[MacDV] Re: Sound input (was two other threads)

[Tom Meyer]

Thanks to all for helping with this thread. Donna, if you could explain 
how you get your iMac to recognize the ADVC unit I would appreciate 
help. I hook mine up as if I am going to input a VHS but nothing going 
to the video input. I get nothing in iMovie as a track. I am new to this.

Tom

Derek Roff wrote:

>> I'm very appreciative of this thread. I know I need some hardware and
>> software soon to do a project. But could we shred this out a little
>> bit for some of us with less experience?
>
>
> Most Mac models haven't had microphone inputs for several years.  The 
> Sound-In port expects a "line level" input.  A microphone input has 
> much lower voltage and power, I am told.  A microphone pre-amp is one 
> way to take care of that.  An audio mixer is another.  A USB sound 
> input device, such as the Griffin iMic adapter is a third approach.
>
> I have had fine results from the Mac's Sound In port, using the first 
> two approaches, and via USB with the iMic.  I also have a $1000 (when 
> it came out) Digi-001 PCI card with optical sound inputs.  I can tell 
> the difference, but I wouldn't call it extreme.  The Sound In port is 
> adequate for most of what we do for language teaching, which includes 
> musical resources.
>
> Vinyl LPs have a specific RIAA equalization curve.  Turntables have a 
> very low signal output, which needs amplification to connect to your 
> Mac, just as a microphone does.  However, vinyl also needs proper 
> equalization, which the microphone doesn't.  If you can plug the 
> turntable into an amplifier, which has an input intended for LPs, then 
> this is taken care of.  The output from that amp will go into the Mac 
> with good sound.
>
> If you don't have access to an LP amplifier (if you plug into the CD 
> connectors on a more modern amp, for example), then you will improve 
> the sound by choosing software on the Mac that can provide the RIAA 
> equalization.  If I remember correctly, the free Audacity does this.  
> I think that CD Spin Doctor, which comes free with Toast (at least in 
> versions 5 and 6), also has a setting for vinyl equalization.
>
> 16-bit audio for DV is sampled at 48 KHz, rather than the 44.1 used 
> for CDs.  Obviously, resampling digital audio can introduce artifacts 
> and problems, but most people that I know don't consider this to be a 
> problem.
>
> Derek Roff
> Language Learning Center
> Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
> University of New Mexico
> Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
> 505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
> Internet: derek at unm.edu
>
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