HGrahamS
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I have a MacBook Pro (mid 2012) with the single audio socket. Why does it not recognise when I plug a microphone into it?

I have a MacBook Pro (mid 2012) with the single audio socket. Why does it not recognise when I plug a microphone into it? 

I am using a splitter lead, and have meter tested that this is correctly wired.  Also the microphone I am trying to use works when connected to a separate recorder unit, so I know that is working okay.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Dec 2, 2015 3:31 AM

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HGrahamS

Q: I have a MacBook Pro (mid 2012) with the single audio socket. Why does it not recognise when I plug a microphone into it?

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 2, 2015 3:33 AM in response to HGrahamS
    Level 9 (52,759 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 3:33 AM in response to HGrahamS

    The audio output port on a 2012 does not support audio input.  You will need to use the USB ports for audio input.  That will require appropriate hardware and software.

     

    Ciao.

  • by HGrahamS,

    HGrahamS HGrahamS Dec 2, 2015 3:41 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2015 3:41 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Sorry Ogelthorpe but you are wrong.  I have managed to get a microphone on a telephone type headset to work as an input, and is recognised as an external microphone in the sound system preferences panel.  This uses (I believe) the inner ring of a 4 terminal mini jack as the microphone connector. The splitter unit I use has a 4 terminal jack plug connected to two sockets (3 terminal) - one for microphone, one for headphones.  As I said I have meter checked that this splitter is correctly wired.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 2, 2015 4:11 AM in response to HGrahamS
    Level 9 (52,759 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 4:11 AM in response to HGrahamS

    You are indeed correct and I am not (and don't be sorry).  I found these two links that may be beneficial to third party readers:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201929

     

    http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/90344/macbook-pro-mid-2012-microphone-i nput

     

    One does need the correct input jack and setup in System Preferences.

     

    Not that it matters, my mistake is/was believing the label on the MBP.

     

    Ciao.

  • by HGrahamS,Helpful

    HGrahamS HGrahamS Dec 2, 2015 5:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2015 5:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Hi Ogelthorpe,  The links were useful - especially the second one.  I am sure the socket can recognise a microphone - it works with phone type mic headsets.  I know the external mic I want to use works - I have tried it on other kit.  It is does not require phantom power.  I know the splitter I bought is correct - I have checked it with a meter.  It just seems the MBP does not recognise the microphone as a microphone.  I wonder if you, or anyone else, knows how it does that recognition - is it looking for a signal, or a particular measurement of  impedance, or what? 

    I did try the trick of reconnecting mic to splitter then connecting splitter to MBP - nothing! 

    Very frustrating!!