I have a 2019 27" Imac running Catalina. I want to input the analog output from a reel-to-reel tape recorder.
I have tried changing the Input settings in the preferences, but it only gives me the option for "Built in Microphone" or USB headset.
Can the 3.5 jack be used for audio input?
Mlzsailing wrote:
Can the 3.5 jack be used for audio input?
Mac's used to have a Headphone and Audio Input port, but now they only have one that is TRRS.
see > https://www.theguitarjunky.com/best-audio-interfaces-for-mac/
Which works fine for EarPods and headsets w/Mic, but not so well for inputting Audio from other devices.
Your best bet, is to get and use a USB input interface.
for some example's, see > https://www.theguitarjunky.com/best-audio-interfaces-for-mac/
Mlzsailing wrote:
Can the 3.5 jack be used for audio input?
Mac's used to have a Headphone and Audio Input port, but now they only have one that is TRRS.
see > https://www.theguitarjunky.com/best-audio-interfaces-for-mac/
Which works fine for EarPods and headsets w/Mic, but not so well for inputting Audio from other devices.
Your best bet, is to get and use a USB input interface.
for some example's, see > https://www.theguitarjunky.com/best-audio-interfaces-for-mac/
Yes it can. you could get a TRRS adapter cable, however, you'd still need to get a cable ( 2 rca to 3.5 mm plug) to convert the analog output from a reel to reel recorder, along with the other cable, so it's not really worth it. might as well go for something with a usb 2.0 output that has rca inputs. you could probably get a cheap camcorder connecting cable that'll do the job. You'd have to switch over the sound input to USB, and maybe use Audacity for recording your stuff. Audacity does have some kind of noise reduction feature, but nothing professional. For that you'd have to pay. anyways, here's some more Audacity info, including how to set it up on a Mac. (link)
hhttps://manual.audacityteam.org/man/recording_with_usb_turntables.html
of course, you'll want to make sure, before you do playback on your reel-to-reel tape recorder, that the heads are cleaned and demagnetized (keep the tapes a safe distance away before you do that() and the output is adjusted according to your taste.
40 years, huh? whoooooo....... still, we have nothing BUT time on our hands now.
I was gonna suggest the behringer u-phono....in case the cheapy usb camcorder cable doesn't work.....
good luck
John B
Yes like I said, your best bet, is to get and use a USB input interface.
for some example's, see > https://www.theguitarjunky.com/best-audio-interfaces-for-mac/
Did you read Den.Thed post? He provided you with links to some solutions.
I have an old reel-to-reel tape recorder and want to convert some tapes to CD. Any suggestions on a way to do this would be most helpful! I have 40 years of reel-to-reel tapes to review!
If the earphone jack can't be switched on my 2019 27" IMac, can a USB port be used for input?
Good work John B.
You know what though, we both missed out on suggesting a DVD/CD drive to make some CDs. Me personally, I'm suggesting an LG DVD/CD Drive instead of the $79 branded SuperDrive.
Yes..good point...
jb
Audio Input through Earphone jack
