PlainTalk Microphone: Not Supported On Current Displays (4/95)


I have connected my Apple Microphone (round) to the microphone pass through port on my Macintosh 16-in. Color Display. When I attempt to record sound to my Macintosh Quadra 840AV, nothing happens.

The AV Macintosh computers and all Power Macintosh models use the PlainTalk Microphone instead of the older Apple Microphone. The PlainTalk Microphone requires additional voltage from the Macintosh to amplify the signal. All of Apple's current displays, includes all Multiple Scan Displays, are not setup to pass the voltage to the PlainTalk Microphone. To use the PlainTalk Microphone, it must be connected directly to the Macintosh AV or Power Macintosh computer.

Article Change History:
18 Apr 1995 - Added information on all Multiple Scan Displays.
13 Apr 1994 - Added Power Macintosh and the MS 17 Display.

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Published Date: Feb 19, 2012