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By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: August 27, 2019
Do you want to know how to record audio on Mac device? Well, you’re in luck. We will be giving you a comprehensive guide on it. In this article, we will teach you how to record both external and internal audio using your Mac computer. Read on.
- Moreover, this program can capture your desktop activity together with the audio coming from your system and microphone. Overall, there is surely no doubt that Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder is one of the best free screen recorders for Mac available on the market. To utilize this program, you can follow the step-by-step guide below.
- Jul 18, 2019 As the name indicates, this free computer audio recorder is a completely free to use streaming audio recorder. Without spending a dime you will be able to record music from your sound card. This software only has a Windows version and is not available for Linux and Mac.
People Also ReadHow to Recover Deleted Audio Files form iCloudBest Trick to Record iPhone Screen in iOS 11 No Jailbreak Needed
2 days ago Recording Audio Using QuickTime. The second option for recording audio on your Mac is by using QuickTime Player. QuickTime Player is Apple's default app for video playback, but it can easily be used to record some quick audio as well. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to record audio with QuickTime on a Mac.
Pre-Tutorial Tips
Recording audio on your Mac device won’t be as fun if your computer crashes all the time. That’s why we recommend that you use FoneDog PowerMyMac software to optimize your computer first. With this software, you can detect all unnecessary files within your system. Plus, you can also delete these detected junk with only a few clicks.
FoneDog PowerMyMac tool has an uninstaller kit that helps you remove unwanted apps from your system. Uninstallation is completed by removing residual components of the unwanted software. It helps you monitor the performance of your Mac computer too. This all-in-one tool prides itself in being a comprehensive solution for Mac users.
How To Record External Audio On Mac
1. How To Record Audio On Mac Using QuickTime
QuickTime is an application that comes with the macOS. This is the first method we will teach as it doesn’t require any third-party applications. Most users think QuickTime is only for watching movies. However, it has screen, audio, and video recording capabilities making it a really powerful tool for Mac users.
QuickTime can be used to capture audio from your microphone. After which, it saves it as an m4a file. This software is perfect for capturing quick conversations, recording voice notes, making small-sized ringtones. Whatever the reason may be, QuickTime is the first option for lightweight users.
Although, your Mac device must have a built-in mic if you wish to use it. You can opt to buy an external mic also if you wish. Here’s how to record audio in your macOS using QuickTime Player:
Step 01: Launch QuickTime player. This can be located in the /Applications/ folder.
Step 02: Click the File menu and then press New Audio Recording.
Step 03: Click the Record button (colored red) to start capturing audio.
Step 04: Once you are done, click the same Record button. This will stop the recording.
Step 05: Go towards the File menu once again. Press Save.
Step 06: Create a name for the file and choose a desired location.
The saved file will be in the m4a format. This format is popular among various platforms and is highly-compressed. It can be played on most devices including Mac computers, iPhones, Windows PC, and Android mobile gadgets.
There are no limitations to the number of audio files you want to record with QuickTime. However, if you wish to record a huge amount of audio files, remember that you need to have an adequate amount of space within your Mac.
QuickTime doesn’t support advanced features. However, if you just need to record audio files occasionally, then this is the platform to use. If you want more features for audio editing, you can use GarageBand. The said application can be complicated for most users. However, it is geared towards those who take music making seriously. GarageBand comes free on some Mac devices. However, for some, it comes as a paid software. Thus, QuickTime is a quick and easy option for those who don’t need heavy-duty software and for those who just casually needs sound recording.
2. How To Record Audio On Mac Using GarageBand
GarageBand is an amazing application that can be found pre-installed in a lot of Mac devices. However, if you don’t see it in your Mac computer, you can acquire it through the Mac App Store. This application is great for editing, recording, and playing audio. It has more features compared to other free Mac audio recording apps.
Recording audio with GarageBand gives you the ability to add background sound effects. For instance, you can add Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and other effects if you wish. Plus, you can adjust the volume level of the audio recording to get the perfect rhythm with other sound effects.
Before we delve into the details of using GarageBand, we first have to select the voice input source. Here are the steps on how to do it.
Step 01: Go to GarageBand and visit Preferences. After this, select Audio and then Devices.
Step 02: Select your chosen audio input source.
- If you wish to use your Mac’s built-in mic, then choose your audio input source as Built-In Microphone.
- If you are using a microphone connected to your Mac using a USB port, then select USB Microphone.
- If you want to use a mic that’s connected to your Mac through an audio input port, select “Built-In Input.” This is the case if your mic is connected to your Mac device through a 3.55m jack.
After you have set up the correct input source, you can now start recording audio on your Mac device using GarageBand. If you wish to connect a musical instrument for recording, you can do so. After this, you can simply select an old track or add a new one for recording.
Setting the volume level is the next step after that. Next, you should set the resolution for audio recording. It is recommended that you use 24 Bits. Now, before you delve into the steps below, ensure that your mic and musical instrument(s) are connected properly. Make sure nothing is damaged and everything is working perfectly.
Step 01: Launch GarageBand on your Mac.
Step 02: Create a new project or open a previous project you have created.
Step 03: Press the Red button to begin recording.
Step 04: By now, the audio is recording so make sure you are in tune with the background music.
Step 05: Press the Red button again one done.
Step 06: Save the file to the desired location.
Step 07: Listen to the audio you have just recorded. You can also edit it with GarageBand if you wish.
3. How To Record Audio On Mac Using The Third-Party App Audacity
There are a lot of third-party applications you can use to record audio on your Mac device. These apps have their own set of features that makes recording more exciting. The recommended tool to use is Audacity. This is a free, open-source application used for recording and editing audio. Its powerful features allow you to customize your recorded audio. Plus, it has a variety of plugins making it a powerful tool for advanced users.
To download the application, you simply go to their website here. After which, simply install it on your Mac device and restart the computer. Once the app is installed within your Mac, you can now record audio on your device using Audacity.
Below are the steps you should follow on how to record audio on Mac using Audacity:
Step 01: Open Audacity on your Mac computer.
Record Computer Audio Mac
Step 02: Make sure your mic is ready to be used as a voice input tool.
Step 03: Adjust the features for audio recording. Make sure you set it in a way that you want.
Step 04: Press the Red button for recording to begin.
Step 05: Now, you can start recording your voice as long as you wish.
Step 06: Press the button that appears like a brown square to stop recording your voice.
Step 07: Click File and click on the option that says Export.
Step 08: Save the audio file to your desired location.
Listening to your recorded audio can be done using Audacity or other media player apps. Audacity also offers you ways to trim, delete, and edit the recorded audio. If you have an audio file that has a long duration, this app is the best software to use. There are other apps available on the Mac App Store, although Audacity is still a free platform that is packed with features.
How To Record Internal Audio On Your Mac Device
External audio refers to sound that is captured through your microphone. Internal audio refers to the audio made by the Mac device itself. If you want to record audio played on your Mac device, you can do so. However, there are no built-in applications within Mac to do this.
Thus, you need to use a third-party application to record internal audio on your Mac. We have taken the liberty of testing out Soundflower and Audacity. Let’s check out how to use these apps below.
- 1 -
First, Install And Set Up Soundflower On Your Mac Device
Soundflower Extension, is, as its name implies, an extension for Mac operating systems. It is not an audio recorder in itself. The extension allows you to create a virtual audio output device that works as an input as well. The audio is routed to another location enabling you to record your Mac device’ internal sound. Before you use the extension, you have to download it first. Here are the steps on how to download and install SoundFlower using your Mac computer:
Step 01: Launch your web browser and go to Soundflower’s website.
Step 02: Open the link to its Github page.
Step 03: Download the extension and install it within your Mac computer.
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Once Soundflower is installed in your Mac, you have to change the computer’s Sound Output Settings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 01: Visit Preferences and then go to Sound.
Step 02: Now, choose Output.
Step 03: Choose “Soundflower (2ch)” as your desired sound output device.
Once you have changed these settings, your Mac device won’t emit off any sound. This is because the output has been changed to Soundflower’s platform. Now, you can use QuickTime or Audacity, for recording the internal audio on your Mac device.
To prevent disturbances during recording, you should Turn Off Sound Effects. You can do this by going to Preferences then Sound. After this, visit Sound Effects. Then, you can deactivate sound effects from there.
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Lastly, Record Internal Audio Through QuickTime Player Or Audacity
Now, let’s move on to recording your internal audio via QuickTime Player or Audacity. We will show the steps for using QuickTime Player first.
How To Record Internal Audio On Your Mac Device Using QuickTime Player + SoundFlower Extension
Step 01: Open QuickTime Player within your Mac device.
Step 02: Press File Menu and press the option that says New Audio Recording.
Step 03: The window for audio recording will open on your screen.
Step 04: Press the down arrow (▼) symbol to launch options for audio recording.
Step 05: Choose the input or mic as Soundflower (2ch)
Step 06: Play the audio or video you want to get the sound from.
Step 07: Press the red record button to begin recording.
Step 08: Press the red record button again once done.
How To Record Internal Audio On Your Mac Device Using Audacity App + SoundFlower Extension
Step 01: Open Audacity within your Mac device.
Step 02: Visit Audacity Preferences. Then, go to the tab labeled Devices.
Step 03: Go to Recording and then select the option labeled Device again.
Step 04: Select Soundflower (2ch) as your desired recording device.
Step 05: Go back to Audacity’s main page. Activate the option labeled Turn On Monitoring. This is located at the top-right part of the interface.
Step 06: Microphone’s volume level should be decreased to zero. This is done by dragging it towards the left-most side.
Step 07: Play the audio or video you want to get the sound from.
Step 08: Press the red record button to begin recording.
Step 09: Press the brown square button once done.
Once you have recorded the internal audio through Audacity or QuickTime Player, you can simply modify the Sound Output Settings back to its original state. Now, you can listen to your recorded internal audio. After which, you can edit it through Audacity to complete your project.
In Conclusion
Don’t know how to record audio on Mac? Well, this guide has just told you how to record both external and internal audio on your favorite Apple computer. Simply follow the steps above to record audio on your Mac. You’ll find that you have a variety of options to choose from and you won’t get bogged down by the instructions even if you are a newbie. Happy recording!
Record Desktop Audio Mac
In many cases, you need to record audio on Mac for sharing, downloading or backing up. To be more specific, you may want to record system audio, microphone audio, and many other audio sources on your Mac computer. Which is the best way to record audio on Mac? Is there any audio recording capability on Mac? Luckily, this article shows 3 easy ways to record internal and external audio on Mac. You can choose any audio recording software to record sound on Mac with ease.
Part 1: How to Record Any Audio on Mac with Audio Recording Software
Though QuickTime Player is the built-in video and audio recorder for Apple Mac computers, you still need Vidmore Screen Recorder to record internal audio on Mac, as well as external audio from internal or external microphone, headphone and more. QuickTime Player cannot record audio from live streams and other online sources. If you want to download and record audio from browser on Mac, definitely Vidmore Screen Recorder is your first choice.
The Mac audio recording software is capable to record high-quality sound from microphone, sound card, voice chat, and more sources on Mac. There is no time limit, you can record sound playing on Mac for hours or even days. It is also supported to create a schedule to record audio clip on Mac with the premade start and stop time. Moreover, you can extract the certain recording clip within the built-in audio trimmer. Here’re the main features you can get.
Step 1: Free download, install and launch Vidmore Screen Recorder on Mac OS X 10.10 or above. Choose Audio Recorder and prepare to record audio on Mac OS X.
Step 2: Choose System Audio to record audio on Mac without microphone directly. You can also enable Microphone to record both the sound from Internet and microphone. It depends on your demand. Then adjust the input volume with the sliders below.
Step 3: Click Settings to adjust audio recording settings. In the Preferences window, switch to the Output section to set the output audio format and quality. You can change the location of audio recording, set hotkey controls and more within the Preferences window. Click OK to save changes.
Step 4: Click REC to start recording audio on Mac. You can pause, resume and stop recording audio without time limit.
Step 5: You will be in the Preview window after recording automatically. Click Play to pre-listen the music. Moreover, you can trim the audio recording file with any start and end time within the window. (See how to trim video on Mac)
Step 6: If everything is okay, click Save to export and download your audio clip. In addition, you can share the recorded audio file to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more platforms in the Recording history window.
Part 2: How to Record Microphone Audio on Mac with QuickTime
If you want to record audio on Mac from microphone, you can also use QuickTime Player as your audio recording app. Be aware that you can record audio with QuickTime on Mac from Microphone only. The music videos, movies and other media files are not recordable by using QuickTime Player.
Step 1: Open the QuickTime Player app on Mac. Choose New Audio Recording from the File drop-down list.
Step 2: If there is more than one microphone connected to your computer, you can select the input device from the Options down-arrow list. Then select the audio quality between maximum and high.
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Step 3: Adjust the Volume control with the slider below.
Step 4: Click the Record button to record sound with QuickTime on Mac from internal or external microphone.
Step 5: When the QuickTime audio recording ends, choose Save to from the File list to export your audio recording file.
Part 3: How to Record Your Voice on Mac with Voice Memos
You can record a voice memo on Mac with the built-in/external microphone and a supported headset. If you enable iCloud sharing, you can listen to your voice memos on other Apple devices via the same Apple ID. Of course, it is not supported to record sound on Mac suing Voice Memos.
Step 1: Open the Voice Memo app on Mac.
Step 2: For macOS Mojave 10.14 users, unfold the File list and then choose Start New Recording. Or you can click the Record button to start recording a voice memo on Mac, just like macOS Catalina 10.15 users do.
Step 3: You can pause and resume recording with Voice Memos on Mac.
Step 4: Click Done on the top right corner to stop recording. Your voice memo will be saved with the name of your location or New Recording.
Step 5: Play or make edits with the audio recording file on Mac based on your needs.
These are 3 easy ways to record audio on Mac from different sources. If you need to record audio from browser and online calls frequently, it is recommended to use Vidmore Screen Recorder as your best audio recording software. You can record all types of audio on Mac without limitations. Actually, you can run Vidmore Screen Recorder as your video and audio downloader as well. Because you can record screen video with audio with the original quality from all sites.
Record What You Hear Mac
As for QuickTime Player and Voice Memos, you can record sound from microphone only. No matter how loud you play the music, they will not record internal audio on Mac. Therefore, the capability of audio recording ranges from Vidmore Screen Recorder, QuickTime Player and Voice Memos. The first audio recorder is capable to grab and download any audio stream on Mac, while QuickTime Player and Voice Memos can record audio on Mac with headphones and microphones only.
Record Computer Audio Mac Free Software
Well, why not download and start the Vidmore Screen Recorder free trial? You can record audio on Mac for free up to 3 minutes to have a try within the program. Please share this post to help more people. If you have any other question about Mac audio recording, you can leave messages bellow or feel free to contact us.