How Connect Audio Devices to Computers

666

this port is typically on the back of the CPU box
while iMacs have a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack on the back of the monitor. Some common audio-out methods include the following:Optical - A pentagonal port. Optical cables will usually work with high-end
modern speakers.RCA - A red port coupled with a white port. These ports receive 3.5 millimeter cables of the same colors.Headphone jack - The 3.5-millimeter headphone jack can reliably be found on most computers somewhere on the side of a laptop or the back of a computer case. For speakers or headphones
the plug is color-coded in green and usually has a headphone symbol identifying it. The pink jack is for microphones and the blue jack is for Line-In
similar to an aux input.HDMI - HDMI slots work the same way on your computer as they do on your TV
which includes audio transmission.On laptops
the audio-out port is typically the headphone jack.Find the microphone jack if necessary. The microphone jack is the same size as the headphone jack (3.5 millimeters)
and it usually has an image of a microphone next to it. If youre connecting a device that needs separate microphone input (e.g.
some gaming headsets)
youll need to know where the microphone port is.USB ports can also double as audio-in connections.Determine whether or not you need a converter. If you have a new set of speakers and an old computer
for example
you might need an optical-to-RCA adapter
since your computer likely only supports RCA or headphone input.You can find audio converters
also known as "audio extractors"
in most tech departments in retail stores or online.If you have to use an audio extractor
youll also need to purchase a separate set of cables in order to attach the extractor to your computer.Plug your audio device into a power source if necessary. Things like speakers and condenser microphones will likely need a power source (e.g.
a wall socket or your computers USB port) to function.You may also need to press an "On" switch on the back of the main speaker unit.Plug your device into your computer. The devices main unit (e.g.
the headset or main speaker) should have an audio cable that plugs into your computers audio output port.If needed
first plug your device into an audio extractor.Test your device. You can play a video or some music to determine whether or not the audio output is working
or try recording a voice memo with your new microphone (if applicable).You may need to change the audio output
restart your computer or update your computers software if your device doesnt work at first.. This option is in the top row of items on the Settings page.. Its a tab on the far-left side of the page.Turn on your Bluetooth device and put it into pairing mode. Turn on your Bluetooth audio device and make sure its in "pairing" mode or "discoverable" mode. If necessary
plug it into a power source.All devices are different so check the manual that came with your audio device to find out how to put your device into "pairing" mode if you dont know how.. This button is at the top of the page.. Its the top option in the Add a Device window.Click your audio devices name. It should appear in the "Add a Device" window; its name will likely be a combination of the model number and the manufacturers name. Once you click it
it will begin pairing with your device automatically.If you dont see the device appear
double-check that the device is in "pairing" mode
then scan for nearby devices again.. This option has a symbol of a speaker next to it. Doing so will open your audio manager.Select your Bluetooth device. You should see its name in the Sound window
along with your computers default output device if youre using a laptop.If youre connecting a microphone
youll first want to click the Recording tab at the top of the window.. Its in the bottom-right corner of the window.. Your device should now be the default in its category on your computer.Test your device. You can play a video or some music to determine whether or not the audio output is working
or try recording a voice memo with your new microphone (if applicable).You may need to restart your computer or update your computers software if the device doesnt work.Turn on your Bluetooth device. Depending on the device
you may first need to connect it to a power source. if necessary. If your Macs Bluetooth isnt enabled
youll need to turn it on in order to view your Bluetooth device.Click your Bluetooth devices name. This will likely be a combination of the model number and the manufacturers name.If you dont see your devices name
press the "pairing" button
or turn it off and then on again.. Doing so will prompt your Mac and the device to pair with one another.. This option is near the middle of the drop-down Apple menu.. Youll see this speaker-shaped icon in the System Preferences window. tab. Its at the top of the Sound window.If youre attaching a microphone
click the Input tab instead.Double-click your Bluetooth devices name. Doing so will select it as your Macs primary output (or input
if youre attaching a microphone).Test your device. You can play a video or some music to determine whether or not the audio output is working
or try recording a voice memo with your new microphone (if applicable).You may need to restart your computer or update your computers software if your device doesnt work.