Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

How to get my Late 2014 Mac mini - microphone to work?

How to get my microphone to work on my Late 2014 Mac mini?

I am using a separate microphone, not one with earphones included.

The microphone has a 3.5 dia. pin with 2 black rings.

I am plugging it into the mic jack and not the earphone jack.

I have tested the earphone jack and it works fine.

Please help !!

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Nov 29, 2021 12:13 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2021 7:56 AM

The audio in port expects "Line-Level" audio. Using a microphone, with that port, requires that it be pre-amplified first. A pre-amplified microphone will have it's own power source, such as batteries, and will amplify the signal prior to sending it to the computer. If the mic you are attempting to use is not pre-amplified it will not work without adding a preamp to the mix.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 30, 2021 7:56 AM in response to smcswercko

The audio in port expects "Line-Level" audio. Using a microphone, with that port, requires that it be pre-amplified first. A pre-amplified microphone will have it's own power source, such as batteries, and will amplify the signal prior to sending it to the computer. If the mic you are attempting to use is not pre-amplified it will not work without adding a preamp to the mix.

How to get my Late 2014 Mac mini - microphone to work?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.