External microphone for 2010 MacBook Pro

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External microphone for 2010 MacBook Pro

When using FaceTime on a 2010 MacBook Pro, the sound is muffled and as the fans speed up, the sound of them spinning makes it hard to understand what the muffled sound of the user is saying.

So I suspect the internal speaker being faulty - especially as using another MacBook Pro right next to it works fine using it's internal microphone.

We plugged in a cheap external microphone (see picture) to try and bypass the internal microphone but it didn't seem to be recognised. So we tried another - same issue.

I notice this microphone has two bands on the connector but working earphones have three so is this the wrong type?

Posted on Jan 10, 2019 2:55 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 10, 2019 2:12 PM in response to The_Knowledge_Seeker

After further research I have found a solved thread on this matter at: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2510210?answerId=11931604022#11931604022

It appears that you can switch the function of the jack, input or output in system preferences/sound. You also need to amplify the sound as the mac requires a line level input some mics already have this but not many, it is recommend anyway that you use a usb connection.

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Answer 2

Jan 10, 2019 2:20 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

In this case, the 2010 MacBook Pro has audio in and out ports so I assumed I wouldn't need to use a USB microphone. I just can't understand why neither of the external microphones seem to be recognise when they are connected.

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Answer 3

Jan 10, 2019 4:21 AM in response to The_Knowledge_Seeker

The 2010 MacBook Pro should be able to support external microphones... Do any of the mics show up in an app called Audio MIDI Setup (Apple app, already installed on mac spotlight search) it should show up as an output if it dose and the computer dosnt automatically switch to it you should click on the plus button in the bottom left corner of the app and then click Create Aggregate Device then uncheck the internal mic and check the external mic.

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Answer 4

Jan 10, 2019 5:24 AM in response to Alex_12-984

Hi. Thanks for that. Neither of the external microphones appeared on Audio MIDI Setup whether or not I went the Create Aggregate Device option. I guess that means they are the wrong type of connector so aren't connecting properly.

Is the fact that the microphones show two black bands (and other Mac audio devices show three) likely to be the issue?

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Answer 5

Jan 10, 2019 7:09 AM in response to The_Knowledge_Seeker

Any USB mic should work.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications

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External microphone for 2010 MacBook Pro

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