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Quick Tips: Using an External Microphone on a Mac
If the Mac has a webcam, the webcam is the default microphone. It is the Built-In Internal
Microphone. It is advisable to use an external microphone to improve the quality of the recording and
to minimize ambient noise. When using an external microphone, select the microphone in System
Preferences and, in most cases, the application. Follow the steps below. A USB microphone is used
as an example.
1. Before opening the application, plug the microphone into the Mac and turn it on. If it is a
USB microphone, do not use the USB port at the keyboard.
2. Under the Apple menu select System Preferences > Sound > Input. Select the
microphone. Below is our example of a USB microphone. Slide the input volume to adjust
the recording volume for the microphone.
If the Mac does not recognize [record] from the microphone save your project and restart the
computer without unplugging or turning off the microphone. Repeat the steps above.
See next page for settings in Audacity, iMovie and Final Cut.
IMC
Innovate Make Create
https://library.albany.edu/imc/
518 442-3607
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Adjusting Audacity settings for the Microphone
Audacity will likely recognize the correct mic. Review the Input Device and Input channel drop
down menus to select the source of the audio. Complete a test recording and adjust levels. Note: if
there is no recording, save the project, exit Audacity and re-open the project without unplugging or
turning off the USB microphone.
Input Device
Adjusting iMovie settings to record a voiceover
Select the microphone under the monitor to narrate in the project
Select the Voiceover Options to select the microphone
Select the microphone as the Input Source.
Adjusting Final Cut settings to record a voiceover
Select Window > Record Voiceover. Under Advance change Input from System Setting to reflect the microphone.
Written by Heather Bergstraesser, Student Assistant, 12/9/2008; 9/09; updated by
Nick Smith Student Assistant; 3/12; updated by Regina Testa, 4/19
