Optical Audio Input

I'm planning to hook up a device's optical output to my MacBook's optical input, and I was wondering if there's a way, or if it does it by default, to send the audio signal straight to the output, so it will play on my speakers (with zero delay).
The reason I ask is because my speakers only have one input, so it would be easier to do it through the MacBook then manually swapping the cables all the time.
Basically: source --> optical cable --> MacBook --> analogue audio cable --> speakers.
Is this possible somehow and would it work?

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
LineIn from Rogue Amoeba should do this trick: http://rogueamoeba.com/freebies/
Regards
Stefan

Similar Messages

  • Fiber Optic Audio Input

    Question for y'all. I have a Mac Mini and a MacBook Pro both with fiber optic audio in and out. I have often used the fiber out line to connect to my home theater system with no issues. Something I have wanted to do, however, is to record audio in through the fiber in. The downside is that when attempting to record using the fiber in line all I get is some popping or other similar noise but certainly not the audio I was trying to record. I did go into the system prefs and change the audio input to the fiber optic and that seems fine.
    As a test, since I know the fiber optic out on both computers works fine, I even attempted to use one computer as the source and the other as the recorder and that wouldn't work either even though the fiber out of the source is active and good.
    Anyway, would like to see what anyone has to offer and thanks in advance!

    So you are saying that the app to record the audio coming through the audio in port recorded nothing, or are you saying you could not hear what it is recording?
    To hear incoming audio you need the free app LineIn from Rogue Ameoba;
    http://www.rogueamoeba.com/freebies/
    Dah•veed

  • SPDIF optical audio input problem

    having got over the audio stutter problem by upgrading to 10.4.5, i discover that there is a part 2 to the audio faults on the last g4 powerbooks.
    i've been trying to record from DAT via the spdif input, but after a random amount of time, the apps stop recording with a processor overload error, or worse, something very similar to the looping audio problem previously thought cured.
    If i try and record via line in analogue - there is no problem.
    I'm not really streesing the CPU - i've been forced to try and use simple recorders like quicktime and boom recorder , trying to keep it simple and reliable at this stage.
    any ideas?
    Powerbook G4 17" 1.67 DL 512mb   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  
    Powerbook G4 17" 1.67 DL 512 mb   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

    But when I plug the output of the Radio Shack controller into the audio input of the iMac, it captures only one end (my end) of the conversation.
    Where did you previously connect that output, when it works properly?
    Is it coming over only on the left or right channel?
    You may be able to control the audio input more precisely using the +Audio Midi Setup+ utility (in the Utilities folder).

  • No sound on optical audio input but audio signal is there; mid-2007 iMac running OS 10.6.8

    I've connected a digital turntable to my iMac via Toslink RCA/optical and I know the cables and converter are working. In the Sound preferences I can see evidence of an audio signal being received but there is no sound. This setup used to work before I had my hard drive replaced.

    Erase the drive then install OS X:
    Drive Partition and Format
    1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button.  When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
    If you are preparing an external or a non-startup drive, then open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
    2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area.  If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing.  SMART info will not be reported  on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.
    4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
    5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
    6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
    If this doesn't work then the drive is probably bad or some of the new RAM you installed is marginally defective.

  • Optical audio input to 3.5mm stereo output???

    I was wondering if macbook pros can take a digital audio source (i.e. PS3) as an input and output to 3.5mm stereo to a set of analogue speakers, simultaneously.

    Use LineIn from RogueAmoeba http://www.rogueamoeba.com/freebies/ to get audio-thru.
    Stefan

  • Optical Digital Audio Input on Macbook Pro

    Hi all,
    I am trying to use the optical audio input on my macbook pro (core duo) to record from a (relatively) old DAT recorder. So far, I've had no joy.
    Assuming that the DAT and cable are working (I have done all I can to ascertain that they are), does anyone have any ideas why I am unable to select Digital In from either the Sound Control Panel, or Audi Midi Setup?
    When I put the cable into the output, 'Line In' instantly changes to 'Digital Out' in the sound control panel. I would expect it to do the same for input but it doesn't. At no point am I able to select - in any settings - digital in.
    I have asked at my local Applestore and they are also unaware how to get the input working. Any help would be gratefully recieved.
    Cheers,
    Rob Cowie
    Macbook Pro 15" Core Duo   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   1GB RAM

    Hi,
    The ouput from the DAT recorder is definitely SPDIF, and I've heard reports that it has worked on a G5 tower.
    It's interesting to learn that the name of the input in the Sound Control panel doesn't change when inserting a digital cable... I had assumed it did.
    However, selecting Line In and attempting to record does not work. The DAT plays - I can monitor it - the laptop records, but I get nothing.
    I'm at a loss.... perhaps the port is broken, but the three machines in the applestore behaved in the same way. Perhaps I'm missing a driver, but I doubt it. I haven't messed with Core Audio.
    If you have any more thoughts, please let me know.
    Cheers, Rob C

  • No HDMI or Optical Audio on my TV - how to connect Apple TV

    I am trying to set up my new 3rd generation Apple TV to a 1st generation HDTV that has only one HDMI input abd no optical audio inputs. The single HDMI input is connected to my cable box.
    So what is the best work around for me to connect my Apple TV to mey TV?
    thank you!

    C Nelson wrote:
    There are many HDMI switches out there. Any advice on which ones are best?
    I cannot personally recommend one as I have no need to use one.
    Read reviews for the ones in your price range.
    Also, does the HDMI switch transmit audio?
    It absolutely should but be sure to read the reviews and specs for the specific one you are purchasing. Like anything else, I am sure they are some junk switches out there.

  • When should I use "Optical Audio"?

    Hello,
    I have the new (3rd Gen) Apple TV connected wirelessly to my home theater and HDTV. I have the HDMI cable connected to my surround-sound receiver. I was under the impression that the HDMI cable carries both sound AND audio. If this is the case, I'm trying to figure out what the Optical Audio input is for? I went ahead and purchased an Optical Audio cable and connected it to my surround sound receiver.
    My question is this: Do I need to have that Optical Audio cable connected, or should I disconnect it and just use the HDMI connection? I looked in the AppleTV manual and it does not describe why you would connect this, and I'm scratching my head trying to understand this.
    Thanks much!

    Some old receivers didn't handle digital audio over HDMI very well - the only reason I can think of using the port.
    If it worked without the optical before, you don't need it now!

  • Does the Mac mini have optical audio in?

    Hello!
    I have been looking at a lot of forums that say that the Mac mini has optical audio or "Toslink" out and in if you use this adaptor:
    http://www.amazon.com/Recoton-Fiber-Optic-Toslink-Adapter/dp/B0002MQGRM
    I was wondering of this was true. I want to connect my Xbox to the Mac mini so I can monitor the audio coming from it because my display dosen't have speakers.
    Please help me clear up the confusion.

    1972jeepcommando wrote:
    I thought that only the Mac pros had optical audio.
    All Mac Mini models from 2006 on had Optical audio input and output.
    Apple - Mac mini - Technical Specifications

  • Optical Audio setup?

    Does anyone know if you need to set up the optical audio on the 6416 stb in order for it to work?
    In addition to the HDMI handshake issue now I cannot use my Yamaha home theatre because when I converted to component I had to use the (2) sound outputs on the stb.
    I am also checking with Yamaha because when I connect the one end of the optical cennector to the Verizon stb the other connection lights up, but when connected to the receiver the other connection is not illuminated. I don't know if that has any bearing.......................
    All I do know is that these Motorola STB's (especially the DVR) are garbage and need to be replaced with something that works.
    I appreciate any imput. 
    Solved!
    Go to Solution.

    This may or may not work for you, but my old Sony receiver assigns the optical audio input as a DVD input source only.  So I have to switch to DVD on my receiver in order to get sound from my STB (have the optical going directly from the STB to the Sony receiver).  Is it possible your receiver may assign optical audio to a different source name.  May be worth a try switching to see what happens.  If that's not it, then unfortunately I have no idea with my limited technical skills.  Thought it might be worth a try.

  • Trying to use optical audio

    I have a DVR (slave) connected to a computer monitor as HDMI-2. My computer is connected to this monitor as HDMI-1. When I try to watch TV on this monitor (HDMI-2), video is fine but the only sound I obtain is through the puny speakers built into the monitor. I want to be able to use the surround sound speakers connected to the computer. So, I've attempted to use the optical audio plug on the back of the DVR unit. The sound card in my computer has optical audio in and out ports. I connected a plug from the optical audio plug on the DVR unit to the optical audio "in" plug on the sound card. However it isn't working. The only sound I get continues to come from the tiny speakers inside the monitor.
    Can anyone offer me advise how I can get the TV connected to HDMI-2 to use the speakers connected to the computer?
    Thank you very kindly.
    David

    Optical audio out is enabled by default on the Verizon boxes.  In fact, I don't think it can be turned off.
    You most likely need to adjust a setting in your computer to make it use the optical audio input.  It may be a simple as a volume slider.  The exact procedure depends on your operating system, sound card and sound card driver.
    Good Luck.
    If a forum member gives an answer you like, give them the Kudos they deserve. If a member gives you the answer to your question, mark the answer as Accepted Solution so others can see the solution to the problem.

  • About the digital audio input/output

    So, those accept optical digital audio, and what kind of other digital audio signals?, what kind of adapter i need to use this feature?, so it is compatible with any 5.1 audio system like home theathers etc?

    so it is compatible with any 5.1 audio system like home theathers etc?
    As long as the stereo has a digital optical audio input, yes.
    The port is a "mini-Toslink" port so you'll need a mini-Toslink to Toslink adapter and then a standard digital optical audio cable (Toslink cable). Sometimes you can find a cable with one of each plug at either end.
    -Doug

  • How to connect Digital Optical Audio output iMac with Receiver Input

    I have connected iMac with onkyo hts-3300 home theater system receiver through optical audio TosLink Cable.( http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Audio-TosLink-Cable/dp/B001ZU3G2I/ref=sr12?ie=UTF8&qid=1292865309&sr=8-2 ). Unfortunately there is no sound coming out from the Home theater system. I have verified the Receiver optical input is working fine by connecting with my TV optical audio digital out put and the it's working great. The only difference between TV and iMac is, on my TV, it has optical audio digital output and I can use this cable (http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-A102-02M-Digital-connectors/dp/B0002WPREU/ref=s r11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297320792&sr=1-1) to make it work. I can also verified my optical audio TosLink Cable working because I can see the red light coming out from the cable. So the only problem could be from iMac. I doubt I need to change the additional setting to configure iMac to use external optical audio setting instead of the buit in audio setting. Hoe can I able to do it? or my iMac(IMAC 21.5"/3.06/2X2GB/500GB/9400M-ITP
    MB950ZP/A) doesn't support optical digital audio out put? I have follow this thread http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12769423&#12769423 and to my surprise which doesn't work out for me. I doubt that i need to change some setting, but when I got to setting>> sound I cannot change any setting. I was quite depressed aldy. Can someone answer my question as i m a newbie here. Thanks a lot

    Thank you very much for your reply.
    @Király : May i know how to Open Audio Midi Setup? Is this Audio Midi Setup is in the locatated in the Setting in Mac Snow Leapord OS? or how to locate this "Audio Midi Setup " in Mac enviroment. Is it possible to open this Audio Midi Setup in windows 7 enviroment also? I Just want to get the audio from my iMac in Hts-3300 onkyo home theatre. YOur help is much appreciated
    @rkaufmann87 : Thank you very much for your sharing about this http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/ connection. for me what i understand is the digital audio output in airportexpress is the same as the audio out put in iMac in terms of details sepcs. So this airportexpress will only help you connect wirelessly to home theatre system, rather than waired connection. Other than that nothig much difference. So there is no point for me to spend extra bucks to attain the wireless connection. Unless the airportexpress have optical digital input, which i believe not. Correct me if I m worng, thanks

  • Optical digital audio input

    I have an early 2009 iMac Duo Core 2 with the combo digital audio in/out. I ordered the correct cable which fits perfectly into the back of the iMac. I've plugged the other end into three different audio devices that have digital audio out.
    While I get activity on the input level for the Optical digital-in port in system prefs, it does not come out through the iMac speakers. Other sounds (system alerts, iTunes, etc) play through the speakers but getting the computer to play the digital audio input does not work.

    There's an excellent little piece of software called LineIn from Rouge Amoeba that does exactly what you're looking for, get it from here: http://rogueamoeba.com/freebies/. I was using it for redirecting sound coming in via an optical cable to iMac's digital line-in to my headphones attached to iMac's audio-out. Also works great for outputting anything coming to digital-in out to an external audio receiver using digital-out. My set-up was: PC, Xbox 360, PS3 all connected to Sony's Bravia screen and passing sound through HDMI (plus a Wii attached to Bravia via analog inputs), Bravia's digital audio out connected to iMac's digital-in and then finally iMac analog/stereo-out --> headphones or iMac digital-out to Logitech's Z-5500 receiver's TOSLINK connector. TV's aren't allowed to stream unencrypted AC3/DTS coming in from HDMI to their digital audio out though so only stereo was available in the above setup (connecting a PC/Xbox360/PS3 using an optical cable with TOSLINK and mini-TOSLINK connectors directly to the digital line-in on iMac does enable one to pass through Dolby Digital/DTS to iMac's line-out and to an external receiver). I'm using past tense here becase Apple decided not to include any audio-in functionality whatsoever on the new line of iMacs (late 2012). Still looking for a solution to that problem (a MacBook Alu 13" is doing the sound redirection in the mean time).

  • Optical digital audio input does not work

    Hi all,
    I am trying to record some of my old DCC cassettes onto my imac, however, for some reason the optical digital input does not work.
    I have searched everywhere, tried all settings in audio/midi setup.
    I did notice that when I connect the digital cable to the output, the build in audio automatically recognizes it, and switches to 'digital output'.
    Analog input does work fine. I am running a 3.06 GHz intel core 2 duo with mac os 10.6.8. Digital cables are fine too (can play on my receiver).
    Thanks for your help,
    Wouter

    I share your frustration. I record audio tracks into logic using digital optical recording desks.
    I have a phone call appointment with apple tomorrow and will be happy to share any fixes if they find any.
    Steve

Maybe you are looking for