Record System Audio Macos

Recording screen with internal audio on macOS is not supported by default. Apple allows QuickTime to capture microphone input, but not system audio.

To solve this, we use a virtual audio driver called BlackHole (16-channel version), which routes system audio into apps like QuickTime.

This guide shows how to set up BlackHole-16ch and use QuickTime to record both your screen and internal audio.

Why You Need BlackHole

macOS cannot send system audio directly into QuickTime. BlackHole creates a virtual audio device that acts like a “virtual microphone.” When the system output is routed to BlackHole, QuickTime can “hear” your computer’s internal sound.

BlackHole-16ch simply means it supports up to 16 virtual channels (you’ll only use 2 of them—Left/Right).

Steps to Record Internal Audio on macOS

Step 1: Install BlackHole-16ch

Download from the official source (open-source): Existential Audio – BlackHole

https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole

After installation:

• Open Audio MIDI Setup (Spotlight → search)
• Confirm that BlackHole 16ch appears in the device list

OR Install via Homebrew (optional):

brew install --cask blackhole-16ch

Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device

We need to route audio to both:

• Your Mac speakers (so you can hear it)
• BlackHole (so QuickTime can record it)

Steps:

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup.
2. Click the + button (bottom left).
3. Choose Create Multi-Output Device.
4. In the right panel, enable:
   • MacBook Speakers (or your headphones)
   • BlackHole 16ch
5. (Recommended) Right-click → Use This Device for Sound Output.

This sends all system audio to both destinations.

Step 3: Set System Output to Multi-Output Device

1. Open System Settings → Sound → Output.
2. Select Multi-Output Device (the one you just created).

Your Mac is now routing audio into BlackHole.

[!NOTE] When using Multi-Output Device, volume control is disabled. This is normal.

Step 4: Record With QuickTime Player

Now QuickTime can record internal audio through BlackHole.

Steps:

1. Open QuickTime Player → File → New Screen Recording.
2. Click the Options dropdown.
3. Under Microphone, choose:
   • BlackHole 16ch
4. Select full screen or region.
5. Start recording.
6. Play audio on your Mac — it will be captured internally.

Once finished, export or save the video as usual.

Troubleshooting

No sound recorded

Check:

• Output device = Multi-Output Device
• QuickTime microphone = BlackHole 16ch
• Multi-Output Device includes both Speakers + BlackHole

Cannot change system volume

macOS disables volume control when using Multi-Output. Use app-level volume sliders instead.

Audio delay or echo

If you use external speakers, sound from the room may leak into your microphone. Solution: Mute your physical microphone or use headphones.