First Time Recording On Macs, needing help wahtis needed to connect? Options

[syms540]

was used to using a standard guitar cable with an opposing 1/4 inch end plug for entry through my mic input on my pc . i notice my ibook 600 mghz and my g4 laptop dont have such a mich in 1/4 plug interface . i will be using a line 6 pod for the mean time and cubase 4.1 do i need an external mic in adapter to make this happen ? please help
thanks

[Synthetic]

yep... you will need sometype of interface and depending on how many features and quality you seek will determine the price and which brand to go with. Imic at $40 being the cheapest but I am not sure if I would consider this options if you are at all serious about quality and such. I also don't recommend the M-Audio stuff right now either (too many probs and hearing of lack luster support) I suggest looking at Mbox, MOTU 828, Ardvark, and there are a few others that may well work for your needs. If possible, go with one with firewire connection rather than USB. I know USB has been getting the job done for 2 channel inputs but I would prefer to use the faster throughput of the firewire connections for optimum recording.

[rickenbacker]

On a budget tip, the Tascam 224 or 428 are both pretty good all-in-one interfaces with some bonus control surface features. Personally, I'd really recommend the Edirol UA-5 for a good crisp sound and a good selection of input options. No OS X drivers yet, but they're "in the pipeline", wherever that is. The Mbox is good, too and the MOTU 828 suggested by Synthetic is great but it'll cost you an arm and a leg