ONE STEP BEYOND: NOW ADD REAL INSTRUMENTS

Adding vocals and live instruments couldn’t be simpler

To connect a microphone or a guitar for recording you’ll need an audio interface, which sits between the mic or guitar and your Mac. Most MIDI keyboards can connect directly to a spare USB port.

Interfaces typically connect via USB and add one or more audio connections. Some include pre-amplifiers to give you a warmer sound for vocals and acoustic instruments; some enable you to record multiple tracks at the same time; some enable you to connect powered, studiostyle condenser mics.

When you’re recording vocals, the better the mic and the quieter the room the better the results. Use a pop shield on your mic too: pop shields are made of a mesh that diffuses and reduces the

intensity of plosives, which are the loud ‘puh!’ and ‘duh!’ sounds we make with the letters P and D. Plosives can ruin an otherwise puh!-erfect puh!-formance.

Macs don’t have dedicated guitar or studio microphone inputs, but you can add them instantly with a USB audio interface.