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Are you a content creator or someone who wants to make better quality audio recordings on their Mac? Connecting an external mic to your Mac is a game-changer to attain professional audio quality. By default, Macs have an internal mic, but it may not always suffice for professional-level recording.
Adding an external mic to your Mac will give you top-notch sound quality, and it’s not difficult. In this blog post, I will guide you through the different methods of connecting an external mic to your Mac, and I will also answer some frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we proceed to the different methods, let’s discuss the necessary things you will need.
- External Mic
- Adapter or cable (depending on the type of mic)
- USB or audio jack ports on your Mac
What Requires Your Focus?
The ideal focus when connecting an external mic to your Mac should be on the method you pick. Also, pay attention to the sound quality after successful connection. From my experience, external mics are a much better option for professional audio quality.
Different Methods to Connect External Mic to Mac
Method 1: Connect External Mic to Mac via USB Port
Connecting an external mic via the USB port is the most straightforward method. Most external microphones come with USB connectivity ports. Follow the given steps to connect your mic to Mac via the USB ports:
- Plug in your external mic into the USB port of your Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon to open the ‘System Preferences’ on your Mac.
- Click on ‘Sound.’
- Select your microphone from the list of devices under the ‘Input’ tab.
- Adjust the ‘Input’ volume by moving the slider to the right or left.
Pros:
- Easy to connect
- Works with most external mics
Cons:
- May require drivers for some mics
- May take up a USB port that could be used for other devices
Method 2: Connect External Mic to Mac via Audio Input Jack
Another option is to connect your external mic through the audio input jack port (3.5mm) on your Mac.
- Plug in your mic into the audio input jack port on your Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon to open the ‘System Preferences’ on your Mac.
- Select ‘Sound.’.
- Choose the ‘Input’ tab from the possible tabs to select ‘Line Input.’
- Adjust the ‘Input’ volume as needed.
Pros:
- Straightforward process
- Cost-effective – does not require adapters or cables for most mics
Cons:
- May require an audio interface for some microphones
- May be prone to interference from other devices
Method 3: Connecting External Mic to Mac via Bluetooth
If your external mic supports Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect it wirelessly to your Mac. However, not all Bluetooth microphones are compatible with Macs.
- Turn on Bluetooth on both the mic and Mac.
- Pair the two devices via Bluetooth settings on your Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon to open the ‘System Preferences’ on your Mac.
- Select ‘Sound.’
- Choose ‘Input,’ then select your microphone from the list.
- Test your mic to ensure that it’s working correctly.
Pros:
- No wires or adapters needed, which means more flexibility in positioning
- Suitable for podcasters and YouTubers who move around a lot while recording
Cons:
- Not all external mics support Bluetooth connectivity
- May experience interference or weak signal strength
Why Can’t I Connect External Mic to Mac?
1) Audio input Jack not detecting the Mic
A common problem encountered is that the audio input jack of your Mac may not detect the external microphone. This issue is typically related to a hardware fault and can result from corrosion or damage to the audio jack.
Fix:
You can use an adapter or an external audio device in such cases to establish a connection between your Mac and the external microphone.
2) Low Volume
Another issue you may encounter is that the volume coming from the external microphone is too low. The most likely reason for this problem is the volume setting on your Mac is set too low.
Fix:
Adjust the input volume from your Mac’s sound settings or increase the volume of your external microphone.
3) Compatibility Issues:
Another problem you may encounter while trying to connect an external microphone to your Mac is that the device may not be compatible with your Mac.
Fix:
Ensure your microphone is compatible with your Mac and check the system requirements of the mic before purchasing it.
Implications and Recommendations
The use of an external microphone to record sound on your Mac improves the overall quality of audio recordings, making them more professional. It also reduces background noise and captures the sound with clarity.
It is recommended that you take advantage of the methods described in this post to get the best results. The method you choose mostly depends on the type of external mic you have.
5 FAQs About Connecting External Mic to Mac
Q1: Can I use my iPhone headphones as an external mic on my Mac?
A: Yes, you can use your iPhone headphones as an external mic if they have a built-in microphone. Plug in the headphones with the microphone jack and select ‘Headphones,’ or ‘headset’ from the list of devices in the Input or Output tab under ‘Sound’ in System Preferences.
Q2: My microphone is not showing in the input tab. What should I do?
A: Ensure the microphone is compatible with your Mac. If it’s compatible, check that it’s correctly connected to the USB or audio input jack. If the mic still doesn’t show up, try restarting your Mac.
Q3: How do I test my mic to ensure it’s working?
A: After connecting your microphone to your Mac, you can test whether it’s working by using the voice recording feature on your Mac. Alternatively, you can check the level of input volume and talk into your microphone to see if there’s any feedback.
Q4: What is the best external microphone for Mac?
A: The best external microphone for Mac depends on your needs. The Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB, and Audio-Technica AT2020 are among the most popular options. All of these mics have USB connectivity, making them easy to connect to your Mac.
Q5: Why is my microphone too sensitive?
A: Sometimes, your microphone will be too sensitive and pick up unnecessary background noise, which will distort your audio quality. In such cases, try lowering the input volume in system preferences. Additionally, a microphone pop filter or windscreen can help reduce unwanted ambient noise from penetrating the microphone.
Final Words
Connecting an external microphone to your Mac is relatively easy, and the benefits of doing so are evident in the quality of audio recordings. I hope this post was helpful in guiding you on the different methods of connecting an external mic to your Mac. By using the tips and methods mentioned in this post, you will be able to achieve better sound quality in your audio recordings.