Microphone for Mac Mini Unibody (Mid 2010)

Question

Level 1

11 points

Microphone for Mac Mini Unibody (Mid 2010)

I want to get a microphone for my Mac Mini, I know that it has a microphone jack, I just can't seem to locate a microphone for that jack. Also want to get a video cam, are there cams that have a built in microphone? Is that the better way to go, or would it be better to buy a USB video cam and then a separate mike that goes into the microphone jack? Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Mac Mini Unibody (Mid 2010) 2/320, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 20, 2010 4:03 PM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,547 points

Sep 20, 2010 10:20 PM in response to WZJRCC

A computer mic will not work with a Mac. You need a mic that is amplified to line level input. One way is with an iMic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_level
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic

Logitech makes some good cameras with mics. Be sure to locate one that says that it is Mac compatible.
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams/devices/4528

Dah•veed

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Answer 2

WZJRCC Author

Level 1

11 points

Sep 21, 2010 4:32 AM in response to Dah•veed

Thanks, but I'm still not sure I understand you. There is an "Audio Line In" port on back of the Mac Mini Unibody. I believe that port can be used for a microphone. Why would I get a USB amplified mike if I have an audio line in port? Is there an amplified mike for the audio line in port?

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Answer 3

Sep 21, 2010 5:07 AM in response to WZJRCC

The audio line in needs a "line level" input. Microphones do not have the output level needed and must be amplified.

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Answer 4

WZJRCC Author

Level 1

11 points

Sep 21, 2010 5:18 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

So what exactly should I be looking for in a microphone that utilizes the audio line in port of the Mac Mini Unibody? Is there a microphone that is amplified that uses that audio line in port or is there no such animal? I figured in Apple's normal simplicity you could just buy a mike to plug into the audio line in port and it would work.

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Answer 5

Sep 21, 2010 5:27 AM in response to WZJRCC

I am not aware of such a microphone.

Actually, it is straight forward. A microphone port would be labeled as such as opposed to "line in".

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Answer 6

WZJRCC Author

Level 1

11 points

Sep 21, 2010 6:28 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Oh, so it's not specifically a microphone jack, think I'm getting it now. I see now that Apple says I need to find an amplified or self powered microphone for the audio line in port, but doesn't list any particular products except iMic which uses a USB port which I hoped to avoid. Thanks...

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Answer 7

Eleint

Level 1

0 points

Sep 27, 2010 10:49 PM in response to WZJRCC

I just wanted to chip in with my two cents.

I currently own the mid-2010 model unibody mac mini as well, and wished to use a mic with it. Discovering that the line-input was unamplified, and therefore far too low to be used with a standard mic I did some hunting.

A USB interface is probably going to be the easiest solution. The iMic is a perfect example of the concept, but similar USB sound cards can be found quite inexpensively elsewhere on the web. However, I discovered - somewhat by accident - that the audio out port (despite having no documentation to indicate it anywhere that I can find) does in fact have a four-contact combo headphone-mic interface. I have successfully gotten a standard PC two plug headset to work with an adapter like this:

http://shop.steelseries.com/index.php/accessories/steelseries-mobile-device-adap ter.html

That should mean that any headset designed for use on any other combo jack (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.) should also work on the 2010 mac mini!

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Answer 8

johndel

Level 1

12 points

Oct 21, 2010 3:55 AM in response to WZJRCC

Having read this thread, I bought a tie-clip mike (with a battery) to use with my Mac mini in Maplin, the assistant assured me it amplified the input, but it produces only a very faint noise. I suppose that is because it does not amplify enough. How can you tell if you have "line level' output? I am getting a bit fed up with Apple over this.
Johndel

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Answer 9

mooblie

Level 4

1,954 points

Oct 21, 2010 5:41 AM in response to Eleint

Have a look at this thread - referring to the Sony PS3 Eye webcam+microphone. Works very well with any Mac.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12175391

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