Recommended microphones for Voice Over use

I have tried plugging in my Sony wireless microphone, and also a shotgun mic into the line in port, but with no success. The mics aren't being recognised by Final Cut.
Can anyone advise me what I am doing wrong, or recommend a different microphone that I should be using?
Thanks
Stephen (Salisbury, UK)
G5 Quad Mac OS X (10.4.5) 4.5GB of Ram Quadro FX 4500 graphics card

There are a number of places to check to ensure the system is accepting audio from the Line In port.
1. In the Voice Over tool, look in the middle of the window and SOURCE to Built-in Audio and set INPUT to Line In.
2. In: the Blue Apple on the menu bar>System Preferences>Audio - make sure you have set the imput to Line In
3. In Utilities> Audio Midi Setup>Audio Devices - make sure you have the Default Imput set for the line in port on your mac.
It has been noted by many people that the files brought in this way (through VO) often need serious gain added (aka - they are very quiet and the volume needs to be increased). A mic pre-amp is a good idea. Otherwise, you can either bump the gain in FCP or use an external audio app (i use peak) to bring it up to desired levels.
good luck,
x

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