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I just bought a new microphone, and plugged it into the back of my Mac Mini. I can't seem to get it to work. I went to System Preferences > Sound > Input, and the only device I see listed is "line in." This isn't the microphone, is it? Nothing I do seems to make it work. Any suggestions?
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The Mac Mini's line-in port is a line-level input. That means it's not providing any power to the device, so an unpowered computer mic is not going to work. You need something to pull the mic-level input of the mic up to line-level, like a mixer or certain types of powered mics.
Alternatively, you can use something like the iMic, or any USB mic/headset from Logitech, etc. If your Mac Mini is a model with Bluetooth support, you could also use a Bluetooth mic.
phoebus
Posted 2010-01-31T00:30:43.300
Reputation: 3 811
Great answer. I for one was totally unaware of this. – Jonik – 2010-01-31T01:04:24.070
Just bought the iMic, but beware, there is a 1/4 second delay if using using speaker for output. I was using it for singing and guitar playing and this letancy renders iMic useless. – None – 2013-04-14T14:17:50.823
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There is a better solution to that unpowered linein.
We can use a mic(rophone) app on android/ios phones and then connect the phone to the {line in} input jack using an Aux cable.
Its so Easy as ABC.
Jasjit SIngh Virdi
Posted 2010-01-31T00:30:43.300
Reputation: 1
I'd think "Line In" is the correct device (if you plugged into "audio in", second from top-right: http://images.apple.com/macmini/images/features_portdiagram_20091020.jpg). Not sure how to make it work though... I'm testing the same thing with my Mac mini and a headset. +1 for the question.
– Jonik – 2010-01-31T00:54:35.667