I am trying to plug an external mic into a 2017 MacBook Pro. I have seem several tutorials online where they are able to get this working with a couple splitters and I can't get it work on mine. Under the input tab of the system preferences I only ever see the built-in Internal Mic. Any ideas?
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Yes....a few.... since the beginning of time Mac microphone socket has been TRRS (4 pole/stripe on plug). It has always been thus.
so an adapter is probably needed. You could also try using a usb-c audio adapter.
something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Microphone-Plantronics-Sennheiser-Compatible/dp/B07KPLDJ18
as for the TRRS adapter, I'll let you go hunting for that one. Apparently, if you have a set of Apple earphone/mic combo, those will work, due to it having the correct plug. otherwise, get the adapter, and look for compatability with your model of macbook pro....
that's it
jb
you could also try messing around with Audio MIDI setup. If an external mic is detected, that is where it will show up, and also under system preferences/sound, then effects.......
You don't need any adapter. I plug my mics into my 2019 MacBook Pro's thunderbolt 3 ports directly. You can't use the headphone jack. Just buy the proper cable that connects to your mic on one end and USB-C on the other end.
External Mic in MacBook Pro
