04-13-2006, 06:54 PM

Hey all I was at the dollar store the other day and noticed they had computer mics. and because I have an Imac my internal mic picks up all of that fan noise so me and my friend bought some mics. But I cant seem to get my mic working I changed all the system pref settings with no luck. I know the mic works because it works on my friends pc just fine why does it not work for me??

04-14-2006, 05:47 AM

Hi,
I think better write down what you did exactly and the expert will tell you if you did "all" the changes.
Regards,
doki

04-14-2006, 04:19 PM

Okay so:
1)bought the mic
2)plugged it in
3)opened system prefs changed input from internal mic to external mic and the sound detection bars dont move at all when I talk
4) I also changed the prefs in speakable items to listen on the external mic port and still nothing
5) I even tryed using sound studio 3 and nothing happened in terms of sound so.... ya anybody know what else to try?

04-14-2006, 05:23 PM

Go to applications-> utilities-> Audio & midi utility.

Make sure the input levels for the external mic port are turned up all the way.

04-14-2006, 07:36 PM

did that and no luck

04-14-2006, 07:41 PM

try this: http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/18987

04-15-2006, 01:09 AM

wow this is really annoying it just doesn't work. Does it have to be like a power mic or something (just throwing out random questions)

05-04-2006, 07:38 AM

I know this sounds stupid, but are you sure you plugged it into the line-in connection and not the line-out. Believe me, some people do it !

05-04-2006, 08:21 PM

Okay, this problem can be easily solved. It's a pain to figure out, but it works...

In GarageBand-

GarageBand>Preferences>Audio/Midi

Then select audio input and choose your mic from the scroll list

Does this help?

01-03-2009, 10:06 PM

See the problem is that the mac doesn't recognize the mic at all. It doesn't have anything to do with programs or preferences. One thing I found that should work is this Griffin USB mic adapter for macs. Griffin iMic 2 Sound card

01-20-2010, 02:02 PM

This is the problem with your mic: The cheap computer mic is usually an electret type. This means that here is a field effect transistor inside the mic that requires a power supply. PC's that have a mic input have a supply voltage to feed the transistor but the Mac does not have a mic input, only a line in which means there is no supply voltage. This can be arranged externally if you know how. You could try a dynamic mic which does not need a supply but audio outputs from dynamic mics is very low and will probably not work.

Regards

Henry.

01-20-2010, 10:56 PM

I think you guys are on the right track suggesting that the problem is the type of mic. I spent about two hours a few months ago trying yo get a mic to work with one of my desktop systems. The mic is probably not generating sufficient voltage to work on the Line In port.

If I remember correctly the Griffin iMic solved the problem for me. A mic pre-amp (available from many electronics shops) would likely also work.

02-15-2010, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by Henry

This is the problem with your mic: The cheap computer mic is usually an electret type. This means that here is a field effect transistor inside the mic that requires a power supply. PC's that have a mic input have a supply voltage to feed the transistor but the Mac does not have a mic input, only a line in which means there is no supply voltage. This can be arranged externally if you know how. You could try a dynamic mic which does not need a supply but audio outputs from dynamic mics is very low and will probably not work.

Regards

Henry.

I was reading your post and you stated that a power supply for this type of mic can be arranged externally... How would one go about doing that?

09-16-2012, 07:51 PM

I was reading your post and you stated that a power supply for this type of mic can be arranged externally... How would one go about doing that?

I have the same question. Anyone? Thanks ^^

09-16-2012, 08:28 PM

I would try the following. Either should work though in many way I prefer option two as it has a bit more flexibility for connecting mics and certain speakers.

1. Get in touch with a local electronics shop such as Radio Shack. Tell them the problem you are having and ask if a mic preamp will solve the problem. I have seen some that are not very expensive but it's probably best to ask about their return policy.

2. The Griffin iMic 2 Sound card may work. I have two of them and use them regularly. If the problem is simply that the mic doesn't generate appropriate voltage this should foo the trick.