Using external 3.5mm Jack Microphone with USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

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Using external 3.5mm Jack Microphone with USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Hi there!

I have the Rode VideoMicro lying around and would like to put it into use for online meetings.

Connecting the microphone using TRS or TRRS jack cable directly into the computer does not work - the computer does not recognise the microphone. (looks like a software limitation) Some of the resources found online indicate there are ways of "fooling" the computer by using an audio cable splitter and connecting (and disconnecting) the microphone and the headphones separately. I find that quite inconvenient.

Instead of all that - is it possible to connect the microphone to the computer using the USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter for audio input and utilising bluetooth headphones for audio output?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 3, 2020 4:53 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 3, 2020 6:11 AM in response to horalky

Apple does have a $9 USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MU7E2AM/A/usb-c-to-35-mm-headphone-jack-adapter

I would imagine that would work. I would certainly try this first.

If there's something special about your Mic (I can't imagine what) but what I would consider the more bullet-proof solution would be to get a USB "sound card" essentially.. like by Sabrent or Edimax for $10-$30. Just search for "mac usb-c sound card catalina". Avoid generic ones, and only get one that literally specifically lists "Catalina" support. These have dedicated 3.5mm headphone/speaker output and mic/line-in input and come up as an additional sound device in macOS which are handled quite easily.

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Using external 3.5mm Jack Microphone with USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

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