Is there any way to enable my iMac to use an external mic after I have found that it is not compatible? Via some kind of device or upgrade?

Without spending money...no!

It's the headset's input end that is incompatible. There is no workaround for this.

You need to purchase a new, Mac compatible USB style headset mic OR USB, Mac compatible microphone.

That iMac has an audio in. Where did you see that it is not compatable with audio in?

Some headset mic setups are not compatible with the audio in on many Mac models, Frank.

I Have seen this scenario play out time and time again on Macs.

Apple always seems to use some non-standard audio connector that doesn't work when buying off-the-shelf audio products from electronics/computer retailers or audio retailers.

The connector is, usually, some non-standard length that leaves the audio input of the audio device to not function or half function.

Right, noticed after I posted that the OP was referring to an Apple headset.

However his comment that his iMac

is not compatible with an external audio input/microphone.

is wrong. He could easily pick up a cheap mic and it would work fine with his Mac.

regards

It isn't a software issue, it is a hardware one. Most Macs don't have the necessary contacts in the audio input connector to connect to the mic. (See for instance the second picture here.) A second issue is this type of mic usually needs power for its built-in electronics that bring its signal up to "line level" -- otherwise its output is too weak or in most cases nonexistent to drive the line level audio input of the Mac.

There might be some sort of hardware adaptor you could use with the Apple headphones, but frankly its mic isn't a very good one for anything other than speech so you would be better off spending a little more on (for example) a USB mic. http://www.guitarcenter.com/USB-Microphones-Microphones.gc lists ones for a wide range of uses that begin at about $40, plus some useful info about them at the bottom of the page.

Frank Caggiano wrote:

He could easily pick up a cheap mic and it would work fine with his Mac.

Not necessarily or even likely. His iMac has an audio input that accepts line level inputs. Most mics, even cheap ones, output lower level signals that need amplification to reach that level.

Yeah,

I forgot about the whole line level vs. mic level issue. This is probably another issue with the OP's mic, too!

While I have had success using mic straight into the audio input it isn;t the way to get the best audio.

If you can spring for a USB analog/digital input device you'll get better results. There are a number of such devices out there starting at about $20 and running up from there.

The iMic | Griffin Technology is one that a lot of users seem to have luck with.

regards

AckFun wrote:

Ok so should I buy a USB mic then?

Check out the mics at Apple's Online store by clicking the store tab at the top of this website.

MichelPM wrote:

Yeah,

I forgot about the whole line level vs. mic level issue. This is probably another issue with the OP's mic, too!

No, the problem is that the Apple headset uses the 3-wire combined headset and microphone connection, which only works for listening and not input when connected to a regular audio out port. 2007 iMacs were made before anyone had these kinds of connections, so a mic-only cable is required if it even has a mic input.

There are plenty of really cheap USB solutions out there.

I have your answer! I was having the same problem with my 2012 imac, but found a simple solution. Logitec sells a usb adapter that you plug your audio out/in cables in on one end, and then plug the usb into your mac on the other. Simple and cheap. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-3-5mm-Jack-Audio-Adapter/dp/B0058P0I2C