No possibility to turn output into input on MacBook Pro

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5286382?answerId=22899542022#22899542022&ac_cid=tw123456#22899542

13"MBP's don't have an audio input, use a USB interface.

2012's dont have that feature, you need to use USB as has been written. Is that your model? If not post back.

So how does a set of iPhone-compatible headphones turn off the built-in mic and use the mic in the headphones? It's a combination jack, as detailed in the System Profiler. And it does switch from the internal mic to an external if it sees the right kind of device. Trouble is, it's not clear what kind of device it wants.

Here's the jack as described:

Here it is with an iphone-compatible headset/mic plugged in:

And here it is with anything else or nothing at all:

The same device I use on my iPad doesn't work here. I tested the voltage the plug is getting and there is no connection being made on the MacBook Pro. I don't know if it's a physical connection, the plug length (they look identical), or a circuit in the headset.

paulbeard wrote:

So how does a set of iPhone-compatible headphones turn off the built-in mic and use the mic in the headphones? It's a combination jack, as detailed in the System Profiler. And it does switch from the internal mic to an external if it sees the right kind of device. Trouble is, it's not clear what kind of device it wants.

Here's the jack as described:

Here it is with an iphone-compatible headset/mic plugged in:

And here it is with anything else or nothing at all:

The same device I use on my iPad doesn't work here. I tested the voltage the plug is getting and there is no connection being made on the MacBook Pro. I don't know if it's a physical connection, the plug length (they look identical), or a circuit in the headset.

What voltage is the plug getting?

What voltage is the plug getting?

2V, if memory serves. It looks like there is an additional connection within the four conductors (Tip, Ring1, Ring2, Sleeve) that the cable I have supports.

This suggests I need to get a cheapo pair of working headphones or build something with a bare TRRS plug.

I suggest that you get a USB interface/

Already have one on it's way. But it doesn't solve the problem of why this doesn't work as expected. It obviously can work and does with some components.

The question was

How to use the combination audio port for an audio input device

not "how do i get audio into a MacBook Pro?"

2012 and later 13" models do not have an audio in.

Bought a macbook pro with retina in June '13. paid a fortune almost 1700 US$. Tried to plug in my guitare and it turn out there is no audio inpout available. I am asking myself why did I pay that price for a pice of **** just to open an close windows.

Is that the reason why apple started to give away Garageband for free, becaus eyou cant use it in propoer way with their crap.

So buy a proper guitar interface (USB) there are hundreds of them.

Csound1 wrote:

2012 and later 13" models do not have an audio in.

Which would be fine if it were true. Which it's not. "I don't know how it works" is not the same as "there isn't one."

Buying a USB audio interface (hundreds of them? Not so much) is probably the best option unless someone can figure out how to use the existing hardware.

Probably not why they gave it away. It's annoying that you can't use the same hardware interface on the MacBook Pro as on the iPad but there it is. A USB interface will set you back another $40 or so. Pretend Garageband cost you that much and just make some music.

It is true, you are incorrectly informed, but that's your issue.