External Mic into Macbook Pro

[SCEtoAUX]

Hello all.

I have to set up some video recording by someone using a 2015 Macbook Pro. They are not at all technically minded and I can't be with them to help.

The recording will happen on a Macbook Pro (From 2015) and as far as I can tell it has a 3.5mm earphone jack that can also be used for an external microphone. Could someone confirm this (or otherwise) please.

I will then need to talk them through making a recording, which I believe will be done via Quicktime. Is it the case that with a mic plugged in Quicktime will know to record from the built-in camera and the plugged in mic, or is there further configuration to be done?

It is frustrating that I can't go and help the person involved, but the distance involved and COVID makes that not possible.

Assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Troubleatmill]

Most earphones have a built in mic - and use the 3.5mm socket

Get an adaptor - see video.

Click the speaker icon on the top of the screen....
Click Sound preferences
Select the Input tab...
Choose which mic you want


Simples.

This may help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kvR3RdoyD0

Edited by Troubleatmill on Friday 29th January 17:36

Edited by Troubleatmill on Friday 29th January 17:38

[JimbobVFR]

I believeI'm right in saying the 2015 MBP moved to having a combined mic/headphone port.

A simple adapter cable like this one
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-headsets-s...
Will let you plug in a standard 3.5mm jack equipped mic.

[SCEtoAUX]

That's a helpful video, thanks.

I would rather avoid there being any earphones involved because that adds another variable (I know) so it seems that if I buy a simple lapel mic with TRRS connection then it will work:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microphone-Nicama-Smartph...

Sound quality isn't an issue, I'm just aiming for something better than the built-in mic, and being able to have the person wear it.

The most important thing is "plug this in and it will work". :-)

[thebraketester]

First port of call before spunking any money....

Try the internal mic. I have just done a test on my (2016) MBP and the audio you can record from the internal mic is actually perfectly usable.

[SCEtoAUX]

thebraketester said:

First port of call before spunking any money....

Try the internal mic. I have just done a test on my (2016) MBP and the audio you can record from the internal mic is actually perfectly usable.

Well thanks, the internal mic is a fallback options for sure, but I did want to buy an external mic anyway for occasional use with my Zoom H1, though I appreciate that a TRRS one will need an adapter to go TRS into the Zoom.