how to use external microphone for macbook

[timmyleung1]

Hi Guys,

I am trying to do voice recording using garageband on my macbook and i want to use an external microphone instead of the built in mic. I plugged in the microphone, set the garageband monitor to on and chose built in input in the audio/midi preference but still do not hear any sound when i talk into the external microphone. am i missing any other steps here? how do i make this work? do i need to buy IMic? if that is the case, then what is the input jack for?

thanks.

[extreme16199]

when you chose built-in input, did you set your input volume?

[timmyleung1]

thanks for the quick response extreme. anyway, which one are you talking about? i just found out that aside from changing the input in the garageband> preferences> audio/midi, there is also one in the system preferences System Preferences> Input > Line In.

i dont know which preference to change.

thanks!

[extreme16199]

you need to go to "system preferences'>"input">"line in". there should be an input volume bar you can adjust. see if that solves your problem.

[Martin]

i had to use an imic when i plugged in a microphone

[elbert]

From Mac 101 Lesson 6: Audio Attachments: You'll need a 1/8-inch stereo mini plug to 1/4-inch phono adapter to bridge the connection from computer to guitar, bass, or mic (with 1/4-inch phono connector), or a 1/8-inch stereo mini plug to XLR connector adapter for professional mics.

Even with the right connector, mics have low level output, so you're best off with an audio interface that will boost the signal. You should get an adaptor like the iMic or this MXL iBooster Microphone and Guitar Input Adapter. There are many others in the market, and the above link to Mac 101 enumerates some of them.

If you're a bit serious about recording voice, I highly recommend the Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone. I've used this product to create a podcast -- it's fantastic. Costs less than P4k (last I checked) and is available at Audiophile.

[timmyleung1]

Thanks elbert. will try that out. maybe i have to change my guitar cable /mic cable too. i will also go get one of those audio things when i got to hk 2 next week.

tim

[timmyleung1]

I tried changing the input from internal microphone to line in audio line in port but when i speak into the microphone. it's still the built in mic that is still recieving the sound.

[vinyl4bpm]

thanks for the quick response extreme. anyway, which one are you talking about? i just found out that aside from changing the input in the garageband> preferences> audio/midi, there is also one in the system preferences System Preferences> Input > Line In.

i dont know which preference to change.

thanks!

Make sure your configure both preferences in the Audio MIDI set up and System Preferences correctly. For the Audio Midi go to Applications>Utilities>Audio Midi. Then make sure you select your external mic for properties in input. After that close the window and go to System Preferences>Input> Line in and set the volume for that as well.

[mikaelrules]

It's because the plug on the MacBook and most other Apple computers is a LINE IN jack and not a MICROPHONE jack. So unless you have an expensive line level microphone, you're better off with a USB mic or using something like an iMic in order to use normal mic-level microphones.

The electrical current generated by a microphone is very small. Referred to as mic level, this signal is typically measured in millivolts. Before it can be used for anything serious the signal needs to be amplified, usually to line level (typically 0.5 -2V). Being a stronger and more robust signal, line level is the standard signal strength used by audio processing equipment and common domestic equipment such as CD players, tape machines, VCRs, etc.

The iMic supports both line level and mic level inputs:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/

iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, as well as a variable level output for connecting speakers or headphones.