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I just bought a new microphone, and plugged it into the back of my Mac Mini. I can't seem to get it to work. I went to System Preferences > Sound > Input, and the only device I see listed is "line in." This isn't the microphone, is it? Nothing I do seems to make it work. Any suggestions?

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I'd think "Line In" is the correct device (if you plugged into "audio in", second from top-right: images.apple.com/macmini/images/…). Not sure how to make it work though... I'm testing the same thing with my Mac mini and a headset. +1 for the question. – Jonik Jan 31 '10 at 0:54
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The Mac Mini's line-in port is a line-level input. That means it's not providing any power to the device, so an unpowered computer mic is not going to work. You need something to pull the mic-level input of the mic up to line-level, like a mixer or certain types of powered mics.

Alternatively, you can use something like the iMic, or any USB mic/headset from Logitech, etc. If your Mac Mini is a model with Bluetooth support, you could also use a Bluetooth mic.

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Great answer. I for one was totally unaware of this. – Jonik Jan 31 '10 at 1:04
thank you! this is good information – Jon Tefft Jan 31 '10 at 1:17
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