Why doesn't my MacBook Pro recognize external microphone?

Question

Why doesn't my MacBook Pro recognize external microphone?

I have MacBook Pro that I purchasd 1 year ago. Have tried 3 different headsets by 3 different companies and the microphone is not recognized, my voice keeps going through the internal microphone, even after changing the settings. One had a jack connection, one was wireless USB, and this 3rd one is wired USB. I tried the wired USB on my old white MacBook and the microphone worked. So how can I get the microphone to work on this laptop? Must be missing something obvious. Thanks.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Feb 12, 2014 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 25, 2014 8:57 AM in response to Maria A. 2212

I've got the same problem. I just laid down $3,800 for my new MBP and I use it mainly for audio recording (I have a whole audio recording studio) and the dang thing can't recognize my external mic!

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Answer 2

May 3, 2014 12:02 PM in response to Maria A. 2212

I've got the same problem, I just bought a earphone with mic but my macbook pro retina doesn't recognize the microphone, it only recognizes the earphone...

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Answer 3

May 3, 2014 1:17 PM in response to Hiranoyama

Hiranoyama,

Is this a USB headset? Or are you plugging up to the input and output ports (if you have both)?

Clinton

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Answer 4

May 3, 2014 6:08 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

I have a MacBook Pro Retina, and it has only one plug-in which is for both input and output. I had a earphone (old) with mic that i used to use before, but it broke, so i bought a new one, but only the earphone function works, the macbook doesn't recgonize the microphone part for some reason...

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Answer 5

May 3, 2014 6:35 PM in response to Hiranoyama

Have you looked at purchasing a USB headset? They go from pretty inexpensive to very expensive. I bought a $40 headset that works just fine with Dragon Dictate 4 and for my listening needs...

Clinton

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Answer 6

May 3, 2014 8:11 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

It's because I use for both my phone and computer, so it's more practical having one that i can use for both.

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