How to Record Internal Audio on Mac QuickTime: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recording internal audio on a Mac using QuickTime Player can be a bit challenging since QuickTime does not natively support recording internal audio directly. However, with a few steps, you can accomplish this task using a third-party virtual audio device. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up virtual audio devices and using QuickTime Player to record internal audio.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording Internal Audio on Mac QuickTime

Step 1: Install a Virtual Audio Device

The first step is to install a virtual audio device. There are two popular options: BlackHole and Loopback.

BlackHole: A free, open-source virtual audio driver that allows you to route audio between applications. Loopback: A paid application that provides a more user-friendly interface.

Step 2: Set Up the Virtual Audio Device

Open Audio MIDI Setup to set up the virtual audio device:

Go to Applications Utilities Audio MIDI Setup. Create a Multi-Output Device if you are using BlackHole. This involves clicking on the button and then selecting the appropriate devices to create your multi-output device.

Step 3: Configure System Preferences

Open System Preferences Sound and configure the following settings:

Under the Output tab, select the virtual audio device you just created (e.g., BlackHole or Loopback). Under the Input tab, ensure that No Input is selected.

Step 4: Open QuickTime Player

Launch QuickTime Player.

Step 5: Start a New Audio Recording

Begin the recording process:

Go to File New Audio Recording. Select the audio source by clicking the dropdown arrow next to the record button and selecting “BlackHole” or “Loopback”.

Step 6: Record Internal Audio

Follow these steps to record internal audio:

Start playing the internal audio you want to record (e.g., a video or music). Hit the record button in QuickTime to start recording. When finished, click the stop button and save your recording.

Step 7: Change Audio Output Back

After recording, go back to System Preferences Sound and change the output back to your desired speakers or headphones.

Additional Tips

Ensure that volume levels in the application you are recording from and within QuickTime are properly adjusted to achieve good recording quality. Check the audio routing settings in the virtual audio device application if you encounter any issues.

Alternative Solutions

Rogue Amoeba, which makes LoopBack, also offers Audio Hijack. This is often a better option for capturing audio from applications or the Mac's internal audio. We have used Audio Hijack daily to capture tens of thousands of hours of music programming for distribution on the Public Radio Satellite System.

Key Takeaways:

Install a virtual audio device like BlackHole or Loopback. Configure your system preferences to use the virtual audio device. Open QuickTime and start a new audio recording. Select the virtual audio device as your input source. Record and adjust settings as needed. Change your audio output back to your desired settings after recording.

By following these steps, you can successfully record internal audio on your Mac using QuickTime Player and a virtual audio device.