Want to record ext. synth/voice as tracks in GarageBand 3/Controller Q's?

Question

I want to record sound from my microKORG into GarageBand 3. I purchased a cable with the right connectors (which unfortunately I can't even find now, but when I do) to go from the output of the microKORG to the input on the mac Mini, but I was never able to hear any sound when recording it.
I AM able to use the microKORG synth as a controller for GB 3 using an M-Audio Uno USB cord, but have a MIDI keyboard with larger/more piano keys (though the first key is broken) I plan to use for playing instruments in GB instead if not playing sound into a track from the microKorg.
Also since I can't find the connection cables yet- or even if I do- should I use my Griffin iMic with cables coming out of the microKORG into the RCA cables in the Griffin iMic, hooked up via USB (does the iMic even have a preamp in it? Basically, will it sound better anyway to use the iMic until I purchase an input device/GB controller like Apogee's Duet? And, if I get a mic, can I use it for recording vocals?) Should I get an old iControl (I heard it had a MIDI input, which I can use for my microKORG since I only have 1 free USB input on my Mac Mini, as I have a USB ext, HD- by the way, can I save all my GB audio files- or even the whole GB application- onto my ext. HD, I've learned you can move your iTunes Library to one? Just how useful WAS the iControl, and will it work with the new GB 5 in iLife '09?) or just wait till I can get the Apogee Duet (I hear it's a superior Firewire controller with great sound and built-in presets for GB and Logic, though it's $500) but I'm a bit confused as to how the Apogee can supposedly control GB so well with just 1 knob that I guess is turnable and clickable?
Finally, as a choice for a new keyboard controller, I know you can't control many functions in GB via a MIDI controller, but since I could possibly also use it to control the microKORG's sounds and play normal-sized piano keys, as well as maybe using it with other software, would you recommend I get the M-Audio Oxygen 61-key controller with lots of MIDI assignable buttons (or move up to the even more MIDI programmable Axiom 61 key, which I can get for $230), or just go down to the Keystation 61 ES, with semi-weighted keys (I can get both the Oxygen and the Keystation at around $140 at jr.com). Or if I want to give up some MIDI control for a full keyboard (though I may NOT want to, since I plan to learn other programs like Live and Reason, which I suppose could benefit from the Oxygen's extensive MIDI control- can anyone confirm this?), if I AM willing to give up as many controller functions for the use of a full-sized keyboard, should I go with the Keystation 88 ES, which may be my best bet, as I found one used at $129, if I use the iControl and/or Apogee Duet eventually for a controller, I just don't know how well it can control my microKORG- would I still have to use it for programming/instrument changes and the keystattion 88 es just for playing the instruments? I know I have a ton of questions here, and would appreciate any help anyone can offer- what I need to do first is see if I can use the iMic to record my microKORG into GB 3, and continue using it even after I find my cables that go directly into the computer from it?

Answer 1

No, the iMic has Left and Right stereo RCA inputs, that's the whole point, ...
Then you must have a very special model - all the ones I know have 1/8" inputs:
But anyway - it doesn't make a lot of sense to pick your hardware equipment according to the cables you have. An adaptor from RCA to mini-jack or vice versa costs a single digit dollar amount. Why don't you just get your gear connected and then come back with precise questions? It's not a very good idea to poor out all the questions you ever had about recording in one post and expect concise answers.