But I know next to zero about how to really do this.

What kind of files would I generally receive? How do I record my overdubbed steel parts? And I'd love the answer to that ranked in: cheap but effective ways; better mid-range way; ultimate way (I know there are very expensive recording/editing apps available, I just want to do a credible job at first, then upgrade to better gear as, or if, need be).

So ideas about recording apps, preamps, input boxes, USB, all that, would be highly appreciated.

Again, techies, focus is on simplest way to achieve this and still do a good job that's commercially viable.

Oh, and I'm using a MacBook, or MacMini, both Intel machines.

Thanks, brethren.

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E9 lessons
Mullen D-12/Carter SD-10/Webb amp/Profex II+Lexicon MPX-110 OR Line 6 Pod XT

I normally recieve stuff in MP3 format thru email if the client does not have an FTP site for storage and uploading. If the client does not have an FTP site, I will snail mail them a data CD of a 24 bit, 44.1 file since the file size is too large to email and MP3 is not considered final quality files...it's OK to work with the track in MP3 but your file of your steel needs to be higher quality to drop back in their system for mixing. The type of file that you output might change according to what project properties the client is using, just make sure you ask before you get started. Most Apps will convert imported files to the project properties, but it's always good to record at high values if your system will run it.

Hope that helps a bit.

A student of mine who produces recommends the Audio M-Box with ProTools LE, guess that's from Digidesign. Any opinion on that setup? He says it cures the latency problem, which I'm just learning about now.

I would certainly go for a better mic than the SM-58.
And make
sure you have monitors
and a sub woofer of decent quality.

For a beginner that might not be a bad way to go. I know nothing about the Tascam unit I just used it as an example but you wouldn't have as much money invested and it would be easier to sell if you decided that recording wasn't for you. Also the learning curve might be a little easier notice I said might.

There are many different companies that sell these all in one machines such as Yamaha, Roland, Tascam, Zoom, to many to list but before you jump in I'd at least look at some of them.

Just make sure that the one you buy can hook up to your computer for getting these files into your machine so you can record along with them. Also make sure you get one with a CD burner for the very same reason as well as backup and editing purposes.

Can I do this adequately using Garageband? Or at all?

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E9 lessons
Mullen D-12/Carter SD-10/Webb amp/Profex II+Lexicon MPX-110 OR Line 6 Pod XT

New sub-question: they make these cords hooking up a guiutar to the USB inputs. Is that sufficient to get pristing sound, or is the M-Box, Line 6's TonePort, and others preferred, and for what reasons?

Is there a website where digital recording 101 is thoroughly covered? I'm sorry I'm so full of newbie questions in this area, and grateful to you all for your time, input and expertise.

Your pal,
John

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E9 lessons
Mullen D-12/Carter SD-10/Webb amp/Profex II+Lexicon MPX-110 OR Line 6 Pod XT

I just have folks send me an MP3 file of the song. Track only, vocal on one side-guitar/keys on the other--just whatever they have. I burn a copy of the MP3 file and take it down to the basement studio and stripe it on a couple of tracks of ADAT. Put some clicks outside the start of the tune. Record as many tracks as they want and burn a CD with each individual track on it. Then I take this CD back up to the computer and convert all the tracks into MP3 and send them back. The client takes the track and uses the four clicks outside the track to line up everything. Whatever I make, I stick in my pocket as those old ADATs have paid for themselves many times.

Someday I will break down and get a Protools set up. Not soon though.