Internal Microphone isn't registering any sound.

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iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display (Mid 2017)

Model A1419 / EMC 3070 / Mid 2017 / 3.4, 3.5 or 3.8 GHz Core i5 or 4.2 GHz Core i7 Kaby Lake Processor (ID iMac18,3) / Retina 5K display. Refer to the older iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display (Late 2014 & 2015) guides as the system is very similar.

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Russell Dodge @claydoge

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Posted: May 6, 2020

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Internal Microphone isn't registering any sound.

I upgraded my NVMe and HDD last night. This morning, everything works EXCEPT my microphone. Obviously, there is a chance that I did not connect the microphone cable, but I’m 99.4% positive I did. Any chance someone can tell me where on the logic board the internal microphone connection is? Thanks to any/everyone who helps in advance!

So, I tore it back open....and yes...I did not connect the microphone connector all the way...it was a bit loose. So I popped it back on and called the wife over FaceTime audio...and it worked PEREFECTLY! Once I buttoned it back up and powered it on...it stopped working...but not completely. It now will register sound if I tap on the Apple logo or anywhere on the case itself...but it won't register voices...I'm a little stumped here. I'm going to open it back up on the 12th...when my new adhesive strips get here...any input will be greatly appreciated.

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I have two 2019 iMac 27" iMacs and upgraded both their hard drives to SSD's. So much faster. But curiously, BOTH have this exact same problem. The microphone is registered. If you tap the top of the screen, volume apps pick up the 'thud.' But otherwise, it does't pick up voices. Maybe the screen cutter nicked a cable?

May 27, 2020 by charlie

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Dan @danj

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Posted: May 6, 2020

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Apple loves moving them about! The 27” mid 2017 system has the mic on the bottom side of the main case just in the middle as seeing here About the external features and ports on iMac and iMac Pro

@korngold - Sounds like you got the older tape kit which is different!

Here’s the correct kit iMac Intel 27" (2012-2019) Adhesive Strips

Here’s an image of the newer tapes

Tape #25 (946-07462) has the cutout with is about one third in on the right and tape #26 (946-0763) is the left side

Product

iMac Intel 27" (2012-2019) Adhesive Strips

$19.99

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8 Comments:

Thank you for taking the time to help...I really appreciate it. I need to know where the connection on the logic board is. I think I connected it correctly...but I'm not sure...I'm going to be opening my iMac again tomorrow...

May 6, 2020 by Russell Dodge

Its a thin ribbon cable which comes up from the midpoint of the lower edge of the case. to the connector along the edge of the logic board in the same location.

May 7, 2020 by Dan

So, I tore it back open....and yes...I did not connect the microphone connector all the way...it was a bit loose. So I popped it back on and called the wife over FaceTime audio...and it worked PEREFECTLY! Once I buttoned it back up and powered it on...it stopped working...but not completely. It now will register sound if I tap on the Apple logo or anywhere on the case itself...but it won't register voices...I'm a little stumped here. I'm going to open it back up on the 12th...when my new adhesive strips get here...any input will be greatly appreciated.

May 7, 2020 by Russell Dodge

@claydoge - Did you tear the ribbon?

May 7, 2020 by Dan

I don't think so...before I adhered the screen I did a test call to my wife and it was perfect. As when I put the screen on it killed the mic a bit. It still registers noise if I tap on the iMac...it just doesn't register craziness...also...it will register voices coming from the iMac...so when I called my wife the 2nd time (once screen was adhered) the mic would pick up her voice...but not mine...weird.

May 7, 2020 by Russell Dodge

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I have two 2019 iMac 27" iMacs and upgraded both their hard drives to SSD's. So much faster. But curiously, BOTH have this exact same problem. The microphone is registered. If you tap the top of the screen, volume apps pick up the 'thud.' But otherwise, it does't pick up voices. Maybe the screen cutter nicked a cable? — charlie
Thank you for taking the time to help...I really appreciate it. I need to know where the connection on the logic board is. I think I connected it correctly...but I'm not sure...I'm going to be opening my iMac again tomorrow... — Russell Dodge
Its a thin ribbon cable which comes up from the midpoint of the lower edge of the case. to the connector along the edge of the logic board in the same location. — Dan
So, I tore it back open....and yes...I did not connect the microphone connector all the way...it was a bit loose. So I popped it back on and called the wife over FaceTime audio...and it worked PEREFECTLY! Once I buttoned it back up and powered it on...it stopped working...but not completely. It now will register sound if I tap on the Apple logo or anywhere on the case itself...but it won't register voices...I'm a little stumped here. I'm going to open it back up on the 12th...when my new adhesive strips get here...any input will be greatly appreciated. — Russell Dodge
I don't think so...before I adhered the screen I did a test call to my wife and it was perfect. As when I put the screen on it killed the mic a bit. It still registers noise if I tap on the iMac...it just doesn't register craziness...also...it will register voices coming from the iMac...so when I called my wife the 2nd time (once screen was adhered) the mic would pick up her voice...but not mine...weird. — Russell Dodge

GoneFishing @wrooney Rep: 1 1 · Answer 1 · 2024-01-23T12:31:02-07:00

GoneFishing @wrooney

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Posted: Jan 23, 2024

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@danj Before I button up my iMac, can you confirm that this is the location of the microphone on the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), Model Identifier: iMac18,3 ?? I had absolutely no sound on my microphone until I uncovered this area. The input volume is not great, but seems to have addressed it. Maybe the photo will help the next person locate it.