Piping Audio From Radio Speaker's Jack Into Mac ?

[Robert4]

Hello,

Thanks for all the previous help.
Have an iMac 24 inch from, I think, around 2021. Running Ventura.

I wish to hard wire the speaker output from a shortwave radio's "Speaker Output" jack directly
into the Mac. Love the Mac, but they do a poor job on labeling the "spigots" in the back.

There seem to be 4 female jacks:

2 of them have a lightning bolt icon.
2 of them have no icon.

There is also apparently another (unlabeled) jack on the left edge.

Which do I want to connect to my radio's Speaker Output jack ? (Would more than one of these jacks would also work ?)

If someone has a spare minute, would appreciate a small tutorial on what each of these five jacks is for, and how to use.

As always, much appreciative,

Regards,
Bob

 

[kitKAC]

https://www.apple.com/uk/imac-24/specs/

Scroll down until you get to Connections and Expansion, two are standard USB-C 3 ports and the other two are Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4. These ports are standardised on Macs and PCs hence the lack of labelling.

Question, why do you want to connect the radio to the iMac? To use its speakers to output the audio or to record the radio's output? Either way, you'll need some sort of USB-C adapter to receive the audio.

 

[Robert4]

Hi,

I was hoping to come up with a method of using
Google Translate, in real time, to "de-code" foreign language
broadcasts I pick up on my shortwave receiver.

Thanks for interest.

Bob

 

[BrianBaughn]

Either way, you'll need some sort of USB-C adapter to receive the audio.

Device is more like it. A USB audio device with an input (some only have output)…and…a USB-C adapter or adapter cable if the USB audio device is USB-A.

 

[Fishrrman]

To get audio into the iMac, you need a USB analog-to-digital adapter/converter.

Something like this

Behringer U-Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface

"Behringer U-control UCA202 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface with digital output ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer, etc with your computer for recording and playback High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality Works with your PC or Ma...

www.amazon.com

(there are numerous other designs available).

However, given the use you are anticipating...
I predict this isn't going to work very well.
Static, etc.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hi,

I was hoping to come up with a method of using
Google Translate, in real time, to "de-code" foreign language
broadcasts I pick up on my shortwave receiver.

Thanks for interest.

Bob

And why can't the internal microphone do the job for you?

 

[Robert4]

Hello,

If I get the analog to digital converter, what Port would I use on the iMac ?
Where is it ?
Connector ?

Please be specific; old age level problems these days.

Thanks for help; much appreciated,
Bob

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hello,

If I get the analog to digital converter, what Port would I use on the iMac ?
Where is it ?
Connector ?

Please be specific; old age level problems these days.

Thanks for help; much appreciated,
Bob

First port from the left in the photo below

You will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Pick the cheaper pack in the link below.

Temdan USB to USB C Adapter 4 Pack,【2*Type C Female to A Male Charger Converter】&【2*USB C Male to USB Female】 OTG Adapter for Apple Watch Ultra 8 9,iPhone 15 Pro Max 14 13 12,AirPod,Samsung - Silver

High-Speed Data Transfer USB-C to USB 3.0 Female Adapter & USB-A to USB 3.0 Female Adapter

www.amazon.com

From the Receiver, you may need another cable, either of the two below:
6.35mm male to 2 RCA

VIOY 1/4 to Dual RCA Audio Cable, Gold Plated Copper Shell Heavy Duty 6.35 mm Quarter Inch Male TRS Jack to 2 RCA Phono Male Stereo Y Insert Splitter Adapter……

VIOY 1/4 to Dual RCA Audio Cable, Gold Plated Copper Shell Heavy Duty 6.35 mm Quarter Inch Male TRS Jack to 2 RCA Phono Male Stereo Y Insert Splitter Adapter……

www.amazon.com

3.5mm male to 2 RCA

ShineKee AUX 2RCA Cable 3 FT, 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Audio Auxiliary Adapter Stereo Splitter Cable Dual Shielded Gold-Plated Nylon-Braided Breakout Cord for Smartphone, Speakers, Tablet, HDTV, MP3 Player

The aux RCA splitter cable easily connect smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other mobile devices to a speaker, stereo receiver, or other RCA-enabled device with the 3.5mm to 2 male RCA adapter cable. The handy adapter cable provides two male RCA connectors on one end and a 3.5mm male connect...

www.amazon.com

If the receiver is within 5 meter from your iMac, you can use a wireless solution

LENRUE Bluetooth Speaker, Wireless Portable Speaker with Loud Stereo Sound, Rich Bass, 12-Hour Playtime, Built-in Mic. Perfect for iPhone, Samsung and More

LENRUE Bluetooth Speaker, Wireless Portable Speaker with Loud Stereo Sound, Rich Bass, 12-Hour Playtime, Built-in Mic. Perfect for iPhone, Samsung and More

www.amazon.com

How: Pair the speaker with your iMac via bluetooth, but only use it as a microphone.
I used an LG PK3 bluetooth speaker as a wireless microphone, It works pretty well for meeting online, good noise cancelling function.

 

[Fishrrman]

What are the "specs" of the speaker output on the back of the radio?
Impedance, etc. ?

I'm thinking that you could use an external "analog to digital USB" converter box.
Perhaps something like this?

Behringer U-Control UCA222 USB Audio Interface

Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output and Massive Software Bundle.

www.amazon.com

Be aware that there is also an audio-related sub-forum here at macrumors.
Also be aware that the place the audio gearheads hang out is "Gearspace.com"