iMac Audio Input

[Robert4]

Hello,

This is a bit of a follow-on to what I posted a while back.

I just want to be 100 % sure that I am understanding the replies correctly.
At my age now, I miss a lot of the nuances.

Have an M1 imac desktop.

Has (only) the headphone OUT Jack on the lower left edge, and 4 USB style Ports in the rear.
Two with the lightning Bolt symbol, and two Un-Labeled.

My understanding is that there is No spigot on this unit that will
accept a pure analog signal Input, like directly from a mic., or from an Audio Output
jack from a radio that offers it, etc.

Correct ?

That any analog signal first has to be run thru a A/D unit like one
of the Behringer ones ? (If so, several suggestions for appropriate unit(s) [A/D's ?} would be appreciated)

All true ?

Again, thanks all for the help.
Much appreciated.

Regards,
Bob

 

[monokakata]

Yes, all true. So you need to shop for an A/D unit. There are many, at all levels of complexity (and price).

If you can find one with a USB-C connection that will make your life easier.

And make sure the analog (input) end has the connections you want. Many of the interfaces have XLR and 1/4" phono inputs. If you want RCA inputs (as you might if you're going to connect an audio device like a tape player) then be sure to get an adaptor and -- again, only you know this -- be sure that if you want to capture 2 channels (stereo) that the interface can handle that. Some will give you only one channel.

 

[casperes1996]

I am under the impression that the audio jack is a Line IN/OUT for headphones. That is, I don't think it would support a pure input signal, but an IN_OUT I do think it can carry, like for headsets that send both mic and speaker signals through the same wire.

As for DACs, I personally am very satisfied with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - The Solo is cheaper if you don't need multiple simultaneous inputs.

 

[SkweeBop]

I second the recommendation for any of the Focusrite fleet. The preamps are very nice and the units are solid.

Remembering the days when my Powerbooks had an audio input.

 

[Fishrrman]

You were asked before in your other thread and you did not answer:
What kind of OUTPUTS do you have on the radio?

 

[MacYost]

According to EveryMac, an M1 iMac does not have audio in. See for example: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/...inch-retina-display-2021-specs.html#macspecs2

So you are indeed needing an audio interface. I cannot look into your wallet, but I would stay away from Behringer. I think Focusrite has a nice price-quality ratio. And you get something that is guaranteed to work with your Mac.

Please note that most audio interfaces are meant for making and producing music. If you just want to rip vinyl or other audio sources, you need to look out for an audio interface with the matching inputs.

 

[Fishrrman]

RE MacYost's post above.

The OP doesn't want to RIP vinyl, nor are his needs overly complicated.

I believe that he just wants to run the audio out from a radio into the Mac.

The Behringer digital/analong converter will do the job at a reasonable price.

All he has to do is convert analog to digital, no embellishments needed.

But again, he hasn't told us what kind of OUTPUTS he has on the radio, other than a built-in speaker.

 

[Robert4]

Hi All,

Just a quick thanks for all the info.
Just what I needed.

Ordered the Behringer unit, and hopefully that will do the job.

The sw radio has a 3.5 mm "audio out" jack on the rear of it, but undoubtedly analog.
Not sure of the characteristics of it.

Thanks again; much appreciated,
Bob

 

[Fishrrman]

It looks like you'll need to:
a. connect radio output (headphones) to analog in on the behringer
b. connect usb cable from behringer to Mac
c. open the audio/MINI Setup app (Utilities folder) and select behringer as the audio in.

Now you should have audio into the Mac from the radio's output.
However, there is no guarantee that this can be "translated".
At least, not "on the fly".
That's a whole different matter.

 

[monokakata]

Fisherrman is correct in that you'll need something running on the iMac to receive the audio and save it.

There are various apps out there.

Audacity (free) can do it.

Garage Band (included with your iMac) can (I've never tried it, but it should).

There's a paid app that's robust and has a simple user interface: Amadeus Pro. I use it all the time, even though I have high-end audio apps like Logic Pro and Adobe Audition on my Mac.