Cannot record witha USB or plug in Mic

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Level 1

22 points

Cannot record witha USB or plug in Mic

Using Mojave-iMac- Security and Availability is set for all programs. In Sound Pref, when I plug in a Mic, using a split line in the sound output jack- sound never shows I have a Mic plugged in. I cannot record anything either. If I plug in a USB Mic, it shows up in "sound pref" but it will not allow me to record - neither work with an amplifier connected either. I tried a bit older iMac and found the same results-I. need to record using an external Mic- Thanks!

Posted on Dec 16, 2019 1:36 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

sterling r

Community Specialist

Dec 19, 2019 10:03 AM in response to steinr98

Hello steinr98,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you’re looking to record sound with an external mic. I’m happy to help.

I suggest taking a look at the article below:

GarageBand for Mac: Connect a microphone

If you’re trying to record in a different app, please respond with more details and which app you’re using.

Take care.

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Answer 2

Dec 20, 2019 8:47 PM in response to steinr98

Does your USB mic show up in the Input pane of the Sound System Preferences page? The Built-in mic is not the same as a USB device, it should show up as an additional option here. (I don't have one myself here, but what does your screen look like here?) Did the USB mic come with a Mac driver, or can you download one from their website?

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Answer 3

steinr98 Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 20, 2019 12:35 PM in response to sterling r

Sterling: I'm not familiar with Garage Band however using the article I did at least get a sound track that looked recorded as it made a wave form. However I could not play it- I played it, but did not hear anything. I'm using a computer mic plugged into a USB port. I did so by going to pref. as directed and selecting built in Mic. I also tried Audacity but it did not record any sound. No wave form in Audacity. I could not find anything in Audacity Pref to select my mic. Realtec will not select the mic. I tried to move the garage band file to audacity but it did not move as the ext is wrong. I do have an interface coming and hope that will help on the volume. I also could not get sound recorded in Elements Premier by Adobe. UGGgggg!

Ronald

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Answer 4

steinr98 Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 20, 2019 8:22 PM in response to steinr98

Sterling: I'm not familiar with Garage Band however using the article I did at least get a sound track that looked recorded as it made a wave form. However I could not play it- I played it, but did not hear anything. I'm using a computer mic plugged into a USB port. I did so by going to pref. as directed and selecting built in Mic. I also tried Audacity but it did not record any sound. No wave form in Audacity. I could not find anything in Audacity Pref to select my mic. Realtec will not select the mic. I tried to move the garage band file to audacity but it did not move as the ext is wrong. I do have an interface coming and hope that will help on the volume. I also could not get sound recorded in Elements Premier by Adobe. UGGgggg!

Ronald

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Answer 5

steinr98 Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 21, 2019 8:07 AM in response to Glen Doggett

A 3.5mm plug mic never shows up- If I try a USB mic, the realtek name does show in the box, however it never shows any bars on the input volume NOR will sound record in any program. I finally got GarageBand to record(I get a wave pattern) however I cannot get the sound to playback?? These are cheap mics, and no driver is involved. One is a PC mic I have had for years- works fine as I used it with GarageBand. I have on order an interface unit which is an amplifier and it does come with a driver so I'm waiting for that- For your info- WhenI used the PC mic on a USB input, and it did record in GarageBand, When the mic was plugged in, the "Sound" pref box did not show and bars with this mic when I spoke or tapped the mic- BUT- lit did record in GarageBand. My purpose is to use a mic to narrate in iMovie and the built in mic is lousy as far as sound quality! Thanks!!

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Cannot record witha USB or plug in Mic

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