Posted by David WK Johnson on June 06, 2006 at 23:34:06:
In Reply to: Garage band and where to start posted by Ben on May 02, 2006 at 03:56:40:
eMac computers are available to school districts only through the Apple Education store. These are terrific computers that come with OSX and iLife '06 installed (which includes Garage Band). For under $1000 dollars, you have a computer with keyboard, optical mouse, (get the Superdrive CD/DVD burner, upgrade the memory to 1 gig, and get the largest hard drive). The eMac is a terrific computer and a much more affordable option than the current iMacs. Once you figure in the costs of upgrading the Mini Macs and supplying them with monitors, keyboards, mice, etc., they end up being about the same price if not more than the eMac.
eMacs come standard with 3 USB 2.0 ports, 2 firewire ports, modem, ethernet port, and audio in/out jacks. When you combine the eMac with a USB-powered M-Audio Keystation MIDI controller, you're all set to make outstanding Garageband Musical creations!
For recording live instruments, the eMac's built-in mic is surprisingly good if you're strapped for cash, but a simple USB Microphone pre-amplifier is perfect for connecting a standard vocal mic to your eMac.
M-Audio also makes gadgets which enable you to connect your electric guitar to your computer for recording to Garageband.
Visit the icompositions website and read the forums there for more in depth information regarding advanced setups. If you need any links, please email me at your leisure.
Have a good day!
: What do you think of using garage band or software of that nature within the classroom to draw in the students who do not play traditional band instruments? If so how would you start going about setting up a system like that? I assume you would need keyboards and computers and the software. Maybe a mic. What other software would you recomdend if you wanted to start?
: I am think of just having a place where the students can creat what they wish. Using modern and traditional sounds to creat music of their liking. The students will need the fundamental backbones of music to run the software and the background to understand why they think it sounds good.