Basic home setup- Help!

[FruSmack59]

So I'm new to a lot of this: I just want to get an idea of a basic recording chain going into/out of my Mac. If I have a pre with only analogue outs, what's the most simple way to get into Logic? And if I were to have other preamps going into the Mac via Firewire, how do I get the sound OUT of Logic and to my monitors? Looking to discover what hardware I need. Cheers to any advice!

[Smithcok]

If your preamp's output is a firewire cable, its not just a preamp - its also an audio interface. Can you tell us which ones you have?

You need an audio interface to get the inputs/outputs you need (but it sounds like you already have one)

[FruSmack59]

Well I don't really have anything right now besides mics- I will probably be purchasing a PreSonus Fire studio for starters. But i was also thinking of upgrading to outboard pre's like Shiny Box and Great River- how do I run these into the Mac? Do I have to get outboard A/D's like Apogees, or is there a more simple method? Can I run them through the Presonus or will that reduce sound quality? So many questions.. Thanks!

[Smithcok]

I would suggest:

1) Buy some intro recording books and read up on signal chain, conversion, processing, etc.

2) Once you have done that, determine your needs/goals for your setup (for example - What sort of work do you want to do? How many inputs do you need? How will your current equipment help you achieve that goal? etc.)

3) Once your needs are determined, figure out a budget.

4) Post your needs and budget here, as well as current equipment. Once forum members offer suggestions, call Sweetwater and talk it through with a sales engineer.