Griffin Technology’s iMic is an external sound card that connects to your computer via a USB port. It has a variety of uses including recording voices and instruments as well as converting cassettes and records to digital files. Griffin claims that the audio is CD quality, and it is compatible with both PCs and Macs. The biggest downside to this handy little peripheral is that it comes with a rather sparse user’s guide. For Windows users, go to the “Start” menu and open the Control Panel. Select “Sounds and Audio Devices,” and under the “Audio” tab select the iMic for sound recording. For Mac users, go to System Preferences and select “Sound.” Under the “Input” tab, choose “iMic USB Audio.” In order to record the sound input though the iMic, you will need audio software. The manufacturer of iMic, Griffin Technology, recommends Final Vinyl for Macs and Audacity for PCs. These are both free applications; see the “Resources” section. If you are using a PC, go to the “Start” menu, and open the Control Panel. Select “Sounds and Audio Devices.” Click the “Audio” tab, and select iMic for “Sound Playback.” For Mac users, go to System Preferences and click “Sound.” Under the “Output” tab, choose “iMic USB Audio.” If you cannot hear your microphone or line level device, go to “Preferences” in your recording software and enable “Playthrough.” This preference may also be called Passthrough, Cue, Monitor, Preview, or something similar. If you cannot find this feature, consult your software’s “Help” menu. Writer Bio
