What exactly do I need? I bought a really good mic, cables and connectors but i get no audio to the mac. I try my cheapo USB mic and it works fine, just sounds terrible.
What type of pre-amp does a guy need and what exact parts, cables etc?

thanks

I'm a big fan of the Presonus Firepod...but they're a little costly, around $400...but that one has 8 inputs. I believe they make smaller cheaper ones,

Try this

http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=4

dang, that one is $300, but it should put you on the right track for what you are looking for

Hope this helps
Jason

Am I also going to need a mixing board.??
I am trying to set up a system for adding narration to a video.
Anyone have a pic a system they could share.
v

If you just want to add one mic into your mac for VO try the USB Mic Mate (www.mxl-usb.com) it's under us$80 & has 48v phantom power. Mixing can be done in your editing ap (FCP ?)

No mixing board necessary. The firebox has levels you set on it, and you can monitor it via headphone or through your mac's speakers

Sorry I don't have a picture available
Mic...firebox....firewire 400 cable...Mac

If you have Final Cut Studio you can use Soundtrack Pro and get great sound quaility!

Thanks guys.
i tried a usb mic, but found I had to have it at 150% to get any sound and the quality was poor. I bought a good xlr mic that works perfect with my XL1s or XH A1 and want to get it set up for desktop narration.
I waiting to hear back on which model they reccomend.

v
now that i looked at the site you posted that is not anywhere near the usb mic I tried..that looks like a nice stand alone unit.

The Presonus Inspire is fairly inexpensive and works well. It used to be bundled in the RODE to Recording system. If you'd like to hear a sample watch

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid275887224/bclid184432313/bctid296698237

Now, I'd probably suggest getting a Centrance MicPort Pro http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=MICPORTPRO

It's like the MXL Mic Mate which we sell, but one ups it with headphone output.

I'm in the same boat. I was looking for some kind of audio interface for my Mac and am seriously looking at this.
http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet.php
It has a breakourt cable with 2 balanced xlr ins as well as 2 1/4'' unbalanced ins and 2 outs for speakers .

Well there go's another $1000 bux. lol

I need a proper audio system at this point. No music, just VO.
At the same time I am due for a monitor(speaker) system also.
I already have everything except the pre-amp...so which system??
That duet looks small and handy, but I don't like powering off usb.
I want a good set-up so 2 people can do commentary, one commenting on motors another on chasis, skis and tracks or whatever. Would you prefer 2 xlr inputs ?

Thanks for the audio tutorial./commercial. that was what I should have watched a year ago

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/899215/rrii_preview/

this where i need the VO..video needs some cutting
cheers millertime