Recording Clear Sounding Demos through Garageband

[Desperado]

I've been trying to do some demos of a few different pedals that I have for the good of the order, but I've tried using my digital camera, and computer mic on my MacBook (in Garageband), but with no success. Everything is distorted.

What are my options to record decent sounding demos without breaking the bank?

Is there a better way to record without using Garageband?

Should I be using some sort of USB mic?

If I decided to do more than just demos and try to record some tunes, could I use one type of USB mic for several instruments?

Anything you can give me will help.

Thanks,

Mason

[chickenbackside]

In Garageband, before you record, make sure your input gain is correct. Distorted recordings means your gain is too high and is clipping.

Arm your Garageband audio track but do not press record yet, play the loudest part of your recording and make sure it does not hit red. Adjust the level slider until even at your loudest point, the level is still green. Then record.

[Desperado]

Wouldn't the sound quality be better though if I used a mic of some kind?

[chickenbackside]

Yes it would. The sky's the limit.

But even if you run a vintage U47 through a Neve 1073, you're still going to get distorted recordings if your gain is too hot. If you're getting distorted recording from both your digicam and Garageband at default settings, it suggests that your amp is cranked up pretty loud, thereby causing a gain overload. On your digicam, you probably will not be able to control your input gain. But in Garageband, it is a simple thing to do. So what I'm suggesting is, get the basics correct first, then see if the best possible sound extracted from your current setup is acceptable. If it still isn't, then explore upgrade possibilities.

The next step up is a USB mic of some sort > computer > Garageband

The next step up from there is a condenser/dynamic mic > preamp/audio interface > computer >Garageband

Everything from here onwards is simply quality. Get a quality mic > preamp > compressor > Analogue to digital converter will see quality results, PROVIDING the basic things like gain structure, mic placement, performance, knowledge in basic sound engineering skills...etc are intact.

[c94123]

Sorry that this is totally off topic but I see you're in Pt. Richmond. That's a small little place most people haven't heard about. I used to work in the office building at the Marina there. What a view. Used to get beers at the Hotel Richmond (I think it was called) after work. The 49ers coach (Mariucci) used to be in there alot. Sorry, didn't mean to derail the thread. Carry on.

[Desperado]

Pt. Richmond is nice...my wife and I love living here, we have a great view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from our front window.

[Desperado]

Any suggestions on USB mics??? Anyone?