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How to Record Internal Audio on Mac Screen Recordings: The Ultimate Guide
A
Ali Hassan
Writer
The Answer
To record internal audio on Mac screen recordings, you need a virtual audio device like BlackHole. Install BlackHole, then configure your Mac's audio output to BlackHole. In QuickTime Player or OBS Studio, select BlackHole as the audio input source for your screen recording. This routes your system's sound directly into the recording application, capturing all internal audio.
Recording your Mac's screen is a straightforward process, often done with QuickTime Player or other third-party tools. However, a common frustration for many users is the inability to simultaneously capture the internal system audio. macOS security and design intentionally prevent direct internal audio recording without additional software, leading to silent screen recordings or relying on external microphones that capture ambient noise. This guide will address this persistent challenge by providing clear, step-by-step instructions using virtual audio drivers and recommended recording applications, ensuring you can confidently capture both visual and auditory content from your Mac's screen recordings. Whether you're creating tutorials, gameplay videos, or recording online meetings, mastering internal audio capture is essential for a professional and complete output.
Method 1: Recording Internal Audio with BlackHole and QuickTime Player
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Step 1: Install BlackHole Virtual Audio Driver
BlackHole is a modern, open-source virtual audio driver that acts as a conduit for your Mac's internal audio. It creates a 'speaker' that apps can play to and a 'microphone' that apps can record from. Download the latest version of BlackHole from its official GitHub page (e.g., Existential Audio's BlackHole GitHub). Choose the installer package that matches your macOS version (usually 'BlackHole 2ch.pkg' for most users). Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. You may need to restart your Mac after installation for it to be fully recognized by the system.
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Step 2: Configure a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI Setup
To hear the audio while recording it, you need to create a combined output. Open 'Audio MIDI Setup' from 'Applications/Utilities'. Click the '+' button in the bottom-left corner and select 'Create Multi-Output Device'. In the right-hand panel, select 'BlackHole 2ch' and your primary output device (e.g., 'Built-in Output' or your headphones). Ensure 'BlackHole 2ch' is checked as the 'Master Device' and 'Drift Correction' is enabled for your primary output device. This ensures synchronized playback.
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Step 3: Set Mac's System Output to the Multi-Output Device
Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older macOS versions) > 'Sound' > 'Output'. Select the 'Multi-Output Device' you just created. Now, any audio playing on your Mac will be routed through BlackHole and also to your speakers/headphones, allowing you to hear it.
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Step 4: Launch QuickTime Player for Screen Recording
Open 'QuickTime Player' from your 'Applications' folder. Go to 'File' > 'New Screen Recording'. A recording toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen. For a more comprehensive guide on general screen recording, refer to our article on Screen Recording on Mac: The Ultimate Guide.
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Step 5: Select BlackHole as the Audio Input Source
On the recording toolbar, click the 'Options' menu (it looks like a small arrow or three dots, depending on your macOS version). Under the 'Microphone' section, select 'BlackHole 2ch'. This tells QuickTime Player to record the audio passing through BlackHole, which is your internal system sound.
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Step 6: Start and Stop Recording
Choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion. Click the 'Record' button. Play the audio or video content you wish to capture. When finished, click the 'Stop Recording' button (a square icon in the menu bar). Your recording will open in QuickTime Player, allowing you to preview, trim, and save it. Remember to switch your Mac's audio output back to your preferred device (e.g., 'Built-in Output') in 'System Settings' > 'Sound' > 'Output' after you've finished recording to restore normal audio playback.
Understanding Why Mac Internal Audio Recording Requires Extra Steps
The macOS operating system, like many modern OS platforms, implements robust security and privacy measures. One aspect of this design is that applications are generally sandboxed, meaning they have limited access to other applications' processes and system-level audio streams by default. This prevents malicious software from easily intercepting your audio or video without explicit user permission.
When you use a built-in tool like QuickTime Player to record your screen, it's designed primarily to capture visual elements and, optionally, audio from an external microphone. It does not inherently provide a direct pathway to 'listen in' on the system's internal audio output. This architectural decision prioritizes user security and system stability over direct convenience for internal audio capture.
Virtual audio drivers, such as BlackHole, circumvent this limitation by creating a software-based 'loop' within your Mac's audio system. They register themselves as both an audio output device (where applications can send sound) and an audio input device (where recording applications can receive sound). By configuring your Mac to output its sound to this virtual device, and then telling your recording software to listen to the same virtual device, you effectively create the necessary pathway to capture internal audio without compromising the core security principles of macOS.
Method 2: Advanced Internal Audio Recording with OBS Studio
For more advanced recording scenarios, such as live streaming, incorporating multiple audio sources, or complex scene layouts, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is an excellent free and open-source solution. While QuickTime Player is simple, OBS offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your recordings. It also integrates seamlessly with virtual audio drivers like BlackHole.
First, ensure you have BlackHole installed and configured as a Multi-Output Device, as described in 'Step 1' and 'Step 2' of the previous section. Then, download and install OBS Studio from its official website. Once installed, launch OBS. In the 'Sources' box at the bottom, click the '+' button. To capture your screen, select 'Display Capture'. If you want to capture a specific application window, choose 'Window Capture'.
Next, to add internal audio, click the '+' button in the 'Sources' box again and select 'Audio Input Capture'. Name it appropriately (e.g., 'Internal Audio'). In the properties window, select 'BlackHole 2ch' as the device. You will see an 'Audio Mixer' panel where you can monitor and adjust the levels of your internal audio, microphone, and any other audio sources. You can also add 'Audio Output Capture' and select your Multi-Output Device to monitor your audio during recording. OBS Studio provides a robust set of features for customizing your recording experience, making it ideal for professional content creation. For a broader look at recording tools, you might want to consult our macOS Screen Recording Tools Comparison.
Comparing QuickTime Player vs. OBS Studio for Internal Audio Recording
Pros
- Ease of Use: Simple, minimalist interface, ideal for quick recordings.
- Built-in: Pre-installed on macOS, no extra downloads (apart from BlackHole).
- Advanced Control: Extensive options for scenes, sources, filters, and audio mixing.
- Multi-track Audio: Can record different audio sources (internal, mic, music) onto separate tracks for post-production.
- Streaming Capabilities: Doubles as a powerful live streaming tool.
Cons
- Limited Features: Basic recording, editing, and audio mixing capabilities.
- No Separate Audio Tracks: Records all audio into a single track with video.
- Steeper Learning Curve: Interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Resource Intensive: Can consume more CPU/GPU, especially with complex setups.
Understanding Soundflower: A Legacy Virtual Audio Driver
Before BlackHole became the preferred solution, Soundflower was the go-to virtual audio driver for Mac users wanting to record internal audio. Developed by Cycling '74, Soundflower served a similar purpose: creating virtual audio devices to route system sound. It was widely used for many years, becoming a staple in many Mac power users' toolkits for audio routing and recording.
However, Soundflower's development largely ceased around 2014, and it has not been officially updated for recent macOS versions (like macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma). While some unofficial forks or older versions might still function for some users, they are often unstable, can cause system issues, or have compatibility problems with modern applications and security features. Users commonly reported kernel panics or audio glitches with unsupported versions.
For these reasons, BlackHole has effectively replaced Soundflower as the recommended virtual audio driver. BlackHole is actively maintained, fully supports the latest macOS versions, and offers better stability and performance. If you encounter instructions online recommending Soundflower, it's generally advisable to substitute BlackHole for a more reliable and secure experience on contemporary macOS systems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Internal Audio Recording
Even with virtual audio drivers, you might encounter specific problems. The most common issue is no sound in your recording. First, double-check that your Mac's system output is set to the 'Multi-Output Device' (in 'System Settings' > 'Sound' > 'Output'). Then, ensure your recording software (QuickTime Player, OBS) has 'BlackHole 2ch' selected as its input microphone. Also, verify that the application playing the audio (e.g., Safari, Music, YouTube) is actually producing sound and its volume isn't muted.
Another frequent problem is your microphone not recording alongside internal audio. If you want both, you need to combine them. In 'Audio MIDI Setup', you can create an 'Aggregate Device' that includes 'BlackHole 2ch' and your physical microphone. Then, select this 'Aggregate Device' as your input in QuickTime or OBS. Alternatively, in OBS Studio, you can add 'Audio Input Capture' sources for both BlackHole and your microphone separately, giving you individual control over their levels.
Finally, if you experience poor audio quality or crackling, ensure 'Drift Correction' is enabled for your primary output device within the 'Multi-Output Device' settings in 'Audio MIDI Setup'. Also, check the sample rates of your devices in 'Audio MIDI Setup' and try to match them. Sometimes, a simple restart of your Mac or the recording application can resolve minor audio glitches. If issues persist, ensure your BlackHole installation is up-to-date and compatible with your macOS version.
Summary: Mastering Internal Audio for Mac Screen Recordings
Key Takeaways
- Recording internal audio on Mac screen recordings requires a virtual audio device due to macOS security architecture.
- BlackHole is the recommended, modern, open-source solution, replacing older tools like Soundflower.
- The core process involves installing BlackHole, configuring a 'Multi-Output Device' in 'Audio MIDI Setup' to simultaneously hear and route audio, and then selecting BlackHole as the input in your recording software.
- QuickTime Player provides a simple, built-in option for basic internal audio capture once BlackHole is set up.
- OBS Studio offers advanced control, multi-track audio, and streaming capabilities for more complex recording needs.
- Common issues like 'no sound' or 'mic not working' can be resolved by correctly configuring the 'Multi-Output Device' or 'Aggregate Device' and verifying input selections in your recording application.
- Always revert your system's audio output to your preferred device after recording to ensure normal sound playback.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mac Internal Audio Recording
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