This document provides general guidelines on how to import audio from both digital and analog sources into your Apple computer.
There are several ways to import audio from various sources into your computer. This document provides general guidelines on various methods.
Analog source versus digital source
Vinyl records, cassettes, microphones are examples of analog media and sources. Compact discs (CD), MiniDiscs (MD), and digital audio tapes (DAT) are examples of digital media. All of these can be imported into your computer using either an analog or digital signal depending on the equipment used. In this document CDs, MiniDiscs, and DATs will all be considered digital sources.
What You Need
Computer with sound input port ("microphone jack")
Required:
Optional:
Computer without sound input port ("microphone jack")
Required:
Audio input devices
Some Macintosh models have a sound input port ("microphone jack"). This port can be used as an analog input. If you need to record higher quality audio, you will need to purchase a separate audio input device (also referred to as a sound card). For portable applications, there are PC cards available that allow both analog and digital signals to be recorded. USB audio devices and FireWire audio devices can be used on both portable and desktop Macintosh models. PCI audio cards can only be used in desktop Macintosh computers with PCI slots.
Cables
The type of connectors on the analog input device and what computer you have dictate what cable and/or adapters you need.Here are some examples
| Cable | Source | Input device |
| 3.5 mm stereo to RCA | headphone cassette player | PCI/FireWire/USB analog input |
| 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm | headphone cassette player | Macintosh microphone input |
| RCA to RCA | stereo receiver aux output | PCI card analog input |
| SPDIF to SPDIF (Digital Coax - RCA) | DAT digital output | PCI/USB/FireWire digital input |
| TOS to TOS (Digital Optical) | MiniDisc optical output | PCI/USB/FireWire digital input |
Audio Software
In order to import the audio onto your computer's hard disk, you need software that allows you to record the audio. If you purchased any type of audio input device, it probably came with audio software you can use. If not, you can get this type of software as shareware/freeware from many Web sites, or you can purchase a commercial application.
Where to find additional information
Information on Hundreds of software titles and hardware products, including many audio related products, are available in the Macintosh Product Guide (http://guide.apple.com/).