HT201929: MacBook and MacBook Pro (13-inch): How to use the combination audio port for an audio input device

Learn about MacBook and MacBook Pro (13-inch): How to use the combination audio port for an audio input device
thomasbg2809
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Q: No "Use port for" option for the audio port of my Mac...

Unfortunately I don't see the "Use port for" option for the audio port of my MacBook Pro 13" Retina 2013 with Yosemite. Any ideas what to do in that case? Tried with 3-ring jack iPhone headphones with a mike, as some suggested in other feeds, when the 2-RCA to 3.5" jack didn't work, but with no success.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.0.1, 13" model

Posted on Sep 27, 2015 5:32 AM

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thomasbg2809

Q: No "Use port for" option for the audio port of my Mac...

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  • by Johnb-one,

    Johnb-one Johnb-one Sep 27, 2015 12:59 PM in response to thomasbg2809
    Level 4 (1,918 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2015 12:59 PM in response to thomasbg2809

    dear thomasbg2809. If you hold down the option key and click on the speaker icon at the top of your screen you will see a full list of the audio inputs and outputs available to you. I think it uses a TRRS-4 ring jack and not the 3 ring as it needs extra power (don't ask me why, I don't know) so try that or see if you can find a USB mike

     

    John b

  • by thomasbg2809,

    thomasbg2809 thomasbg2809 Sep 27, 2015 1:25 PM in response to Johnb-one
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 27, 2015 1:25 PM in response to Johnb-one

    Hm, I think we are talking about the same jack. 3 rings means 3 insulation rings between the metal contact zones. Like on the photo below, where a TRRS-4 jack is shown. As far as the Option-Speaker trick, I have discovered it earlier today following similar instructions from another site, but it does exactly the same as opening the Sound preferences in System Preferences: just shows everything else, except the "Use port for..." option. I suppose the system might detect which devices are suitable for input only, that's why it doesn't offer me input with the iPhone headset (even though it actually has a mike), but my purpose is to connect a turntable through a receiver's AUX output port - I just don't have an 2-RCA to TRRS-4 cable to be sure it it will work or not, but I guess I'll have to get one to know for sure. Thanks for the answer, by the way - now at least I know how this standard is called - TRRS-4.

    FosPower_3_5mm_Male_to_3_5mm_Female_Auxiliary__Amazon_co_uk__Electronics.png

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 27, 2015 3:03 PM in response to Johnb-one
    Level 9 (61,322 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2015 3:03 PM in response to Johnb-one

    it needs extra power

    The input from an unpowered mic is so low, it is unusable in a jack like this one that expects a Line-level input.  A powered mic is boosted up to line level with an intergrated amplifier, so that the signal level is high enough to be usable in a line-level input. So the mic needs that power to deliver a signal boosted up to line level.

     

    Line-level outputs are like those from a DVD reader, tape deck, or other source that boosts the signal up so as to be usable directly.

     

    Outputs that are too low for this treatment are those from a phonograph and those from a plain Mic.

  • by thomasbg2809,

    thomasbg2809 thomasbg2809 Sep 27, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 27, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Okay, I will try then the line out from the network receiver or from the turntable directly (it's not with the classic very low-power signal most turntables have, but with a built-in pre-amplifier, so the signal power is the same as from a tape recorder), but this time using a proper cable, ending with a TRRS-4 jack, and let's hope this will solve the issue. Thanks a lot for the help!

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 27, 2015 3:30 PM in response to thomasbg2809
    Level 9 (61,322 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2015 3:30 PM in response to thomasbg2809

    If you are already providing a Line-level input, the extended tip (which provides power for the integrated amp) is not needed.