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External mic . . .

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I want to use an external mic, for a voiceover in an iMovie project. But I don't find that I have the option for an external mic. When I go to System Preferences, and click the Sound option, there is nothing there for an external mic. Am I missing something?
 
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Do you have the mic, and if so have you plugged it in and to where?
 
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Do you have the mic, and if so have you plugged it in and to where?

Yes, but I have the wrong kind of mic. I've have one which plugs into the small audio input in the back of computer. I probably need a USD mic.
 
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No you can plug it into the line in/out port on your Mac if it's a 3.5mm jack.
Once plugged in it should show up in preferences.
That applies if you do find you have the wrong Mic, and need to change it.
 
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No you can plug it into the line in/out port on your Mac if it's a 3.5mm jack.
Once plugged in it should show up in preferences.
That applies if you do find you have the wrong Mic, and need to change it.
I plugged it in, but it didn't show up. I had but four options for the Input on the Sound panel:

Line in
Digital in
Display Audio
AirPhones Speakers

That's it. Nothing about an external mic. I have OS X 10.6.6?
 

Slydude

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Try selecting the Line In option after you have plugged the Mic into your Mac. That probably won't work. If it doesn't here.'s why:

The port on your Mac is expecting line level voltage which is a bit higher than the mic generates. This is true even thout the connections are the right size. You need a mic preamplifier or something like the Griffin Technologies iMic.
 
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Try selecting the Line In option after you have plugged the Mic into your Mac. That probably won't work. If it doesn't here.'s why:

The port on your Mac is expecting line level voltage which is a bit higher than the mic generates. This is true even thout the connections are the right size. You need a mic preamplifier or something like the Griffin Technologies iMic.
I'm getting a USB mic. I hope that will show up.

Thanks for your help . . .
 

Slydude

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You're welcome. The USB mic should work. I've used one several times with my MacBook Pro (2008). the one advantage that I see of using a mixing board or audio interface instead of direct connection is control. I find it easier to make fine adjustment in the inputt level when using a mixer rather than in software.
 
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You're welcome. The USB mic should work. I've used one several times with my MacBook Pro (2008). the one advantage that I see of using a mixing board or audio interface instead of direct connection is control. I find it easier to make fine adjustment in the inputt level when using a mixer rather than in software.
How expensive is a mixing board? And what other components would I need?
 

Slydude

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Depending upon what you need mixers can be found for as little as $50.00 but van cost hundreds or thousands. I bought either this model or its predecessor from a friend to do some podcasting. Behringer Xenyx 502 Mixer I am currently running a Heil Sound PR-40 Microphone through the board. My board plugs into the Line In port on my Mac but there are USB and Firewire interfaces available as well.

I have used a USB mic plugged directly into my MacBook Pro via USB. I don't have the exact model number in hand at the moment but I think it is a variation of this one MXL MXL 990s Condenser Microphone and more Condenser Microphones at GuitarCenter.com. I am far from an expert at this. There are many options out there so do some homework before purchasing. Perhaps one of the audio gurus here will chine in with additional information.
 
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Depending upon what you need mixers can be found for as little as $50.00 but van cost hundreds or thousands. I bought either this model or its predecessor from a friend to do some podcasting. Behringer Xenyx 502 Mixer I am currently running a Heil Sound PR-40 Microphone through the board. My board plugs into the Line In port on my Mac but there are USB and Firewire interfaces available as well.

I have used a USB mic plugged directly into my MacBook Pro via USB. I don't have the exact model number in hand at the moment but I think it is a variation of this one MXL MXL 990s Condenser Microphone and more Condenser Microphones at GuitarCenter.com. I am far from an expert at this. There are many options out there so do some homework before purchasing. Perhaps one of the audio gurus here will chine in with additional information.

Thank you for the good advice . . .
 

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You're welcome. Hope that was helpful.

BTW here is the link to the USB mic I was using without a mixer. MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Microphone . I liked it quite a lot but found myself having difficulty keeping a consistent distance from the mic. I also found that because of my crowded desk it sometimes picked up noises I did not want in the recording, I think it would have been fine on a boom or in slightly larger stand with a shock mount. I bought the PR 40, mixer and board from a buddy because he gave me one heck of a deal.
 

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