Use the latest version of macOS

May 10, 2019  Restart the sound controller. If there are no software audio drivers interfering with your Mac’s sound output, nothing plugged into the headphone jack, USB, or Thunderbolt ports, and your sound still doesn’t work, the next step is to restart the sound controller. Free audio software download. Edit, mix, convert or record sound files or mp3. Everything audio on PC & Mac. Our most popular computer audio freeware.

The first step is to make sure that you're using the latest version of macOS. Back up your important information and then update the software on your Mac.

Check your sound settings

If you still can't hear sound from the internal speakers after updating your computer's software, check your sound settings.

First, disconnect any external audio devices from your computer. Also disconnect any cables from the USB, Thunderbolt, or 3.5mm audio ports.

1. From the Apple menu , choose System Preferences.
2. Click Sound.
   
3. Click the Output tab, then select the built-in speakers. If you don’t see built-in speakers as an option in the Output window, contact Apple Support.
4. If the Output volume slider is set low, move the slider to the right and test again.
5. If the Mute checkbox is selected, deselect it and test again.
6. If you still don’t hear any sound, contact Apple Support.

What is a USB Microphone? In short it is the easiest way to make high quality recordings on your computer. A USB Mic means you don’t have to buy lots of equipment, and it is very easy to set up. USB Microphones are portable and cross platform so if you buy one you should be able to use it on your PC, Mac, iPad, and laptop with minimum fuss. What is a USB microphone? It is the most cost effective option for getting a decent recording onto your computer, tablet or smartphone.

It is literally a microphone which contains all the wiring necessary to simply connect to a USB port and start recording. And often a USB mic will also have a headphone out, so as well as recording, you can listen directly to the sound through headphones.

1. Plug and Play
2. Cross-Platform (Windows, Mac, Tablet (with appropriate adapter)
3. No additional equipment needed
4. Low budget, good quality recording

This video shows you how to set up and record with a USB in a popular DAW (digital audio workstation recording software)

Now you know what is a USB mic, then next question is: which is the best USB microphone? Our ultimate guide to USB mics shows all the most popular mics in action. You can listen to them, and see video reviews of each one in turn.

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If you want to know how good a USB Microphone can sound, click the audio buttons below to audition four of the highest quality USB mics currently available.

Software For Mac That Will Work With Usb Sound Machine

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Click here to purchase the AT2020USB Plus. Or find out more in our detailed review of the AT2020USB+.

Blue Yeti USB Mic

Purchase the Blue Yeti USB Mic. Or find out more in our detailed review of the Blue Yeti.

Rode NT-USB

Click here to purchase the Rode NT-USB. Or read more in our detailed review of the Rode NT-USB.

Blue Yeti Pro USB/XLR Mic

Click here to purchase the Blue Yeti Pro. Or find out more in our detailed review of the Blue Yeti Pro XLR/USB.

Click here to see and hear more USB Mics in action.

What is a USB Microphone Best for?

Apart from being a very good way of capturing vocals and performances of acoustic instruments etc, the USB Mic is particularly good for all the following too: video voiceovers; podcasts; internet radio; skype and other forms of chat; hypnotherapy tapes; conferences; interviews and so on.

If you want to make a good quality recording and you do not have the budget or time to buy all the separate components you would need to set up a small home studio then a USB Microphone should be on your shopping list. Furthermore, a USB mic is ultra portable so you can take it anywhere with you. And with the right connector, you should also be able to use it with your iPad.

You can spend a lot more money and buy separate components (a quality microphone and an audio interface with input for a microphone) However this will be much more expensive option than a USB microphone. Or you can buy a dynamic microphone and plug it straight into your mic port on your computer (if indeed it has one). This will be cheaper but will produce a poor quality recording compared to buying a USB microphone. If you do want a more sophisticated set-up then we have lots of other posts about setting up a small home studio. The best entry level alternative to buying a USB microphone is to buy an all-in-one recording studio package. This is a pack containing an audio interface, microphone and headphones. Everything you need to start recording. More expensive than a simple USB mic, but much more versatile.

How does a USB Microphone work?

The USB Microphone is a quality microphone with a “built in” interface so that you can plug it directly into your USB port. You bypass your computer’s built in sound card for recording so the result is much better. It also has the necessary amplification so the signal is at the right level.

What Is A USB Microphone – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a sound card as well?

No! This is the whole point of a USB Mic. You do not need to buy an additional sound card when you purchase a USB microphone. It boils down to how does a USB mic work. (See above FAQ)

You do not need to buy an additional sound card when you purchase a USB microphone. Your computer will already have a built in sound card for playing back sound. The USB microphone contains the equivalent of a sound card for recording (and some will also be able to play back). So depending on which USB microphone you buy, you will either record with the USB microphone then play your recording back through your computer’s soundcard OR you will plug headphones into the USB microphone (if it has a headphone socket) and then you can both record and playback through the mic.

What recording software do You need?

Many USB microphones come with recording software. If you just want to make simple recordings on your PC or Mac, then we recommend you download Audacity. In this software you can easily record several tracks, edit and mix.

Software For Mac That Will Work With Usb Soundtrack

If you want to do more then you can use a USB microphone with any recording software. Be aware, though, that if you buy a USB microphone without a headphone socket you cannot ‘direct monitor’. You should always choose a USB microphone with headphone output if you want to overlay vocal tracks and listen to yourself at the same time.

If you are on an iPad then Garageband is a great recording app, and there are plenty of others too. All will work with your USB mic once it is correctly connected.

Will a USB microphone be good enough for your recording needs?

A USB microphone is a great way of getting started with recording on your computer or tablet. It is so easy and gives such a great result for the money that most people are delighted with their USB mic. If you know right now that you want a small home studio set up and you want to record several instruments, hook up keyboards and other hardware, then you should definitely be looking at buying an audio interface instead.

Software For Mac That Will Work With Usb Sound To Computer

However for recording a solo vocalist, or for all the other uses listed then a USB mic will almost certainly suit your needs. Most importantly you will not be overwhelmed, as it is so simple, that you will actually achieve a great recording result within minutes. And even if you choose in the future to upgrade, the portable USB microphone will always be a useful bit of kit to have available.