Audio Recording

[dwd3885]

SO I haven't received my PM yet, but when I do (should be Friday), I'd like to know if I can somehow record audio through a radio that I have. It's got an optical out on the radio, does the PM have the optical in? Is that how that works? I got the Rev. B PM Dual 2ghz. Is it that simple? Just open up GarageBand or something and hit record? But the trick is, I'd also like to set up a timer of some sort to start recording at a certain time and end at a certain time. See, my brother is playing high school football and I go to all the games, but I'd like a way to listen to the recordings of the games when I get back. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it and am looking forward to all these things I can do with a PowerMac I couldn't do with my last PC.

 

[Makosuke]

Generally, yes, it's that simple--if your radio has an optical out (wow... never seen that myself, but then I'm not an audio guy), then it'll plug right into your tower, and any app that knows how can record the incoming audio stream. I've done it myself with an optical stream from a DAT deck, and it works quite well.

Can't help you with the timer, but I'd try poking around on VersionTracker--you can probably find something there.

 

[Eniregnat]

You don't even need to convert from optical to analogue, a TOSL cable is all you need.

Apple.comOptical digital audio input, optical digital audio output, analog audio input, analog audio output, front headphone minijack and speaker

For free recording:
Free cross platform editor For a free product, it really is good. Add the LAME plug-in for MP3 conversion.

On the slightly expensive side, I like Peak by Bias. Peak LT is not a recording program!!! At this point, the only thing adding noise to your recording is on the front end (I not thinking about artfacts of compression techniques.). SoundSoap by Bias is very nice- though I prefer NoiseReduction by SonicFoundy for the PC.

If you need audio routing

Cycling 74 Software offers SoundFlower for free. It's a free audio routing program, and it's not as easy as Audio Hijack, but it's free. Use in conjunction with SoundFlower Bed- also free.

AudioHijack is a great router/recorder. It's easy and allows for easy routing and recording.

You already know Garage Band, which for the price isn't bad.

If you find a set of optical studio refrence headsets please start a new thread. I have never found TOSL headsets, but there must be some somewhere.

 

[Eniregnat]

But the trick is, I'd also like to set up a timer of some sort to start recording at a certain time and end at a certain time.

Think about AudioHyjack, linked above, it has timers and I like the program.

Rogue Amoeba on AudioHijack features
Blinking 12:00? Not Here!
Record programs when you're not at your computer with our simple but powerful Timers. It's just like a VCR, but it's easier to program! You can set up recordings in just a few clicks, and when you come back, your favorite programs will be waiting for you.

Or you can use iCal (article here and AppleScript to execute recordings. Have iCal launch your script. This depends on what ever recording program that you want to use being AppleScript compliant. Not all OSX apps follow the rules.