New - Pls Help. Confused About Hardware, iMac with 10.5 - need USB MIDI interface Options

[pigletto78]

Hi
I've been surfing the net to find a USB MIDI interface which will work with my Intel iMac using 10.5. I'm a bit confused and would welcome any advice.

I would like to connect my Yamaha PSR 550 to the Mac and use Garageband. I also have an acoustic guitar and would like to buy a mic and also be able to connect this and also record vocals. I think I need a 'condensor' mic for this?

So in short, I need a USB Midi device with Mic for vocal (and mic for acoustic guitar without a pickup), and Midi input.

I would rather spend a bit more on something with all these features than a 1 MIDI in/ 1 MIDI out cheapo wire, but I don't want to end up paying for things I will never use as a beginner amateur.

I've seen some bad feedback on some models which don't yet have drivers for 10.5.

Can anyone help recommend some hardware?! Thanks in advance.

Hannah

[DeniseMusic]

Mr. Snapple,
Thanks for the reply. I ordered a Tascam USB2 last night and I just read your reply now. My decision was based on the features, price and a good bit on customer reviews. There was a firewire in my price range but it had no midi. connection. I never knew about the camcorder thing -that sounds interesting. For just getting a clean recording of my original songs, I think I'll be OK. The unit was $150 (musiciansfriend) and I know that's on the low end but I have to get a new guitar very soon since my Martin has to go to the guitar hospital. I'm also taking voice lessons in NYC as finances permit, (the hotels alone are a chunk of money). So those things must take financial priority. I appreciate the lesson in firewire vs. UBS. I understand now. I have a Dell PC now and I know that it's possible to record on there and I even tried once but it's a source of frustration and eats up time that I don't have. I have high hopes for the iMac as far as ease of use. If I can avoid running to the studio to record rewrites, this will pay for itself in no time. I also look forward to being able to throw in other instrumentation and of course being able to update my website, etc. in record time! This Tascam doesn't have the RCA jacks as I had wanted but I have lots of adapter cables so I might still be able to get some of those old band tapes on CD. Technology is great but I'm finding myself wondering when I can find time to just play music and write!!! Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to help and all the others who wrote too.
Sing-cerely,
Denise