Buying a new iMac ... things you should know

The "pin" on the end of audio cables is called a "jack" or connector. There are different types of audio jacks.

There are two types of microphone jacks. The single style microphone jack is called a 1/4" diameter inch mic jack or just 1/4 inch jack.

The other type of microphone jack is a three pin combined jack called an XLR style microphone connector or jack.

In your case, your mics have a 1/4 inch jack.

In order to use them with USB microphone adapters, you need an audio adapter that is a step down jack adapter from 1/4 inch diameter adapter to a 1/8 inch diameter jack.

The particular audio adapter you need is a 1/4 inch mic jack to 1/8 mic jack.

You can find many audio adapters at your local Radio Shack, musical instrument dealers or pro audio dealers in your area.

Once you have the right audio adapter, you can now use a USB audio/mic adapter connected to your iMac.

No you haven't been clear about that.

Some mics have the cable directly attached at the Mic end.

But now I know.

So the mic cable you use already and the 1/8 mini connection.

You said you tried a USB microphone adapter and it didn't work on the new iMac?

I Found one on Amazon.com that says works with Mac OS

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref= sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362439919&sr=8-1&keywords=USB+microphone+adapters

OR this

http://www.amazon.com/Channel-External-Digital-Headphones-Microphone/dp/B005MTBK C6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362439919&sr=8-2&keywords=USB+microphone+adapters

Chuck,

I'm not sure what was said in my post, as it was removed....and probably posted more than a couple of weeks ago. I can't recall ever posting anything that could be construed as inflammatory or demeaning (or removed by the Host), so I apologize if somehow I was misunderstood.

As far as not being around long enough....perhaps you're right there. I've only been using Macs since 1984.

I do not know why the adapters do not work with the new iMac.

I am a musician with a pretty good audio and digital workflow gear connected to my iMac.

What I use with my Macs is an external FireWire audio interface box.

They make USB 2.0 audio interface boxes, too! The ones I use are made by M-Audio.

These use special drivers for Mac OS X that you have to install, but have multiple types of inputs on them.

These audio interfaces have built-in pre-amps and have line level pro 1/4 inch connections and RCA-style connections. Also pro level mic inputs with phantom power plus, inputs for digital musical instruments.

It's a more expensive option, but it's more of a guarantee that my audio devices will always work no matter what kind of Mac I have or will buy in the future.

Something you could look into.

I Use an older model of this

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-ProFire-610-Firewire-Interface/dp/B001EH77R2/ref=d p_ob_image_ce

Here's the one I own

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-FireWire-410-Recording-Interface/dp/B0000TP588/ref =sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362451802&sr=1-9&keywords=M-audio+audio+intin terfaces

And here's another cheaper audio interface box option

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-US44010-Interface-GT-Player-Software/dp/B00061ZM2Y /ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362451802&sr=1-2&keywords=M-audio+audio+i nterfaces

I Point these out as an alternative as I know these will work with your iMac.

Do what you wil.

Good Luck!

Message was edited by: MichelPM