Recording with audio input MacBook Air

Question

I'm trying to record analogue stereo sound with my MacBookAir. The external mic is plugged to the headphones jack, but it is not being shown in the System Preferences. I did a little bit of research, and there is some rumor, that the headphone jack only supports digital-in for mics.

Is there a built-in way to use the analogue stereo sound without purchasing an external converter or a new mic? With my old MacBook 2,1 it was usual for me to do this, but with my new MacBook Air 4,1 it seems to be a tough task.

Solution

My MacBook Air mid 2012 with OS X 10.8.3 does have the External Audio-IN capability.

It is just bit hidden and not well explained by Big Apple.

As you can read it suggest to use the iPhone headset (with microphone.

Digging in to that one finds out that it is the audio plug (hardware) that is special.

One could be stubborn in wanting to use your microphone and not the iPhone headset version, so this is the solution for that.

A audio splitter from 4 to 3 rings :)

I found stores in Europe (for about €10), but sure you can find it where you are.

Comments

[Piotr Kula]

Yea- I love the way Apple tech just goes in with the new and out with the old. It forces its community to stay up to date..which is very nice; but very expensive.

[Milla Well]

and you can certainly recommend some thread which clarifies the question of which audio interface is reasonable?

[holms]

well macbook air doesn't have analog input =) so sorry, only way to go is to have external audio interface..

[user420667]

If you're like me and don't know your way around the mac, first screenshot is in apple icon > about this mac > overview tab > system report.