Screen Recording on Mac with Computer Audio Only: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a way to screen record on your Mac with computer audio only? Look no further. In this article, we will walk you through the process of screen recording on a Mac with computer audio only, using the built-in QuickTime Player and other third-party apps.

Why Screen Record with Computer Audio Only?

Screen recording with computer audio only is useful in a variety of situations. For example, if you want to create a tutorial or demo of a software application, you may want to record the audio from the computer only, without picking up any external noise or your own voice. Similarly, if you want to record a video of a game or a video playing on your Mac, you may want to record the audio from the computer only, without any external audio.

Using QuickTime Player to Screen Record with Computer Audio Only

QuickTime Player is a built-in app on Mac that allows you to screen record with computer audio only. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
  2. Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Screen Recording”.
  3. A screen recording window will appear. Click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Built-in Microphone” as the audio input.
  4. However, since we want to record computer audio only, we need to make a small tweak. Go to “System Preferences” and click on “Sound”.
  5. Click on the “Input” tab and select “Line In” as the input device.
  6. Now, go back to QuickTime Player and start the screen recording. You should now be recording the computer audio only.

Using Third-Party Apps to Screen Record with Computer Audio Only

While QuickTime Player is a great built-in app for screen recording, there are many third-party apps available that offer more features and flexibility. Here are a few options:

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a popular free and open-source screen recording app that allows you to record computer audio only. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
  2. Launch OBS Studio and click on “Settings” in the bottom right corner.
  3. In the settings window, click on the “Audio” tab and select “Core Audio” as the audio input.
  4. Now, go back to the main OBS Studio window and click on the “+” button to add a new source.
  5. Select “Display Capture” as the source type and select the display you want to record.
  6. Start the recording by clicking on the “Start Recording” button.

Camtasia

Camtasia is a popular screen recording app that allows you to record computer audio only. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download and install Camtasia on your Mac.
  2. Launch Camtasia and click on “Record” in the top menu bar.
  3. In the recording window, select “System Audio” as the audio input.
  4. Now, select the display you want to record and start the recording by clicking on the “Record” button.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While screen recording with computer audio only is a relatively straightforward process, there are some common issues that you may encounter. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

No Audio in the Recorded Video

If you’re not getting any audio in the recorded video, it’s likely because the audio input is not set correctly. Make sure that you have selected the correct audio input device, such as “Built-in Microphone” or “Core Audio”.

External Noise in the Recorded Audio

If you’re getting external noise in the recorded audio, it’s likely because the microphone is picking up external sound. Try using a noise-cancelling microphone or recording in a quiet room.

Audio Delay in the Recorded Video

If you’re experiencing an audio delay in the recorded video, it’s likely because the audio and video are not synced correctly. Try adjusting the audio settings in the screen recording app to sync the audio and video correctly.

Conclusion

Screen recording with computer audio only is a useful feature that can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re creating a tutorial or demo, or recording a video of a game or video, there are many ways to screen record with computer audio only on a Mac. In this article, we’ve shown you how to use QuickTime Player and third-party apps like OBS Studio and Camtasia to screen record with computer audio only. We’ve also provided some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common issues. With these tips and techniques, you should be able to screen record with computer audio only like a pro.

What is the purpose of recording computer audio only on a Mac?

Recording computer audio only on a Mac is useful for creating tutorials, presentations, and demonstrations that require audio from the computer, such as system sounds, music, or voiceovers. This feature allows users to capture high-quality audio from their Mac without including external sounds or background noise.

By recording computer audio only, users can create professional-sounding recordings that are free from distractions and interruptions. This is particularly useful for content creators, educators, and professionals who need to create engaging and informative audio content.

What are the system requirements for recording computer audio on a Mac?

To record computer audio on a Mac, users need to have a Mac computer running macOS High Sierra or later. Additionally, they need to have the QuickTime Player or another screen recording software that supports computer audio recording. It’s also recommended to have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space on the Mac.

It’s worth noting that some older Mac models may not support computer audio recording, so it’s essential to check the system requirements before attempting to record computer audio. Users can check their Mac’s specifications and software version to ensure compatibility.

How do I enable computer audio recording on my Mac?

To enable computer audio recording on a Mac, users need to go to the QuickTime Player or their preferred screen recording software and select the “Record” option. Then, they need to choose the “Screen Recording” option and select the “Computer Audio” option from the dropdown menu. This will allow the software to capture the audio from the Mac’s system.

If the “Computer Audio” option is not available, users may need to install additional software or plugins to enable this feature. Some screen recording software may also require users to configure the audio settings before recording.

Can I record computer audio and external audio simultaneously on my Mac?

Yes, it is possible to record both computer audio and external audio simultaneously on a Mac. To do this, users need to select the “Screen Recording” option and choose the “Computer Audio” option, as well as the “External Audio” option from the dropdown menu. This will allow the software to capture both the audio from the Mac’s system and external audio sources, such as microphones or instruments.

However, users need to ensure that their Mac is configured to capture external audio correctly. They may need to adjust the audio settings and select the correct input device to capture the external audio.

How do I edit my recorded computer audio on a Mac?

To edit recorded computer audio on a Mac, users can use audio editing software such as GarageBand, Adobe Audition, or Audacity. These software programs allow users to trim, cut, and arrange the audio clips, as well as add effects and filters to enhance the sound quality.

Users can also use the QuickTime Player to trim and split the recorded audio clips. However, for more advanced editing features, it’s recommended to use specialized audio editing software.

Can I share my recorded computer audio files on a Mac?

Yes, users can share their recorded computer audio files on a Mac. They can export the audio files in various formats, such as MP3, WAV, or AAC, and share them via email, cloud storage, or social media platforms.

Users can also upload their recorded audio files to video sharing platforms, such as YouTube or Vimeo, and add them to videos or presentations. Additionally, they can share the audio files with others via messaging apps or collaboration tools.

Are there any limitations to recording computer audio on a Mac?

Yes, there are some limitations to recording computer audio on a Mac. For example, some software programs may not support computer audio recording, and users may need to install additional plugins or software to enable this feature.

Additionally, users may experience audio delays or sync issues when recording computer audio, especially if they are using multiple audio sources or software programs. To minimize these issues, users should ensure that their Mac is configured correctly and that they are using compatible software and hardware.

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