Can I connect a microphone to a retina 5k iMac?

Question

My 5K retina iMac has one audio port. On my MacBook pro that only had one port, it was possible, in System Preferences, to state whether to use it as an input or an output.

Is it possible to use the one on the 5k iMac as an input? It is, perhaps, some weird connector that takes a regular headset or multiple signals, two for stereo audio out and one for audio in?

I recognize that there is a built-in microphone, and there are USB or bluetooth devices that can send in audio data, but it'd sure be handy if I can plug in an audio source as I used to (especially as I have a contact mic that goes to an instrument that I'd like to plug in.)

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:45

2

It should be possible to add a microphone, you just need the correct adapter. See this answer I posted to a similar question - I believe the same will apply in this case.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:45

Community

1

answered Jul 11 '15 at 18:23

mjturner

4,945

Hey, I just found a mic and headphones, and it works. Looks like I'll have to find a splitter cable of the sort your link links to. – Clinton Blackmore Jul 11 '15 at 18:36

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 09 '19 at 20:38

0

Now that I see that this question has 10k views, I thought I'd come back and provide an updated answer. I tried a funky headphone adapter (as in the other answer), but it didn't work well for me.

Ultimately, I purchased a USB audio adapter (sort of like this or this) and it has worked well. They're less than $15.

answered Jan 09 '19 at 20:38

Clinton Blackmore

415

I also got a funky adapter that works with my iPhone, but not my iMac. Then turned to USB one like you did. I guess more users plug funky things into iPhone so they have better compatibility. – Franklin Yu Jan 22 '21 at 09:05

Can I connect a microphone to a retina 5k iMac?

2 Answers2