Best source for audio in?

[nathansz]

I want to record some bass guitar to Garageband through the audio input on a 2011 iMac.

I have an Ampeg PF800 bass head so have several options and am wondering what folks think the best approach would be.

I could plug the bass directly in to the audio in. (Bass has passive pickups.)

Or use one of the following outputs on the head:

1) Headphone Output. Manual says it's a "mix of the line level signals reaching the amplifier."

2) XLR Line Out. Balanced. Has a switch for post or pre eq. Has a switch for mic or line level. Has a switch for ground/lift.

3) FX send jack. Unbalanced. Post EQ

4) Pre-Amp Out. Manual says it is a "direct post master preamp output for use with an external power amp."

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

 

[Fishrrman]

"2) XLR Line Out. Balanced. Has a switch for post or pre eq. Has a switch for mic or line level. Has a switch for ground/lift."

I think that this may do what you want.
You'd probably want to set it to "line out".

What you REALLY need is a decent audio interface.
Something like a Focusrite 2i2, or perhaps a Presonus "AudioBox"...

 

[nathansz]

"2) XLR Line Out. Balanced. Has a switch for post or pre eq. Has a switch for mic or line level. Has a switch for ground/lift."

I think that this may do what you want.
You'd probably want to set it to "line out".

What you REALLY need is a decent audio interface.
Something like a Focusrite 2i2, or perhaps a Presonus "AudioBox"...

thank you for your help

i’d like to clarify my question and ask another



i’m only recording demos so sound quality isn’t super important

all of these options will send a signal to garageband.
just wondered if one would be preferred

my other question:

what would be the advantage using an audio interface?
is it the difference in quality between the analog to digital converter on the interface compared to built in to the imac?

also, would a “cheaper” interface introduce unnecessary latency that the audio input avoids?

thanks again!