Introduction:

QuickTime, Apple’s built-in media playback application, has long been a popular choice for recording audio and video on macOS. However, one of its limitations is the lack of system audio recording support. There are various reasons one might need to record system audio, ranging from creating tutorials to showcasing software features or capturing sound from streaming services. In this article, we will explore how to record system audio on QuickTime using a third-party extension.

1. Install Soundflower:

Soundflower is a free and open-source macOS extension that allows you to route system audio from one application to another. It will enable you to route your computer’s system audio to QuickTime for recording.

Follow these steps to install Soundflower:

a. Download the latest version of Soundflower from the GitHub repository.

b. Open the downloaded .dmg file and double-click on the “Soundflower.pkg” file.

c. Follow the installation process in the Soundflower Installer.

2. Configure Your System’s Audio Output:

After installing Soundflower, you’ll need to configure your Mac’s audio output settings to use it as the default output device.

a. Open “System Preferences” on your Mac.

b. Navigate to the “Sound” settings.

c. Click on the “Output” tab.

d. Select “Soundflower (2ch)” as your default output device.

3. Configure QuickTime for System Audio Recording:

Now that you have set up Soundflower, configure QuickTime Player to record system audio by following these steps:

a. Launch QuickTime Player.

b. Go to the “File” menu and select “New Screen Recording” or “New Audio Recording.”

c. Click on the small downward-facing arrow next to the record button.

d. Under the microphone selection menu, choose “Soundflower (2ch)”.

4. Record Your System Audio:

You are now ready to record system audio using QuickTime Player alongside video or as a standalone audio file.

a. Press the red “Record” button in QuickTime Player.

b. Select the screen area or start the audio recording session as desired.

c. To stop the recording, click on the “Stop” button or use the keyboard shortcut Command+Control+Esc.

5. Restore Your Original Audio Settings:

After completing your system audio recording, don’t forget to revert to your original audio output settings.

a. Go back to “System Preferences” and open “Sound”.

b. Select the “Output” tab.

c. Choose your preferred output device, typically the “Internal Speakers” or an external speaker.

Conclusion:

While QuickTime does not natively support system audio recording, creative solutions like Soundflower can empower users to capture system audio alongside video content easily. By following these steps, you can comfortably use QuickTime for your tutorial, demonstration, and general purpose screen and audio recording needs without requiring additional paid software.