line in port and internal mic switch

[tonywalker23]

PLEASE HELP ME
i am a preacher and i want to start a radio broadcast. i was going to record the messages on my powerbook 12" so i bought a headset/mic to get better quality and such with a headset. i just "figured" that i could plug the mic jack into the line in but that doesnt seem to work. is there ANY way to get my powerbook to record from this mic? has anyone ever used a usb mic? what kind of pro/cons go with a usb mic?
thanks

[johnnyjibbs]

Go to system preferences and click on Sound. Click the input tab and then select the Line-in from the list, rather than Internal Microphone. If you speak into the microphone, it should register on the input level below.

[tonywalker23]

that still doesnt work

[johnnyjibbs]

Is it line in or USB? If it is line in, it should work. USB would require a driver.

To actually record, you would require a program, eg. Sound Studio, although you could use iMovie or GarageBand.

[tonywalker23]

its line in, a plantronics .audio 90
and im using sound studio, i changed all settings (mac os & sound studio) to use line in but it still isnt working??????

[johnnyjibbs]

Sorry, I can't help you. One thing, this might sound silly but you have definately plugged it into the line on and not the headphone port (sorry, I'm not trying to say you're stupid!)?

My only other suggestion is that the sound from it is too quiet and that you need a pre-amp to boost the sound levels, but I'd have thought you'd at least get something.

Maybe someone else can help?

[7on]

Odd, I was having similar problem, but I had to close the lid and go back to my dorm. When waking it up there, I could use the line in. Weird huh?

Could you post a link or tell us what model of headset you have?

[tonywalker23]

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/catalog/display_product_detail.jhtml?rootId=cat640035&prodId=prod440020&productTypeId=cat1430032

[rainman::|:|]

it says "works with windows" and "MacOS users may require an additional adapter". i'd look into what this means, they don't provide a lot of info-- but i'll bet it's the culprit.

paul