External (Line-in) Mic Doesn't Work

[QDaMan]

I've plugged in an external mic to the line-in and it does not work. The sound bar in system preferences shows no movement when I talk into the mic. Here's what I've already tried:

- The mic works, I've used it many times in my PC
- The mic is, in fact, in the line-in, not the output
- I've tried installing "line-in 2"--it didn't work
- I've switched the input in System Preferences
- I've gone to the MIDI Utility and upped the mic level there, no results
- I've used garage band to switch the input to the mic

I'm completely out of ideas and I've tried everything I found on the subject in this forum and nothing is working. Any ideas?

 

[cradom]

The line in jack is just that: line level input. Mics are not line level, they need to be amplified up to line level to work. I suggest getting an iMic from Griffin or an USB mic setup.

 

[formerpcgirl]

The line in jack is just that: line level input. Mics are not line level, they need to be amplified up to line level to work. I suggest getting an iMic from Griffin or an USB mic setup.

Ok, so this means the ONLY headset that a Mac user will find compatible for both features (headphone/microphone) will always be a USB headset? Never a stereo headset? (If I use the wrong names, please bear with me. I'm not very tech savvy or tech terms knowledgeable)

Thanks!

 

[cradom]

You can use something like this: Griffin Technology: iMic
Or get a USB headset.

 

[QDaMan]

The line in jack is just that: line level input. Mics are not line level, they need to be amplified up to line level to work. I suggest getting an iMic from Griffin or an USB mic setup.

Really, even just for the **-hum Labtec mic I have? It's not a studio mic or anything, it worked in my PC. I'm guessing PC inputs through sound cards are not line level?

 

[cradom]

If it's marked "Mic" on the PC input, it's probably an amplified input just for mics, built-in. Mac's have a line level input and mics don't have enough voltage to drive the circuitry.