I have a MacBook Pro (mid 2012) with the single audio socket. Why does it not recognise when I plug a microphone into it?
I am using a splitter lead, and have meter tested that this is correctly wired. Also the microphone I am trying to use works when connected to a separate recorder unit, so I know that is working okay.
MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)
The audio output port on a 2012 does not support audio input. You will need to use the USB ports for audio input. That will require appropriate hardware and software.
Ciao.
Sorry Ogelthorpe but you are wrong. I have managed to get a microphone on a telephone type headset to work as an input, and is recognised as an external microphone in the sound system preferences panel. This uses (I believe) the inner ring of a 4 terminal mini jack as the microphone connector. The splitter unit I use has a 4 terminal jack plug connected to two sockets (3 terminal) - one for microphone, one for headphones. As I said I have meter checked that this splitter is correctly wired.
You are indeed correct and I am not (and don't be sorry). I found these two links that may be beneficial to third party readers:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201929
http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/90344/macbook-pro-mid-2012-microphone-i nput
One does need the correct input jack and setup in System Preferences.
Not that it matters, my mistake is/was believing the label on the MBP.
Ciao.
Hi Ogelthorpe, The links were useful - especially the second one. I am sure the socket can recognise a microphone - it works with phone type mic headsets. I know the external mic I want to use works - I have tried it on other kit. It is does not require phantom power. I know the splitter I bought is correct - I have checked it with a meter. It just seems the MBP does not recognise the microphone as a microphone. I wonder if you, or anyone else, knows how it does that recognition - is it looking for a signal, or a particular measurement of impedance, or what?
I did try the trick of reconnecting mic to splitter then connecting splitter to MBP - nothing!
Very frustrating!!
I have a MacBook Pro (mid 2012) with the single audio socket. Why does it not recognise when I plug a microphone into it?
