Please explain very simply sound Output and Input

[blackxacto]

17,1 iMac 10.14.2, 24gb ram, I have used the Mac for 20+ years, and still do not understand how to differentiate when setting up a tape player to record, or apps that need sound input to analyze.

I have an app in Mojave that can analyze sounds and display results, but the sound needs to be sent into the app. I am told to use a microphone in front of a speaker, but how does the sound get into the app from the microphone. I have a Griffin iMic I have used to record tapes played into the Mac, but playing into the app?
What exactly is sound input and sound output, or how to think about input output for this sound analyzing app? Why doesn't this app analyze from the sound out? Like I know what I am talking about.

 

[Fishrrman]

Audio/MIDI Setup (in Utilities folder) can be used to configure inputs/outputs as far as the Mac is concerned.

When you open a sound app, you probably have to go into the app's preferences and set up your inputs/outputs THERE, too.

So, TWO places of concern:
1. Get the Mac to recognize the input/output
then
2. Get the app to recognize input/output, as well.

Just wondering, what apps are you using?

 

[blackxacto]

Thank you for your help. I stumbled upon Sunflower and SoundSource, both free. I think it goes, input Sunflower, Output SoundSource, using Play thru to hear what I’m processing. I may have that wrong, but you are right that I must set up input out put twice. I will try audio midi, have never used it before, thank you.

I am using the app in the Apple Store, Morse Code Decoder.