mid 2011 iMac audio in/out

[gibelma]

Good afternoon everybody. This is my first post and, taking advantage of your expertise, I would like to submit a question regarding the audio of my 21.5 "mid 2011 iMac. Therefore, the model in question has two 3.5 mm inputs on the back, one for the headphones and another which, as indicated in the manual, is at the same time analog stereo audio input (they speak of amplified microphone, audio equipment, etc.) and S / PDIF optical digital input. Since I do not have an optical cable that has at one end the 3.5 mm connector, I tried to connect a stereo line source (Roland electronic drums) with a 3.5 mm mini jack and the input works regularly by setting "AUDIO IN" in the audio settings and adjusting the volume appropriately. I tried to record a track with Audacity and the sound was perfect and without any distortion. But I can't listen live through the headphone output. For some reason I ignore the headphone output. it does not work as a live monitor. To listen live I have to use the headphone output of the electronic drums connected to the iMac via USB. Why doesn't the headphone output work while the audio input is working (of course the built-in speakers don't work either)? Is there perhaps a particular software setting that allows the live monitor? I the only thing I do is to indicate in the settings as output the item "HEADPHONES", but it doesn't work. I would be grateful if you could give me some indication. Greetings and good weekend to all.

 

[jerwin]

I tried to record a track with Audacity and the sound was perfect and without any distortion. But I can't listen live through the headphone output.

Latency may rear its ugly head, and the option does use cpu. You may want to use overdub, but that's up to you.