New MAC user - old PC user

[pdxrunner]

Hi All,

I've been participating in these forums off and on for a couple years since I started digitizing my LPs. I've been strictly a PC user up until now. I've gone through the whole series, XP -> Vista (new laptop) -> Win 7 (upgraded from Vista). Well, 2 days ago I received my new MacBook Pro (15"). After 2 days I feel very comfortable on the MAC. I've already loaded Audacity 1.3.12 and made sure that I can at least output audio to my E-MU 0202, which I moved over from the Thinkpad, so I don't anticipate any problems when I start working on the next LP.

My real question is, how well do Audacity and Skype play together on the MAC? On the PC I never installed Skype; and I've noticed several threads in these forums about how bad Skype is about interfering the audio for Audacity on the PC. Now, for the new job I'm starting next week, I will have to use Skype on a regular basis on the MBP to talk with remote co-workers. Are there any particular 'gotchas' that I need to be aware of WRT Skype and Audacity on the MAC? I've installed Skype already on the MAC, and the little I've tried in Audacity seems to work OK. Oh, for 'normal' audio (recording and playing) I expect to use the E-MU (USB connection) and for Skype I'll use a separate headset. The headset is now connected though USB but I expect I'll end up moving it directly to the headphone jack on the MacBook. (I understand that with a proper Y-cable, the MAC supports mic-in and audio out on the headphone jack.)

PDX

[bgravato]

Output is for output and input is for input... you can't connect mic and headphone in the same socket!! If the new macbook pro's are like the older ones, you should have two connectors on the left side: one output for headphones (should have an headphones icon next to it) and one input (circle and two arrows pointing to the center icon) which should be suitable for both mic-in and line-in (one at a time, it autodetects what you've connected to it, don't try to connect mic and line at the same time with an Y connector). Also very important do not connect mic and headphone in the same socket with an Y connector, that might blow something...

As for using skype and audacity on the mac, I haven't had any problems so far... I usually use one at a time. I never used both at the same time, so don't know if that might create any problem... I also usually use skype with the built-in mic and I usually use audacity (when recording) with external usb device. No problems so far in either case.

[kozikowski]

<<<(I understand that with a proper Y-cable, the MAC supports mic-in and audio out on the headphone jack.)
>>>

I've never found that. That's a good research project. I know both of the jacks support optical digital SPDIF as well as analog copper connections. Is that what you mean? I don't know that there are very many more places available for extra contacts on the plug -- but stranger things have happened.

We hate Skype because, in a phrase, it "doesn't play well with others." Skype, in addition to using your computer for other people's connections (you did know it does that, right?), it reassigns the audio pathways inside the machine and doesn't always put them back when it's done. But the worst thing it does is prevent Skype and Audacity from working at the same time.

You can always go into System Preferences and put everything back, as long as you know they might be damaged. It's the people that get surprised that's the problem. "I called my mom on Skype and now Audacity doesn't work any more..."

Koz

[kozikowski]

<<<should be suitable for both mic-in and line-in (one at a time, it autodetects what you've connected to it>>>

I wonder how...... There has to be some electrical difference.

Koz

[kozikowski]

Have you personally ever got that to work?

Koz

[bgravato]

<<<should be suitable for both mic-in and line-in (one at a time, it autodetects what you've connected to it>>>

I wonder how...... There has to be some electrical difference.

Koz

Signal level on line-in should be much higher than on the mic (at least 10 times higher). Although when it's quite (silence) should be hard to tell... so I'd bet it autodetects it based on the impedance, which should be considerably different too.

[pdxrunner]

Output is for output and input is for input... you can't connect mic and headphone in the same socket!!

What I had heard is that Apple put a contact for a third ring in the headphone socket on the newer Mac Book Pros to make it compatible with iPhone earbuds. The third ring is for a mic level input. I haven't tried this yet, and won't until I reassure myself that I won't fry anything. (I suppose I could try, and possibly sacrifice, a set of cheap iPhone buds.)

The Y-cable of which I speak should take the headset mic on one side and the headphones on the other and combine them into the single iPhone compatible plug.

PDX

[kozikowski]

I went into the back room and dug out my packing material and instructions for the MacBook.

That funny circle and two black arrows icon is for:

"Audio In/ optical digital audio in port"
"Connect your MacBook Pro to a line level microphone or digital audio equipment."

Well, that straightens it all out. I know we all have multiple Line Level Microphones around the house.

That and I'm not shocked that Apple would have added something like that in later MBPs. Not having an analog Mic-In was an interesting omission. Very much older Macs had one.

Koz

[kozikowski]

<<<Apple put a contact for a third ring in the headphone socket on the newer Mac Book Pros to make it compatible with iPhone earbuds. >>>

That's interesting...

" Connect external speakers, headphones (including iPhone), or digital audio equipment."

I need to find someone who has an iPhone.

Koz

[pdxrunner]

Yeah, I went to look up the specs for my MBP, and all it says is, "Supports iPhone headset". No other information. I also found this: http://www.amazon.com/Headset-Buddy-Sma ... roduct_top for a headset adapter.

I'll talk to my work contacts later today and hopefully get more info.

PDX