External Mic not Working

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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??
 
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Hi,
I think better write down what you did exactly and the expert will tell you if you did "all" the changes.
Regards,
doki
 
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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?
 
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Go to applications-> utilities-> Audio & midi utility.

Make sure the input levels for the external mic port are turned up all the way.
 
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did that and no luck
 
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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)
 
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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 !
 
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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?
 
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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
 
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External mic for Mac

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.
 

Slydude

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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.
 
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How to create external power supply

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?
 
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How to create external power supply

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 ^^
 

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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.
 
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other option

Hi Slydude,

Thanks for your quick answer. I'm not sure the quality of the recorded sound with a mic + Griffin iMic 2 Sound card would be better than the one using the built-in mic of my MacBook. I say so, because I want to record people talking in a public space.

I was googling and I found this USB one, which is expensive for me as I just need to do some experiences. Anyway it seems to work just fine, so I'll try to borrow one from a girl who has a similar one. Let's see if I'm lucky!
 
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Go to applications-> utilities-> Audio & midi utility.

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

I did this but whenever and however I have found to do this and switch to the headset it doesnt connect and brings up a window telling me to stop using headset. I restarted my computer and checked it and did this Im begining to lose my wit!
 

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I did this but whenever and however I have found to do this and switch to the headset it doesnt connect and brings up a window telling me to stop using headset. I restarted my computer and checked it and did this Im begining to lose my wit!
Without knowing which Mac you have I can't be sure but I think the problem is the mic not generating sufficient power. Try either the Griffin iMic that I referenced in my previous post or a USB mic.
 
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i discovered that I "lost" my built-in mike because of an Audacity setting. When I changed it to external mike, the internal mike became active,
 

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I will definitely file that tidbit away for future use. I have not used Audacity in quite some time due to quirks like that. I tend to use either Amadeus Pro or Audio Hijack Pro for most recording/editing. My needs are pretty simple though.
 

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