external audio input (jack) disappeared

Hi there,


I've got a MacBookPro Mid 2015 running Catalina at the moment.

On this Mac I've been recording music for the past years, using the built-in input (connecting and recording using the 3.5mm headphone port) to record my electric guitar on Garageband (current version 10.3.5).

However all of a sudden the built-in input disappeared from my system preferences. And only the built-in microphone seems to exist.



A few months ago ryane77 was so kind to answer my question above (sorry about my late reply... that's why I've had to re-post my question here again).


Here is what I've done so far:

  • connected headphones to that port. > they work as expected (3.5mm headphone port works fine).
  • I've used two different 3.5mm adapters and jack-cables. > Built-in Input still doesn't show.
  • I've done resets of my NVRAM as described here: https://support.apple.com/nl-nl/HT204063


none of the above actions unfortunately changed the settings.

In order to visualize my current Garageband audio settings, I enclose two screenshots:


The options I've got now (only system settings + built-in microphone available)


the options I used to have (system settings, built-in microphone + built-in input)




I'd be very grateful if someone can help me fixing this.




Posted on Feb 7, 2021 8:33 AM

Reply
5 replies

Feb 9, 2021 12:06 PM in response to andreoschi

Hello Andreoschi,


It sounds like you are unable to locate build-in input on your Mac. We understand how important this is to you and we are here to help.


The input should change depending on what is attached to your Mac. This article can provide some guidance: Change the sound input settings on Mac


Are you able to connect any other microphones to your device to see if it changes? This will help us further isolate the issue.


Cheers!

Feb 16, 2021 6:27 AM in response to jeremy_v

Thank you Jeremy_v for your reply.

I did reset the SMC, but also that didn't help.

btw: per accident I've left the minijack plugged to my guitar inside the line-in of my Mac. when I wanted to watch something on YouTube and realized that there's no sound coming form my speakers.

It looks like that the 3.5mm headphone port only works as a line-out no matter what's plugged in that port.

Is that a software or hardware issue?

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external audio input (jack) disappeared

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