Connected device isn't showing listed on Sound Input?

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Connected device isn't showing listed on Sound Input?

I am running Mojave on my iMac. I am trying to connect a tape recorder to my iMac using a 3.5mm aux audio cable. I have connected one end in the microphone slot on the tape recorder and the other end in the microphone slot in the back of the iMac. When I go into system preferences - Input - the device isn't listed anywhere. I cannot understand why? Any ideas? I was hoping to see it listed so that I can then use Quicktime player to transfer some recordings to my iMac. Thanks.

iMac 21.5″, 10.14

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 5:24 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 8:41 AM in response to HighlandSunset

Hmm.... what year model is the iMac?

If it is a 2015 or earlier, open the Sound Preference and select the Input tab. It should show internal mic with nothing plugged in and then switch to the external input when the audio cable is plugged in. If it does not then there is a good chance that the micro switch inside of the input port is bad and not switching the audio to external input. To over come this problem, you can use a USB audio adapter instead of having the iMac’s input port repaired.

If it is a 2017 or later with a single combination Headphone/Input port, then it will not work and you need to use a USB audio adapter.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 10:44 AM in response to HighlandSunset

Ah' OK. If you have a > https://support.apple.com/kb/sp665?locale=en_US then you are correct and it only has a Headphone jack.

When your are shopping for a USB audio adapter, you need to make sure that is has both input and output and then plug the recorder into mic or input port of the USB adapter.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 9:19 AM in response to HighlandSunset

Double check to make sure that your plugging the recorder into the Input line-in jack and not the Headphone line-out jack.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 12:45 PM in response to HighlandSunset

You're welcome.

There are other methods for getting those tapes into your Mac. The easiest one, is to take or send them out and have them put onto a flash drive or hard drive.

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Answer 5

Sep 22, 2020 9:34 AM in response to den.thed

I should probably tell you what I am trying to do. I have got some old cassette types that my father recorded about his life. I want to get them onto my computer. I bought a basic Bush cassette recorder and the 3.5mm audio cable male to male so that I could plug one end into the cassette player and the other end into my iMac. I have loaded a programme called audacity onto my computer after reading up about it. It is mentioned in lots of forums. I am very grateful for all your help thank you.

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Answer 6

Sep 22, 2020 10:07 AM in response to den.thed

It is definitely a late 2012 iMac because I have the spec in front of me. Perhaps the machines in UK were slightly different to the USA? I will look for a USB audio adaptor like you suggest but for a single 3.5mm jack. Thanks.

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Answer 7

Sep 22, 2020 9:22 AM in response to den.thed

I have only got one port - with a headphone logo above it...so Audio line out. I thought it might do both...I guess I must be wrong.. so what is the best workaround for that please?

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Answer 8

Sep 22, 2020 12:02 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for all your help. Appreciate it. I’ve ordered as you have suggested, Hopefully that’ll work.🙂

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Answer 9

den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 6:38 AM in response to HighlandSunset

Connect the audio cable to the output (slot) jack of the tape recorder.

Make sure that the audio cable is firmly seated in the input (microphone) jack of the Mac Mini.

Then if the Mac Mini is still not see the sound input in the Sound Preference, you may need to try a different audio cable.

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Answer 10

Sep 22, 2020 8:55 AM in response to den.thed

My iMac is 2012 - when I open the sound preference before any leads are in it says input - Internal Microphone and then Output tab says internal speakers. When I put the lead in the back of the iMac the input stays says the same but the output says Headphones. The lead I am using is a single 3.5mm jack both ends.

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Answer 11

den.thed

Level 10

90,970 points

Sep 22, 2020 9:49 AM in response to HighlandSunset

If it only has one audio port, then it is not a 2012 iMac. The iMac models that only have one audio port only work with combination headsets for input.

You need to get and use a USB to audio adapter like the one from amazon that I posted above.

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Answer 12

Sep 22, 2020 8:12 AM in response to den.thed

OK thanks...that is what I have already done...New 3.5mm aux plug cable too..

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Connected device isn't showing listed on Sound Input?

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