I am an audio enthusiast and am upset my $3k Macbook Pro Retina does not have a microphone port. I didn't realize this until after I made the purchase. What a bad compromise to make it thinner. Is there a simple solution to the microphone port issue?

I had the same disappointing discovery and after research I found this:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3625

Apple claims you can use the port as an input although I do not see the "Use Audio For:" that this article claims is to be found in the System Preferences > Sound > Input tab

The post you replied to is a year old.

Use a USB microphone input or a USB microphone.

I don't think it matters that the post is a year old if it is still relevant.

I am researching this now and wanted to share my findings for the benefit of all, which is what these forums are all about

The answer has already been posted, instead of reposting why don't you read what is actually posted here.

Or just wait

Actually the answer i posted has NOT been posted on this thread... Most of the people who answered this post wasted the OP's time by offering complaints about the OP's method instead of offering solutions to the OP's problem... kind of what you are doing with me, wasting my time arguing why I posted a relevant answer

The answer has been posted, use an external audio device, there is no external microphone input.

That answer is wrong because the Apple specs clearly state that the computer supports an Apple headset which has a microphone, therefore the external microphone input does exist!

Good luck with that.

This has been beaten to death in many threads so I will leave you to waste your time on your time.

You should use a usb audio interface. I use a Scarlite 2i2 and it cost around $149.00. The sound is better than an input port could be and it's the best way to go. You get so much more for your money by having a Retina. The flash drive makes work in your daw much faster and the overall performance on my Macbook Pro Retina is so much better than what it was on my older computer which has an input port. Take it from me get a portable audio interface and a bag it will fit in with your computer so then all you have to do is plug it in. It has two inputs and outputs 1-2 which isn't great at the studio where you may need more inputs but it does the job for the money.

Alan Warrick wrote:

You should use a usb audio interface

I have one, try replying to the poster with the problem.

Csound1 wrote:

I have one, try replying to the poster with the problem.

Use a usb audio interface. They don't cost much and they're portable. The inputs are quarter inch/mic. I have one and I have recorded through a mic and through a quarter inch cable with line and mic.

This is an old thread, but was active for 18 months, so here's some clear answers:

The Retinas have a port labelled with a headphone symbol. If you plug a headset with mic (like the one that comes with an iPhone) into that jack, the headst microphone and stereo phones will work just fine. The Sound control panel will look like this:

If you want to record with a microphone into this port, you need a plug that looks like the one on the iPhone headset. This may require an adapter or special cable, which is harder now that Radio Shack is gone...But the analog microphone input function is indeed built into the MacBook Pro Retina.

Having said all that, the better answer is the one recommended by other posters on this thread: use a USB audio input device. You will be much happier with the results.

The plug is a TRRS, 1/8"