This is a bit confusing as the ME recording window is labeled differently from the Mac Sound Preferences window. From ME always select "Built-in Input" like Nick and DeejayCore said. From the Mac, always use "Line-In Input (Type: Audio line-in port)" unless your Mac doesn't have the option for line in. If you have line-in then plug in a 1/8 cable from your mixer to the Microphone port. (not the headphone port) It's the second one from you. (the left one if looking at the left side of your Mac) Note: If you only have one port you may not be screwed. Some 13" MBPs have one port that is selectable for input or output. (Mic/headphone). If no line-in, or if you want to eliminate the need for another cable, or if you don't have an extra Booth/Record out from your mixer, then look at your devices (Mixer, controller, USB sound card). These typically have a sound card built in. Now go to System Preferences > Sound > click the Input tab. You will see a list of all devices that can input audio to your Mac. Select the device you want to use to record your audio from the list. You can also adjust the input volume here in some cases. If your only option is "Internal Microphone (Type: Built-in)", then and only then, will you need to purchase an external USB sound card. Now for the most important step: -With the Sound Preferences open and your Input device selected, pause any music that is playing and unplug any microphones from your mixer. -Now clap your hands in front of the screen and look at the Input Level meter. Do you see a spike in volume? You shouldn't. -If no, then slowly turn up the volume on both channels of your mixer (line faders) with songs playing. Do you see the meter moving? You should. -Now move the crossfader all the way left and right. Does the meter pick up the volume on both channels? It should. -Move the crossfader to the middle again and clap your hands with the music at low volume. You should NOT see a spike on the level meter. Don't forget to also select your device or "Built-in input" in the ME recording window when you start a recording. If the meter doesn't move when you're playing sound through your mixer, then you have to select the correct channels in the "Advanced" part of the ME Record window. If you're unsure of what the correct channels are, move the crossfader back and forth to see that you're getting levels on both sides. Also, make a test recording to be sure that the meter is showing you "post-fader" volume and not PFL. Otherwise you are recording everything including your crappy scratches while you cue up the record. (I've done it.... I was pissed...) If you've done all that then you're good to go. The cool thing about the Mac is that it kinda "remembers" these setting when you plug in your gear so you should only have to do this once unless you have multiple recording workflows. Just remember that any microphones will pick up ambient noise so turn them off or turn the gains all the way down when not using them. Also note: If you are hearing system audio like email notifications (you can check by pressing the volume up/down buttons on your keypad F10 &F11) then click the Sound Effects tab in the Sound preferences window and choose Headphones from the "Play sound effects through:" drop down list. Don't worry about looking like an A-hole. I promise you're not the only guy who has ever stood in a quite room and applauded his laptop. This is very basic stuff for most of us but I wanted to write out the steps for the guys who are new to recording. If someone had taught me these tricks when I started out, I could've saved myself some headaches and some crap recordings.
