getting some gearlust every once in a while!

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I struggled to buy the Fireface as it was at a time I really needed it, but didn't have much cash. Amazing though, for such a small box.. Seemed pricey at the time but it really does shine.. I'm a bit of a recording enthusiast as well so I try to get the best I am likely to be able to afford.. Working pays off sometimes...

Regards, Rimmer

the USB to Midi cable is going to be the cheapest method -- but beware driver issues with really cheap cables. Edirol and M-Audio make them for about $40 or so that have good reputations.

For the audio in, you can get a stereo 1/4" to 1/8" adapter at any Radio Shack and plug that into the Mac's audio in, and that should work fine -- mind the input levels to prevent clipping (distortion) on the input.

Daddy Elmis said:

the USB to Midi cable is going to be the cheapest method -- but beware driver issues with really cheap cables. Edirol and M-Audio make them for about $40 or so that have good reputations.

For the audio in, you can get a stereo 1/4" to 1/8" adapter at any Radio Shack and plug that into the Mac's audio in, and that should work fine -- mind the input levels to prevent clipping (distortion) on the input.

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Thanks. All I need is the MIDI to USB converter (the Uno is more than $40 now). I already have a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter somewhere if I can find it. No problem with the clipping, I bought a used Behringer Eurorack MX 802A mixer for $30 years ago at a music shop and it lets me adjust the gain.

I have a Roland EG-101 keyboard that I use with my setup.I was using a M-audio uno sport USB to MIDI interface.After checking out the M-audio I control at the Apple store I bought it and took the uno back to Guitar Center.The I control works great,I really like the scroll wheel for playback time adjustment.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Perry

I have a Alesis io 14 firewire interface....but it doesnt work with Leopard...and right now when using in garageband....it only outputs from left channel...wouldn't recommend it