plugging standard guitar amplifier into mac airbook

[Jonathan Slyker]

I posted this verbatim on the "computers" section several days ago and got no response. So hopefully this section is more compatible with the question I have:

"Hi guys,

Sorry if I could have found the answer searching the old posts. I'm so lazy...you guys always give the best answer very fast.

How do I plug an amplifier into my laptop, assuming the amplifier has a headphone output?

My computer (mac airbook) does not have a mic input, only the headphone interface.

I'm trying to use garage band. I asked the question in the Apple store and all the guy could do is scratch his $^#$%^ and start googling for the answer. Really??

I would like to do it REAL CHEAP.

Can you help me?

Thanks so much."

[Clete Ritta]

There is a built in mic. You can try using it with the amp speaker close by and turned up. Go to System Preferences, click Sound, click Input, select Internal Microphone. Adjust your input level while using headphones so that you have a strong but not distorted signal going in. You'll want to play along with a metronome or drum track in Garage Band while recording.

If your amp has a headphone out jack and you're set on using it, you'll need an audio interface. There are many inexpensive usb sound input devices on the market. Search apple usb sound input. The one here below is around $28

[Jonathan Slyker]

A thousand thanks.