How to Screen Record with Audio on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide and the Curious Case of Silent Screens

How to Screen Record with Audio on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide and the Curious Case of Silent Screens

Screen recording with audio on a Mac can be a powerful tool for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or recording online meetings. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, especially when it comes to capturing both system audio and microphone input. This guide will walk you through the various methods available, discuss their pros and cons, and explore some curious quirks of Mac’s audio recording capabilities.

1. Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a built-in application on macOS that allows you to record your screen with audio. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
  2. Go to File > New Screen Recording.
  3. Click the arrow next to the record button to select your audio source.
  4. Choose your microphone for narration or “None” for system audio only.
  5. Click the record button and select the area of your screen to record.

Pros:

  • Built-in, no additional software needed
  • Simple interface
  • Can record both system audio and microphone input

Cons:

  • Limited editing capabilities
  • Cannot record internal audio on newer macOS versions without additional software

2. Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s more complex than QuickTime but offers greater flexibility:

  1. Download and install OBS Studio.
  2. Set up your audio sources in the Audio Mixer section.
  3. Add a Display Capture source to record your screen.
  4. Configure your recording settings in the Output tab.
  5. Start recording.

Pros:

  • Advanced features and customization
  • Can record multiple audio sources simultaneously
  • Free and open-source

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Requires additional software for internal audio recording on newer Macs

3. Using Third-Party Software

There are numerous third-party applications available for screen recording on Mac, such as ScreenFlow, Camtasia, and Snagit. These often provide more features than built-in options:

  1. Choose and install your preferred software.
  2. Configure audio input settings.
  3. Set up your recording area.
  4. Start recording.

Pros:

  • Advanced editing features
  • Often include additional tools like annotations and effects
  • Better support for internal audio recording

Cons:

  • Usually paid software
  • May require more system resources

4. Terminal Method

For tech-savvy users, macOS includes a command-line tool called screencapture that can be used for screen recording:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Use the following command: 
    screencapture -v -x output.mov
  3. To stop recording, press Control-C.

Pros:

  • No additional software needed
  • Can be automated with scripts

Cons:

  • No audio recording capability
  • Limited to basic screen capture

5. Using Audio Hijack for Internal Audio

For recording internal audio on newer macOS versions, you’ll need additional software like Audio Hijack:

  1. Install Audio Hijack.
  2. Set up a new session with your desired audio source.
  3. Route the audio to your screen recording software.
  4. Start recording.

Pros:

  • Enables internal audio recording on newer macOS
  • Flexible audio routing

Cons:

  • Additional cost for Audio Hijack
  • More complex setup

The Curious Case of Silent Screens

Interestingly, while Macs have become increasingly sophisticated in their multimedia capabilities, the ability to record internal audio has become more restricted in recent macOS versions. This has led to a curious situation where users must often resort to third-party solutions or complex workarounds to achieve what was once a simple task. This restriction, while likely implemented for security reasons, has created a thriving market for audio recording utilities and sparked numerous discussions in the Mac user community.

FAQs

Q: Why can’t I record internal audio on my Mac? A: Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple restricted access to internal audio for security reasons. You’ll need additional software like Audio Hijack to record internal audio.

Q: Can I record both system audio and microphone input simultaneously? A: Yes, with software like OBS Studio or QuickTime Player (for microphone only), you can record both system audio and microphone input.

Q: What’s the best free option for screen recording with audio on Mac? A: OBS Studio is a powerful free option, though it has a steeper learning curve than QuickTime Player.

Q: How can I improve the quality of my screen recordings? A: Ensure you’re recording at the highest possible resolution, use a good quality microphone for narration, and consider using professional editing software for post-production.

Q: Can I record a specific window instead of the entire screen? A: Yes, most screen recording software allows you to select a specific window or area of the screen to record.