Recording system sound on a Mac can be a valuable skill for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing streaming audio, or producing high-quality content. While macOS doesn't offer a built-in feature to directly record system sound, there are several effective methods and third-party applications that can help you achieve this. In this article, we'll explore step-by-step instructions on how to record system sound on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Loopback
Loopback is a powerful third-party application designed for routing audio between applications on your Mac. It's an excellent choice for recording system sound, as it allows you to create virtual audio devices for capturing audio streams.
Download and Install Loopback:
Visit the Rogue Amoeba website, download the Loopback application, and install it on your Mac.
Create a New Virtual Device:
Launch Loopback and click the "+" button in the bottom-left corner to create a new virtual audio device.
Configure the Virtual Device:
Give your virtual device a name, then click on "Add Source" to add the applications from which you want to record system sound (e.g., web browsers, media players).
Adjust Audio Settings:
Click on the "Audio Effects" section of your virtual device to fine-tune audio settings, if desired.
Select Loopback Device as Input:
In the application you're using to record (e.g., QuickTime, Audacity), select the Loopback virtual device as the input source.
Start Recording:
Begin recording in your chosen application, and Loopback will capture the system audio from the selected sources.
Method 2: Using Soundflower
Soundflower is another third-party application that can help you route audio between different applications and record system sound.
Download and Install Soundflower:
Locate the Soundflower application online, download and install it on your Mac.
Configure Audio Output:
Go to "System Preferences" > "Sound" > "Output" and select "Soundflower (2ch)" as the output device.
Set Up Recording Software:
Launch a recording application (e.g., QuickTime, Audacity) and configure it to record audio from the Soundflower output.
Record System Sound:
Start recording in your chosen application, and Soundflower will capture the system audio.
Method 3: Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player, a built-in application on macOS, can be used to record screen activities along with system sound.
Open QuickTime Player:
Launch QuickTime Player from the Applications folder or using Spotlight search.
Start New Screen Recording:
Click "File" in the menu bar, then select "New Movie Recording."
Configure Audio Source:
Click the arrow next to the record button, and in the microphone section, select "Soundflower (2ch)" or another relevant audio source.
Start Recording:
Click the record button, and QuickTime Player will begin recording your screen activities along with system sound.
Conclusion
Recording system sound on a Mac opens up a world of possibilities for content creation, tutorials, and entertainment purposes. While macOS lacks a native feature for this, third-party applications like Loopback and Soundflower, along with built-in tools like QuickTime Player, provide effective solutions. Whether you're a content creator, educator, or simply looking to capture high-quality audio, these methods will help you achieve accurate and professional results.
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