How to Record System Audio on QuickTime
Introduction:
QuickTime, a popular multimedia player developed by Apple, offers several useful features, including the ability to screen record audio and video on your Mac device. As a versatile tool, it’s great for recording video tutorials, creating presentations, or simply sharing your computer’s audio. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of recording system audio on QuickTime.
Step 1: Install Soundflower (Mac only)
To capture system audio with QuickTime on a Mac, you’ll first need to install Soundflower. Soundflower is a free, virtual audio device that helps route system audio to QuickTime for recording.
1. Download the latest version of Soundflower from GitHub: https://github.com/mattingalls/Soundflower/releases
2. Extract the ZIP file and run the Soundflower.pkg installer.
3. If prompted about allowing a third-party developer, open “Security & Privacy” settings in System Preferences and click “Allow.”
4. Restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
Step 2: Configure Audio Settings
Once Soundflower is installed, configure your Mac’s audio settings to direct output to Soundflower:
1. Navigate to “System Preferences” > “Sound.”
2. Select the “Output” tab.
3. Choose the “Soundflower (2ch)” option.
Step 3: Set Up QuickTime for Recording
Now it’s time to prepare QuickTime for recording system audio:
1. Launch QuickTime.
2. Click “File” > “New Screen Recording” in the menu bar.
3. In the screen recording window, click on the down arrow next to the red “Record” button.
4. Select “Soundflower (2ch)” as the input source under “Microphone.”
Step 4: Record System Audio
With everything set up correctly, you can now record system audio using QuickTime:
1. Hit the red “Record” button.
2. Choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Once you’ve selected the desired area, your recording will begin.
4. To stop the recording, click the “Stop” button in the menu bar’s control center or press “Command+Control+Esc.”
Step 5: Revert Audio Settings (Optional)
After you’ve finished recording, you may want to revert your audio settings back to their original state:
1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Sound.”
2. Select the “Output” tab.
3. Choose your preferred audio output device.
Conclusion:
With these steps, you can now use QuickTime to record system audio on your Mac device
effortlessly. Whether for educational purposes or personal entertainment, QuickTime makes it easy to share and save valuable audio content from your computer.