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.
You can use older mics or mics with low output levels by buying a Griffin iMic that handles a regular mic with a 3.5 mm mini-plug and plugs into a USB port. It also has a headphone jack for sound out from the iMic. They're relatively inexpensive. You can also find what are called "USB sound cards." These vary in price and size (Griffin's iMic is really a USB sound card.) One such product (it's on the pricey side) is found here. Other similar products abound on eBay.

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    ÇÇÇ

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    Product Name and Number
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    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

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    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    heheheh... Sorry, I was wrong! I switched the mic switch to the off rather than on!!
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    Hi @EllieInTheSky ,
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    Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
    Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom to say “Thanks” for helping!

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    ?

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