There are a lot of talented tech-types on this forum, so I figured this would be a good place for a sanity check.
I'm interested in recording some backing tracks that I can use to practice leads and solos to. I have a 2012 Macbook Air on which Apple decided to remove input capability on the 3.5mm earphone jack (old Macs could use the jack both as input and output). So, it seems the only way I can record guitar directly to my Mac is through one of the USB ports. What I think I'm looking for is a 3.5mm-to-USB adapter. My amps both have earphone jacks, so it should be no problem to either run a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable from my amp to a USB adapter, or perhaps even direct from my guitar through a 1/4"-to-3.5mm cable. What's missing is the USB input adapter.
I used to have (maybe still do, in storage somewhere) a Griffin iMic (https://griffintechnology.com/us/products/audio/imic), which I think might do the trick. On the other hand, is that overkill? Perhaps I can make do with a simple 3.5mm-USB adapters, such as this one on Amazon.
On the Mac side, I figure I could use Garageband or Audacity to capture and record the backing tracks. Garageband has amp models, but I have a modeling amp, so Audacity might be the better choice. Are there other options?
Thanks for your consideration.