Audio in on the mini

[jrhoda14]

Hey all,

Apologizes if this was already asked (I didn’t find it), but is it possible to run audio into a 2020 M1 Mac mini?

Online search returned mixed results. Some sources were saying it had to be done via USB, but that seemed like if you needed both output and input. Some said that the 3.5mm jack could act as audio in on the mini.

I don’t need audio out, Bluetooth covers that. So I’m fine with putting that 3.5mm to use as only a line in to save $10 on yet another adapter to add to my extensive collection.

Is there a way to pull this off? I’m trying to hook up a synthesizer via the 3.5mm port and get any kind of read of it in GarageBand or any program, but the system simply refuses to acknowledge it as an input source, listing it as “external headphones”. Unlike my last Mac, there’s no setting in sound preferences to use the sound jack as an input. But I figure it must have that functionality somewhere inside it, right?

Tried the midi setup app. Same issue, no acknowledgement of the input source. But I know for sure sound is going in on that wire.

Thanks!

 

[BrianBaughn]

I don't see anything anywhere that indicates the M1 Mini has a built-in sound input. Not sure what to which sources you are referring.

Some keyboards (not many) have USB audio OUT but you're probably going to have to get a USB audio device. If you haven't already searched for one make sure M1 Mac users have reported success.

 

[jrhoda14]

I don't see anything anywhere that indicates the M1 Mini has a built-in sound input. Not sure what to which sources you are referring.

Some keyboards (not many) have USB audio OUT but you're probably going to have to get a USB audio device. If you haven't already searched for one make sure M1 Mac users have reported success.

Yea there’s only analog audio out on this one, would a 3.5mm -> USB adapter do the trick? There might be other things I also want line in for, so I guess I could go for that if it’s truly a universal solution.

Also, why would apple strip out audio in ability?? My 2011 MBP’s 3.5mm port is a combo port. How could a machine 9 years newer not have it 😭

 

[BrianBaughn]

Yea there’s only analog audio out on this one, would a 3.5mm -> USB adapter do the trick? There might be other things I also want line in for, so I guess I could go for that if it’s truly a universal solution.

Also, why would apple strip out audio in ability?? My 2011 MBP’s 3.5mm port is a combo port. How could a machine 9 years newer not have it 😭

USB audio adapters come in different configurations. The inexpensive ones are USB to 3.5mm in and outs, like this one:

UGREEN USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter with Dual TRS 3-Pole Headphone and Microphone USB to Aux 3.5mm External Audio Converter for Windows Mac Linux PC Laptops Desktops PS5 Headsets Black

Overview Ugreen USB Audio Adapter includes a stereo headphone output jack and a mono microphone input jack. It can bypass the defective sound card or the faulty 3.5mm audio port of your laptop/desktop system and regain the audio function for you. Save the cost of replacing a failed sound card. Me...

www.amazon.com

If you get one just go ahead and get one that has both ins and outs.

Pricier boxes have more professional features (1/4", XLR, MIDI, phantom power, separate headphone out).

 

[Starfia]

I'm not aware any recent Macs have had analog audio inputs. (Maybe it's there, but if so, I'd count it in the category of cool surviving secret features – I'm sure I haven't noticed it marketed or trumpeted.)

 

[Fishrrman]

If all you have coming out of the synthesizer is an analog 3.5mm pin output, something like what Brian Baughn has posted in reply 4 above should work.

If you think you're going to "need more" (in terms of audio input) in the future, spend some time researching "audio interfaces" (that connect via USB). Many choices available.

 

[fastlanephil]

If you want to properly build audio tracks in a DAW then you need to deal with basic audio latency. An audio interface with a direct monitoring feature will take care of that. They start at about $100 plus headphones.