I have tried to connect a mic and a speaker to the only connection I have on either my Mac or iMac Pro but nothing works. Going on line to ask the question only references the preferences which does not help. Why did Apple not put two ports to assist on this.
Is there a way to connect both?
MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.13
Kenmull,
Thanks for explaining a bit more. You an purchase a 3.5mm splitter/adapter that will allow 2 different 3.5mm cables to connect at one time. Apple offers one on their online store if you're in the US: Belkin Audio Splitter (3.5 mm-M/2x3.5 mm-F)
Once you have the speaker and mic plugged in, you can go back into the Mac's System Preferences and change those settings.
Cheers!
Kenmull,
Thanks for explaining a bit more. You an purchase a 3.5mm splitter/adapter that will allow 2 different 3.5mm cables to connect at one time. Apple offers one on their online store if you're in the US: Belkin Audio Splitter (3.5 mm-M/2x3.5 mm-F)
Once you have the speaker and mic plugged in, you can go back into the Mac's System Preferences and change those settings.
Cheers!
The Mac settings do not seem to work. What I noticed is the following: The Apple ear phones with the small speaker plugs into the Mac jack with four connections. The head phone connector only has 3 connections as does the Belkin Audio Splitter (3.5 mm-M/2x3.5 mm-F) My guess is the problem centers on this difference. See the attached photo for comparison
Kenmull,
Thanks for going through and trying those steps. If you haven't already you may want to look over this page with information on how to Change the sound input settings on Mac, and make sure that the microphone settings are correct. If they are, and you're still having the issue, I'd recommend testing the Mac with another mic to see if you continue to have the issue.
Hope this helps!
The explanation did not help. Let me explain, if I connect my headphone with the attached mic everything works like the article explains. However, I wish to have an external mic AND an external speaker to use so that more than one person can speak and hear. Since there is only one port for both, there is no place for the mic and the speaker at the same time. With only one port, how do you connect both an external mic AND an external speaker?
You are spot-on Ken. That Belkin adapter is just a splitter to use in a normal headphone port.
You can find some aftermarket 4 pole adapters that will give you a place to plug in both Headphones and a Mic.
for example > https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Microphone-Plantronics-Sennheiser-Compatible/dp/B07KPLDJ18
But to be honest, you would probably be better off looking for and using a USB audio adapter that supports Headphone and Mic input or just using a simple USB Microphone.
So, I purchased the splitter as indicated in the above note, does not work. I connected the mic to the splitter and nothing happens. Now what?????????????????
Hello Kenmull,
I have used external speakers and mics with my Mac in the past, so may be able to offer some support and insight as how to fix this. Check out this link for more information on what to do If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers Please pay close attention to the section labeled 'If you’re trying to listen through external speakers'.
I hope this page and information helps.
Cheers!
mic input and speaker output on either my Mac or iMac Pro
