iMac Microphone only works with Siri (all OS versions)

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Gameznet Author

Level 1

32 points

iMac Microphone only works with Siri (all OS versions)

My Mac internal microphone was working fine then stopped working

then I discovered by accident that it is working perfectly with Siri.

When Siri is active I can see the microphone level in audio preferences working as normal.

I have all permissions for other apps set correctly.

the mic works perfectly in Siri so its not a hardware issue.

I have done all the normal trouble shooting, tried new user account etc

I am on Catalina but I think this is an issue with all OS versions as it has been this way for over 2 years now.

(I had accepted it to be a hardware issue until I realises it was working fine in Siri earlier today)

any body else have this issue?

Posted on Oct 7, 2022 2:38 PM

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Answer 1

Gameznet Author

Level 1

32 points

Oct 8, 2022 2:59 AM in response to PRP_53

Input tab,

when set to: External Microphone - (work normally when mic plugged in)

when set to : System Sound Device (problem exists)

inPut level: does not do anything, no reaction while talking (Works correctly while Siri is actively listening)

adjusting output volume does nothing, check/uncheck "mute" does nothing. (Both work correctly while Siri is listening)

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

92,545 points

Oct 8, 2022 3:05 AM in response to Gameznet

1 - Reset the SMC of your Mac and perform this action 3 consecutively

2 - Reset NVRAM on your Mac and perform this action 3 consecutively

3 - Plug and Unplug the external Microphone several time . Sometimes the computer may become confused which Microphone to use as Sound Input

4 - Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware / Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

92,545 points

Oct 8, 2022 2:50 AM in response to Gameznet

System Preferences >> Sound

What is chosen as the " Sound Input "

In my case, using a Mac Mini which does not have a Native Microphone for " sound input "

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iMac Microphone only works with Siri (all OS versions)

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