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No "Use audio port for" menu

T

TJaames

macrumors member
Original poster
May 4, 2010
54
0
Hey guys
I'm trying to use an external microphone on my 17" mbp, and since there is no jack for the microphone, I read that there should be a "use audio port for" option in my sound interface through system preferences where I can change the output of the one audio into an input, yet there is no such menu. Is there any option, or do I have to buy a converter (I'd really rather not)
If I do have to buy a converter, do they sell them at walmart or staples, or do I have to order it offline?
Thanks in advanced.
 
What do you mean, you don't have a jack for the mic?
features_io17_20100509.jpg​
From page 21 of your MacBook Pro User's Guide that came with your MBP:
Picture 570.jpg​
 
oh.. then I don't understand why it won't pick up the audio...
 
"Line in"- Built-in Input is selected. The headset is on but the mic is not picking up any sound :\
It's an HP headset. The headphone parts are working fine
 
TJaames said:
"Line in"- Built-in Input is selected. The headset is on but the mic is not picking up any sound :\
It's an HP headset. The headphone parts are working fine
Click to expand...

Is it seated well in the Audio In port? Again, what model headset do you have? Do you know the model number?
 
"Hp Premium Stereo Headset"
Version 3.0 is the name of it. no model number.
It's plugged into the jack
 
The audio Input jack is line level. Most mics will need to be preamplified first, or you won't get a (usable) signal. Impedance, etc also come into play. The audio in port on a mbp is not a mic port. It accepts line level signals (-10dbv I believe??)
 
It means you need a mic preamp, to bring the mics level up to line level. Otherwise, you can only use that port for bringing in signals that are already at line level. CD players, ipods, etc etc.

Its fairly uncommon for laptops to not have a mic input, but unfortunately no current apple computers do.
 
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