Mac audio
From Jtvcommunity
Contents |
Intro
This is a basic guide to Mac audio (microphone and speakers) in order to get good quality. Important!! these instructions may be different for some users due to their audio software/hardware manufacturer and their specific Mac OS X version.
Sound Preferences
Click on the Apple Menu and select System Preferences:
The System Preferences window will appear.
In the System Preferences window, find Sound and click on it:
The Sound preferences will appear:
Sound Output Preferences
Looking at the Mac OS X Sound preferences, click on Output:
You can adjust the Volume and Balance settings from this panel.
Checking Show volume in the menu bar is optional and handy. It allows you to adjust the sound volume without having to open System preferences.
You should see a list of available ways to output sound such as Built-in Speakers or Headphones. If more than one output device is listed, choose the device you prefer for sound output on your Mac. The selection here is the default output for sound on your Mac.
Sound Input Preferences
Looking at the Mac OS X Sound preferences, click on Input:
You should see a list of available ways to input sound such as Internal microphone or External microphone. If more than one output device is listed, choose the device you prefer for sound input on your Mac. The selection here is the default input for sound on your Mac.
Your Mac will allow you to adjust the Input Volume of microphones used with your computer. As a general rule you want the Input Volume to be high enough so that the source of sound can be heard, but not too high so that you avoid causing distortion. You can test the Input Volume setting by speaking into a microphone in a normal voice and watching the response of the Input Level meter. For best results, the Input Level should fall in a range of 2/3 to 3/4 full. You can experiment to find the level that sounds best using your equipment by adjusting the Input Volume higher or lower.
The Output Volume controls the volume of sound coming out of your computer.
Checking Show volume in the menu bar is optional and handy. It allows you to adjust the sound volume without having to open System preferences.
