How to Record Internal Audio on Mac

Introduction

This tutorial explains how to record internal audio on a Mac using popular software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and Audacity. Recording internal audio is essential for creating tutorials, streaming, or capturing sound from applications. Follow these steps to effectively set up your Mac for internal audio recording.

Step 1: Install Required Software

To begin, you need to download and install the necessary software.

1. Download OBS Studio:

   • Visit the OBS Studio website.
   • Choose the Mac version and follow the installation prompts.

2. Download Audacity (optional for audio editing):

   • Visit the Audacity website.
   • Download the Mac version and install it.

Step 2: Set Up Audio Capture

To record internal audio, you need to configure your audio settings.

1. Install a Virtual Audio Device:

   • Download and install a virtual audio driver like BlackHole or iShowU Audio Capture.
   • Follow instructions to set it up on your Mac.

2. Configure Audio Settings:

   • Open System Preferences and navigate to Sound.
   • Under the Output tab, select the virtual audio device you installed.

Step 3: Configure OBS for Recording

Now you will set up OBS to capture internal audio.

1. Open OBS Studio.

2. Add an Audio Source:

   • Click the "+" button in the Sources box.
   • Select Audio Input Capture.
   • Name your source and click OK.
   • Choose the virtual audio device from the list and click OK again.

3. Set Output Settings:

   • Go to Settings in the bottom right corner.
   • Click on Output and set the recording format (e.g., MP4 or MKV).
   • Adjust the bitrate if necessary for better audio quality.

Step 4: Start Recording

With everything set up, you're ready to record.

1. Prepare Your Content:

   • Open the application or content you want to record.

2. Begin Recording:

   • In OBS, click the Start Recording button.
   • Perform the actions you want to capture.

3. Stop Recording:

   • Once finished, click Stop Recording in OBS.

Step 5: Edit Audio in Audacity (Optional)

After recording, you may want to edit your audio.

1. Open Audacity.

2. Import Your Recording:

   • Go to File > Import > Audio and select your recording.

3. Edit Your Audio:

   • Use tools like Cut, Copy, and Trim to refine your audio.
   • Add effects as needed, like noise reduction or equalization.

4. Export Your Final Audio:

   • Go to File > Export and choose your desired format.

Conclusion

Recording internal audio on a Mac is straightforward with the right tools and setup. By following these steps, you can effectively capture high-quality audio for your projects. Whether you're creating tutorials or streaming content, mastering internal audio recording will enhance your capabilities. Experiment with OBS and Audacity to find the best settings for your needs. Happy recording!