Are you tired of creating silent screen recordings on your Mac? Do you want to add voiceovers, narrations, or audio commentary to your videos? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to get audio on Mac screen recording, making your videos more engaging, informative, and entertaining.
Understanding Mac Screen Recording
Before we dive into the world of audio, let’s quickly cover the basics of Mac screen recording. Macs come with a built-in screen recording feature, which allows you to capture your screen activity, including video, audio, and mouse movements. To access this feature, follow these steps:
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
- Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” option.
- Choose the recording settings, such as the microphone and camera.
- Click “Record” to start capturing your screen.
However, by default, Mac screen recording only captures the audio from your computer’s speakers, not your microphone. This means that if you want to add voiceovers or narrations to your videos, you’ll need to use a different approach.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Microphone
One way to capture audio on Mac screen recording is to use the built-in microphone. This method is quick and easy, but the audio quality might not be the best. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your headphones or earbuds to your Mac.
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
- Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” option.
- Select the “Built-in Microphone” option from the microphone dropdown menu.
- Choose the recording settings, such as the camera and frame rate.
- Click “Record” to start capturing your screen.
Keep in mind that using the built-in microphone can result in poor audio quality, especially if you’re recording in a noisy environment. If you want better audio quality, consider using an external microphone.
External Microphone Options
If you want to improve the audio quality of your Mac screen recordings, consider using an external microphone. Here are a few options:
- USB Microphones: These microphones connect directly to your Mac via USB and offer high-quality audio. Popular options include the Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB, and Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.
- Wireless Microphones: These microphones offer more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to move around while recording. Popular options include the Rode Wireless Go, Sennheiser G4, and Audio-Technica ATR3350iS.
Method 2: Using QuickTime Player
Another way to capture audio on Mac screen recording is to use QuickTime Player. This method allows you to record your screen and audio simultaneously, using an external microphone. Here’s how to do it:
- Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.
- Go to “File” > “New Screen Recording.”
- Select the “Screen Recording” option.
- Choose the recording settings, such as the microphone and camera.
- Click “Record” to start capturing your screen.
QuickTime Player offers more advanced recording options, including the ability to record audio from an external microphone. To do this, follow these steps:
- Connect your external microphone to your Mac.
- Open QuickTime Player and go to “File” > “New Screen Recording.”
- Select the “Screen Recording” option.
- Click on the arrow next to the record button.
- Select the external microphone from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Record” to start capturing your screen.
Recording Audio from Multiple Sources
If you want to record audio from multiple sources, such as your computer’s speakers and an external microphone, you can use a third-party app like OBS Studio or Camtasia. These apps allow you to capture audio from multiple sources and mix them together in real-time.
Method 3: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular screen recording app that allows you to capture audio from multiple sources. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
- Launch OBS Studio and create a new scene.
- Add a “Screen Capture” source to the scene.
- Add an “Audio Input Capture” source to the scene.
- Select the external microphone from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Start Recording” to begin capturing your screen.
OBS Studio offers advanced recording options, including the ability to record audio from multiple sources and mix them together in real-time. You can also add video filters, transitions, and effects to your recordings.
Recording Audio from a Webcam
If you want to record audio from a webcam, you can use a third-party app like OBS Studio or Camtasia. These apps allow you to capture audio from a webcam and mix it with other audio sources.
Method 4: Using Camtasia
Camtasia is a popular screen recording app that allows you to capture audio from multiple sources. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Camtasia on your Mac.
- Launch Camtasia and create a new project.
- Add a “Screen Recording” source to the project.
- Add an “Audio” source to the project.
- Select the external microphone from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Record” to begin capturing your screen.
Camtasia offers advanced recording options, including the ability to record audio from multiple sources and mix them together in real-time. You can also add video filters, transitions, and effects to your recordings.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best audio quality on your Mac screen recordings:
- Use an external microphone to improve audio quality.
- Invest in a good pair of headphones or earbuds to monitor your audio.
- Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and improve audio quality.
- Record in a quiet room to minimize background noise.
- Use a third-party app like OBS Studio or Camtasia to capture audio from multiple sources.
Common Audio Issues
Here are some common audio issues you might encounter when recording audio on Mac screen recording:
- Audio delay: This occurs when the audio is out of sync with the video. To fix this, try adjusting the audio settings in your recording app.
- Audio distortion: This occurs when the audio is too loud or too soft. To fix this, try adjusting the audio levels in your recording app.
- Background noise: This occurs when there is too much background noise in the recording. To fix this, try recording in a quiet room or using a noise-reducing app.
Conclusion
Capturing audio on Mac screen recording is easier than you think. With the right techniques and tools, you can create high-quality videos with great audio. Whether you’re using the built-in microphone, an external microphone, or a third-party app, there are many ways to capture audio on Mac screen recording. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create engaging, informative, and entertaining videos that will captivate your audience.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Using the Built-in Microphone | Use the built-in microphone to capture audio on Mac screen recording. |
| Using QuickTime Player | Use QuickTime Player to record your screen and audio simultaneously. |
| Using OBS Studio | Use OBS Studio to capture audio from multiple sources and mix them together in real-time. |
| Using Camtasia | Use Camtasia to capture audio from multiple sources and mix them together in real-time. |
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can capture high-quality audio on Mac screen recording and create engaging, informative, and entertaining videos.
What is Mac screen recording and how does it work?
Mac screen recording is a feature that allows users to capture their screen activity, including audio, and save it as a video file. This feature is built into macOS and can be accessed using the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. When you start a screen recording, your Mac will capture everything that happens on your screen, including mouse movements, keyboard input, and audio from your microphone or system audio.
The recorded video can be saved in various formats, including MOV, MP4, and GIF, and can be edited using video editing software. Mac screen recording is useful for creating tutorials, demos, and presentations, as well as for recording video calls, online meetings, and gameplay. It’s also a great way to troubleshoot issues with your Mac, as you can record the problem and share it with others for help.
What are the system requirements for Mac screen recording?
To use Mac screen recording, you’ll need a Mac running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. You’ll also need a compatible audio input device, such as a built-in microphone or an external microphone connected to your Mac. Additionally, you’ll need enough free disk space to store the recorded video file. The amount of disk space required will depend on the length and quality of the recording.
It’s also worth noting that some Mac models may have specific requirements or limitations for screen recording. For example, some older Mac models may not support 4K resolution or high-frame-rate recording. Be sure to check your Mac’s specifications and system requirements before attempting to record your screen.
How do I start a screen recording on my Mac?
To start a screen recording on your Mac, you can use the Screenshot toolbar or the QuickTime Player. To use the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will open the toolbar, where you can select the screen recording option and choose whether to record your entire screen or a selected portion. To use QuickTime Player, open the app and select “File” > “New Screen Recording” from the menu.
Once you’ve started the screen recording, you can click the “Record” button to begin capturing your screen activity. You can also pause and resume the recording at any time by clicking the “Pause” button. When you’re finished recording, click the “Stop” button to save the video file.
Can I record audio with my Mac screen recording?
Yes, you can record audio with your Mac screen recording. In fact, macOS allows you to capture both system audio and microphone audio simultaneously. To record audio, make sure that your microphone is selected as the input device in the Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player. You can also adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality of the recording.
When recording audio, you can choose to capture system audio, microphone audio, or both. System audio includes any sounds that come from your Mac, such as music, video playback, and sound effects. Microphone audio captures your voice or other external sounds. By capturing both system audio and microphone audio, you can create a more immersive and engaging video.
How do I edit my Mac screen recording?
Once you’ve recorded your screen activity, you can edit the video file using video editing software. macOS comes with iMovie, a free video editing app that allows you to trim, split, and merge clips, as well as add transitions, titles, and effects. You can also use third-party video editing apps, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, to edit your screen recording.
When editing your screen recording, you can also add annotations, such as text, arrows, and shapes, to highlight important points or draw attention to specific areas of the screen. Additionally, you can adjust the audio levels, add music or sound effects, and export the video in different formats and resolutions.
Can I share my Mac screen recording with others?
Yes, you can share your Mac screen recording with others. Once you’ve recorded and edited your video, you can export it in a format that’s compatible with various devices and platforms. You can share the video file via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
You can also upload your screen recording to video sharing platforms, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or share it on social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter. Additionally, you can use screen recording to create tutorials, demos, or presentations that can be shared with others, either in person or online.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on Mac screen recording?
Yes, there are some limitations and restrictions on Mac screen recording. For example, some apps may not allow screen recording, or may have specific requirements or restrictions for recording their content. Additionally, some Mac models may have limitations on the resolution, frame rate, or audio quality of the recording.
It’s also worth noting that screen recording may not work properly with certain types of content, such as copy-protected videos or encrypted files. Additionally, some countries or regions may have laws or regulations that restrict the use of screen recording, so be sure to check local laws and regulations before using this feature.