This articles explains the steps necessary to connect audio equipment to your iMac.

Your computer can play and record stereo sound from a variety of sources using the sound input and output ports (also known as "jacks").

Your computer can receive stereo sound from a sound input device such as the built-in microphone, a tape deck, or an audio CD player. You attach sound input devices to the sound input port on the computer.

Your computer comes with built-in speakers. You attach another sound output device, such as amplified speakers or headphones, to the sound output port.

Sound input and sound output ports

The computer's sound input and output ports accept 3.5 mm miniplug connectors found most often on stereo equipment. There are two types:

Stereo miniplug Extended miniplug

The stereo miniplug is found most often on stereo equipment; it works in both the sound input and sound output ports. The extended miniplug, which is slightly longer and is found on voice-quality microphones (such as the Apple PlainTalk Microphone), works only in the computer's sound input port. (Even though it will fit into the sound output port, it won't work there.)

If your equipment has a different connector from those shown here, you can purchase an adapter at an electronics supply store.

Connecting Audio Equipment

To connect audio equipment, follow the steps below.

1. Make sure that the audio equipment has a cable with a stereo miniplug connector.

In most cases, the cable looks like one of these:

Audio cable with miniplug connectors on both ends

Audio cable with a miniplug connector on one end and two RCA-type connectors (left and right) on the other end

Note: Audio cables are not supplied with your computer. If you need to buy a cable, check an electronics supply store.

2. Shut down the computer, turn off the audio equipment, and place the equipment near the computer.

Note: Turn the volume down on the audio equipment and on your computer so the sound isn't too loud when you turn on the audio equipment.

3. Attach cables to the audio equipment following the instructions that came with the equipment.
4. If your audio equipment is a sound input device, such as a tape deck, audio CD player, or VCR, attach it to the sound input port.
5. If your audio equipment is a sound output device, such as headphones or amplified speakers, attach it to the sound output port.

The illustration below shows a typical cable arrangement.

Sound output port Audio In ports (left and right)

Miniplug-to-dual RCA-plug cable

6. Turn on the computer and the audio equipment.
7. If necessary, adjust the sound using the volume control on the audio equipment.

You may also need to adjust the settings in the computer's Monitors & Sound control panel. Open the Monitors & Sound control panel and click the Sound button.

8. If desired, use the Monitors & Sound control panel to turn 3D Surround Sound ( ) on or off.

For more information, see the topic on Sound in Mac OS Help.