Are you a Mac user looking to record computer audio for a podcast, tutorial, or presentation? Recording computer audio on a Mac can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to record only computer audio on a Mac using various methods.
Why Record Computer Audio on a Mac?
Before we dive into the methods, let’s talk about why you might want to record computer audio on a Mac. There are several reasons:
- Creating tutorials: If you’re creating tutorials or online courses, you may want to record your computer audio to demonstrate software or apps.
- Podcasting: If you’re a podcaster, you may want to record computer audio to include in your episodes.
- Presentations: If you’re creating presentations or slideshows, you may want to record computer audio to add narration or commentary.
- Gaming: If you’re a gamer, you may want to record computer audio to capture gameplay commentary or walkthroughs.
Method 1: Using QuickTime Player
One of the easiest ways to record computer audio on a Mac is using QuickTime Player. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
- Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Audio Recording.”
- In the recording window, click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Built-in Microphone” or “External Microphone” (if you’re using one).
- However, since we want to record computer audio only, we need to select a different input source. To do this, go to “System Preferences” > “Sound” > “Input” and select “Line In” or “Digital In” (if available).
- Go back to QuickTime Player and click on the record button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button.
Limitations of Using QuickTime Player
While QuickTime Player is a convenient way to record computer audio, it has some limitations. For example:
- No editing capabilities: QuickTime Player doesn’t have built-in editing capabilities, so you’ll need to use a separate app to edit your recording.
- Limited format options: QuickTime Player only allows you to save recordings in a few formats, including .m4a and .mov.
Method 2: Using Audacity
Another popular way to record computer audio on a Mac is using Audacity, a free and open-source audio editing software. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and install Audacity on your Mac.
- Open Audacity and click on “Transport” > “Transport Options” > “Software Playthrough” to enable software playthrough.
- Go to “System Preferences” > “Sound” > “Output” and select “Audacity” as the output device.
- In Audacity, click on the record button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button.
Benefits of Using Audacity
Audacity is a powerful audio editing software that offers many benefits, including:
- Free and open-source: Audacity is completely free and open-source, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Advanced editing capabilities: Audacity has advanced editing capabilities, including multi-track recording, noise reduction, and effects.
- Support for multiple formats: Audacity supports a wide range of audio formats, including .mp3, .wav, and .ogg.
Method 3: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular screen recording software that also allows you to record computer audio. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
- Open OBS Studio and click on “Settings” > “Audio” > “Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device” and select “Built-in Audio” or “External Audio” (if you’re using one).
- However, since we want to record computer audio only, we need to select a different input source. To do this, go to “System Preferences” > “Sound” > “Input” and select “Line In” or “Digital In” (if available).
- In OBS Studio, click on the “Start Recording” button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Benefits of Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a powerful screen recording software that offers many benefits, including:
- Free and open-source: OBS Studio is completely free and open-source, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Advanced recording capabilities: OBS Studio has advanced recording capabilities, including multi-track recording, chroma keying, and audio mixing.
- Support for multiple formats: OBS Studio supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including .mp4, .mov, and .mkv.
Method 4: Using Soundflower
Soundflower is a free, open-source audio routing software that allows you to record computer audio on a Mac. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and install Soundflower on your Mac.
- Open Soundflower and select “Soundflower (2ch)” as the output device.
- Go to “System Preferences” > “Sound” > “Output” and select “Soundflower (2ch)” as the output device.
- Open your recording software (such as Audacity or OBS Studio) and select “Soundflower (2ch)” as the input device.
- Click on the record button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button.
Benefits of Using Soundflower
Soundflower is a powerful audio routing software that offers many benefits, including:
- Free and open-source: Soundflower is completely free and open-source, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Advanced audio routing capabilities: Soundflower has advanced audio routing capabilities, including multi-channel recording and audio mixing.
- Support for multiple formats: Soundflower supports a wide range of audio formats, including .wav, .aiff, and .mp3.
Conclusion
Recording computer audio on a Mac can be a bit tricky, but with the right software and techniques, it’s easy to do. In this article, we’ve shown you four methods for recording computer audio on a Mac using QuickTime Player, Audacity, OBS Studio, and Soundflower. Whether you’re creating tutorials, podcasts, or presentations, these methods will help you get the job done.
What are the different methods for recording computer audio on a Mac?
There are several methods for recording computer audio on a Mac, including using the built-in QuickTime Player, third-party screen recording software, and audio recording software. You can also use the Soundflower app to route audio from one application to another, allowing you to record audio from any app. Additionally, you can use the Audacity software, which is a free and open-source audio recording and editing software.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you want to record a video of your screen along with the audio, you may want to use a screen recording software. On the other hand, if you only want to record audio, you may want to use an audio recording software.
How do I record computer audio using QuickTime Player?
To record computer audio using QuickTime Player, you will need to use the “New Audio Recording” feature. To do this, open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Audio Recording” from the menu. Then, select the audio input device you want to use, such as the built-in microphone or an external microphone. You can also select the quality of the recording and the location where you want to save the file.
Once you have selected the audio input device and the recording settings, click the “Record” button to start the recording. You can then play the audio you want to record, such as a video or a song, and QuickTime Player will capture the audio. When you are finished recording, click the “Stop” button and the file will be saved to the location you specified.
What is Soundflower and how do I use it to record computer audio?
Soundflower is a free, open-source app that allows you to route audio from one application to another. This means that you can use Soundflower to record audio from any app on your Mac, including apps that do not have a built-in recording feature. To use Soundflower, you will need to download and install the app, and then configure it to route the audio from the app you want to record to an audio recording software.
Once you have configured Soundflower, you can use an audio recording software, such as Audacity, to record the audio. Simply select Soundflower as the audio input device in the recording software, and then start the recording. Soundflower will route the audio from the app you want to record to the recording software, allowing you to capture the audio.
How do I record computer audio using Audacity?
To record computer audio using Audacity, you will need to download and install the software, and then configure it to use the correct audio input device. To do this, open Audacity and select “Audacity” > “Preferences” from the menu. Then, select the “Devices” tab and choose the audio input device you want to use, such as the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
Once you have selected the audio input device, you can start the recording by clicking the “Record” button. You can then play the audio you want to record, such as a video or a song, and Audacity will capture the audio. When you are finished recording, click the “Stop” button and the file will be saved to the location you specified. You can then edit the recording using Audacity’s editing features.
Can I record computer audio in the background while using other apps?
Yes, you can record computer audio in the background while using other apps. To do this, you will need to use an audio recording software that allows you to record in the background, such as Audacity or GarageBand. You can also use the Soundflower app to route the audio from the app you want to record to the recording software, allowing you to record in the background.
When recording in the background, make sure to select the correct audio input device and configure the recording settings correctly. You should also make sure that the recording software is set to record in the background, and that the app you want to record is not muted or paused.
How do I edit and enhance my recorded computer audio?
There are several ways to edit and enhance your recorded computer audio, depending on the software you are using. If you are using Audacity, you can use the software’s editing features to trim, cut, and paste the audio, as well as to add effects such as echo and reverb. You can also use the software’s noise reduction feature to remove background noise from the recording.
If you are using GarageBand, you can use the software’s editing features to trim, cut, and paste the audio, as well as to add effects such as echo and reverb. You can also use the software’s noise reduction feature to remove background noise from the recording. Additionally, you can use the software’s EQ feature to adjust the tone and balance of the audio.
Can I record computer audio on a Mac without using any software?
No, you cannot record computer audio on a Mac without using any software. However, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player to record audio, which does not require any additional software. To do this, open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Audio Recording” from the menu. Then, select the audio input device you want to use, such as the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
You can then start the recording by clicking the “Record” button, and QuickTime Player will capture the audio. When you are finished recording, click the “Stop” button and the file will be saved to the location you specified. Note that this method only allows you to record audio, and does not allow you to record video or screen activity.