i cant get my macbook to record from a mic?

[andrewface]

im just trying to record on guitar pro with a cheap studio mic and i plugged it into the macbook and i cant get it to pick up anysound....i turned off the built in mic and tried to turn on the line in one how do i get this work?

[zimv20]

this is addressed in the primer (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=179296).

[thejadedmonkey]

im just trying to record on guitar pro with a cheap studio mic and i plugged it into the macbook and i cant get it to pick up anysound....i turned off the built in mic and tried to turn on the line in one how do i get this work?
that annoyed me a lottttttt. I used a mac mini w/ external soundcard, and a G4, and neither of them worked. In the end, I had to use a, which everyone bashes. $%^&*

[zimv20]

I had to use a, which everyone bashes.
was it a subconscious urge to avoid ridicule that made you omit what it is that you use? :-)

[andrewface]

so im confused?
it doesnt work then?

[wordmunger]

so im confused?
it doesnt work then?
Did you read the Primer Zim linked to?

[andrewface]

Did you read the Primer Zim linked to?
yes

[zimv20]

did you get as far as this bit?


though the mac audio-in port does have a mic pre built-in, it is accessible through an apple proprietary connector called PlainTalk. it seems this connector is longer than a standard 1/8" plug and can access the mic pre's phantom power. therefore, plugging in an OTS condenser microphone, with an XLR to 1/8" adapter, won't work.

[iTwitch]

The Griffin iMic works great with my iBook, you might want to give one a try?

[chasemac]

This can't be another UB? Can it? :)

[andrewface]

well i guess my next question is what is the best cheapest way to record to the mac then?

[zimv20]

must i again point you to the primer?

[beatsme]

well i guess my next question is what is the best cheapest way to record to the mac then?
let's start with this:
what kind of mic have you got now?

[airkarol]

Get a sound interface, which I think is also mentioned in the primer :D

[Killyp]

The built in MacBook (Pro and non pro) soundcard has NO Mic preamp built in as far as I can tell. It is a line in only (mics need about 35-40 dB input boost in order to get anything out of them at all. You could get a cheapo mic preamp and connect it to the line in.