On my old Mac Pro (Intel generation) there was a dedicated "Line-in" input for transmitting sound directly into the computer, but now that I'm looking at getting a new Mac, I cannot seem to spot any mention of Line-in connectivity at all, on any model
Has Apple, in their infinite wisdom, decided we all just don't want such a thing anymore? And if so, how are my fellow MAC users transmitting sound into their computer these days?

I’ve owned several Macs since 2010 with my current one being a Mac Mini M2 Pro. From day one my input has been via a USB interface … so I’m obviously not any help!

Bud

I think Bud answered the question even though he thinks he didn't.

+1

Get a proper audio interface.

That was my very thought too!

Care to elaborate on your definition of the term? My keyboard doesn't transmit audio via usb, btw, only midi (hence why I've been going with simple line this far) which somewhat complicates the issue.

You can certaily get a MIDI to USB interface device. I have several made by Roland which work flawlessly (Roland UM-one).

As a suggestion only...

Well worth a look, thanks

Focusrite units are worth a look too (although I do like Roland and have a bunch of their stuff .. just not an audio interface curently)
They have two input devices fairly inexpensive (you'll want stereo for the keyboard).
I use a 2i2 for off site recording when needed (portable).

2i2 is USB powered and has a headphone jack and line outs for monitors .. pretty simple to set up

You're joking right? Elaborate on what? There's nothing complicated about any of this.

I was simply wondering after your first comment what might constitute as "a proper" audio interface in your view, that's all.

As do I, including my keyboard, so I shall certainly look into your helpful tips, thanks

It's like trying to find a USB socket on an iPad
I like the Line In, Mic In and Speaker Out.

My sentiment just, I'm the biggest "If it's not broken..." you'll get!

I believe the 2013 Mac Pro was the first without Audio In.

2010 Macs did have an Audio In and Out jacks as did everything prior going back to the Mac. They were optical but took TRS plugs. You could buy $1.35 adapters to enable the 5.1 surround sound channel optical port.

My 2012 MacBook Pros have them, also, but I don't know if those ports still support optical. Unfortunately, this support doc doesn't tell us what years had which but it does show the port symbols.
Apple Audio Ports Support doc

I was way disappointed when my iMac Pro no longer supported optical in the headphone/audio out jack. I had to sell a perfectly good 5.1 surround sound system powered by an optical controller. I expected the Audio In jack to be gone but I hadn't used that since before my Beige G3 in the 1990s.

Yes, they keep pulling that on the Mac front, don't they, closing the doors behind them on things. I'm finding myself wondering what to do now with all my CD's!

I have no idea what things cost in Iceland nowadays—I just remember that things were way expensive when I was there. USB CD/DVD drives are ridiculously cheap here in the US.

Likewise with USB interfaces… If you’ve been using the Mac’s Audio In, then a 2-channel USB 2 unit is all you need — but which one? I have bought/sold/reviewed many and can help once I know what you need.

Three USB Interfaces comparison

Storage is now so cheap, that it would make sense now to make straight wav or lossless compressed rips of them.

Some years back I ripped all of mine to a high sample rate .ogg files. Now I can have loads of disc space I might do it over again to wav/flac/whatever, but it takes quite a while. CD drives are starting to get 'niche'. I'd been in the middle of ripping all my vinyl back then as well, but that's horrendously slow

I find it extraordinary that one can now buy 1 terabyte SD cards. Not that I'm sure I would trust the data to SD cards long term, but...

I have no idea what things cost in Iceland nowadays—I just remember that things were way expensive when I was there. USB CD/DVD drives are ridiculously cheap here in the US.

Nothing is "cheap" up here, is still the basic truth of it. Thanks again for your insights & references, will undoubtedly come in handy if I ever get around to actually do anything about any of this...

@Icelander is this what you were looking for:



https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/avatars/19807.jpg

In a completely different thread of a completely different forum, but that's my missing avatar alright - Brilliant!