Ultimate Guide to Recording Screen with Internal Audio on Mac

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Screen Recording on Mac
3. Limitations with Mac's built-in Screen Recording Software
4. Introduction to BlackHole Audio Plug-In
5. Downloading and Installing BlackHole
6. Setting Up Audio MIDI Setup
   • Creating an Aggregate Device
   • Selecting BlackHole as the Audio Source
   • Adding a Microphone for Voiceover
7. Configuring Sound Settings in System Preferences
   • Selecting the Multi-Output Device
   • Adjusting Input and Output Levels
8. Setting Up Screen Recording in Screenshot
   • Opening Screenshot
   • Selecting the Audio Source
9. Recording and Switching Audio Outputs
10. Conclusion

How to Record the Screen on your Mac with Internal Audio using BlackHole

Screen recording on Mac is a useful feature for capturing video tutorials, gameplay, or presentations. However, the built-in screen recording software lacks the ability to record the internal audio of your Mac. In this article, we will explore a solution to this problem by using a free audio plug-in called BlackHole.

Introduction

Screen recording has become increasingly popular for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, documenting gameplay, or sharing presentations. While Mac's built-in screen recording software provides a convenient way to capture screen activity, it does not offer the option to record the internal audio of your Mac. This limitation can be frustrating for users who want to record both the screen and the accompanying sound.

Overview of Screen Recording on Mac

Before diving into the solution, let's briefly understand the screen recording functionality provided by Mac. Mac offers a built-in screen recording feature that allows users to capture the Contents of their screen. This feature can be accessed through software like Screenshot or QuickTime Player. However, the default screen recording options do not include the ability to capture the internal audio of your Mac.

Limitations with Mac's built-in Screen Recording Software

The absence of internal audio recording in Mac's built-in screen recording software can be a significant limitation for users. While the software is capable of capturing screen activity, it fails to record the accompanying sound. This makes it difficult for users who want to Create comprehensive screen recordings that include both visual and auditory elements.

Introduction to BlackHole Audio Plug-In

To overcome the limitations of Mac's built-in screen recording software, users can utilize third-party audio plug-ins. One such plug-in is BlackHole, which offers a solution for recording the internal audio of your Mac. BlackHole serves as a virtual audio device that enables you to capture system audio during the screen recording process.

When using BlackHole, You can effortlessly Record the internal audio of your Mac, including system sounds, application audio, and media playback. This plug-in acts as an intermediary between your system's audio sources and the screen recording software, allowing you to capture high-quality audio alongside your screen recordings.

Downloading and Installing BlackHole

To begin using BlackHole, you will need to download and install the plug-in on your Mac. The BlackHole plug-in is freely available and can be downloaded from the official Existential Audio Website or through platforms like GitHub. Once downloaded, the installation process is straightforward and can be completed by following a few simple steps.

Setting Up Audio MIDI Setup

After successfully installing BlackHole, it is essential to configure the audio settings on your Mac to enable the recording of internal audio during screen recording. This requires accessing the Audio MIDI Setup, a utility provided by macOS that allows you to manage audio devices and connections.

In the Audio MIDI Setup interface, you will create an Aggregate Device, which will combine different audio sources to function as a single audio input for screen recording. By selecting the appropriate devices and configuring the sample rate, you can ensure the successful recording of internal audio.

Creating an Aggregate Device

To begin the setup process, launch the Audio MIDI Setup application on your Mac. Once opened, navigate to the left panel and locate BlackHole among your audio sources. Select BlackHole and proceed to create an Aggregate Device by clicking the "+" sign at the bottom left of the interface. The Aggregate Device allows you to group together multiple audio sources for simultaneous recording.

Selecting BlackHole as the Audio Source

To ensure the recording of internal audio, select BlackHole 16 Channel from the list of available audio inputs in the right panel of the Audio MIDI Setup interface. This will instruct the system to route the internal audio of your Mac through the BlackHole virtual audio device. Additionally, verify that the sample rate is set correctly to match your requirements.

Adding a Microphone for Voiceover

If you intend to include a voiceover in your screen recordings, you can add a microphone to the Aggregate Device. By checking the microphone option, you can capture both the internal audio and the input from your microphone simultaneously. This is particularly useful when creating tutorials or instructional videos that require narration or commentary.

To add the microphone to the Aggregate Device, select its corresponding audio input in the right panel of the Audio MIDI Setup interface. If you are using a USB microphone, ensure that its volume level is appropriately adjusted for optimal recording quality. It is advisable to set the sample rate of the microphone output to match the other devices for consistent audio quality.

Configuring Sound Settings in System Preferences

To further optimize your screen recording setup, it is essential to adjust the sound settings in System Preferences. By selecting the appropriate output and input devices, you can ensure that the audio is accurately captured during screen recording.

In System Preferences, navigate to the Sound settings and select the desired output device to route the sound appropriately. For screen recording purposes, choose the multi-output device created in the Audio MIDI Setup, specifically labeled as "Screen Record with Comp" or a name of your choice. This will ensure that both the internal audio and any additional audio sources, such as a microphone, are recorded correctly.

To adjust the input level, select BlackHole 16 channel as the input device and utilize the slider provided. The input level determines the volume of the computer sound captured through BlackHole. For optimal results, it is recommended to leave the slider at maximum and control the volume at the source. However, you can make adjustments if necessary to balance volume levels.

If you are using a microphone for voiceover purposes, navigate to the input settings and select the appropriate microphone source, such as the Scarlett Solo USB audio interface. Adjust the gain or volume level of the microphone to ensure that it captures clear and balanced audio. Avoid setting the microphone level too high, as it may result in distorted or unpleasant sound quality.

Setting Up Screen Recording in Screenshot

With the audio settings configured, you can now proceed to set up screen recording using the Screenshot application. Screenshot offers a simple and intuitive interface for capturing screen activity on Mac. By selecting the appropriate audio source, you can ensure that the internal audio is recorded alongside the screen content.

To initiate screen recording, open the Screenshot application using the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + 5. Alternatively, you can access Screenshot through QuickTime Player by navigating to the File menu and selecting "New Screen Recording."

Once the Screenshot interface is open, navigate to the options menu and select the desired audio source for recording. Choose the aggregate device created in the Audio MIDI Setup, which includes both the internal audio and any additional audio sources. By selecting this option, you can ensure that the screen recording captures both visual and auditory elements seamlessly.

Recording and Switching Audio Outputs

Now that your screen recording setup is complete, you can begin recording your Mac's screen along with the internal audio. While recording, make sure to monitor the audio output to ensure that the desired sound is being captured accurately. If necessary, make adjustments to the volume levels using the controls provided in the audio sources themselves.

Once you have finished recording, it is important to switch the audio output of your Mac back to the default setting, such as the internal speakers or headphones. This can be done through System Preferences or by selecting the appropriate audio output from the menu bar. By reverting to the default audio output, you regain control over the speaker volume and avoid any potential issues after the recording.

Conclusion

By utilizing the BlackHole audio plug-in and configuring the necessary settings, Mac users can now record their screen along with the internal audio. This solution allows for the creation of comprehensive screen recordings that include both visual and auditory elements. With the ability to capture system sounds, application audio, and voiceover, users can produce professional-quality screen recordings for various purposes. Whether you are creating tutorials, gameplay videos, or presentations, the combination of BlackHole and Mac's screen recording capabilities provides a versatile solution for content Creators.