Griffin Technology iMic USB External Sound Card
buy audio, video, ultimate electronics
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List Price: $39.99
Our Price:
$29.99
You Save: $10
Features
• Easy to set up and use; compatible with USB-equipped Macs and PCs
• USB audio adapter for connecting microphones, phonographs, cassette decks, and other sources to your computer
• Records voices or instruments or converts LPs and cassettes to MP3s and CDs
• 1/8-inch input jack offers both mic and line-level signals
• 1/8-inch output jack connects to headphones or speakers for playback |
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Griffin Technology iMic USB External Sound Card Customer Reviews
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♥♥♥♥♥
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Highly recommended!
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I'm an electrical engineer, pro musician, producer, and columnist, own several laptop (3 XP, 1 Mac Powerbook G4 with OSX 10.4), and desktop computers, and a lot of pro grade (expensive, heavy, and complicated) portable multitrack recording gear. But sometimes it's sure nice to grab my laptop, iMic, a mic or two, and headphones, and head off to an interview or to record an act.
The iMic does this elegantly and inexpensvely. It's a simple plug and play/minor tweak on my Mac, and all of my XP machines.
I couldn't be happier with the iMic. For the price and convenience, iMic does an incredible job. It's not a DA-88 or ADAT (but I wasn't expecting that). All laptops I've examined have only mono mic/line analog input. I usually need at least stereo capabilities, and bought the iMic for this purpose. Sound quality is surprisingly good, especially when you use decent quality (i.e. condenser) microphones and speakers.
The short USB cable poses no problem for me. It gets the job done, and doesn't get in my way like larger, longer, heavier cables. If I need it to be longer, I can add a USB extension. But I've never needed longer. Once I've pluggd in and set the mic/line switch, I don't need (or want) the iMic out front, so I tuck it away.
My only ersatz criticism of the iMic would be the use of 1/8th inch mini jacks for mic and speaker jacks. They're a little wimpy for pro use. But mini jacks have become pretty much standard computer audio fare. We don't get XLR's and Neutrik's on $39 boxes. So take it with the large grain of salt with which it is proffered. The jacks have been quiet and reliable, and get the job done.
I gave the iMic 5 stars because, considering its very reasonable price, it greatly exceeded my expectations. If you need stereo mic/line recording and playback, and/or better sound quality than most laptops (and a lot of desktops), this is the most cost effective. A mono or stereo mic and set of cans gets you up and running. Add a small mixer, a couple of good microphones, a set of good powered monitor speakers, and a decent audio record/edit program, and you have an uncomplicated, capable, convenient, and cheap portable stereo recording studio.
-IronMan Mike Curtis |
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Griffin Technology iMic USB External Sound Card ultimate electronics.