Recording all Computer Audio for a Podcast

[TheEdster75]

Hey Darryl,

I tried Sunflower, didn't work ****...

Now, sorry if I seem like a pain in the ass here, but I am so damn visual, typically I can't follow directions on paper. Just the way I am..

So: Mbox 3 Pro has S/PDIF inputs and outputs on a coaxial input and output via the adapter cable that comes with it. So you would need a S/PDIF optical to coax converter.

That's all greek to me. I'll try and look, but can you maybe link me a picture of what you're talking about. Cause seriously, I am just not following here. Sorry..

[TheEdster75]

Oh man, Darryl.. You taking about that adapter shown top left on this link?

http://i.imgur.com/pzn7b.jpg

[Darryl Ramm]

Yep.

[TheEdster75]

So Frys has this in stock, what do you think?

http://www.frys.com/product/8479848?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Also, I have the toslink cable, and this may sound like a stupid question, but what's the cable called going from the coax converter to my connection to the Mbox?

Also, so how this would work for a Podcast, or how I'm thinking, is this:

1 track for my buddies Mic, 1 track for my Mic and then a third track routed to the S/PDIF to record all the computer audio?

[Darryl Ramm]

Soundflower should work if you do it properly, it is very flexible. But there are trade-offs either way.

If going the digital hardware route you will also need an adapter like...

http://www.amazon.com/C2G-40019-Opti.../dp/B0002GV876

and a mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK optical cable like...

http://www.amazon.com/C2G-Cables-270.../dp/B0002JFN1A

and a S/PDIF digital coax cable to go from the adapter to the S/PDIF in on your Mbox 3 Pro breakout cable (don't get me started, not putting those connections on a larger chassis is a very bad design decision). Or use a good coaxial *video* cable, don't use a coaxial audio cable, they are the wrong impedance for S/PDIF.

http://www.amazon.com/C2G-Cables-291.../dp/B0002J2B7E

[john1192]

is the Aux Connector on your Mbox an Input ?? if so, you could get an AUX cable (the same kind you use to plug your smartphone into your Car Aux input) and go out of the iMac and into your mbox .. as someone mentioned .. hardware is reliable ..

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by TheEdster75

So Frys has this in stock, what do you think?

http://www.frys.com/product/8479848?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Also, I have the toslink cable, and this may sound like a stupid question, but what's the cable called going from the coax converter to my connection to the Mbox?

Also, so how this would work for a Podcast, or how I'm thinking, is this:

1 track for my buddies Mic, 1 track for my Mic and then a third track routed to the S/PDIF to record all the computer audio?

See my other post with amazon links. That adapter from Fry's *should* work but I would buy the ones from Amazon I gave you in that post. And I picked low-cost C2G brand, they have been OK when I've used them. You can pay much more for better looking ones (and I would if say in a pro-studio).

You need a mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable, if you have that then great. But you are not after a standard TOSLINK Cable (some do have a mini-adapter that fits over one standard end... that should work as well).

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by john1192

is the Aux Connector on your Mbox an Input ?? if so, you could get an AUX cable (the same kind you use to plug your smartphone into your Car Aux input) and go out of the iMac and into your mbox .. as someone mentioned .. hardware is reliable ..

That would work, on the 3.5mm Aux input, but it's an analog connection. Digital, especially with the inherent optical isolation from the computer in this case should be a better way to go.

[TheEdster75]

John, yes, the Aux is an input shown here on this link as 5/6:

http://i.imgur.com/lqpEc.jpg

So I would take the my Aux cable (cause I do, do that with my iPhone in my car) and run it from the headphone jack in my iMac to that single black connection next to the red and white ones?

Also, how do I route in Pro Tools, once that is set up. Will I be able to select that Aux input on my input, hit record and then it will record all the computer audio to that track?

[TheEdster75]

Yeah, Darryl, we are recording tonight, that's why I am trying to find everything at Frys. Nothing like last minute huh..

I did notice on the one you sent me from Amazon it says Optical in/Coax Out.. the one from Frys says Coax In/Optical Out.. I'm thinking that would be an issue right?