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Does my iMac have an audio output jack?

I have a 24-inch, M1, 2021 desktop. Serial # H*********W1, running Sonoma 14.1.1


I do not believe this computer has any kind of audio output jack. Bluetooth, yes, but not an actual output jack.


Am I correct?


[Edited by Moderator]

iMac 24″, macOS 14.1

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 10:12 AM

Reply
10 replies

Nov 1, 2024 5:15 PM in response to OldGoat67

OldGoat67 wrote:
Yes, you’re correct, Jazzman1949, there is no conventional /dedicated audio output jack/port on this iMac, apart from the headphone jack... you could use one of the USB3 ports as a audio output

You seem to be saying that the headphone out is not a conventional/dedicated audio output. Yet that is exactly what it is. It's a conventional/dedicated analog stereo output.


Conversely, USB ports are not audio outputs. They do not input or output analog audio. They are general-purpose digital data ports. While you can connect a USB audio interface like a Creative X4 or a Focusrite Scarlett to a USB port and digitized audio data can be sent between the interface & the Mac or PC, it is the audio interface unit that is the audio input/output device, not the USB port.

Nov 1, 2024 6:25 PM in response to MartinR

Yup, you’re technically correct MartinR, I’ll give you that much… USB ports are not, in and of themselves, audio outputs, they just do data, however they can, if , used with a USB external sound card that supports the MacOS, become an audio output… that’s why USB audio is an option, IF you’re using it with a USB device that supports the MacOS , but on its own ? Nope, you need the USB Mac supporting device as well…I didn’t mean to suggest/insinuate that usb on its own could be used that way


john B

Does my iMac have an audio output jack?

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