Record System Audio Mac: How to Capture Internal Sound

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To record system audio on a Mac, you need to capture the sound playing from your computer’s speakers, not just the microphone. This guide covers the built-in methods and the limitations you’ll face, plus the best third-party solutions for capturing internal audio on macOS.

Why Recording System Audio Is Tricky on a Mac

Unlike Windows, macOS does not have a built-in “record what you hear� option. The operating system’s audio architecture routes sound through a system output device, and the built-in QuickTime Player only records from a microphone or other input source. This means you cannot directly capture internal audio without additional software or hardware.

The core reason is that macOS does not provide a virtual audio device by default. A virtual audio driver acts as a bridge, letting you route system audio into a recording app. Without it, the system audio is sent only to your speakers or headphones, not to any recording input.

Built-in Option: QuickTime Player (Only for Microphone)

QuickTime Player is the free app that comes with every Mac. It can record video and audio, but only from an input source. To record system audio with QuickTime, you would need to physically connect an audio cable from your Mac’s headphone jack to its microphone jack, which is not practical on modern Macs that lack a headphone jack.

Open QuickTime Player.
Go to File > New Audio Recording.
Click the red record button.
Select a microphone as the input source.

This will record only what the microphone picks up, which includes any system audio playing through speakers, but with poor quality and background noise. It is not a reliable method for clean system audio capture.

Third-Party Software: The Standard Solution

To record system audio cleanly, you need a third-party app that either includes a virtual audio driver or uses a different technique. The most common approach is to install a virtual audio device that appears as an output and an input, then route system audio to that device and record from it in your DAW or audio recorder.

Popular options include:

BlackHole – a free, open-source virtual audio driver that creates a multi-channel audio device.
Loopback – a paid app that lets you create complex audio routing with a user-friendly interface.
Audio Hijack – a paid app that records any app’s audio directly, without needing a separate virtual driver.

Each of these works differently. BlackHole is a driver you install, then you set it as your output device. Any audio playing will go into BlackHole, and you can record from it in an app like GarageBand or Audacity. Loopback and Audio Hijack are full applications that manage the routing for you.

How to Record System Audio with BlackHole (Free)

BlackHole is a free, open-source virtual audio driver. Here’s how to use it:

Download and install BlackHole from its official GitHub page.
Open Audio MIDI Setup (in /Applications/Utilities).
Click the + button in the bottom-left and select Create Multi-Output Device.
In the right panel, check both BlackHole 16ch and your speakers.
Set the multi-output device as your system output in System Settings > Sound > Output.
Open your recording app (e.g., QuickTime, GarageBand, Audacity) and set the input to BlackHole 16ch.
Start recording.

This method sends audio to both your speakers and BlackHole, so you can hear it while recording. The multi-output device is essential; if you only select BlackHole, you won’t hear anything.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users often encounter issues when setting up virtual audio drivers. Here are the most common:

No sound after selecting BlackHole as output: You need to create a multi-output device that includes both BlackHole and your speakers, otherwise audio is sent only to BlackHole and you hear nothing.
Recording is silent: Make sure your recording app’s input is set to BlackHole, not your built-in microphone.
Latency or crackling: Increase the buffer size in your recording app, or reduce the sample rate in Audio MIDI Setup.
App doesn’t see BlackHole: Some apps need to be restarted after installing the driver. Also check that the driver is enabled in System Settings > Sound > Input.

If you are using a Mac with Apple Silicon, make sure you download the correct version of the driver (universal or Apple Silicon).

Comparison: BlackHole vs. Loopback vs. Audio Hijack

Choosing the right tool depends on your needs and budget.

BlackHole – Free, open-source, and reliable. It requires manual setup with Audio MIDI Setup. Best for users comfortable with a little configuration.
Loopback – Paid, with a polished interface that lets you create virtual cables and mix audio sources visually. It is more expensive but easier to manage complex routing.
Audio Hijack – Paid, and it records audio directly from any app without needing a virtual driver. It also includes effects and scheduling. Ideal for podcasters and streamers who want an all-in-one solution.

For most users, BlackHole is sufficient. If you need to record from multiple apps simultaneously or want a simpler setup, Loopback or Audio Hijack are worth the cost.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Recording system audio is legal for personal use, but you should be aware of copyright. Recording music, movies, or other copyrighted content for distribution without permission is illegal. If you are recording a stream or a call, check the terms of service of the platform. Some apps, like Spotify, may restrict recording. Always respect copyright and privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record system audio without installing anything?

No. macOS does not provide a built-in way to record internal audio. You need a virtual audio driver or a third-party app. The only exception is if you use an external audio interface with loopback capabilities, but that requires hardware.

Why does QuickTime only record the microphone?

QuickTime uses the default input device, which is your microphone. It does not have access to the system output. To record system audio, you need to change the input source to a virtual device like BlackHole.

Is BlackHole safe to install?

Yes, BlackHole is open-source and widely used. It is a kernel extension (or system extension on newer macOS), so you may need to approve it in System Settings > Privacy & Security. Always download from the official GitHub repository to avoid malicious versions.

Can I record system audio on an M1 or M2 Mac?

Yes, BlackHole and other drivers support Apple Silicon. Make sure you download the latest version that is compatible with your macOS version. The setup process is the same.

How do I record system audio and microphone at the same time?

You can create a multi-output device that includes BlackHole and your speakers, and then in your recording app, select an input device that combines BlackHole and your microphone. Some apps like GarageBand allow multiple tracks with different inputs. Alternatively, use Loopback to create a virtual device that mixes both sources.

What is the best free way to record system audio on a Mac?

BlackHole is the most popular free solution. Combined with Audacity (free) or GarageBand (free), you can record system audio without spending any money. The setup takes a few minutes, but it works reliably.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.