macbook pro headphone jack doesnt work with extension

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Level 1

12 points

macbook pro headphone jack doesnt work with extension

I have an MPOW headset which plugs into macbook headphone port, or, is used with USB, without any problem. either way, it is recognized as a valid input device in Sound preferences.

when i try to use an extension cable (i've tried 2 different one by cable creation, the latest is zeskit 3.5mm stereo audio cable mail to femaler 4 pole) neither works with the microphone input, only works for output.

when i plug either extension core into the macbook phone jack, it is not recognized as a valid input device.

when i try the same with my smartphone, it works fine for input and output

why doesnt this work. is there some other type of extension cable I should purchase.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 3, 2021 3:13 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 5, 2021 5:58 PM in response to nealpl

This may be an electrical problem. The mike input, on Macs that support such an input, is a LINE level, not an (un-amplified) mike level.

The only reason you get any detectable INPUT is if your device can collect POWER from an extra-long tip on the cord. Use any "regular" extension cord, and you no longer get power, so your mike is unpowered and its level is too low to be detected.

Compare the length of the tip on each cord and device.

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Answer 2

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Mar 5, 2021 5:46 PM in response to nealpl

Hi there nealpl,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you are using some headphones with a 3.5mm adapter on your Mac. Check to make sure you have selected your headphones as the sound input on your Mac. You will need to do that separately when using the headphones on a 3.5mm and when using the USB port. Learn more here: Change the sound input settings on Mac.

We hope this helps!

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Answer 3

nealpl Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 8, 2021 7:23 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

So all of a sudden, it started working.

My only thought is perhaps, i was using the headphone thru a USB connection, then unplugging it and trying the microphone jack. maybe it was confused somehow. but now it's been working consistently.... thanks for your help.

Neal

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macbook pro headphone jack doesnt work with extension

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