Lion / External Microphone problem on Line-In port

I am having a problem with an external microphone on the line-in port on side .
I now have tried two mics: 1) Logitech and 2) Gear-Head
I can't get it to be seen on the system preferences nevermind any applications.
Hardware: MacBook Pro  AND iMac (purchased only 3 weeks ago).
Software:  Mac OS X Lion 10.7 (Build 11A511 from developer seed)
The USB Mic works fine. 
Headphone works fine  on same head set.
Any help would be appreciated.
Patrick
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
Social.net

Similar Messages

  • 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.
    How may I go about this issue?
    Thanks and God bless!
    Solved!
    Go to Solution.

    Sorry for this late update, but the problem was solved when I downloaded and installed an audio driver from this website. 

  • 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.
    I decided on a USB Audio Interface (Behringer UCA222).
    The Microphone is plugged into a 3.5mm stereo to RCA L & R cable which is plugged into the L/R RCA inputs on the Behringer UCA222. The Behringer UCA222's USB Cable is plugged into a USB port on the MacBook Pro.
    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
    Type : Electret condenser microphone
    Behringer UCA222 USB Audio Interface
    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 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

  • 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:
    This is on a MBP (1 year old) running 10.9.2.

  • Audio/Internal Microphone problems

    I can't seem to record anything on my PB. I'm trying the internal microphone and an external Apple microphone and a couple of different audio programs including Quicktime. Whenever I switch back and forth from "internal microphone" to "Line in" in the system prefs, I get a momentary audio input level signal, but nowhere can I get an actual sustained audio in signal. Anything I record comes up blank.
    Could my internal audio hardware be dead?
    - N

    I'm not sure why you're not getting a signal from you internal mic, but you can't use a regular external microphone with the Line In port. Line In requires a stonger signal than a microphione can provide, so you need to use a pre-amp to boost it.
    So that could explain why the Apple external microphone isn't working, although it doesn't rule out the possibility that there's a problem with your PowerBook's audio hardware.

  • Muvo Micro N200 - external microphone

    Hello,
    I would like to buy this model but I wish to connect an external microphone in the line-in port because the microphone built-in is not enough powerfull (to record a professor in class). Is it possible ?
    Tank you, rems4.

    Yes, but it needs to be a microphone with a pre-amp. People have had mixed results with the recording performance, so you might want to search back.

  • External microphone and macbook pro

    Hi, I've recently purchased a macbook pro and I would like to know if someone has tried to connect an external micophone. I've tried to connect a simple microphone to the line in port but it doesen't work. Do you think that is a problem on the line in port? Do I have to use a special kind of microphone?
    Thanks a lot.
    luiss

    Welcome to the forums.
    You need to change the settings in the system preferences so that the system knows you have a mic plugged in.
    Plug the mic back in and then go to "System Preferences : Sound" and from the Input tab click on Line In to select it.
    You will need to do these steps again but selecting "Internal Microphone" if you want to switch back to the internal mic.

  • Problems with the USB Ports

    Hi there,
    I writing this because I'm having some really big problems with my USB ports.
    A few days ago I plugged in an USB-Hub that was quite cheap. Suddenly a window popped up saying that a USB device was deactivated because it "needed" to much power. Since this happening, two of those windows keep popping up everytime I boot the MacBook. I called Apple and got some help: I had to delete some .plist files and clear some caches. The man who helped was able to find the error and deactivate the notification, he also told me to make a PRAM- and a SMC-reset. The man said that it's just a software problem and that I have to reinstall the system if we don't find a solution. So, one day later I reinstalled the system (Lion) and not only didn't it help, the two notification windows were popping up again...everytime I booted the Mac. So I decided to formate the whole hard drive and install Snow Leopard -> still the problem with the USB ports. After that I installed Lion  -> still the problem with the USB ports. I even tried to extract the .kext files that are important for the USB functionality from an earlier Combo Update, but it didn't help either. The point is, that the Mac doesn't recognize my external hard drive or any of my iDevices. Sometimes it recognizes USB sticks, but only after 20 seconds. The data transfer on both USB ports is also very slow. If I'm lucky and Mac recognizes one of my USB sticks, it takes like an hour for 1GB to be transfered on the USB stick or from the USB sticks to the Mac.
    I really don't know what to do and need help, especially because my backup data is on my external hard drive which I can't access because of this problem.
    I really hope that someone can help me, I'm very thankful for every answer that could help me!
    PS: Sorry for my bad English, I hope that everyone understands what I mean, please tell me if you don't get what I'm trying to explain in the text above.
    Sincerely,
    iLoud
    [UPDATE] I downloaded "USB Prober" and copied the Output file, maybe it helps:
    Timestamp Lvl            Message
        0.698 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7316), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        0.698 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        0.735 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        0.735 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        0.735 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        0.739 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        0.739 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        0.761 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7320), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        0.761 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        0.798 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        0.798 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        0.798 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        0.801 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        0.801 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        0.823 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7324), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        0.823 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        0.860 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        0.860 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        0.860 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        0.863 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        0.863 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        0.885 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7328), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        0.885 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        0.922 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        0.922 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        0.922 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        0.926 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        0.926 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        0.947 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7332), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        0.947 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        0.984 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        0.984 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        0.984 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        0.987 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        0.987 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        1.009 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7336), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read
        1.009 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMCreateInterruptTransfer - root hub interrupt transfer - clearing unneeded memDesc (0x5073080) from dmaCommand (0x506a100)
        1.045 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::UIMAbortEndpoint - endpoint 1:1,1
        1.045 [3]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::RHAbortEndpoint - Interrupt pipe -  noting status change
        1.045 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::InterruptReadHandler error kIOReturnAborted (expected)
        1.049 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - Host controller resume detected - calling EnsureUsability
        1.049 [2]          AppleUSBUHCI[0x4f97000]::HandleInterrupt - deferring further processing until we are running again
        1.071 [3]          AppleUSBHub[0x5076c00]::DecrementOutstandingIO(7340), outstandingIO(0), _interruptReadPending(false) - rearming read

    Oh, sorry, I meant "I'm writing this...".

  • MacBok pro Audio line in port  doesn't work for microphone input Why?

    I turn line-in port  on in System preferences/sound but no reaction. Using within third party applications like Hear or Amadeus the recording via head set microphone is without problem. What is wrong with the Mac os ?

    Actually, I've found the following problem with mine:
    If the jack is stereo jack, the computer is in "line in" mode, where you need higher signal level (approx. 500mV afaik) which no passive microphone will provide. If the jack is mono, it "looks" for an external microphone and it works.
    Both sockets (in and out) of the MBP are intelligent, in the sense that they detect what's connected based on the jack configuration.
    I have a headset with a stereo pink jack (the microphone) and it is not working. Another microphone that I have, with a mono jack works flawlessly.

  • Line-in port not working with powered microphone

    I'm not sure if this is an issue of me not understanding how line-in ports work or if there is actually something wrong with the line-in port/jack. So, I have a Sony microphone that is powered by one AA battery. The microphone has no problems because I can plug it in to my voice recorder and it works fine. However, when I plug it in to the line-in port of my PB, the PB does not pick up any sound. And yes, I have made sure that in the Sound preferences, I selected input source as "Line-in."
    So, does this mean there is something wrong with the port, or does it mean I need to plug my powered microphone into an amplifier which plugs into the PB or....?
    Thanks!
    Conal

    Hi Conal
    There's probably nothing wrong with your line-in port - it's just that you've discovered the difference between "line level" signals and "mic level" signals! To put it simply, the output from a microphone (whether it operates on battery power or not) is far too low for a line level input to recognise - hence the reason you are not picking up sound on the PB. (Your voice recorder will be picking up sound because it's operating at mic-level).
    The only way around this is to plug your mic into some form of pre-amp and then plug the line level output of the pre-amp into your PB. Personally I use a Tascam US-122 audio/midi interface and run the signals into the PB on USB. Works extremely well but I'm sure you'll be able to find a cheaper alteranative with a little bit of searching.
    Hope this helps.
    Bob
    PowerBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.6)   1.5GHz; 1 Gig RAM
    PowerBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.4)   1.5GHz; 1 Gig RAM

  • Help please no luck recording vinyl thru line-in port on External USB Soundblaster Live 24bit

    Help please! I have connected LP turntable (I am assured which has preamp inbuilt) to line-in port on S/Blaster external using lead inbuilt from?turntable with white/red RCA plugs with a line -in plug converter. Then connected external soundcard?to the notebook USB-USB as per manual. I have tried Creative's Smart Recorder but it shows no sound coming through on Analysis (same with Audiograbber software too). Sound card diagnostics show sound card OK and I can plug in headphones and get output. I am thinking hardware connection issue as I connected direct from turntable to microphone input &?got loud mike low quality recording but I ustand this is not recommended as can blow sound card (and poor receording anyway)?Is there another device I can easily plug into line in to test - or any other ideas gratefully received.

    hardingt2345 wrote:
    Help please! I have connected LP turntable (I am assured which has preamp inbuilt) to line-in port on S/Blaster external using lead inbuilt from?turntable with white/red RCA plugs with a line -in plug converter. Then connected external soundcard?to the notebook USB-USB as per manual. I have tried Creative's Smart Recorder but it shows no sound coming through on Analysis (same with Audiograbber software too). Sound card diagnostics show sound card OK and I can plug in headphones and get output. I am thinking hardware connection issue as I connected direct from turntable to microphone input &?got loud mike low quality recording but I ustand this is not recommended as can blow sound card (and poor receording anyway)?Is there another device I can easily plug into line in to test - or any other ideas gratefully received.
    Have you tried by installing www.asio4all.com drivers and then by using some?ASIO capable recording software as like Kristal, VSTHost, Reaper, etc (there are many others available)?jutapa

  • Line-in Port Microphone

    Can anyone recommend a microphone that will work with the Line-in port of the MacBook Pro? Thanks!

    Any mic can be used, as long as you have a 1/8" (3.5mm) male plug that can be plugged into the MacBook; you can use a plug adapter if necessary, just as long as you end up with a 1/8" male plug. Do note, however, that the input on the MacBook is stereo; if you have a stereo mic that has a stereo 1/8" plug you'll be fine; otherwise you will end up with mono on one channel (i think it defaults to the left channel).
    If you use a mic by itself, you will have to play with the audio input level on your Mac to adjust the gain; you may or may not be satisfied.
    You would be better off with a mic preamp that raises the gain to line level and also gives you gain controls. I found a nice unit (Rolls MX124) that does a great job; it was about $150. You can probably find something in the under $50 range at Radio Shack. A lot of people also like the Griffin iMic, which is a USB interface for external mics.

  • OS is Mountain Lion, upgraded no problems, used an external Hard drive for my time machine, now my iPhoto will not show any of my photo's or ay new ones I import! Help please!!

    OS is Mountain Lion, upgraded no problems, used an external Hard drive for my time machine, now my iPhoto will not show any of my photo's or ay new ones I import! Help please!!

    Do you get this window when you hold down the Command+Option keys and launch iPhoto?
    If not then you're not holding down both keys long enough.
    OT

  • 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)
    None of this made any difference.  When I plug in an external mic, all applications, including the SoundMAX Control Panel > Microphone >  Setup Wizard, detect zero sound from the external microphone.  I have muted/unmuted the external microphone, muted/unmuted the microphone in Windows, boosted/decreased the volume, used the Microsoft microphone troubleshooting wizard, etc., etc.
    Please help!  Using an external microphone is very important for my work (speech recognition) and for several of my colleagues.  If we would have known external microphone do not work with T61s, my company would not have purchased these.  Now we are all stuck until we get new laptops again (2 more years)!
    P.S. One strange thing I noticed while plugging and unplugging is that if I plug in headphones to the external microphone jack, one of the headphones (R, I think) becomes an "external microphone."  The quality is terrible but applications register sounds coming through the external headphones.  Why then have none of the 3 different external microphones I've plugged into the mic jack worked?!?!
    System:
    SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio (Driver 5.10.1.5520, Location 65535, C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ADIHdAud.sys is 5.10.01.5520)
    Windows XP Pro Version 2002 SP2
    Intel Core2 Duo CPU
    T7300 @ 2.00GHz
    2.99 GB of RAM

    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!

Maybe you are looking for

  • How to make final (read-only​) version of a *.vi

    ... so that the *.vi is only runable but not editable...

  • Creating text using outlines and gradients/fills

    I've been using pages awhile, and I make a lot of posters with it for my classroom. I know it has some limitations. I really want to take text, make a bold black outline of it (format > font > outline), and then fill it with a gradient, or at least a

  • What does it mean by a "file page"?

    I have been trying to upload a PDF file to an American institution. The file is a single page letter of recommendation. The requirements for the letter are that: all files in PDF format File size < 500KB Can't be password protected File page cannot e

  • Problen with a Report

    Hi expert, I need to create the following report, with the following information: I have got the following information: CLIENT       DATE   1     01/01/2008   1     10/01/2008   1     15/01/2008   2     03/02/2008   2     15/28/2008 I need show in th

  • Lost my key when syncing on an older windows install..

    How do you retrieve your key so I can get my old bookmarks and passwords that were saved prior to re installing windows? I have my username and password but it keeps telling me wrong key.