It’s a new year, and you’ve just booted up your shiny new Mac computer. You open the app to start your video call, but something seems off… You can’t seem to find the microphone! It’s not in its usual place at the bottom of the screen; it’s suddenly vanished! Where is this mysterious mic?
If this situation sounds all too familiar, fear not. You’re in the right place. The microphone on a Mac can be tricky to find, but we’re here to help you locate it with ease. In this article, we’ll dive into the different places on your Mac where the microphone might be hiding. So that you don’t have to waste time searching for it the next time you need to use it.
Related: Best Microphones For Recording in Podcasting
Contents
Where Is The Microphone On A Mac?
The microphone on a Mac can be found in different locations depending on the model. Generally, the microphone is located at the top of the display, near the webcam. In some models, like MacBook Air, it may be on the sides or closer to the edge of the laptop. If you have a desktop model, chances are that your computer will come with an external microphone on its base.
On an older MacBook Air, the internal microphone is typically located on the left side just next to the speaker grills. However, if you have a newer model, it’s likely hidden behind those same speaker grills and much harder to spot.
To find out exactly where your Mac’s microphone is located, it’s best to consult the manual or look up your model online. Knowing where the microphone is located on your Mac can help you better understand how to use it and make sure you apply the proper settings for optimal audio performance.
Sometimes, it can even be helpful to use a marker or some other type of signal to remind yourself where the microphone is located, so you don’t have to go searching for it the next time.
Where Is The Microphone On The MacBook Pro?
If you have a MacBook Pro, the microphone may be located in the upper right portion of the keyboard and speaker section. Most models of the 15-inch variant will have at least one or two microphones hidden under the right speaker casing. For newer MacBook Pros (2018 or later), there are actually three microphones built-in, so make sure to look around the right side of your Mac.
For Older MacBook Pros (2017 or earlier models), the microphone is a bit harder to find as there aren’t any speaker grids. A MacBook pro microphone can usually be located on the left bottom part of the casing above the ESC key.
If you’re still not sure where your model’s microphone is, it’s always a good idea to check the Apple Support website for more specific information. That way, you can be sure you know exactly where your microphone is located and how to use it properly.
See how easy it is to find the microphone on your MacBook Pro? Once you know where it is, you’ll be able to make use of all its features.
Related: iPhone XR Microphone Location
How To Check The Microphone Setting On Mac?
Now that you know where the microphone on your Mac is located, it’s time to make sure that the settings are configured properly. Following are the steps to adjust the microphone settings on your Mac:
Step One: Open The Apple Menu
The first step is to open the Apple menu located at the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen.
Step Two: Head To System Preferences
Once you’ve opened the Apple menu, head to System Preferences. This will open a new window with a list of options; find and click on Sound.
Step Three: Click The Sound Option
This will open a new window with a list of tabs. Find and click on the Input tab to find your complete microphone list.
Step Four: Select Built-In Microphone
Click on the microphone that is marked as built-in to access its settings. Once the microphone settings window opens, you’ll be able to adjust the Input volume according to the sound source. To do this, speak in your normal voice and carefully watch the input level.
If the level is on the higher side, then lower the Input volume to avoid the sound being too loud. If the level is low, increase the Input volume.
It’s also important to make sure that the default input and output devices are set to the built-in microphone. To do this, find and click on the drop-down menu marked as “Device” in the Sound settings window. Here you’ll be able to choose which device you want to use for input and output.
5. Step Five: Check The Input Volume
Once you’ve adjusted the input volume and set the default device, all that’s left to do is check how everything sounds. To do this, simply speak into your microphone and observe the sound levels. Make sure that your voice is clear and audible without any static or feedback noise.
And that’s it – you now know how to check the microphone settings on your Mac. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your microphone is functioning properly and make sure you get the best audio quality while using your Mac.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce background noise on your Mac, then you should check out the ambient Noise Reduction feature. This feature can help reduce background noises when speaking into your microphone, making it easier for people to hear what you’re saying.
To enable ambient noise reduction feature, open the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences > Sound. From here, click on the Input tab and select the Noise Reduction option. However, this feature is not available on all Mac models – it won’t work with Apple T2 chip Macs or if you’ve selected a four-channel microphone format.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily find and set up the microphone on MacBook Pro. It’s important to remember where the microphone is located and how to adjust its settings so that you don’t have to go searching for it the next time.
Related: Where is The Microphone on iPhone 11?
How To Allow Apps To Access The Microphone On Mac?
Now that you know where the microphone is located, it’s time to learn how to let apps access it. There are several steps involved in allowing apps to access the microphone on your Mac.
Step One: Open Your Mac’s Security & Privacy Settings
The first step is to open your Mac’s Security & Privacy settings. You can do this by opening the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen, then navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Step Two: Select The Privacy Tab
Once you’re in this window, click on the Privacy tab. This will bring you to a list of settings where you can control which apps are allowed to access your Mac’s microphone.
Step Three: Select the Microphone From The List On The Left-Hand Side
From this Privacy window, click on the Microphone option from the list on the left-hand side. This will show you a list of all apps that are requesting access to your Mac’s microphone.
Step Four: Enable Or Disable Access For Each App
You can now enable or disable access for each app individually by clicking the checkbox next to it. If you want to allow an app to use your Mac’s microphone, then click on the checkmark to select it. If you want to turn off access, then click on the checkmark to deselect it.
Once you’ve enabled or disabled access for all of your apps, you’re done! Your Mac’s microphone is now secure and ready to be used by any app that has been granted permission. If you forbid access to any app, you won’t be able to use your Mac’s microphone. That’s all there is to it!
Step Five: Check The Settings
Lastly, don’t forget to double-check all of your settings after you’ve made any changes. This way, you’ll be sure that everything is configured correctly and that nothing has been missed.
If you ever need to adjust which apps can access the microphone on your Mac, just repeat these steps above. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure that only authorized apps are using your Mac’s microphone.
How To Test Your Mac’s Microphone?
Testing your Mac’s microphone is easy — just follow these steps!
Step One: Open QuickTime Player
Firstly, open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find this in the Applications folder of your Launchpad. Once you have opened it, select ‘File’ from the menu bar and then click ‘New Audio Recording’. This will open a new window where you can start recording.
Step Two: Increase The Volume
In the new window, increase the volume so that it can pick up all your words clearly. You can do this by sliding the microphone slider up to a higher level.
Step Three: Press The Record Button
Once you are ready to record, press the red record button and start speaking for a few seconds. Make sure to speak up so that the microphone can pick up your words clearly.
Step Four: Listen To Your Recording
Once you are done, press the stop button and then listen to your recording. If you can hear yourself without any background noise, then your Mac’s microphone is functioning perfectly!
Step Five: Troubleshooting
If you cannot hear yourself clearly or if there is background noise, then your Mac’s microphone might be facing some technical issues. In such cases, it is recommended to contact customer support and get the issue fixed.
And that’s all there is to it! You have now learned how to test your Mac’s microphone with ease. Note: Please make sure to restart your Mac before you start recording, as this can help in eliminating any technical issues.
Related: How To Make A Podcast On A Mac
What Are The Benefits Of a Built-In Microphone On A Mac?
Using a built-in microphone on your Mac can be beneficial in many ways.
1. Better Sound Quality
Using a built-in microphone will improve the sound quality of your recordings as compared to using an external mic. This is because a built-in mic has access to more advanced software, providing better sound clarity than any other type of microphone.
2. Cost-Effective
Using a built-in mic also saves you money. Since the microphone is already integrated into your Mac, you don’t need to purchase an additional one. This will make recording audio convenient and cost-effective.
3. Easy To Use
A built-in mic on your Mac is also easy to configure and use. You just need to enable the microphone in the settings menu, and you’re ready to start recording audio.
4. Portable
Built-in microphones on your Mac are also portable, which means you can record audio from anywhere without having to carry extra hardware. This makes recording audio even easier and more convenient.
5. Privacy
Using a built-in mic also ensures that your data is safe and secure. Since the microphone is integrated into your Mac, it can’t be accessed by any unauthorized third party or malicious software.
With these benefits, using a built-in microphone on your Mac is the best way to record audio without breaking the bank!
FAQs
Does Apple Mac have a microphone?
Yes, all Apple Macs come with a built-in microphone. The microphone can be accessed and enabled from the settings menu.
Is the microphone on my Mac secure?
Yes, your Mac’s built-in microphone is secure since it cannot be accessed by any third party or malicious software. You just need to enable the microphone in the settings menu before you start recording audio.
Is the sound quality of a built-in mic good?
Yes, using a built-in microphone will provide you with better sound quality than other types of integrated microphones. This is because the microphone has access to more advanced software for improved clarity and accuracy.
How to replace Mac’s built-in microphone?
You don’t need to replace the built-in MacBook’s microphone on your Mac. However, if you want to get an external mic for better sound quality, then you can purchase one from a trusted retailer and plug the external USB microphone into your Mac’s audio jack. In case you need help with the replacement, you can contact Apple’s customer support team because they can provide you with the necessary guidance.
How to turn off Mac’s microphone?
If you want to temporarily disable your Mac’s built-in microphone, then you can go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy and select Microphone from the list of apps that are allowed to access it. Then, click on the checkmark next to the apps that you want to disable, and they will no longer be able to access your MacBook microphone.
Related: Where Is The Microphone On AirPods?
Conclusion
Finding the microphone on a Mac isn’t as tricky as it seems. Every model of Mac has a distinct location for the mic, so it’s important to know where yours is. Generally, you’ll find it on the left side of the bezel, near the power button and FaceTime camera for video calls. If your Mac still doesn’t have a microphone, check if there’s an external one plugged into the headphone jack or USB port.
Whatever the case, it’s always a good idea to get familiar with your machine and how it works. Be sure to read your Mac’s documentation if you have any further questions.
