External mic jack?

I need to use an external mic with my MacBook. Can't seem to find a jack for that. Is there one, and if so, where?

I have a very similar issue and would like to confirm this before purchasing an adapter. So I own an early '09 Whitebook and would like to use an external mic (3.5mm plug) that I currently use on my PC to record my voice. That external mic will not work on my Macbook because it does not have a mic-in port. Instead, it has a line-in port which requires a stronger signal. So in order to use an external mic to record on my Macbook, I either need to purchase an adapter like imic, a usb mic or a line-level mic. Is that correct?

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Megastick 256 (USB 2.0) has "external MIC" or "line-in" jack ??

In the manual on page 9 can be found an information "12.External MIC jack", but in the player setup and in the spec. is "line-in". So, what type input has the player ?? It can be changed ??
I'm interested in "mic-in" line, but external standard mic doesn't work.
best regard

Support answer:
Thank you for contacting MSI Technical Support.
The new Mega stick (USB 2.0) can't not use external microphone , which is for Mega Stick 256 USB 1.1 .
Please choose 'recording source' to 'microphone' for internal microphone recording.
Sorry for the inconvenience !
Thank you for supporting MSI product. Please feel free to let us know if you still have any further issues or inquiries.

HP dv6 - no sound when using external mic

Hi everyone
when plugging in an external device to the external mic jack, I get no sound from the speakers/ or headphones as I am recording!
It does still record though.
How can I get sound through my speakers as I am recording?
Also to get it to record in stereo, I have to plug into the external mic jack only halfway. if I plug in all the way I get only mono output!
Any suggestions on these issues?
thanks!

Hello papeek,
What is your product number and operating system?
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How do I connect an external mic to an iPad 4?

The Apple product site sells a camera kit / adapter but indicates compatibility only with iPad 1, 2 and 3.
I want to connect an external USB mic to my iPad 4. What adapter/connector do I use?
Are there other options such as will external mics with jacks work through the earphone jack?
Thank you.

Maybe the CCK
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD821ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter?fnod e=3a

I'm using the note taking view of Word 2011 for Mac so I can record a meeting as well as take notes. The audio of the internal microphone is so low - can I attach an external mic and have it work with note taking view?

Can I attach an external mic to my Macbook Air to enhance sound input for the note taking view of Word 2011 for Mac? I've tried preferences to up the volume of my sound, but I still cannot hear the recording. Any suggestions? I need to record a meeting as well as take notes so I'd like to use this tool, but the audio is not good enough.

A USB microphone can work with the Air, and I've used them before with my 11" Air. Griffin also made a product (the iMic) that will add a standard computer microphone port, connecting to your USB port. It's heyday was the time of the old iBook laptops (which also lacked a microphone in jack) but I think it's still around.
The single sound port on the 2011 models, as I recall, supports iPhone style headphone/microphone but I don't believe it will support a standard microphone input.
The built in microphone sits on the left side of the computer and I suspect wouldn't work well for picking up a lecture unless you were sitting just right in position vs. the speaker (preferably having the speaker positioned to the left and sitting really close). By design most laptop microphones presume they are going to be mainly used to record a sound coming from the person sitting at the keyboard, while for a lecture you normally would prefer it concentrate on sound coming from behind the screen.

External mic not detected? (R705)

Hi all, I recently got an R705 but am having an issue with the mics. Somehow the computer can't detect any external mics that I have plugged in too the mic jack, and in turn doesn't disable the internal one. Whatever I try to record just gets picked up by the internal mic, nothing else.
I've gone through the Realtek settings to no avail, and can't find the usual windows volume control. (I assume the Realtek settings replaced them?) The microphone properties menu yielded no results either, none of the settings I tried allowed the external mic to work.
Any ideas? I hope it's just a software issue...
Thanks!

Interesting...I'm having the exact opposite problem w/my Satellite L455-S5975 laptop.
My computer can't detect the internal mic, but will detect the external mic when I plug something into the jack. The internal mic won't record anything. I'm trying to use it for Skype conferences.
I've also gone through the Realtek settings to no avail. When I trouble shoot I get the below screen. Problem is, I can't click the option to set is back as my default.
Any ideas on how to solve.
Thanks!

External mic problem.

Have a problem with my external mic, it simply doesnt work. I have no problem using it on any other computer but when i put it in my laptop it doesnt record anything. I've tried everything i could think of.
Hp Envy 14-2090eo Notebook PC
Windows 7 64-bit

Hi zarkady1, and welcome to the Lenovo User Community!
Check this knowledge base article:
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/Audio-combo-jack-vs-headphone-earphone-with...
Come back and tell us if it answers your question!
I don't work for Lenovo. I'm a crazy volunteer!

IPhone 5 video w/ external mic doesn't work anymore. Why?

Thanks for any help.
We use the iPhone to shoot video for our business. We use an external microphone/s (Audio Technica ATR3350 & AZDEN WM Pro wireless) to shoot the video. An adapter is needed for the audio to be recorded correctly through the headphone jack. We've always used an adapter from KVconnection for the specific purpose of using an external mic.
The above equipment has been used with the 4 & 4S for years - no issues. Audio was always loud and clear.
Now - using the above equipment - the iPhone 5 records audio at approximately 40% of the iPhone 4 & 4S. Basically - the audio recorded when shooting video on an iPhone 5 can barely be heard.
I've done troubleshooting with 3 differnet iPhone 5's & 2 iPhone 4's - all results are the same. KVconnection has done their research - it's not the adapter (I agree).
My question:
Does anyone know what has changed in the iPhone 5 that would cause low audio gain while shooting video with an external mic?
Thanks again for the help.

I've found the same issue. Using the iPhone 5s with the 1/8 adapter cable from kvconnection and an Audio Technica wireless lav mic, the volume is less than desireable and I haven't been able to get it up and higher. Not sure if another mic would help the problem or if that's just the way it is.

Using external mic (Audio Technica Pro 70) on MacBook Pro (2012)

Hello, I am fairly new to the MacBook and not sure of many of its features. I need to use an external mic Audio Technica Pro 70 on my MacBook. I read in some forums that I just plug it into the headphone jack and change the settings via system preferences. When I tried to do this by going to Sound>Input I only see an option for the internal mic. Is there something I'm not getting or missing?
Operating system: OS X Yosemite 10.10
Thank you for your time.

Hey AddiXtioN,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like your external mic isn’t recognized when plugged into your MacBook Pro. The article linked below provides troubleshooting tips and details about the process of connecting an external microphone to your Mac.
OS X Yosemite: Adjust your computer’s sound input settings
Take care,
-Jason

External Mics and Paltalk - will they work?

I am a fan of the chat program Paltalk which I use from my Firebox browser. No program downloads are needed. I just use their Paltalk Express directly from the site. Currently, I'm able to utilize my iSight in Paltalk, can hear others speak, but unable to use built-in microphone because of compatibility issues.
I surmise, I must buy a USB mic, go the iMic route + cheap external mic (because we all know that's NOT a mic port next to the headphone jack) or possibly use a USB or Bluetooth headset? Which, if any, would best suite the uses of Paltalk? I thank you very much.

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
It is a mic port because it is an audio input port, but you cannot use a cheap PC mic with a Mac. You need a mic that provides line level audio for the iMac to be able to "hear" the input.
The iMic (which is retail US$50) is most adaptable to various mics, both line level or cheap PC mics, and headsets that use minijacks.

No sound for voiceover using external mic

Im trying to do a voiceover in timeline of FCP with my handheld mic. But i get no sound. i only get sound from built in mic. My handheld mic is plugged into back of Mac using a mini plug. I changed system (Audio) settings to external mic, but still no sound.

Hello Michael,
You said:
Michael Grenadier wrote:
When you open the audio preferences in system preferences and go to the input tab and choose the external mic, do you see the level's moving. And are you sure you're plugged into a mic input. Not sure what kind of mac has an mic input. There is a digital audio input on some macs, Not the same thing.
I'm puzzled by this, as what possible use can a digital audio input have, if not for jobs like this?
I'm trying to use a mini jack mic, but I can't even get this to show any activity in the system audio preference pane. It shows under 'Line in" an 'Audio line-in port', but it shows that (whatever that is) whether the mic is plugged in or not. I suspect it hasn't recognised it.
I'm using a 24" iMac running Snow Leopard, and working in iMovie 09.
Have you any idea what I need to do? I don't really want to work outside the iMovie environment.
Thanks.

Using external mic on the N95

I've just bought an N95 and have been trying to connect an external (Shure) mic with a 3.5mm connection. When I insert it it is detected by the phone, but the only three options are Headphones, TV Out and Music Stand. Whichever I select the phone reverts to using the internal mic.
I'd like to use it to record sessions with my band, and don't see why this shouldn't be possible - anyone got any suggestions??
Thanks in advance!
Rob

Hey Guys, here it is.
We've done the external mic succesfully both as a wireless solution and as wired. Using a bluetooth mic will work, but beware that there are audio conflicts between bluetooth and WiFi on the N95. So if using bluetooth, use operator connection only.
If you want to use a wired external mic, buy a 4 pole 3.5mm jack, not the standard 3 pole headphone jack. Wire the outer two connections too your mono mic, and leave the other two unconnected. That's all there is to it. Your microphone may require a power source depending on the model.
The Reuters toolkit shows a Sony ECM-MS907 mic. This is stereo and not needed as the N95 can only accomodate a mono input.
We also made an adapter to allow a wireless FM signal to feed audio via the internal FM receiver. This is great for bands or lectures. use the uadio from the mixing console and walk around the room with the N95, still getting the same clean signal.
And now a shameless plug. Visit comvu.com for free webcasting software. This allows you to broadcast from the N95 to the web LIVE and have your friends watch it live as well from a PC or their phone.
Enjoy the Christmas present.

Using External Mic/Headset

I just bought an external microphone/headset for my iMac G5, because the fans are so loud, people talking to me, can't hear me over my fans.
Well, they didn't work.
Now, the first thing I thought wasn't a flaw in the head set, but my first assumption was a flaw in the iMac. Why? Because I've noticed in the past that apple doesn't do things that are obvious and that would make sence.
Sure enough, the iMac G5 doesn't work with external mics.
Now. My question: Has anyone been able to get a regular external mic to work with decent audio with the iMac G5 without spending any more money that a regular headset from walmart would cost? Or should I return this perfectly working headset because of Apple?

Hello,
That is a Line-in port.
The operative word here is "Line"
A "Line" in port expects "Line-Level" audio.
Line-level audio is the level of audio you would find on the RCA jacks on your component stereo system's CD-Player, Tape Deck, etc.
Two devices commonly need pre-amplification. Those are Microphones and Record Players / Turn-Tables.
Neither of those devices provides a line-level audio signal. They both need to be pre-amplified first.
Pre-Amplified computer microphones are getting harder to find. But, they are available.
A pre-amplified microphone will have it's own power source (such as a set of AAA batteries). And, it will amplify the signal prior to sending it to the computer.
Don't make the mistake of purchasing a microphone that claims to be "amplified" and does not contain it's own power source. That is not the same thing. Rather it is a rather loose use of the term Amplified. I've seen lots of so-called "Amplified" Mic's that did not contain any form of booster at all.
Make sure you purchase one that has it's own power source (such as batteries).
Here is one example:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=24501
Or, if you use a regular Microphone like the one you have, you can purchase a "pre-amplifier". This is simply a small powered signal booster that plugs-in between your computer and the microphone. It will amplify the signal to "line-level" before sending it to the computer.
Unfortunately, pre-amplifiers can be rather expensive for small ones, and rather large for the cheaper ones.
If you are handy with electronics, here's a document on how to build your own pre-amp circuit:
http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/micamp.html
One external solution around $120 is this simple and compact pre-amp:
http://www.microphones.com/microphonegroup.cfm?URLID=Preamp-Series
There are several USB and FireWire solutions that are much cheaper.
Such as:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/
But, they sometimes cause a bit of "latency" in your recording. Simply put, if you were singing along with something or needed your speech to be synchronized, then the USB or FireWire audio method might cause a noticeable delay in your recording.
If the only thing you are recording is your speech, then a bit of a delay in your recording probably would not be as noticeable.
The reason you can use a cheaper Microphone with a PC, is that it actually has both a Line-Level jack and a Microphone specific jack. Older Mac's such as the G3's had both as well. But, the newer Mac's just have the Line-Level jack.
Now, if you just want to use your existing Microphone, you could try using the Griffin iMic to make your current microphone work:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/
It's about $40.
But, if you are wanting a simple and self-contained solution, then you might just go with a USB microphone.
Just keep in mind that you may have a bit of delay with a USB solution (either USB Mic or USB PreAmp) when you are speaking.
I have not used these, but here is a couple of USB Microphone solutions:
Microphone:
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810
Head-set and Microphone:
http://www.macnn.com/reviews/review.php?id=199
Let me know if you have other questions.
I hope this helps.

External Mic for iMac G4/800

Is it possible to attach an external mic/headset combo on an iMac G4/800 (M8535ll/A). If so where is the mic input? Thanks, Ken.

I'm looking at the tech specs page for that iMac model
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP93
and do not see an audio input mini-jack. If that model does not have one, you can add one using a USB device, such as the iMic from Griffin
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/
However, you may want to contact Griffin to see if it will work with 10.3.x (as stated in your profile) and with USB 1.1 (the older slower type on that iMac model). The product description says 10.4 or later, but that may be for the included recording application, and not for the device itself. This product has been around since Mac OS X 10.3.

Cannot record with external mic pavilion dv970

I get no sound when trying to record using an external mic pluged into the mic jack. I have tested the mic that i'm using on another pc and it works ok. The pc's internal mic can pick up the recording ok as well. help!

You may need to go to Control Panel under Sounds and change the default input from the internal to external mic.
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External mic jack?

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