Creating an Audio File

[txtxyeha]

Son plays the cello and his instructor wants an audio recording of his playing for instructional purposes. Since it's no longer practical to press "record" on a boom box and hand over a cassette, what would be the best way obtain a not-great-but-good recording of, say, a three minute performance? I'm told that it needs to be a .mp3 file - don't know if .mp4 file is acceptable.

First inclination was to use my iPhone to record the performance. I have an app that specifically generates/emails an .mp3 file, but I feel I can create something with a better sound quality even if I have to spend a few bucks.

Next I thought I could use my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 camera. While it doesn't have an input for a microphone, it does record in stereo using two, small, built-in mics on the top of the camera. That leaves the question of how do I strip the sound off of a .mp4 file?

I suspect the easiest/best quality method would be to plug an external mic into my iMac and use GarageBand to create a file. Never used this program before, so I guess I need someone to tell me: a) you're correct, use GarageBand, b) it's easy - look at the tutorials, and c) the mic you want to purchase is ______.

Thanks.

 

[HoustonHorn93]

a. Yes, GarageBand is the way to go since you have an iMac

b. Yes, read the tutorials. If my bubble-head, bleach blond, big boobed suburban Houston neighbor can figure it out, so can you.

c. Not sure about this but the above referenced neighbor pretty much does the same thing with her young daughter for her guitar instructor. I've heard a few of the recordings and they sound pretty darn good.

 

[brntorng]

Try the built-in iMac mic with GarageBand first. It might be fine for your purpose. If not, get a Blue Microphones Snowball USB mic. Available for about $63 at Amazon and elsewhere.