What's the Difference Between Line-in and Mic-in on a Computer

[Jacob Kramer]

Is there some difference in gain? Or are they typically the same
mechanically with different names?

--

Jacob Kramer

[Richard Crowley]

> >Is there some difference in gain? Or are they typically the same
> >mechanically with different names?

"Laurence Payne" wrote ...
> Different gain, different impedance.

And computer mic inputs very frequently include "bias" voltage for electret
capsules.

Recomend reading...
http://www.epanorama.net/links/pc/sound.html

[Geoff Wood]

"Jacob Kramer" > wrote in message
...
> Is there some difference in gain? Or are they typically the same
> mechanically with different names?


'Mic In' will expect a very low level, and may have an option for
low-voltage DC power for electret mics.

"Line In" is , um, line level - hundreds of times stronger than 'mic'.

Using a Line Level into a mic input may cause distortion beyond the range of
any input level control. The other way around will give excess noise as
the mic signal is too weak.

Then there is 'different impedences' which may make a difference or not,
depending on the mic or soundcard.

geoff

[Jacob Kramer]

On 18 Aug 2003 13:36:22 GMT, TCS
> wrote:

>On Sun, 17 Aug 2003 15:28:19 -0400, Jacob Kramer > wrote:
>>Is there some difference in gain?
>yes, by about 1000
>
>>Or are they typically the same mechanically with different names?
>
>Do you even know what a microphone is?

Yes, it's a really small telephone that can be inserted into the brain
to make phone calls without pushing any buttons.

Thanks for your help.

--

Jacob Kramer