Capturing your Mac’s screen can be incredibly useful, whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or simply sharing something interesting you’ve found. While macOS offers a built-in screen recording tool, capturing internal audio – the sounds coming directly from your applications – requires a few extra steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can record both video and high-quality internal audio on your Mac.
Understanding the Challenge of Internal Audio Recording
Recording screen activity on a Mac is straightforward. However, by default, the built-in screen recording feature only captures audio from your microphone. This means if you’re recording a video with music playing or capturing sound from a specific application, your recording will only pick up the sounds from your microphone, likely including background noise. The challenge lies in routing the internal audio to be recognized as an audio input source by the screen recording software.
macOS’s security measures prevent applications from directly accessing audio from other applications without proper authorization. This is designed to protect your privacy and prevent malicious software from eavesdropping. To bypass this limitation, we need to use a virtual audio device.
The Key: Virtual Audio Devices
The solution to recording internal audio on a Mac is to create a virtual audio device. Think of it as a software bridge that reroutes audio output from your Mac into a virtual input source that your screen recording tool can access. Several tools can create these virtual audio devices, but two of the most popular and reliable are Soundflower and BlackHole.
Let’s explore each of these options and how to set them up.
Using Soundflower (Caution Advised)
Soundflower was a popular choice for many years, however it has been known to have compatibility and stability issues with recent versions of macOS. While we will discuss it for historical context, using BlackHole is generally the recommended approach.
Installing Soundflower
Historically, Soundflower was installed using a downloadable installer package. However, the installation process can be a bit tricky and might require disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP), which is generally not recommended for security reasons. Always download Soundflower from a reputable source.
Configuring Soundflower
Once installed, you’ll need to configure your Mac’s audio settings to use Soundflower.
- Open System Preferences and click on Sound.
- In the Output tab, select Soundflower (2ch) or Soundflower (64ch).
- In the Input tab, select Soundflower (2ch) or Soundflower (64ch).
This will route all audio output from your Mac to Soundflower, which then acts as the input. Now you will need to configure the Audio MIDI Setup utility.
Using Audio MIDI Setup
Audio MIDI Setup is a built-in macOS utility for managing audio devices. You will use it to create a multi-output device that sends audio to both your speakers and Soundflower simultaneously.
- Open Audio MIDI Setup (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
- Click the + button in the bottom-left corner and select Create Multi-Output Device.
- In the Multi-Output Device settings, check the boxes next to your built-in output (internal speakers or headphones) and Soundflower (2ch) or Soundflower (64ch).
- Select your built-in output as the Master Device.
- Make sure the Drift Correction box is checked for Soundflower.
With this setup, your Mac will send audio to both your speakers (allowing you to hear it) and Soundflower (making it available as an input source).
Potential Issues with Soundflower
As mentioned earlier, Soundflower is known to cause issues on newer macOS versions, including audio glitches, system crashes, and compatibility problems. Due to these potential issues, we highly recommend using BlackHole instead. If you experience any problems with Soundflower, consider uninstalling it and switching to BlackHole.
Using BlackHole (Recommended)
BlackHole is a modern virtual audio driver designed specifically for macOS. It is more stable, reliable, and easier to use than Soundflower, making it the recommended choice for recording internal audio.
Installing BlackHole
- Visit the BlackHole website (existential.audio/blackhole/) and download the installer.
- Run the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions.
BlackHole offers different channel configurations. For most users, the 2-channel version is sufficient. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Configuring Audio MIDI Setup with BlackHole
Like Soundflower, BlackHole requires configuration through Audio MIDI Setup to work properly.
- Open Audio MIDI Setup (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
- Click the + button in the bottom-left corner and select Create Multi-Output Device.
- In the Multi-Output Device settings, check the boxes next to your built-in output (internal speakers or headphones) and BlackHole.
- Select your built-in output as the Master Device.
- Make sure the Drift Correction box is checked for BlackHole.
- Click the + button in the bottom-left corner and select Create Aggregate Device.
- Select BlackHole and your microphone for audio input.
This setup mirrors the Soundflower setup, routing audio to both your speakers and BlackHole.
Why BlackHole is Preferred
BlackHole offers several advantages over Soundflower:
- Stability: BlackHole is generally more stable and less prone to causing system issues on newer macOS versions.
- Ease of Use: The installation and configuration process is simpler and more straightforward.
- Modern Design: BlackHole is actively maintained and designed for modern macOS systems.
Recording Your Screen with Internal Audio
Now that you have set up your virtual audio device (either Soundflower or BlackHole), you can use the built-in macOS screen recording tool or other third-party applications to record your screen with internal audio.
Using the Built-in Screen Recording Tool
macOS includes a convenient screen recording tool accessible through Shift-Command-5.
- Press Shift-Command-5.
- A toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen.
- Click on Options in the toolbar.
- Under Microphone, select BlackHole (or Soundflower, if you are using it).
- Choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Click Record.
Your screen recording will now capture both the video and the internal audio routed through BlackHole (or Soundflower). Always test your audio setup before recording a long session to ensure everything is working correctly.
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software
Many third-party screen recording applications offer advanced features and customization options. Popular choices include:
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source application with powerful recording and streaming capabilities.
- ScreenFlow: A commercial application with advanced editing features.
- Camtasia: Another commercial application with screen recording and video editing tools.
These applications typically allow you to select your audio input source, so you can choose BlackHole (or Soundflower) as the input to capture internal audio. The configuration process will vary depending on the specific application. Refer to the application’s documentation for detailed instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the correct setup, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- No Audio: Double-check that you have selected BlackHole (or Soundflower) as the audio input source in your screen recording software. Also, ensure that the Multi-Output Device is correctly configured in Audio MIDI Setup. Verify that the drift correction is enabled.
- Low Audio Volume: Adjust the volume levels in the application you are recording from, as well as the input volume in your screen recording software.
- Audio Distortion: Reduce the input gain in your screen recording software to avoid clipping or distortion.
- System Instability (Soundflower): If you are using Soundflower and experiencing system crashes or instability, consider switching to BlackHole.
- Inability to Select BlackHole: Restart your computer. Sometimes, the audio driver needs a restart to become available.
Alternative Solutions
While using a virtual audio device is the most common solution, other methods, although less flexible, may work depending on your specific needs.
- QuickTime Player: QuickTime Player can record the screen, and selecting the correct settings is crucial. However, it often struggles with consistently capturing internal audio without virtual audio devices.
- Using a Physical Audio Interface: If you have an external audio interface with loopback capabilities, you might be able to use it to route internal audio to an input. This method requires specific hardware and configuration.
Best Practices for High-Quality Screen Recordings
To ensure your screen recordings are of the highest quality, consider the following best practices:
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Closing unnecessary applications can reduce system load and prevent performance issues during recording.
- Use a Wired Connection: If possible, use a wired internet connection for more stable network performance.
- Disable Notifications: Disable notifications to avoid interruptions during recording.
- Use a High-Resolution Display: Recording on a high-resolution display will result in a sharper and more detailed video.
- Edit Your Recordings: Use video editing software to trim, edit, and enhance your recordings. Adding titles, annotations, and transitions can significantly improve the viewing experience.
Conclusion
Recording your Mac’s screen with internal audio requires a bit of setup, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve high-quality recordings. BlackHole is the recommended solution due to its stability and ease of use. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create professional-looking screen recordings for tutorials, presentations, or any other purpose. Remember to test your setup thoroughly before recording important content.
How do I screen record on my Mac with internal audio using the built-in tools?
Unfortunately, macOS’s built-in screen recording tool, accessible via Shift-Command-5, doesn’t natively support recording internal audio. It can capture microphone input, but not the sounds coming from your Mac’s speakers. To achieve internal audio recording, you’ll need to rely on third-party software or create a virtual audio device.
While the built-in tool is convenient for quick recordings without audio or with external microphone audio, achieving internal audio screen recording requires a more involved process. This often involves installing additional software like Soundflower (though it can be complex to configure) or using dedicated screen recording applications that include internal audio capture capabilities.
What is Soundflower, and how does it enable internal audio recording?
Soundflower is a free, open-source macOS system extension designed to route audio between applications. In the context of screen recording, it acts as a virtual audio device. You install Soundflower, then configure your Mac’s audio output to route audio through Soundflower instead of the speakers. Then, you select Soundflower as the audio input source in your screen recording software.
This rerouting creates a loop where the audio intended for your speakers is captured as an input source. The screen recording software then records this “input,” effectively capturing the internal audio. However, Soundflower can be complex to configure, and it’s not always the most reliable or user-friendly solution.
Are there any alternative software solutions to Soundflower for recording internal audio?
Yes, several alternative software options provide easier and more reliable ways to record internal audio on your Mac. Applications like OBS Studio (free and open-source), Screenflow (paid), and QuickTime with BlackHole (free virtual audio driver) are popular choices. These programs often bundle screen recording and audio capture features into a single, user-friendly interface.
These alternatives generally offer simpler setup processes and better stability compared to Soundflower. They also often include additional features like video editing tools, webcam overlay support, and more advanced audio settings, making them more versatile options for screen recording with internal audio.
How do I use OBS Studio to screen record with internal audio on my Mac?
OBS Studio is a powerful, free, and open-source screen recording and streaming application. To use it for recording internal audio, you’ll first need to install a virtual audio driver like BlackHole (which is recommended over Soundflower for OBS). Once installed, configure OBS to use BlackHole as an audio input device.
Within OBS Studio, create a new “Scene” and add a “Display Capture” source for screen recording. Then, in the audio mixer, select the BlackHole audio input. You may also want to monitor the audio by outputting the audio to your speakers as well, if that functionality isn’t already included. This setup allows OBS to capture audio routed through BlackHole, effectively recording your Mac’s internal audio alongside the screen recording.
What is BlackHole, and why is it often recommended over Soundflower?
BlackHole is a modern virtual audio driver for macOS that serves a similar purpose to Soundflower: routing audio between applications. It’s designed to be more stable, easier to install, and generally more reliable than Soundflower, addressing many of the common issues users experienced with the older software.
The simpler installation process and improved stability make BlackHole a preferred choice for many users looking to record internal audio. It also often integrates better with modern macOS versions and screen recording applications, providing a smoother and more predictable experience for capturing audio from your Mac.
What are the potential drawbacks of using virtual audio drivers for internal audio recording?
While virtual audio drivers like Soundflower and BlackHole provide a solution for recording internal audio, they can sometimes introduce complexity and potential issues. The installation process can be slightly technical, and configuring the audio routing correctly is crucial to avoid unexpected audio behavior. There’s also a possibility of audio feedback loops or system instability if not set up properly.
Another potential drawback is the increased system resource usage compared to recording without internal audio. Virtual audio drivers add an extra layer of processing, which can impact performance, especially on older Macs. It’s essential to test the configuration thoroughly before relying on it for important recordings to ensure everything works as expected.
Can I record specific application audio instead of all internal audio?
Yes, some advanced screen recording applications and virtual audio driver configurations allow you to target specific application audio. Instead of routing all internal audio through the virtual driver, you can configure it to only capture audio from a particular application, such as a web browser or a music player.
This selective recording capability can be extremely useful when you only need to capture the audio from a specific source while excluding other system sounds or application noises. The configuration process often involves advanced audio routing settings within the virtual audio driver or screen recording software, but it provides more granular control over the captured audio.