Ok so is it 13/8 or not???

[lenron]

But I do my audio stuff on my G4 at my office.

Here's what I see. The bottom line problem, Rog, that I see is you don't have an intermediate step between the source (mic) and the recorder (eMac). Problem is easily resolved with the use of a preamp/mixer. A mixer itself should be what you need, if you were using a mic with 1/4" or XLR cable. Since you have a USB mic, and no mixer or preamp to control your input levels properly, you're at the mercy of the very consumer-grade audio input situation on your computer.

Possible solutions, bearing cost in mind, but if you wanna do it *right* you'll need to spend a little $$$:

Set aside the USB mic, or return it if you can. The range on a mic like that from a consumer electronics store is minimal at best. It is probably designed to be very "hot" in order for the standard user to be able to, in fact, send those audio birthday cards without worry that they are getting no signal.

Get a standard issue vocal mic. Ideally, you'll want one that has an XLR (balanced) cable. Price range: $30-$100 for something decent at home.

Then buy you a USB preamp that accepts XLR input. These devices have gain control for both channels (stereo), and with the combination of a preamp's control and the better tone of the XLR mic input, you should get impressive results in your audio app. Best suggestion for this device: M-Audio MobilePre. Around $149-$179 at music instrument retail shops, or online at http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...eUSB-main.html

I use this exact setup at home for recording tests, and it works surprisingly well. I've even used it for quick demo recordings in bands I've been in. (However, I use a Rode NT3 mic at home, since the MobilePre allows for 48v phantom power too. Heck, it'll take line-in bass or guitar or keyboard too, if you run your signal thru a DI box first.). But even my setup is basically the same as I described above.

$200-$275 and you are gonna be SET UP with home audio recording. That is about the lowest (and cheapest) you can go without sacrificing TOO much quality.

My 2 cents. Sorry to say you will have to spend a little money to get better results!

Suggested audio apps (cost prohibitive, but not nearly as much as industry-grade apps):

BIAS Peak 4 (www.bias-inc.com) - perfect post production stereo waveform editor. Supports up to 32 bit audio

BIAS Deck 3.5 (www.bias-inc.com) - 16 bit multitrack recording. As many tracks as your Mac can handle.

SoundStudio - should come with your eMac. A "lite" version of Peak, basically.

GarageBand from Apple is cool, from what I can tell, but my experience with it is minimal. Bear in mind it is consumer grade as well, mostly, however.