How to Record Internal Audio on Mac

By Rithu V – July 10, 2023

Capturing the sound your Mac plays is essential for tutorials, podcasts, and game streaming. Below we outline eight simple, proven methods and a concise five‑step workflow using the best free and paid tools available in 2024.

8 Simple Ways to Record Internal Audio on Mac (2024)

\n
1. Use the built‑in Audio Hijack to capture system sound with high fidelity.
\n
2. Leverage BlackHole 2ch as a virtual audio driver for zero‑latency recording.
\n
3. Activate Loopback to mix multiple sources into a single input.
\n
4. Utilize the native Screen Recording tool in macOS Mojave and later with the “Sound” option.
\n
5. Employ the iTunes/Finder playback recording via the Soundflower virtual device.
\n
6. Record through the QuickTime Player screen capture while selecting “Internal Microphone” and enabling system audio in System Preferences.
\n
7. Use Adobe Audition’s 'Internal Audio Capture' feature for professional editing.
\n
8. Apply the Reaper DAW’s 'Record' function with the virtual audio cable setup.
\n

A 5‑Step Quick‑Start Process

\n
1. Choose a virtual audio driver (BlackHole or Loopback). Install and route your Mac’s output to it.
\n
2. Open your preferred recorder (Audio Hijack, QuickTime, or Audition) and set the input to the virtual device.
\n
3. Start the screen recording or audio session.
\n
4. Play the content you want to capture – music, videos, or applications.
\n
5. Stop the session and export the file in your desired format.
\n

Download the free trial of Audio Hijack here: https://www.rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/

For more advanced tips, subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest video‑making insights directly to your inbox.