Recording newbie: Still confused (Garageband)

[stringtheorist]

Can anyone confirm for me whether I need an audio interface to get sound into my Mac from a regular dynamic mic (SM58)? I've connected the mic to the 1/8 input using an adapter plug, set up Garageband to connect to the built-in line input, checked this in the Preferences, checked that the Mac's Sound menu is reading the correct devices, but I still see no signal at all on Garageband's level meters... none. I was under the impression I could record an audio signal directly without any outboard a/d conversion.

 

[sk8mash]

You should be able to. Have you clicked the red circle near the volume controls to arm the track?

 

[stringtheorist]

Yes, the track is armed.

 

[Jolly Jimmy]

The problem is that your mic has a low impedance and is sending a low level mic signal into a high impedance line level input. You will need a mic preamp of some sort, a mixer or an audio interface with a mic in.

 

[stringtheorist]

The problem is that your mic has a low impedance and is sending a low level mic signal into a high impedance line level input. You will need a mic preamp of some sort, a mixer or an audio interface with a mic in.

OK, many thanks. (Glad to have that sorted.)