audio input/output help

[musicman9]

Hi I am trying to record on garageband my macbook pro mid-2012 os catalina with my guitar.

On this macbook there is only the one headport, and so I don't know how to connect my guitar and headphones to the computer for garageband to be able to record. It is picking up all the surrounding noise.

I hope someone can help,

Thanks

 

[Wando64]

You need an audio interface.

Many Types and brands are available with different specifications, but if you only need to record your guitar you could start by taking a look at the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

 

[musicman9]

I've tried to connect my alesis multimix8 usb 2.0 audio interface but the mac is not seeing it, so I wasn't able to connect it. I probably should have mentioned this earlier. This audio interface I guess is also part of the problem...

 

[casperes1996]

I've tried to connect my alesis multimix8 usb 2.0 audio interface but the mac is not seeing it, so I wasn't able to connect it. I probably should have mentioned this earlier. This audio interface I guess is also part of the problem...

I don't know this device but have you checked the manufacturer's website for drivers? Have you checked that it isn't shown in the MIDI app?

I use an iRig Keys I/O 49 myself with both guitar (electric and acoustics) and mic, and it works wonderfully.

Once you get it running ToneBridge is a great app on the App Store. It's made by Ultimate Guitar and has tons of preset effects for any song you can think of almost, with recommended pickup settings inside the app, and quick link to the relevant tabs as well

 

[Wando64]

I've tried to connect my alesis multimix8 usb 2.0 audio interface but the mac is not seeing it, so I wasn't able to connect it. I probably should have mentioned this earlier. This audio interface I guess is also part of the problem...

According to the Alesis website this should work fine with Macs (to be honest I don’t know of any interface that doesn’t).

i think you should be focussing on debugging this problem. Maybe find an Alesis forum? Or with a bit of luck just google might help.
Just a quick search throws up postings of people with similar problems such as this one:

Inactive or retired community

 

[blakedirksen]

A couple things to try.

a) In System Preferences / Sound have you selected the interface as your audio in? Also, have you set it as audio in for Garageband?
b) In garageband do you see the signal in the meter or any signal on the meter on the interface itself?
c) The mixer you listed can route multiple settings to the audio out on the mixer (from the board, from the computer, etc). Be sure to play around with the buttons near the master volume to be sure you are getting the right output from the mixer.
d) Guitar signals in general are pretty low and unbalanced. If you have access to a DI box (they are cheap) it always helps to run a guitar in that first and then into the mixer.

Best of luck and have fun!