Are you tired of watching your screen recordings in silence? Do you want to capture the audio from your Mac’s screen recordings, but don’t know where to start? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting audio from screen recording on Mac, covering the built-in tools, third-party software, and troubleshooting tips.
Understanding the Basics of Screen Recording on Mac
Before we dive into the world of audio, let’s quickly cover the basics of screen recording on Mac. macOS comes with a built-in screen recording feature, which allows you to capture your screen activity with just a few clicks. To access this feature, follow these steps:
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 keys simultaneously.
- A toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen, offering various recording options.
- Click on the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion button to start recording.
By default, the screen recording feature on Mac captures the video only, without any audio. However, there are ways to include audio in your recordings, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Using the Built-in Tools to Capture Audio
To capture audio from your screen recording on Mac, you can use the built-in tools. Here are the steps:
Using the Microphone
If you want to capture your voice or external audio, you can use the microphone built into your Mac or an external microphone. To do this:
- Connect your external microphone to your Mac, if using.
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 keys simultaneously to access the screen recording toolbar.
- Click on the Options button (looks like a small arrow).
- Select the microphone you want to use from the Microphone dropdown menu.
- Start recording your screen.
Choosing the Right Microphone
If you’re using an external microphone, make sure to select it from the Microphone dropdown menu. If you’re using the built-in microphone, you can select “Built-in Microphone” from the menu. You can also adjust the microphone levels by clicking on the Volume button next to the Microphone dropdown menu.
Using the System Audio
If you want to capture the audio from your Mac’s system, such as music or video playback, you can use the system audio feature. To do this:
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 keys simultaneously to access the screen recording toolbar.
- Click on the Options button (looks like a small arrow).
- Select “System Audio” from the Microphone dropdown menu.
- Start recording your screen.
Note that the system audio feature only captures the audio from your Mac’s system, and not from external sources like microphones.
Using Third-Party Software to Capture Audio
If you’re not satisfied with the built-in tools, you can use third-party software to capture audio from your screen recording on Mac. Here are a few options:
QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a free media player that comes with macOS. It also has a screen recording feature that allows you to capture audio. To use QuickTime Player:
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Go to File > New Screen Recording.
- Click on the Record button.
- Select the microphone or system audio from the dropdown menu.
- Start recording your screen.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a popular screen recording software for Mac that allows you to capture audio. To use ScreenFlow:
- Download and install ScreenFlow.
- Launch ScreenFlow.
- Click on the Record button.
- Select the microphone or system audio from the dropdown menu.
- Start recording your screen.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that allows you to capture audio. To use OBS Studio:
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Launch OBS Studio.
- Click on the + button to add a new source.
- Select “Screen Capture” from the source menu.
- Select the microphone or system audio from the dropdown menu.
- Start recording your screen.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble capturing audio from your screen recording on Mac, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Check Your Microphone Settings
Make sure your microphone is selected and working properly. You can check your microphone settings by going to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
Check Your System Audio Settings
Make sure your system audio is selected and working properly. You can check your system audio settings by going to System Preferences > Sound > Output.
Update Your Software
Make sure your screen recording software is up-to-date. You can check for updates by going to the software’s website or by using the built-in update feature.
Restart Your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Try restarting your Mac and see if the audio capture works.
Conclusion
Capturing audio from screen recording on Mac is easier than you think. With the built-in tools and third-party software, you can record high-quality audio to accompany your screen recordings. Remember to check your microphone and system audio settings, update your software, and restart your Mac if you encounter any issues. Happy recording!
What is the purpose of getting audio from screen recording on Mac?
Getting audio from screen recording on Mac is essential for creating high-quality video tutorials, presentations, and online courses. By capturing both the visual and audio elements of your screen, you can provide a more engaging and informative experience for your audience. This is particularly useful for educators, marketers, and content creators who want to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Additionally, extracting audio from screen recordings can also be useful for podcasters, YouTubers, and social media influencers who want to repurpose their content into different formats. For instance, you can extract the audio from a screen recording and use it as a podcast episode or create a separate audio file for social media platforms.
What are the system requirements for getting audio from screen recording on Mac?
To get audio from screen recording on Mac, you’ll need a Mac computer running macOS High Sierra or later. You’ll also need a screen recording software that supports audio capture, such as QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Camtasia. Additionally, you’ll need a microphone or audio interface to capture high-quality audio.
It’s also important to note that some screen recording software may have specific system requirements, such as a minimum processor speed or RAM. Be sure to check the software’s documentation to ensure that your Mac meets the necessary requirements.
How do I enable audio recording on my Mac?
To enable audio recording on your Mac, you’ll need to grant permission to the screen recording software to access your microphone. To do this, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone, and select the checkbox next to the screen recording software. You may also need to configure your audio settings to select the correct microphone or audio input.
Once you’ve enabled audio recording, you can start capturing audio from your screen recordings. Make sure to test your audio settings before recording to ensure that the audio is clear and of high quality.
What are the different types of audio inputs I can use for screen recording on Mac?
There are several types of audio inputs you can use for screen recording on Mac, including built-in microphones, external microphones, and audio interfaces. Built-in microphones are convenient and easy to use, but may not provide the highest quality audio. External microphones, such as USB microphones, offer better sound quality and are often preferred by content creators.
Audio interfaces, on the other hand, allow you to connect multiple audio sources, such as microphones and instruments, to your Mac. These are ideal for podcasters, musicians, and audio engineers who require high-quality audio and multiple input options.
How do I extract audio from a screen recording on Mac?
To extract audio from a screen recording on Mac, you can use a video editing software, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere Pro, or a dedicated audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. Simply import the screen recording into the software, select the audio track, and export it as a separate audio file.
Alternatively, you can use a screen recording software that allows you to extract audio directly from the recording. For example, Camtasia allows you to export the audio from a screen recording as a separate MP3 file.
What are the common audio formats for screen recording on Mac?
The most common audio formats for screen recording on Mac are MP3, WAV, and AAC. MP3 is a compressed format that is ideal for web-based content, while WAV is an uncompressed format that is suitable for high-quality audio applications. AAC is a compressed format that is commonly used for video and audio streaming.
When choosing an audio format, consider the intended use of the audio file and the required quality. For example, if you’re creating a podcast, you may prefer to use a high-quality WAV file, while a web-based video tutorial may be suitable for an MP3 file.
How do I troubleshoot common audio issues during screen recording on Mac?
Common audio issues during screen recording on Mac include low volume, distortion, and background noise. To troubleshoot these issues, check your audio settings to ensure that the correct microphone or audio input is selected. You can also adjust the gain levels or use noise reduction software to improve the audio quality.
Additionally, make sure that your screen recording software is configured correctly and that you’re using the latest version. If you’re experiencing persistent audio issues, consider seeking help from the software’s support team or a professional audio engineer.