How do I get an audio line in to a 2014 MacBook Pro

Joined
May 30, 2014
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I was told by Mac Users that I could get audio line in to my MacBook Pro using the headphone mini jack socket but it doesn't appear to work. What are the recommended options to input sound on the latest MacBook Pros?
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,210
Reaction score
1,418
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
Here's how the "connectivity" for 2014 MacBook Pro's is described:

"Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot."

This "audio in/out port" is most likely the headphone jack. If you are not getting "audio in"…my guess is a setting of some sort is not setup correctly.

- Nick
 
OP
D
Joined
May 30, 2014
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Thanks Nick.

That certainly confirms what I have ben told, but still can't get it to work. When I go to system preferences/Sound all I see is the internal microphone. The system doesn't appear to recognise another input and give me the option of selecting it. See attached screen shot

Screen Shot 2014-10-21 at 05.04.16.png
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,210
Reaction score
1,418
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
Here's an excellent You Tube video that I think will explain things very well:

How to Use an External Microphone on a MacBook Pro with Only One Headset Jack - YouTube

To boil things down from the video...most microphones or headphones have 3 sections to the plug. The type of microphone needed for the MacBook Pro needs to have a plug with 4 sections. Check the video out to see what I mean.

Here's a photo as well:

cTO2F.png


- Nick
 
OP
D
Joined
May 30, 2014
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Thank you Nick. I didn't know that and I am sure that is the answer to the issue. Yesterday I ordered a mini jack to USB cable to see whether I could input through a USB port. I guess there is no reason why not?

I am now going to source cables with four section mini jack at one end or a converter. Thanks again.
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,210
Reaction score
1,418
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
You're welcome.:) When you get things working...please let us know what worked...so we can help others.:)

Thanks,

- Nick
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Nick is right as always. My only Gripe is the Mic input is only Mono and not stereo. If you need stereo, get a USB Microphone preamp. There was one that worked great with OSX but that is antique now. Just be sure it's Mac compatible.
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,210
Reaction score
1,418
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
Nick is right as always.

Not always! I bet I can find some recent threads where someone thought I was not correct!;)lol

- Nick
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Not always! I bet I can find some recent threads where someone thought I was not correct!;)lol

- Nick

You have a great track record though.

I really wish Apple on especially the Pros left in the Analog/Optical Stereo input. I know you can buy external USB stuff but it's nice on a Notebook to have it inside!
 
C

chas_m

Guest
The reason they didn't is because the port would be analog, which is persona non grata in the recording world these days. USB mics offer not only a pure digital signal, but fantastically higher sound quality.

My personal mic of choice:

zdnet-rachel-king-blue-mic-snowball-004.jpg
 

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Line In IS Analog. Like Electric guitar? Many used to plug them right in. Yes I know you can get USB so no need to inform me! :D

Just for knowledge sake, I am quite aware the difference between Digital and Analog as an Audio Engineer who has designed much equipment in fact!

I and 1000's of other miss that input. It was quite handy for some uses on the go.
 
Last edited:

dtravis7


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
30,133
Reaction score
703
Points
113
Location
Modesto, Ca.
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M-1 MacOS Monterey, iMac 2010 27"Quad I7 , MBPLate2011, iPad Pro10.5", iPhoneSE
Forgot to say, your Mic looks like a good one. Is it Ribbon or Condenser?
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top