Use my iMic for what its designed for, pre-cueing for Djay 3, output to monitors with the MBP output, pre cue wit the iMic paired with Bose headphones works like magic, how bout a little research before you diss a product...
i have the griffin imic and it works flawlessly. i use it with djay 3 for gigs and whatnot...sounds as good/better than the internal audio out jack. i also never turn up the volume output more than about 3/4 for line outs to a board or otherwise, whether my iMac, powerbook, or iPod/iphone. turning volume to max usually generates a distortion. i apply the same principal to the imic. no issues at all.
I totally agree with you! I do recording on my mac. And when I turn the monitor on for the imic, the sound is really distorted. You are actually correct! This is the type of sound I was getting from my recording. Thanks for posting this video. I just bought the Imic from amazon a week ago. and now i'll be returning and getting an audio usb like the one u have in ur other video! Very convincing video!
I am thinking of getting an imic to input audio from my guitar rig to my macbook pro, which has no audio input [which would have been much easier]. Is this a good idea? Other reviews say it is a good piece of equipment and seeing this has freaked me out a bit... although I don't know whether to trust this video...
There is nothing wrong with the i-mic ! I am using it a lot and there comes a cristal clear sound out of it. No problems at all. You probably did something wrong. Try another i-mic as sugested in earlier reactions. It's a good product.
Yes, it sounds shitty, yes you had it plugged in right... My gut feeling is that you got a bum unit...it would be very odd that it sounds this shitty for everyone. Try another one?
Dude, I have been sampling records for years with this product and the result was nothing but butter. You signal is obviously peaked out. SIlly Billy this product is very tight!
I use the iMic in a semiprofessional capacity from multiple laptops through professional sound systems and this guys got it set up wrong. The iMic is the right piece of kit if you know what you're doing with it.
Ok just one question for everyone.. Should i get the imic for my pre cueing for my virtual dj on my mac or not? I need something for pre cueing for my djay software, which you can get from apple, so i can start mixing my own tunes. i want to be able to hear music from my earphones and from my mac speakers at the same time.and i need advice from someone who knows whats what cause i have no clue. thanks
Watch my video response to this video. I further explain the setup and show how the $6 USB adapter I bought on ebay works better. Get one of them. They are much better!
I have to tell you - the folks that have been commenting on your 'test' are generally not very polite - well, some downright nasty - but they ARE trying to tell you something that is correct. You are using the iMic USB as an INPUT (from Mac/iTunes) TO the iMic - then using the OUTPUT Jack of the iMic. The iMic USB is NOT an input to the iMic - it is an OUTPUT FROM the iMic ONLY - just as the OUTPUT is - the iMic has ONLY 1 input (IN) and it has 2 Outputs (USB OR Jack) - that is Y its NG 4U
How can you output thought the USB jack? There is only ONE input and ONE output. The USB does both and delivers the sound to the input and output jacks. It is not an input or output itself.
From the computer's (MAC) 'point of view' the USB can be EITHER input or output. Just because the USB is input AND output for the MAC does NOT mean it will necessarily be BOTH an input AND output for OTHER devices (such as the iMic). The iMic does NOT use the USB for an input to it - ONLY the MIC jack. The iMic has TWO outputs; USB cable and OUT jack. IT canNOT "process" signals as an input to itself FROM the USB cable. Cannot and does not.
Don't let this fact confuse you: The OUTPUT of one device IS the INPUT to the NEXT. The OUTPUT of a pre-amp is the INPUT to an AMP; the OUTPUT of an AMP is the INPUT to a Speaker system, etc. The iMic will accept MIC/PHONO signals present on the IN jack - It then OUTPUTS them to BOTH the OUT jack AND the USB - AT THE SAME TIME! Another way of saying this - the USB and OUT Jacks ARE THE SAME WIRE! - They just put the USB on there so you will not HAVE to use an round-plug to USB -ADAPTER.
OK - let me re-phrase it: JUST because the MAC can use the USB for input and output (which would be output and input for another device) DOES NOT MEAN that the iMic uses the USB for both - it does not. The USB is an OUTPUT FROM the iMic - ONLY! - and is tied to the iMic's OUPUT phono jack. They are BOTH the SAME output from the iMic - which will both drive something else - NEITHER can properly process a signal as an INPUT - which i believe is what you are doing - according to your set up.
No, the computer is processing the output, and sending it to the USB. The iMic only process the input, not the output. And if the $40 iMic "doesn't support" what I am trying to do, then thats sad because my new $6 USB audio card does it just fine! Did you see my "RE: iMic" video? its up now! Give it a watch!
That's the answer: you are wanting to do something that the iMic is NOT designed for; what you are doing requires the card you have. BUT you could NOT use that USB card to input a low-level MIC or PHONO and amplify it and input it to the computer USB (input). But your article says, "See why the Griffin iMic Sucks" - it would be more accurate to state "The Griffin iMic does not work for what it is NOT designed" - OR to really HELP someone: "The Griffin iMic is NOT for this purpose..." , etc.
Well, you did not read the manual that came with it. There is NOWHERE in there that says you CAN use it for that purpose - the iMic is made to connect a MIC (or PHONE, etc) TO the USB INPUT of a Mac - it is NOT an audio output. You really should consider. It works great for me and for 100's - if not 1000's of users - you are apparently the ONLY one that had a problem - AND you are apparently the ONLY one that tried to use it wrong - as you did.
WRONG! Go to google and put in griffin iMic and go to the first site. (youtube won't let me post the link)
Read what it says in large orange letters: "The original USB audio adapter! iMic lets Mac and PC users add stereo input and output to USB computers even if they lack audio-in or -out ports."
And also it says: "...and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones."
So its not meant to be used as an output? I think not.
iMic allows you to connect microphones and other input devices to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC systems. All you need is a USB port. iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones.
It does NOT say you can connect an OUTPUT to the OUTPUT of the iMic USB and then in turn connect that output to the input of another device. This is my last round on this...
You are only reading PART of it. It says users can add an input or output even if the Mac doesn't have a jack for it. It also states that headphones or speakers can be plugged into the output for a line level output. - So it is saying that if I had a mac without an output jack, I can use this, plug my speakers into it, and use it as my output jack. THAT IS WHAT I AM DOING. I am sending the output of my system audio into the iMic and out the output jack!
You are driving a MICROPHONE input with a LINE-OUTPUT - you are overdriving AND you have an impedance mismatch - you are using a product for something it clearly is not designed for. What an idiot!!!!
Excuse me, but you obviously do not know what YOU are talking about! The jack on the MacBook is both an input and an output. It is switchable within System Preferences. As for the iMic, there are TWO jacks, one input and one output, and I obviously have it plugged in the output, not the input. And, if you are so smart, whats the impedance of MacBook jack, and the impedance of the iMic? - You reply back with that info, and then we'll further discuss if you still don't' understand.
Don't waste your time - this guy doesn't even know what impedance is - other than he has maximum impedance to knowledge. He wouldn't know a dbm from a BMW!
Duh!!!! We are talking about the INPUT to the iMic - that's what DRIVE means - the INPUT LEVEL IS TO HIGH - the input is for an UN-Amplified MICROPHONE - which is high impedance and LOW LEVEL - you are driving it with a low impedance, but moreover at a LEVEL that is TOO HIGH! DUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!
you really should listen to those other guys - the are telling you the correct technical information. You are over-driving the INPUT TO the iMic with a LINE LEVEL - it is designed to have a MIC (much lower level) input - the waveform is getting clipped and distorted. (the impedance is probably also mismatched - which doesn't help either.) You can't use something for which it is not intended and expect it to work for you.
You guys still don't get it! THE iMIC IS BOTH AN INPUT, AND OUTPUT DEVICE! This has NOTHING to do with the input, I am ONLY using the output! If I were testing microphones or something, thats one thing, but I am just testing the OUTPUT of music being played.
How can you 'only' be using the output? What is coming out? There has to be something IN for something to come out - it's not generating that output all by itself. It's YOU that doesn't get it. Three-to-one and you still think that YOU are the only one right. Get a life! YOU ARE OVER DRIVING AND you are too stupid to realize it.
If you would have actually WATCHED the video, at 0:18 you would read about how I did the tests. It says that was playing music from iTunes, and it was being OUTPUTTED via the MacBook Jack, and then the iMic jack. THERE IS NO INPUT INVOLVED. What part don't you understand?
why don't you draw a diagram of your test set up? ... or connect the unit as it was during your test and take a picture of that? any wire(s) coming in or going out of the picture/diagram should be labeled to show what/where they are connecting to or from (i.e. FROM Macbook Audio Out - or whatever)... That might help everyone understand more what you are doing.
ALSO - Keep in mind - if you overdrive the INPUT, the OUTPUT will be distorted and sound bad.
I sent the iMic back, so I can't make an actual video of it, however I did draw a diagram. I will be uploading it as a video and will post it as a video response to this one.
Let me rephrase the question: While at 0:18 you state you are playing a song from Coldplay in iTunes THROUGH the iMic - I think everyone understands that the OUTPUT of the iMic is via the USB cable to the computer. Is that correct? If so, the NEXT question - how is Coldplay music getting INTO the iMic? It is obviously not being generated inside the iMic, so it has to be coming from somewhere. That's the question as I understand it. Or am I missing something, too?
you answered your own question....the music is being played in iTunes, and being outputted from the macbook to the iMic via USB. Thats the ONLY way it works. the 1/8" input jack has NOTHING to do with it.
Ok- now it is clear. You should have included a diagram and/or picture of your setup: the INPUT to the iMic (from iTunes) is via the USB - this was not clear - now it is. I think some folks thought you were taking the speaker or line out of the computer and running it into the iMic MIC input. (A picture is worth 1000 words - as evidence here!) I still think the iMic is just that - a "MICROPHONE" input device - and is supposed to take a non-amplified mic into the USB for Audio -
The iMic can ONLY be used via the USB so I don't understand how it can be so confusing.
If the iMic is not to be used as an output, and only as a mic input then why is there 2 jacks on the iMic? (1 being the output) The output is obviously the problem as it is easily overdrivern and can't handle the same audio as the macbook's regular jack.
Also, upon request, I did upload a pic I drew of how it was hooked up. It won't come up as a video response though?
I looked at your newly uploaded "picture" of your setup -
I understand WHAT you are doing - just not sure WHY you are doing it! One thing you diagram does not indicate, what is the iMic's switch position during your tests? ("Mic" or "Line")??
It does not matter what way the switch is set on the iMic.....that switch it for the INPUT of the iMic and as I've said over and over I AM NOT USING THE INPUT, ONLY THE OUTPUT! so the switch does not make a difference unless you are using the input, which I am not.
You are not using the iMic for what it was designed to do. Go to the mfg's page on the device and READ the 2nd paragraph, "iMic allows you to ..." Also, there is a tutorial video out on YouTube ( v=zSSO3ZwEYTY ) that explains how to use it. NO WONDER it does not work for you - you were not using it properly for its intended purpose. The iMic works fine and sounds great if used for what it is designed to do.
So if using the output jack for playing music is not the "intended purpose" then what IS the use for that jack? If they didn't want iMic users to use the output jack, whats the point of HAVING that jack?
iMic is designed to allow you to connect a MIC, PHONO, pre-amp line-out or other input device to your computer - can be an iMac, MacBook, PC or whatever. The MacPro, for example, does not provide for unamplified MIC input - many PCs do. You can then talk, copy records, tape out - stuff like that. iMic OUTPUT is EITHER via the OUT Jack or the USB. I'm not even sure WHY it actually even worked in your set up. See the Griffin YouTube zSSO3ZwEyTY. iMic is really a good device - works great.
AND - to be more specific to your question - the OUT jack just provides more versatility - can out thru USB OR the jack. Some applications might better be served with the JACK - could run to a PC input, or pre-amp for example. Is more versatile - they already had the Audio & USB - easy to add a jack. But I don't see anywhere that the USB can be used for INPUT TO the iMic (which is what is happening in your setup) I THINK you wanted to do another function that iMic is not made to do.
How many times do I need to say, I AM USING THE iMIC AS AN OUTPUT NOT AN INPUT! So stop telling my I am using it wrong. I am not using this to convert records or tapes into my Mac. I am simply using it take the audio signal of my Mac (in this case, iTunes) and output it into the iMic where I would use the "audio out" port to plug in speakers or headphones. What part of "I AM NOT USING THE INPUT" do you not understand?
What part of "YOU ARE USING IT WRONG" do YOU not understand?!! OMG! You are something else. You can use a toilet for a washing machine, but it does not make it right! (although that would make more sense than what you are doing.) You are a very stubborn person. And very WRONG. You are not a very intelligent person, either - you should not be making reviews and talking about things you do not know anything about! that's it.
But yet, you still have not told me what I am doing wrong. All you do is make criticize me and pick out things to yell at me about, but yet when it comes down to the technical side, you can't explain anything or backup your own thoughts/statements.
you have the output of "Mac1" (iTunes) going to the OUTPUT of the iMic - which also goes to the INPUT of "Mac2". Why not just run the output of Mac1 to the input of Mac2? That's what you have now, only with the amplifier inside the iMic tied onto the line. That's what's causing distortion. You are using the iMic for a Cable - adapter - it is a microphone /phone preamp - ALSO - did you adjust the LEVELS? SEE the YouTube instruction video --> zSSO3ZwEYTY
The only purpose of "Mac2" is for recording this demo. If I wanted to hook up 2 macs to each other, I'd just run a 3.5" cable between them w/out adpaters, etc. But in this case I'm using the 2nd mac to do the recording of what you WOULD hear if you were using headphones, or have it plugged into an external speaker system. I could have just used camera audio to record it, but then people would complain that it sounds bad because I'm recoding it though the camera.
It does not matter WHAT it was driving - a Mac, a camera, ext spkr - it does not make sense nor is it the correct way to use it. The USB is an OUTPUT - not an input -and u are using it as an iMic input from "Mac1"/itunes. This is it - you need basic electronics at a local community college or something. You are trying to discuss something you know nothing about - your little hook-up experiment was bogus. Bottom line - the engineers at Griffin -and everyone else - know a lot more that you.
You need to LISTEN to people and not argue with them. You are WRONG and used the iMic WRONG - and all you do is ARGUE.... You're an IDOT!! The iMic has ONE INPUT - the 1/8" IN port - it has TWO (2) Outputs - the 1/8" OUT port (for phones or spkrs) AND the USB conn. The USB is NOT - REPEAT "NOT" - an INPUT - all we can say is "RTFM" - if you would READ the mfg's instructions you wouldn't be making such a fool of yourself! And treating OTHERS like THEY are stupid, when it's YOU! who are
The usb has nothing to do with it it....as it is both an input and an output. Without it, it would not work.
Who do you think you even are, you probably don't even have one of these things, let alone has ever USED one, but yet your an expert on it and can boss everyone around about because you think you know more then I do. Forget you.
The USB might be BOTH and input and output from the MAC - but it is NOT an input to the iMic. Repeat - USB - NOT an INPUT to the iMic. It is ONLY an output FROM the iMic. You have two outputs tied together and are feeding that understandably distorted signal to another Mac...
Actually I did. I payed music before I did the recoding to get the level set so there was no clipping, then I started the recoding, stopped it. Switched sources, and checked levels again. The funny thing was, the level was the same, however no matter how much lower I tuned down the gain, it still came out distorted because it was being distorted BEFORE it even go to the computer to record, which means the iMic did it.
We have been TRYING to explain that to him - but all he wants to do is hurl insults and act like a know-it-all. I have a 5th grader that knows more than he does! At least a 5th grader can READ instructions!
YOU are the one that started the insults - I just replied in kind. And you DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about - you should not be writing reviews - you are igorant.
Hold on. I just recoded a video of me explaining the setup and stuff - LIVE. give me till tomorrow to get it uploaded. I have to edit it down a little because its 12 mins and youtube will only let me have up to 10.
It sounds like you might be overdriving the device. What is your set up? What specific devices and levels are you using? Without that information, your 'demo' is virtually meaningless.
Duh it is being overloaded....the demo is to "show" that the same setup, volume, etc plays fine with the mac output, but not on the iMic. That means the iMic is cheap if it can't "handle" what the Mac can easily accomplish.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
You are a person that evidently has never had any scientific or engineering training or background. On top of that you are rude and disrespectful. Any continued attempt at a meaningful exchange is obviously pointless.
Use my iMic for what its designed for, pre-cueing for Djay 3, output to monitors with the MBP output, pre cue wit the iMic paired with Bose headphones works like magic, how bout a little research before you diss a product...
ragz619 1 week ago
by the way, the imic is made by griffin, not apple. just fyi.
zdragon369 2 weeks ago
i have the griffin imic and it works flawlessly. i use it with djay 3 for gigs and whatnot...sounds as good/better than the internal audio out jack. i also never turn up the volume output more than about 3/4 for line outs to a board or otherwise, whether my iMac, powerbook, or iPod/iphone. turning volume to max usually generates a distortion. i apply the same principal to the imic. no issues at all.
just my experience.
zdragon369 2 weeks ago
I totally agree with you! I do recording on my mac. And when I turn the monitor on for the imic, the sound is really distorted. You are actually correct! This is the type of sound I was getting from my recording. Thanks for posting this video. I just bought the Imic from amazon a week ago. and now i'll be returning and getting an audio usb like the one u have in ur other video! Very convincing video!
rapaznboi 3 months ago
Comment removed
pulseminus 5 months ago
I am thinking of getting an imic to input audio from my guitar rig to my macbook pro, which has no audio input [which would have been much easier]. Is this a good idea? Other reviews say it is a good piece of equipment and seeing this has freaked me out a bit... although I don't know whether to trust this video...
HezzaBlog 1 year ago
@HezzaBlog audio in worked fine
sdschramm 1 year ago
Dumb question, but have you changed your switch from mic to line?
kf7strng 1 year ago
@kf7strng Yes. I tried both options
sdschramm 1 year ago
There is nothing wrong with the i-mic ! I am using it a lot and there comes a cristal clear sound out of it. No problems at all. You probably did something wrong. Try another i-mic as sugested in earlier reactions. It's a good product.
LouisRoes 1 year ago
wait, so if i shoudn't hook up my mic to the imic to record my own voice... what other product should I use?
samsdopee 1 year ago
Yes, it sounds shitty, yes you had it plugged in right... My gut feeling is that you got a bum unit...it would be very odd that it sounds this shitty for everyone. Try another one?
goofparade 1 year ago
Looks like you set it up wrong buddy. You should probably take this off.
blueblob4 1 year ago 3
@blueblob4 NO, its set up right.
sdschramm 1 year ago
@sdschramm
Well I'll take your word on it. Hopefully I'll have better luck or I'm out $30 (unless I go through the pains of returning it).
blueblob4 1 year ago
I have an iMic and I dont have this problem... its pretty nice, no distortion or anything.
ATY9Productions 1 year ago
Schramm thinks it's a sound card.
ormondotvos 1 year ago
@ormondotvos Because it is! What did you think it was...a hot dog? idk
sdschramm 1 year ago
Dude, I have been sampling records for years with this product and the result was nothing but butter. You signal is obviously peaked out. SIlly Billy this product is very tight!
wisesire 1 year ago
If Only!
I use the iMic in a semiprofessional capacity from multiple laptops through professional sound systems and this guys got it set up wrong. The iMic is the right piece of kit if you know what you're doing with it.
brianstpaul 2 years ago
and are you using it for the same purpose I am?
sdschramm 2 years ago
Ok just one question for everyone.. Should i get the imic for my pre cueing for my virtual dj on my mac or not? I need something for pre cueing for my djay software, which you can get from apple, so i can start mixing my own tunes. i want to be able to hear music from my earphones and from my mac speakers at the same time.and i need advice from someone who knows whats what cause i have no clue. thanks
triplejack234 2 years ago
could it be that you received a defective imic? I am actually thinking of getting myself one and have some doubts about it now....
light12346 2 years ago
Watch my video response to this video. I further explain the setup and show how the $6 USB adapter I bought on ebay works better. Get one of them. They are much better!
sdschramm 2 years ago
I have to tell you - the folks that have been commenting on your 'test' are generally not very polite - well, some downright nasty - but they ARE trying to tell you something that is correct. You are using the iMic USB as an INPUT (from Mac/iTunes) TO the iMic - then using the OUTPUT Jack of the iMic. The iMic USB is NOT an input to the iMic - it is an OUTPUT FROM the iMic ONLY - just as the OUTPUT is - the iMic has ONLY 1 input (IN) and it has 2 Outputs (USB OR Jack) - that is Y its NG 4U
smitty1st 2 years ago 9
How can you output thought the USB jack? There is only ONE input and ONE output. The USB does both and delivers the sound to the input and output jacks. It is not an input or output itself.
sdschramm 2 years ago
From the computer's (MAC) 'point of view' the USB can be EITHER input or output. Just because the USB is input AND output for the MAC does NOT mean it will necessarily be BOTH an input AND output for OTHER devices (such as the iMic). The iMic does NOT use the USB for an input to it - ONLY the MIC jack. The iMic has TWO outputs; USB cable and OUT jack. IT canNOT "process" signals as an input to itself FROM the USB cable. Cannot and does not.
smitty1st 2 years ago
Don't let this fact confuse you: The OUTPUT of one device IS the INPUT to the NEXT. The OUTPUT of a pre-amp is the INPUT to an AMP; the OUTPUT of an AMP is the INPUT to a Speaker system, etc. The iMic will accept MIC/PHONO signals present on the IN jack - It then OUTPUTS them to BOTH the OUT jack AND the USB - AT THE SAME TIME! Another way of saying this - the USB and OUT Jacks ARE THE SAME WIRE! - They just put the USB on there so you will not HAVE to use an round-plug to USB -ADAPTER.
smitty1st 2 years ago
I agree with this statement, but not the one above it.
sdschramm 2 years ago
OK - let me re-phrase it: JUST because the MAC can use the USB for input and output (which would be output and input for another device) DOES NOT MEAN that the iMic uses the USB for both - it does not. The USB is an OUTPUT FROM the iMic - ONLY! - and is tied to the iMic's OUPUT phono jack. They are BOTH the SAME output from the iMic - which will both drive something else - NEITHER can properly process a signal as an INPUT - which i believe is what you are doing - according to your set up.
smitty1st 2 years ago
No, the computer is processing the output, and sending it to the USB. The iMic only process the input, not the output. And if the $40 iMic "doesn't support" what I am trying to do, then thats sad because my new $6 USB audio card does it just fine! Did you see my "RE: iMic" video? its up now! Give it a watch!
sdschramm 2 years ago
That's the answer: you are wanting to do something that the iMic is NOT designed for; what you are doing requires the card you have. BUT you could NOT use that USB card to input a low-level MIC or PHONO and amplify it and input it to the computer USB (input). But your article says, "See why the Griffin iMic Sucks" - it would be more accurate to state "The Griffin iMic does not work for what it is NOT designed" - OR to really HELP someone: "The Griffin iMic is NOT for this purpose..." , etc.
smitty1st 2 years ago
Uh no, it still sucks.
I don't see anywhere that says "The Griffin iMic is not to be used as an audio output device from a computer"
and BTW, my $6 USB device DOES preamp the input - its automatic and works fine with my standard "PC Mic"
sdschramm 2 years ago
Well, you did not read the manual that came with it. There is NOWHERE in there that says you CAN use it for that purpose - the iMic is made to connect a MIC (or PHONE, etc) TO the USB INPUT of a Mac - it is NOT an audio output. You really should consider. It works great for me and for 100's - if not 1000's of users - you are apparently the ONLY one that had a problem - AND you are apparently the ONLY one that tried to use it wrong - as you did.
smitty1st 2 years ago
WRONG! Go to google and put in griffin iMic and go to the first site. (youtube won't let me post the link)
Read what it says in large orange letters: "The original USB audio adapter! iMic lets Mac and PC users add stereo input and output to USB computers even if they lack audio-in or -out ports."
And also it says: "...and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones."
So its not meant to be used as an output? I think not.
sdschramm 2 years ago
Your are reading that wrong:
iMic allows you to connect microphones and other input devices to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC systems. All you need is a USB port. iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones.
It does NOT say you can connect an OUTPUT to the OUTPUT of the iMic USB and then in turn connect that output to the input of another device. This is my last round on this...
smitty1st 2 years ago
You are only reading PART of it. It says users can add an input or output even if the Mac doesn't have a jack for it. It also states that headphones or speakers can be plugged into the output for a line level output. - So it is saying that if I had a mac without an output jack, I can use this, plug my speakers into it, and use it as my output jack. THAT IS WHAT I AM DOING. I am sending the output of my system audio into the iMic and out the output jack!
sdschramm 2 years ago
You are driving a MICROPHONE input with a LINE-OUTPUT - you are overdriving AND you have an impedance mismatch - you are using a product for something it clearly is not designed for. What an idiot!!!!
tagxz1 2 years ago
Excuse me, but you obviously do not know what YOU are talking about! The jack on the MacBook is both an input and an output. It is switchable within System Preferences. As for the iMic, there are TWO jacks, one input and one output, and I obviously have it plugged in the output, not the input. And, if you are so smart, whats the impedance of MacBook jack, and the impedance of the iMic? - You reply back with that info, and then we'll further discuss if you still don't' understand.
sdschramm 2 years ago
Don't waste your time - this guy doesn't even know what impedance is - other than he has maximum impedance to knowledge. He wouldn't know a dbm from a BMW!
kidx145 2 years ago 2
Duh!!!! We are talking about the INPUT to the iMic - that's what DRIVE means - the INPUT LEVEL IS TO HIGH - the input is for an UN-Amplified MICROPHONE - which is high impedance and LOW LEVEL - you are driving it with a low impedance, but moreover at a LEVEL that is TOO HIGH! DUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!
tagxz1 2 years ago
you really should listen to those other guys - the are telling you the correct technical information. You are over-driving the INPUT TO the iMic with a LINE LEVEL - it is designed to have a MIC (much lower level) input - the waveform is getting clipped and distorted. (the impedance is probably also mismatched - which doesn't help either.) You can't use something for which it is not intended and expect it to work for you.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
You guys still don't get it! THE iMIC IS BOTH AN INPUT, AND OUTPUT DEVICE! This has NOTHING to do with the input, I am ONLY using the output! If I were testing microphones or something, thats one thing, but I am just testing the OUTPUT of music being played.
sdschramm 2 years ago
How can you 'only' be using the output? What is coming out? There has to be something IN for something to come out - it's not generating that output all by itself. It's YOU that doesn't get it. Three-to-one and you still think that YOU are the only one right. Get a life! YOU ARE OVER DRIVING AND you are too stupid to realize it.
tagxz1 2 years ago
If you would have actually WATCHED the video, at 0:18 you would read about how I did the tests. It says that was playing music from iTunes, and it was being OUTPUTTED via the MacBook Jack, and then the iMic jack. THERE IS NO INPUT INVOLVED. What part don't you understand?
sdschramm 2 years ago
yeah - how can you have an output without an input?! WHERE is the music coming from? - you are just a jerk that can't admit when your are wrong.
kidx145 2 years ago
Like I said, 0:18 into the video is said the music was being played in iTunes....thats where its coming from!
sdschramm 2 years ago
why don't you draw a diagram of your test set up? ... or connect the unit as it was during your test and take a picture of that? any wire(s) coming in or going out of the picture/diagram should be labeled to show what/where they are connecting to or from (i.e. FROM Macbook Audio Out - or whatever)... That might help everyone understand more what you are doing.
ALSO - Keep in mind - if you overdrive the INPUT, the OUTPUT will be distorted and sound bad.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
I sent the iMic back, so I can't make an actual video of it, however I did draw a diagram. I will be uploading it as a video and will post it as a video response to this one.
sdschramm 2 years ago
Let me rephrase the question: While at 0:18 you state you are playing a song from Coldplay in iTunes THROUGH the iMic - I think everyone understands that the OUTPUT of the iMic is via the USB cable to the computer. Is that correct? If so, the NEXT question - how is Coldplay music getting INTO the iMic? It is obviously not being generated inside the iMic, so it has to be coming from somewhere. That's the question as I understand it. Or am I missing something, too?
MegaZotz 2 years ago
you answered your own question....the music is being played in iTunes, and being outputted from the macbook to the iMic via USB. Thats the ONLY way it works. the 1/8" input jack has NOTHING to do with it.
sdschramm 2 years ago
Ok- now it is clear. You should have included a diagram and/or picture of your setup: the INPUT to the iMic (from iTunes) is via the USB - this was not clear - now it is. I think some folks thought you were taking the speaker or line out of the computer and running it into the iMic MIC input. (A picture is worth 1000 words - as evidence here!) I still think the iMic is just that - a "MICROPHONE" input device - and is supposed to take a non-amplified mic into the USB for Audio -
MegaZotz 2 years ago
Thank you for finally understanding!
The iMic can ONLY be used via the USB so I don't understand how it can be so confusing.
If the iMic is not to be used as an output, and only as a mic input then why is there 2 jacks on the iMic? (1 being the output) The output is obviously the problem as it is easily overdrivern and can't handle the same audio as the macbook's regular jack.
Also, upon request, I did upload a pic I drew of how it was hooked up. It won't come up as a video response though?
sdschramm 2 years ago
@sdschramm
I looked at your newly uploaded "picture" of your setup -
I understand WHAT you are doing - just not sure WHY you are doing it! One thing you diagram does not indicate, what is the iMic's switch position during your tests? ("Mic" or "Line")??
MegaZotz 2 years ago
It does not matter what way the switch is set on the iMic.....that switch it for the INPUT of the iMic and as I've said over and over I AM NOT USING THE INPUT, ONLY THE OUTPUT! so the switch does not make a difference unless you are using the input, which I am not.
sdschramm 2 years ago
You are not using the iMic for what it was designed to do. Go to the mfg's page on the device and READ the 2nd paragraph, "iMic allows you to ..." Also, there is a tutorial video out on YouTube ( v=zSSO3ZwEYTY ) that explains how to use it. NO WONDER it does not work for you - you were not using it properly for its intended purpose. The iMic works fine and sounds great if used for what it is designed to do.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
So if using the output jack for playing music is not the "intended purpose" then what IS the use for that jack? If they didn't want iMic users to use the output jack, whats the point of HAVING that jack?
sdschramm 2 years ago
iMic is designed to allow you to connect a MIC, PHONO, pre-amp line-out or other input device to your computer - can be an iMac, MacBook, PC or whatever. The MacPro, for example, does not provide for unamplified MIC input - many PCs do. You can then talk, copy records, tape out - stuff like that. iMic OUTPUT is EITHER via the OUT Jack or the USB. I'm not even sure WHY it actually even worked in your set up. See the Griffin YouTube zSSO3ZwEyTY. iMic is really a good device - works great.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
AND - to be more specific to your question - the OUT jack just provides more versatility - can out thru USB OR the jack. Some applications might better be served with the JACK - could run to a PC input, or pre-amp for example. Is more versatile - they already had the Audio & USB - easy to add a jack. But I don't see anywhere that the USB can be used for INPUT TO the iMic (which is what is happening in your setup) I THINK you wanted to do another function that iMic is not made to do.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
How many times do I need to say, I AM USING THE iMIC AS AN OUTPUT NOT AN INPUT! So stop telling my I am using it wrong. I am not using this to convert records or tapes into my Mac. I am simply using it take the audio signal of my Mac (in this case, iTunes) and output it into the iMic where I would use the "audio out" port to plug in speakers or headphones. What part of "I AM NOT USING THE INPUT" do you not understand?
sdschramm 2 years ago
What part of "YOU ARE USING IT WRONG" do YOU not understand?!! OMG! You are something else. You can use a toilet for a washing machine, but it does not make it right! (although that would make more sense than what you are doing.) You are a very stubborn person. And very WRONG. You are not a very intelligent person, either - you should not be making reviews and talking about things you do not know anything about! that's it.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
But yet, you still have not told me what I am doing wrong. All you do is make criticize me and pick out things to yell at me about, but yet when it comes down to the technical side, you can't explain anything or backup your own thoughts/statements.
sdschramm 2 years ago
Comment removed
MegaZotz 2 years ago
you have the output of "Mac1" (iTunes) going to the OUTPUT of the iMic - which also goes to the INPUT of "Mac2". Why not just run the output of Mac1 to the input of Mac2? That's what you have now, only with the amplifier inside the iMic tied onto the line. That's what's causing distortion. You are using the iMic for a Cable - adapter - it is a microphone /phone preamp - ALSO - did you adjust the LEVELS? SEE the YouTube instruction video --> zSSO3ZwEYTY
MegaZotz 2 years ago
Wow, your talking intelligently!
The only purpose of "Mac2" is for recording this demo. If I wanted to hook up 2 macs to each other, I'd just run a 3.5" cable between them w/out adpaters, etc. But in this case I'm using the 2nd mac to do the recording of what you WOULD hear if you were using headphones, or have it plugged into an external speaker system. I could have just used camera audio to record it, but then people would complain that it sounds bad because I'm recoding it though the camera.
sdschramm 2 years ago
It does not matter WHAT it was driving - a Mac, a camera, ext spkr - it does not make sense nor is it the correct way to use it. The USB is an OUTPUT - not an input -and u are using it as an iMic input from "Mac1"/itunes. This is it - you need basic electronics at a local community college or something. You are trying to discuss something you know nothing about - your little hook-up experiment was bogus. Bottom line - the engineers at Griffin -and everyone else - know a lot more that you.
MegaZotz 2 years ago
You need to LISTEN to people and not argue with them. You are WRONG and used the iMic WRONG - and all you do is ARGUE.... You're an IDOT!! The iMic has ONE INPUT - the 1/8" IN port - it has TWO (2) Outputs - the 1/8" OUT port (for phones or spkrs) AND the USB conn. The USB is NOT - REPEAT "NOT" - an INPUT - all we can say is "RTFM" - if you would READ the mfg's instructions you wouldn't be making such a fool of yourself! And treating OTHERS like THEY are stupid, when it's YOU! who are
tagxz1 2 years ago 2
The usb has nothing to do with it it....as it is both an input and an output. Without it, it would not work.
Who do you think you even are, you probably don't even have one of these things, let alone has ever USED one, but yet your an expert on it and can boss everyone around about because you think you know more then I do. Forget you.
sdschramm 2 years ago
The USB might be BOTH and input and output from the MAC - but it is NOT an input to the iMic. Repeat - USB - NOT an INPUT to the iMic. It is ONLY an output FROM the iMic. You have two outputs tied together and are feeding that understandably distorted signal to another Mac...
MegaZotz 2 years ago 4
PLUS - you need to ADJUST LEVELS - RTFM, buddy....
tagxz1 2 years ago
Actually I did. I payed music before I did the recoding to get the level set so there was no clipping, then I started the recoding, stopped it. Switched sources, and checked levels again. The funny thing was, the level was the same, however no matter how much lower I tuned down the gain, it still came out distorted because it was being distorted BEFORE it even go to the computer to record, which means the iMic did it.
sdschramm 2 years ago
We have been TRYING to explain that to him - but all he wants to do is hurl insults and act like a know-it-all. I have a 5th grader that knows more than he does! At least a 5th grader can READ instructions!
tagxz1 2 years ago
"hurl insults" - no that would be you. Look at what your saying to me. Everything you've said has been NEGATIVE!
sdschramm 2 years ago
YOU are the one that started the insults - I just replied in kind. And you DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about - you should not be writing reviews - you are igorant.
tagxz1 2 years ago
I'll be GLAD to be polite if you will
tagxz1 2 years ago
Have you checked out the YouTube link that MegaZots sent you? (zSSO3ZwEyTYd) - see his comments.
tagxz1 2 years ago
Hold on. I just recoded a video of me explaining the setup and stuff - LIVE. give me till tomorrow to get it uploaded. I have to edit it down a little because its 12 mins and youtube will only let me have up to 10.
sdschramm 2 years ago
It sounds like you might be overdriving the device. What is your set up? What specific devices and levels are you using? Without that information, your 'demo' is virtually meaningless.
kidx145 2 years ago
Duh it is being overloaded....the demo is to "show" that the same setup, volume, etc plays fine with the mac output, but not on the iMic. That means the iMic is cheap if it can't "handle" what the Mac can easily accomplish.
sdschramm 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You are a person that evidently has never had any scientific or engineering training or background. On top of that you are rude and disrespectful. Any continued attempt at a meaningful exchange is obviously pointless.
kidx145 2 years ago
Who do you think you are? The YouTube police? and why did you remove your original comment? Did you realize how dumb you sounded?
sdschramm 2 years ago
im gonna try it to believe it.
Coxfame 2 years ago
I don't think it's the real quality griffin iMic, i know it doesnt sounds that great, but it won't be this bad either..
it should be the particular iMic u have is flawed product that u should return and exchange with other iMic, or wrong setup
paulgilbertx87 2 years ago
No, its just showing how under powered it is.
sdschramm 2 years ago
I have no problems with the iMic, nor do many other people. I wonder what that means? (hint: it's you)
soundandfission 2 years ago
no its not. its the crappy product.
sdschramm 2 years ago
ah,those sounds hurt my ears!
MrHonwe 2 years ago 2
wow that's terrible !!
kevinklinkmuller 2 years ago 2