I am new to Audacity. I have recently downloaded version 2.1.1. I am running an iMAc with OSX10.6.8. I am attempting to start a conversion project of my vinyl albums to uncompressed audio files in my iMAC and then burn CDs. I have looked through some of the tutorials and FAQs. My question concerns the proper input method. It seems to me there are two possibilities. I can run an audio cable from the Line Output of my stereo amplifier into the Line Input of my iMAC directly. Alternatively, I can insert a conversion device between my stereo and my iMAC. This conversion device would take the line output in this case straight from my turntable, boost the signal, convert it to digital, and perform some other very basic cleanup functions. The signal from this conversion device would be then go through a USB cable into one of my Imac USB ports.
Which of these methods is correct or are they both viable options? If both are possible, is one method going to give me a demonstrably better input? The Line Input method from my amplifier would be cheaper as it just requires a simple cable. The Conversion deice method requires a bit more money.
Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
So it seems from what you say that either the Line In method or the USB (by way of conversion box) method would work. I do have a Line In port on my iMAC. Is either method superior to the other (audio quality, ease of recognition/setup with Audacity, etc.)? If not, I would just as soon use the cheaper method of Line In (just one cable).
Sorry to keep coming back on this point. I seem to get conflicting advice. An individual on another forum indicated the following …
Quote: “Most computer sound cards are not going to digitize the audio signal into a file format. Employing a USB interface as described above is the best solution.” Endquote.
If I send the audio signal directly from my stereo system receiver/amplifier to my MAC via just an audio cable (Line Out - to - Line In) will my computer be able to recognize and deal with the incoming analog signal? Does Audacity deal with this signal? Am I making more of this than I need to? I confess a certain amount of ignorance in this area.
It seems to me that if I was trying to send the audio directly from my turntable to my MAC I would need an audio interface of some sort but is the same thing true if I am sending the audio through my receiver/amplifier and then out to my MAC?
That is correct. Sound cards do not convert sound into files. Sound cards convert sound into digital audio data, Most USB audio interfaces do the same. A recording application, such as Audacity, can then record that digital audio data and write the data to the hard drive.
In the case of Audacity, recordings are initially recorded into a special “Audacity Project” format. This format allows Audacity to do all sorts of cool editing, but it is not a standard audio file format. To create a normal audio file with Audacity, first you record (as an Audacity project), then you “Export” from Audacity to create a normal audio file.
Many of the older Mac computers had very good quality “line inputs” for recording. Some of the newer Macs don’t. If you have a Mac with a “stereo line input”, then with an appropriate lead you can connect a “stereo line output” from other audio equipment (such as a CD player) to the “stereo line in” of the Mac, and record it with Audacity.
If your Mac does not have a “stereo line in” socket, then you can use a USB sound card, as shown in Koz’s earlier reply, and record the digital audio from the USB sound card,
I bought my last Mac new, but slightly out of date because it was the last of a series with the built-in stereo line-in (circle with two black arrows). The next newer machine doesn’t have it. The 13" version of this 15" MacBook Pro has one connection that can switch in software between stereo in and stereo out. That’s a lot less convenient, but it does work. Check Apple > System Preferences > Sound.
My newer Mac Mini has both stereo analog connections. In and Out. It’s my TV Set.
It’ll work. Inside your Mac is the same kind of chip to handle analog to digital that you’ll find in one of these external USB interfaces.
Usually, the quality of the line input on Macs is fine. In case your machine picks up some hum or other noise, you can still buy an external box, or go optical (see below).
It seems to me that if I was trying to send the audio directly from my turntable to my MAC I would need an audio interface of some sort but is the same thing true if I am sending the audio through my receiver/amplifier and then out to my MAC?
Unless you’re talking about a recent AV receiver, the amp/receiver is entirely analog and will only handle level and tone corrections.
If your receiver is the kind that has also in- and outputs for TV, you could also use its digital output (SP/DIF or TOSlink) to record into the Mac. The 3,5 mm audio line-in on your Mac also has a hidden digital optical input - requiring only the right cable.
This optical input has a major advantage: electrical isolation between computer and receiver, which will eliminate some noises completely. It’s a shame this solution is often overlooked.
Inside your Mac is the same kind of chip to handle analog to digital that you’ll find in one of these external USB interfaces.
But it’s missing all the USB processing and physical cables. That’s the place there Blue Yeti microphones cause troubles. We know if you force the USB system to behave, many of those fluttery whine sound problems go away.
