Audio Input failure/Mac Pro/Built-in & Line-in

Hi George,

That's curious indeed. Do I understand you right that even with nothing plugged into the Mac, that in Sys Prefs clicking either on "None-Built-in Microphone" or "Line In - Built-in Line input", you see no Input volume or it is are grayed out?
Just looking at mine, with no input device, I can see and adjust the volume input for both, with only Digital in grayed out at the bottom of the pane.

Edit: Are you using a headset? If so, what maker?

Message was edited by: Samsara

I have just experience the same problem.
I am very new to the Mac

This is what I have discovered so far:

If the external Line-In is selected then I had to select the Line-in in Preferences in the program I was using for the mic to work.

My problem is that I have to turn the input volume to full to barely hear my mic.

If the Line-out is selected and an external speaker is not connected then the internal speaker does not work.

My problem is that I have to turn the input volume to full to barely hear my mic.

Mac audio input is line-level, so most microphones will need a pre-amp, or use a USB microphone.

If the Line-out is selected and an external speaker is not connected then the internal speaker does not work.

The Mac Pro has two analog audio output circuits. One for the internal speaker and front headphone jack, the other for the rear line-out jack.

Thanks for the information.

Any chance recommending an appropriate microphone?

Which is better USB or mic with amp?

Any chance recommending an appropriate microphone?

You can use your current microphone via the iMic
<http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TX532ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MTI5ODU0NzQ&s= topSellers>

Which is better USB or mic with amp?

USB is usually more convenient since a pre-amp needs power. The sound quality depends entirely on the microphone. There are some high-qualty USB microphones, such as:
<http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TF238LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MTY4MzcwNzA&s= topSellers>

There are also USB pre-amps for high-quality XLR microphones
<http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TV233LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MTEwOTA4MjA>

There are also low cost USB microphones and headsets.

Hi Malcolm,

See any way the iMic might help here? Or might you have any other advice to give? I'd really appreciate your insights on this. Thanks.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2316902

It's marked as solved but I don't know why.

See any way the iMic might help here? Or might you have any other advice to give? I'd really appreciate your insights on this. Thanks.
< http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2316902 >

It might be possible to use the iMic instead of their USB adapter, but the Plantronics site doesn't show the connectors.

With nothing attached, only digital out, in the input pane both Microphone and Line-in seem to work just fine. They are not grayed out and I can adjust them. Something is wrong with your machine, can't think of anything else.

Various audio problems are being reported, including the now infamous dramatic heat rises and performance losses while playing any audio at all. I'm beginning to wonder if the sound cards Apple put into the 09s weren't just a bit too cheap this time around.

If I were you and under warranty, I'd make Apple dance on it's head trying to fix this. It's just unacceptable and this they can't deny, I'm looking at my well working system prefs as I write.

Thank you very, very, much for your reply, Malcolm. And my apologies to George for the diversion.

Thank you for the rating, George, I think you're doing the right thing. Better yet, if you can, in some areas of the country they will send someone to you. I'd go for that option if possible, these things weigh a ton. This page may help you on your way: http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/

And while I really don't have a clue if this is related to your situation or not, tend to think not, after months and months of trying to call this to Apple's attention, this appeared today. It's what I referred to above. Thought you might be interested.