[P1] Audio in : Newbie common Q

[Christian Dupuis]

On 14-Jan-04, at 3:09 PM, Gene Merritt wrote:

> Christian...offhand, do you happen to know the diff between the item 
> you recommended and Griffin's Powerwave 
> (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerwave/index.html)? I 
> know there's a big price diff $99.99 vs $179.95.
>
> I was just getting myself ready to make that purchase.
>
> Thanx,
> Gene

The Griffin Powerwave  has regular stereo RCA-type line outs and stereo 
mini plug connectors. Generally, this setup will work OK for consumer 
applications where you don't mind having some possible noise in the 
recording: it's unbalanced audio, so the longer the cord between the 
Powerwave & the audio source - be it a tape deck, sound system aux 
in/out, or inexpensive mike, the bigger the chance to pick up static or 
RF interference. And you can't take sound in from pro sound equipment, 
using either shielded 1/4 plugs or XLR connectors (unless you buy 
adaptors which, again, are subject to interference and noise).

The MobilePRE has hardware volume controls for gain, balanced audio 
support and you can use studio microphones - either with out without 
phantom power - on it. In my case, I've used it to record sound 
sessions from live video tapings, by plugging myself in to the audio 
out of mixing consoles or auditorium sound systems. I've also used the 
XLR connectivity to feed great audio out from the mac to auditoriums.

If you're going to be mostly spending your time transfering old hissy 
records or tapes to CD, then by all means you can get the Griffin 
Powerwave; also, if you want a small audio amplifier for Apple Pro 
Speakers, the Powerwave is really cool. If, however, you want to do 
pristine, crystal clear voice recording - or musical instruments -  and 
you want to do some killer voice input to use with Garage Band, Digital 
Performer, Peak or any other app and use a good XLR microphone, then 
you might want to consider the M-Audio unit instead.

The MobilePRE is probably one of the cheapest pro-level USB audio 
interfaces I've seen. That, a good pair of headphones, an inexpensive 
Shure XLR mike and an inexpensive mixer, and you've pretty much got the 
basis for your own little audio-studio playground, Fun stuff.

Chris