Microphone jack really S/PDIF???

Question

Level 2

256 points

Microphone jack really S/PDIF???

So I have no idea what S/PDIF is (other than what wikipedia just told me). Here's my question, what do I do with this jack and can I some how plug a standard microphone (like the kind on my headset) with out spending too much or should I just buy a USB headset?

And really, what the Heck is S/PDIF and why do I care?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.8), 1 GB Ram

Posted on Dec 30, 2006 11:37 AM

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Answer 1

Willett58

Level 2

220 points

Dec 30, 2006 5:57 PM in response to Thomas Cherry

I use a USB Headset, you can not use the jack from reg. headset it will not work it requires a powered mic.

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Answer 2

tbirdparis

Level 5

5,524 points

Dec 30, 2006 7:01 PM in response to Willett58

sp/dif is a digital audio format, it's there to give audio professionals high quality input and output. but, the ports also work as standard stereo analog minijack input and output. so you can plug a mic or whatever into it. if you want a headset mic/headphone thingy for chat or skype then you might want to look into something USB, it's prob a better idea. try the apple store online to see what accessories are out there.

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Answer 3

Thomas Cherry Author

Level 2

256 points

Dec 31, 2006 8:42 AM in response to tbirdparis

"the ports also work as standard stereo analog minijack input and output. so you can plug a mic or whatever into it"

So what does that mean? I've read this in other places as well but I don't know what it means. How do I plug a mic into it? Is there some adapter that I can pick up from Radio Shack to convert my un-powered mic to a powered one? Does it require a break out dongle to separate the in from the out? I good for sp/dif mics and fine nothing practical so I'm confused what to do with this. Apples documentation says nothing about it being used as an out put also, they only say it's an input.

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Answer 4

Willett58

Level 2

220 points

Dec 31, 2006 11:16 AM in response to tbirdparis

It does not work with minijack mic unless powered. I have tried and Apple said use USB mic, or powered mic.

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