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User profile for user: AvedYahweh
AvedYahweh Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

How to get audio input through 3.5mm on MacBook Air

I am trying to use the 3.5mm jack on the MacBook Air as an input jack. I am running several Mic's to a sound board, and then using it's output to get the audio to my system. The problem is, when I plug the cable into the jack, it thinks it is speakers. Does anybody have a solution? I cannot find any way to manually adjust this from output to input. Also, using USB is not an otion, becuase it is coming from a sound board, not jus one mic.


I am using a mid-2011 MBA with Lion 10.7.5


Thanks!!!

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jan 21, 2013 3:33 PM

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User profile for user: SP Forsythe
SP Forsythe
User level: Level 5
5,448 points

Posted on Jan 21, 2013 8:47 PM

For a conventional mic, are you using a TRRS adapter for the 1/8 mic cable? If not, you are gonna need one.


The single audio connection is simultaneously both an input and an output, much like the audio jack on an iPhone (3.5 MM TRRS Tip Ring Ring Sleeve Connector). The adapter you want to use is a mini-jack with the 4 conductors (TRRS Male) that will adapt to a conventional microphone jack.


Something like this:

User uploaded file

http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-43f35f.htm

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4 replies
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User profile for user: SP Forsythe
SP Forsythe
User level: Level 5
5,448 points

Jan 21, 2013 8:47 PM in response to AvedYahweh

For a conventional mic, are you using a TRRS adapter for the 1/8 mic cable? If not, you are gonna need one.


The single audio connection is simultaneously both an input and an output, much like the audio jack on an iPhone (3.5 MM TRRS Tip Ring Ring Sleeve Connector). The adapter you want to use is a mini-jack with the 4 conductors (TRRS Male) that will adapt to a conventional microphone jack.


Something like this:

User uploaded file

http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-43f35f.htm

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User profile for user: mbcan
mbcan
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mar 5, 2013 7:27 AM in response to SP Forsythe

Maybe you can help me now? 🙂

I have a iPhone 1/8 inch microphone adapter - 3.5mm 4 conductor TRRS Male to 3.5mm Microphone Input Jack from here. that allows me to plug my lapel mic directly into my iphone and record, it is great.


I was hoping I could also use it on my MBPRetina to accomplish the same purpose. Do you know if that is possible? I tried and tested it recording a video in iMovie, and didn't notice any change.


I went to the Sound Input Preferences, and do not notice the mic input changing when I plug it in or remove it. In other words, it always says "internal mic."


My lapel mic is battery operated, with a fresh battery, and it was turned on.


What am I doing incorrectly? Any help would be wonderfully appreciated!

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How to get audio input through 3.5mm on MacBook Air

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