iMac 2019 5k

[AbyGail Hastings]

I have been a Mac Nerd for 10 years plus, I have tolerated all the lead changes and loss of the usage of products I have had for my iphone and iPads but I have persevered... until now.

I use my iMac as a recording studio, I have purchased all Apple products such as LogicProX to accompany my iMac so to create continuity. Now I ask myself..... why oh why?

Just short of two weeks ago I bought a new iMac 2019, 27' 5K display. I set it up and started to connect all to find the 3mm input socket is no longer on the iMac, the only input is a USB!

On contacting Apple I have had a long run of bad customer service as none of the advisors including two Tech advisors were even aware that this was the case. Twice it was suggested that the output 3mm socket was input/output and all I needed was a 3mm, 3 ring connector. The first suggestion was a standard 3mm, 3 ring connector and the second a 3mm splitter connector, both of which I purchased to no avail.

I then spoke to an advisor who researched and found that it was in fact merely output and that I would need a third party USB interface should I wish to have high quality music input. He was supposed to get back to me alas I had to call them again this morning as I only have until Tuesday to return this machine.

I am so disappointed as the rest of the iMac is stunning although I have lost the ability to use a few menial programs on the whole it is a good machine.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to quality interfaces as Apple do not offer any help or product to solve the issue they have in fact created.

I would be ever so grateful for help and lets see if I do have to return this on Tuesday

 

[BootLoxes]

You should have seen peoples reactions when all the macbooks got redesigned. It was chaos

 

[AbyGail Hastings]

This is sooo stupid, iMac's are being used in all the recording studio's in my area and two were about to update the same as I did now all is on hold. Apple are shooting themselves in the foot. Worst was to find that their advisors didn't know and had to research all. It is pure madness!!

 

[Ifti]

Have you considered an external hub connected via TB3??

Something like this:

 

[AbyGail Hastings]

I will look into it now Ifti and thank you for your suggestion. I have to be honest right now I seriously need to consider if it is worth a costly outlay, these machines are a far higher cost than most, followed by no help other than to advise me I had to find a third party solution..... it does not bode well.

 

[Fishrrman]

There are low-cost USB "boxes" that plug in and offer 3.5mm input/output, along with optical output, etc...

 

[Thirio2]

I have been thinking about a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd generation Audio Interface for use with my laptop to digitize some of my LP collection. Granted, it would be an additional. $150-$200, but the specs look good. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I know there are other, possibly cheaper, methods, but I am looking for high quality since my analog audio equipment is high quality. I have the same issue as OP with the inputs to my 2015 MBP.

 

[AbyGail Hastings]

There are low-cost USB "boxes" that plug in and offer 3.5mm input/output, along with optical output, etc...

I understand that but when they charge top dollar yet can not make a confirmed yes it will work you then question all. I have seen a USB external interface that I will order first so to see.... if not the machine goes back and I give up on Apple when all my products run out.
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I have been thinking about a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd generation Audio Interface for use with my laptop to digitize some of my LP collection. Granted, it would be an additional. $150-$200, but the specs look good. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I know there are other, possibly cheaper, methods, but I am looking for high quality since my analog audio equipment is high quality. I have the same issue as OP with the inputs to my 2015 MBP.

I am like you but in this case no point in spending yet again top price if there is no way of knowing if it will work.