External Microphone Problem

I have just upgraded from a G4 PowerBook to an iMac Core Duo and I'm getting odd behaviour with the Sound Preference Pane.
Whenever I plug my external Logitech USB Mic in, it only works if the Sound Pref Pane is already open and then left open. As soon as I close the Pref Pane, the sound input stops.
If I then re-open the Pref Pane, the Mic is listed as an input source but there is still no input registered on the little input meter. To get it working again I have to unplug the Mic and plug it back in whilst the Sound Pref Pane is left open.
This problem is slowly driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure there is nothing wrong with the mic as it works perfectly on my PowerBook. I read a post concerning a similar problem with USB speakers, and the solution was to leave the pref pane open at all times. This doesn't strike me as very elegant!
Anyone experienced this with a sound input before?
iMac Core Duo 20" Mac OS X (10.4.5)

what is wrong with the built in mic? I think it is
pretty good.
I was wondering if you could tell me how to use the built in mic with skype. No one can hear us - what settings do I need to change?
thanks

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Headphone works fine on same head set.
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Keywords: mic, "no sound bars", linein, ext microphone, Lion, Screenflow, Screen Flow,

OK, here is the deal!
The audio input on the side or back of the Mac is not for passive non-amplified microphones. You need a microphone with a pre-amp or put one in-line between the mic jack (male) and the computer (female) audio port.
Watch this External Mic Issue Video for more specifics.
This is more of a general hardware issue and not that of OS X Lion.
Patrick
ExpertWitness.com
PatrickOLeary.com
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S10-2 external microphone problem

Hello!
My problem is that I can't seem to make my external microphone work on my S10-2. The microphone can be detected by my laptop (because a pop-up from the taskbar appears indicating this), but I don't know how to switch from the built-in mic to the external mic. I've tried changing the default voice recording device in the Sounds and Audio Devices section of the Control Panel, but there is no other option other than the Realtek HD Audio Input. I've also downloaded and installed the audio driver from the Lenovo website already.
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External Microphone problem not working.

I am trying to get a Sony ECM-DS70P Condenser Stereo Microphone with a 3.5mm stereo male plug to work on my MacBook Pro with a Behringer UCA222 USB Audio Interface and I am having no joy at all.
Summary of Problem
The Microphone will not work when plugged directly into the Line-in jack on the MacBook Pro because the Audio Line-In input on the MacBook is line level -10dB to+4dB and microphones are generally around -40dB. So, I need either a line level preamp or a usb audio interface.
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On the Macbook Pro in System Preferences > Sound > the output is set to Internal Speakers and the input is set to the USB Codec (Which showed up when the Behringer UCA222 was plugged in).
But it doesn't work!
Any help from anyone would be very much appreciated.
Here are all the specs:
Sony ECM-DS70P Microphone
Frequency Response : 100-15,000Hz
Maximum Input Level : 110dB SPL (THD 1% @ 1kHz)
Noise Level : 34dB SPL
Plug : L-shaped gold-plated mini plug, 3.5mm
Sensitivity : -38dBV, ±3.5dB
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Link to Specs:
http://www.behringer.com/assets/UCA222_P0A31_M_EN.pdf
MacBook Pro running   OSX Lion 10.7.2
MacBook Pro
15" Early 2008
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Model Identifier:          MacBookPro4,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          2.4 GHz
Number of Processors:          1
Total Number of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          2 GB
Bus Speed:          800 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          MBP41.00C1.B03
SMC Version (system):          1.27f3
Serial Number (system):          W88********
Hardware UUID:          298BAA49-A3B8-549F-8A3C-************
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State:          Enabled

Zyriab wrote:
Glad you got to the root of your problem. I've also been looking at USB microphones and am considering this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B002VA464S/ref=w l_it_dp_o_pd_T1?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2CTU5Q76JN7AW&colid=CCYZRSRZM3G
I haven't actually tried it myself but it has a good reputation and gets very good reviews.
I have used many (most) of the Blue microphone range, especially the blueberry and the woodpecker (fabulous mic) these are xlr balanced rather than USB but the build quailty and diaphragm/enclosure design is first rate. Not quite Neumann standard but, not at all Neumann prices. Good choice.

External microphone problems after installing mavericks

I cannot seem to get my mac air to detect my external usb mic after installing mavericks. anyone else having this issue? guidance?

Hi,
I am having this issue too. I'm using a Samson C01U, which I've had for years and working fine, now gets this when plugged in:
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EXTERNAL microphone not working on T61, Colleagues with T61s having same problem

I am unable to get any external micophone to work with my T61. A colleague of mine spent hours with Lenovo support trying to get his to work but was never able to. The internal microphone works but the quality is low. I have tried several external microphones (3). I verified the external microphones work with other systems.
As for drivers, here is what I have tried so far:
SoundMAX driver uninstall
Installed Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for HD Audio
Installed SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio driver (5.10.1.5520)
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Windows XP Pro Version 2002 SP2
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I am having this same problem and am also using voice recognition software. Have you found a resolution yet to this problem? I have not. Please share if you have.
Thanks!

Why doesn't my external microphone work?

Yesterday I opened up Garage Band to do a recording. I have been using my Blue SnowBall microphone, and in the past, even as recently as the day before, Garage Band always recognized that mic by name, and would ask me if I wanted to use it. Now the only option it gives me is “USB Advanced Audio Device”. Obviously an automatic update had changed the way it handled recognition of my microphone. As I selected this option, I found that wasn’t the only change that occurred. The instant I made the selection all audio functions within Garage Band immediately failed, not just recording, but playing audio as well. Once I reverted back to “built in microphone” then my audio functions returned. So my Blu Snowball is no longer compatable with Garage Band. Coincidently, seconds later Garage Band advised me of the newest version of Garage Band, and asked me if I would like to update. I have seen that question before, and the answer is no. I have had too many problems before with updating. Most recently I updated to Yosemite OS X and all my projects in i-Movie became corrupted. I also read on the net that the new Garage Band frequently causes older Macs to crash. So how do I return functionality to my microphone? If it worked before it should work now. Functions should not be taken away from me. I should not be forced into updates that bring me more headaches.

Today I found that when I select "USB Advanced Audio Device" for my "input source" that if I go to garage band "preferences" and check my "audio output" it has also been automatically changed to "USB Advanced Audio Device". I'm not sure what kind devices this update was designed to accomodate , but my device is nothing more than a microphone, thence the reason I have no sound. This will happen every time I turn on or plug in the microphone, but I can still use the microphone by manually going into preferences and changing the audio output to either "system setting" or "built-in output" every time I connect my external microphone. I thought I checked all my settings and preferences before when I was trying to figure out why I had no sound, but either I missed it before or there has been another update.

How can I get an external microphone to work on an iphone?

How can I get an external microphone to work on an iphone?

Japib is correct.
WHAT happens? Exactly.
Also helpful would be to tell what event preceded this behavior - added App, update iOS, etc.
Quoted from  Apple's "How to write a good question"
To help other members answer your question, give as many details as you can.
Include your product name and specs such as processor speed, memory, and storage capacity. Please do not include your Serial Number, IMEI, MEID, or other personal information.
Provide the version numbers of your operating system and relevant applications, for example "iOS 6.0.3" or "iPhoto 9.1.2".
Describe the problem, and include any details about what seems to cause it.
List any troubleshooting steps you've already tried, or temporary fixes you've discovered.
ÇÇÇ

External microphone in headphone jack on Hp envy 15-j160no ?

Hello! I just bought my Hp envy 15-j160no. I want to use my external microphone for better quality. I have plugged my microphone in to my headphone input(because I have remebered that on this computer the input is working for both headphones and microphone, right?)
But i can't get it to work, my computer only uses the microphone that is built in on the computer instead.
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Hi,
Please read:
This integrated headphone / microphone port uses a 4 section plug (identified with 3 black / colored rings).
You can plug a standard headphone in, and it should work by itself. A spliter cable may be required to support a stand alone microphone properly.
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Use a headset or
Use a "Y" adapter that can connect a separate microphone
Hope this helps
Regards.
BH
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External microphone question

Is there a difference in audio input quality between the microphone input jack and a USB port? I'm trying to add narration to a slideshow in Final Cut Express and the iMac appears to be finicky about which external microphones it will accept. My very old pc mic doesn't work through the audio input jack (it's not "powered," which I understand is needed). A USB headset/boom mic does work, but there is a slight hum when the volume is raised to a sufficiently audible level (this item is fairly new, but came with a foreign language course for use on a pc). Presuming I get a new mic, is one or the other input better for recording voice, USB or the input jack? Thanks.
Bob

Most USB mics are likely to work. Mics that plug into the mic jack may or may not work depending upon their impedance and output level which must be high enough to be detected on the port. It's a good idea to look for a regular mic that is stated to be compatible with a Mac. This is less likely to ever be a problem with a USB mic. So your decision probably has to center around how much you use the mic and whether you can give up a USB port for one.
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My mac is not detecting external microphone from headphone

my mac is not detecting external microphone from headphone

If your headphone doesn't work on your mac then I suggest you try this:
1. Is it plugged in properly? Don't try pushing it in hard. Thatis likely to break something
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3. Leave the headphone plugged in. Close all your apps and shutdown the mac. Press the power button to restart. Hold down the following 4 keys: ALT CMD P R this could also be OPTION COMMAND P R
The mac screen should go blank and should restart again. When you've logged in, call up SYSTEMS => SOUNDS again. Check if you can see the headphone source this time. If you can't, now is the time to panic. You've reset your PRAM and it hasn't made a difference, so you probably have got a hardware problem.

Microphone problems with hp dm3 3110 us

hi, im new to this.
I am trying to record directly from the mixer and somethimes from my external microphone. however my hp pavillion dm3 3110 laptop is also picking up the internal microphone. I tried muting the internal microphone but then the extenal one becomes disabled.
I usually record lectures and it is important for me to have the internal microphone disabled or not interferring while i am actually trying to record straight of the mixer or with my external mic.
If you guys need more info pls let me know. I seriously need help with this as this was the main reason i bought this laptop.
Thanks

@kextech
Hi,
You notebook have webcam with integrated microphone. so you may try something like this:
Click Start, type Device Manager , and select Device Manager from the list provided.
Double-click Imaging Devices to expand the list of webcam drivers.
Click with right button of your mouse on webcam and choose Disable.
Check is this problem solved or not.
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How to install external microphone on windows 8.1 hp envy 17 17-j010ep

how to install external microphone on windows 8.1 hp envy 17 17-j010ep
the problem is that on the device manager sounds
it shows the external microphone but i cannot activate it, when i do activate it stays deactivated with a down arrow red

Hi Apedrodinis,
I understand you are having issues with the microphone using Windows 8.1 on your HP Envy 17 17-j010ep. Here is a generic document on resolving microphone and line-in problems Windows 8.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&dlc=en&docname=c03421813&lc=en&product=5397916&tmp...
Hope it helps.
Thanks
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Macbook Pro 13" and external microphone

Hi guys,
I have a problem with using my external microphone with my macbook pro 13"..
I have changed the 'use audio port for' options to 'audio input' in the system preference, but it is still not working..
I have tried it with two different microphones and both of them are not working. The mic that i tried was pretty basic stuff..
All helps and opinions are welcome. Thanks!

The audio input is a 'line level' input - it expect a greater signal level than most microphones deliver, such as the levels output by a mixer, preamp, or the headphone output on a music player.
There might be microphones which can drive that input, but they'd certainly have a battery driving some preamp circuitry.
For many users, the built-in microphone is all that's needed. The next step up would be a USB microphone - which has its own preamp and A/D (analog to digital) converter. The next step up would be a high quality audio interface, with inputs for professional mirophones.
USB microphones start at about $20, go up to about $200. I'd suggest a google or amazon search for 'usb podcast microphone'.

External Microphone in Windows on MBP

Hi guys,
I see this problem has been posted on the form a couple of years back but don't seem can find a solution. I'm just wondering if this has been sorted now.
I have a MBP 2011 mid model. It recognise the iphone microphone when it is under OS. However, when it is in Win 7, it seems only picking up sound by the internal microphone. It was fine using the internal microphone until the machine get heated and the cooling fan gets too noisy and the microphone picks up all the noise since it is located just above the fan.
I had to use windows as the particular software I'm using doesn't have a mac version. I tried to use virtual windows under OS but it gets so slow I could hardly do anything under it.
The most up-to-date boot camp drivers are correctly installed for Win 7.
Any one have this sorted? If I can get my MBP pick up an external microphone in Windows (doesn't matter which version)?
With many thanks

I visited the Louisville, KY Apple store today and discussed this question with Lonnie, a lead creative there. He says he is familiar with Fusion and that what Doc wants to do is no problem. Naturally, it shouldn't be, but ... like Doc A, after 30 years+ working with PCs, things are often not what they should be.
Doc - did you try this, and did it work?
Has anyone else out there tried this with a Retina MBP with at least 8gb of RAM and Fusion running at least 2 different VMs, each pinned to a different external monitor (with OSX on the Retina in the middle)?
If you did, was it with straight Thunderbolt monitors, or did you use older monitors and adapters?
BONUS POINTS: Was one of your VMs some version of Linux, by any chance?
Do you have ML OSX or some older version?
Did it work out of the box, or with issues that you had to get help on?
Your answers are much appreciated!

External Microphone Problem

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