Harry Katz
Level 1 (10 points)

Q: Background distortion when using iSight and Photo Booth

Whenever I try to record something using the internal mic on iSight there is a heavy background noise. My voice gets recorded over this heavy noise.

 

But when I connect an external mic....the noise disappears.

 

Has anyone else experienced this? I've read posts from 2010 which describes a similar situation but no solution.

 

Thanks.

 

Harry

iMac (24-inch), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 5:40 PM

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Harry Katz

Q: Background distortion when using iSight and Photo Booth

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  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Apr 17, 2012 9:21 AM in response to Harry Katz
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Apr 17, 2012 9:21 AM in response to Harry Katz

    I do not have this problem on any of my three Lion Macs.

     

    The difference in audio quality between your mics may simply be that your external mic is closer to your mouth than the one in your iMac.  Sit as close to your iMac's mic as you can and record a short test wherein you speak louder to see if the audio auto-volume circuitry might be expecting a louder voice input.

     

    If the loudest you are comfortable talking to your iMac does not improve your recorded audio, your iMac's built-in mic may have a problem.  In this case, either have your Mac checked out by your Apple-Authorized Service Provider or use with the external mic whenever you need a good sound recording.

     

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.7.3

  • by Philip Wheelock,

    Philip Wheelock Philip Wheelock May 21, 2012 10:15 AM in response to Harry Katz
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 21, 2012 10:15 AM in response to Harry Katz

    Hello Harry,

     

    I've been seeing the same issue when using the internal mic (2008-ish 2.8 Ghz iMac OSX 10.6.8). No problems with external mic inputs. 99.9% sure it's a hardware problem.

     

    Best,

    Philip