Microphone hookup with OS X

[The Tuck]

I'm trying to use the line in port on my iMac G4 to connect a mic for some recording, but the amount of volume coming into the computer is really small, even when I scream into the microphone. I've checked in the sound preference pane and the input level is all the way up, but almost no sound is still coming through.

Any suggestions?

EDIT: My guess is I need a pre-amp...

 

[iMeowbot]

EDIT: My guess is I need a pre-amp...

Yes, that's what you need. You can get an analog one that will plug into your existing line in port, or there are also standalone converters available that connect via USB or FireWire.