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Effortlessly Record Mac Screen with Internal Audio – Here’s How!

Table of Contents

**Mastering Screen Recording with Internal Audio on Mac**

Screen recording with internal audio on a Mac is an essential skill for many users, from creators to educators, and anyone needing to demonstrate software, create tutorials, or capture online content. This guide will walk you through every step necessary to seamlessly record both your screen and internal audio.

Requirements for Screen Recording on Mac

Hardware and Software Needs

To ensure a smooth recording experience, you’ll need a Mac running macOS Mojave or later. Earlier versions may not support built-in screen recording features. Having an adequate system setup, which includes sufficient CPU power and storage space, is equally important to handle video files efficiently.

Understanding Internal Audio Recording

Unlike system sound, internal audio refers to the sound generated within the application or system that you want to record. While macOS does not natively allow recording of this internal audio, third-party software can bridge this gap effectively.

Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

Basic Screen Recording

QuickTime Player, a built-in application on macOS, allows users to record screen activity easily.

Steps to Record Screen with QuickTime

  1. Open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder.
  2. Click on “File” in the menu bar and select “New Screen Recording.” A recording window will appear.
  3. Click the red record button. You can choose to record the entire screen or just a portion.
  4. Use the Stop button in the menu bar to end recording.

Recording with Internal Audio

To capture internal audio along with video, configuring QuickTime with additional software like Soundflower is needed.

Installing and Setting Up Soundflower

  1. Download Soundflower from a trusted source.
  2. Complete the installation, allowing necessary permissions when prompted.
  3. If required, reboot your Mac.
  1. Navigate to “System Preferences” and select “Sound.”
  2. Choose “Soundflower (2ch)” in the “Output” tab to route all system audio through Soundflower.
  3. Launch QuickTime and start a “New Screen Recording.”
  4. Select “Soundflower (2ch)” from the microphone input dropdown next to the record button.

Using Third-Party Software for Screen Recording

Introducing OBS Studio

OBS Studio stands out as a free, open-source solution with advanced features for screen recording, including direct internal audio capture support.

Setting up OBS Studio

Installing OBS Studio

  1. Download the OBS Studio installer from its official website.
  2. Follow the installation instructions to complete setup on your Mac.

Configuring OBS Studio for Screen Recording with Internal Audio

  1. Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the Scenes box to add a new scene.
  2. Add a new source by clicking the “+” button in the Sources box and selecting “Display Capture.”
  3. Configure audio inputs by accessing “Settings” > “Audio” and setting Desktop Audio to your system audio source, using Soundflower if needed.
  4. Adjust audio levels to ensure both video and audio balance.
  5. Click “Start Recording” to begin capturing your screen and audio.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Sound Recorded

  • Verify that the correct audio source is selected both in system settings and your recording software.
  • Check the application permissions under “System Preferences” > “Security & Privacy” > “Microphone” to ensure the app can access sound input.
  • Restart your Mac if audio routing changes do not apply immediately.

Low Audio Quality

  • Make sure your recording software settings allow for high-quality audio by setting optimal sample and bit rates.
  • Ensure that no unnecessary audio enhancements in the system settings are causing audio distortion.

Performance Issues

  • Close applications that you’re not using to free up CPU and RAM resources.
  • Consider lowering the resolution and frame rate in your recording settings to boost performance.

Conclusion

Screen recording with internal audio on a Mac requires an appropriate software setup and configuration. QuickTime Player, paired with third-party tools like Soundflower, or more advanced options such as OBS Studio, offers flexibility and control, enabling users to produce high-quality recordings. By navigating the various steps and troubleshooting suggestions outlined, users can overcome challenges and successfully record their content with precision and clarity.