Screen Record Mac Internal Audio with BlackHole & Alternatives

Jane Zhou updated on Aug 25, 2025 to Screen Recording Utility

Learn how to use BlackHole screen recording to capture Mac with internal audio in this article for a step-by-step guide. Besides, you will also learn more ways to screen record system sound on Mac.

This is a common frustration for macOS users to screen record on Mac with internal audio. That is where BlackHole comes from. How do you use BlackHole screen recording to capture system sound step by step? Check this guide for detailed instructions.

BlackHole Screen Recording on Mac with QuickTime

For macOS, there is an inbuilt screen recording program called QuickTime Player. This freeware enables you to record the content from the screen and audio without installing other third-party software. However, it only has the ability to record the microphone sound on a Mac during the screen recording.

BlackHole is a free virtual audio driver for macOS that lets you capture system audio during screen recording. By routing your Mac's internal sound to QuickTime or other recording apps, you enable high-quality audio capture without external speakers or microphones. This makes it ideal for recording tutorials, streaming videos, or any content with system-generated sound seamlessly.

🚩Here is how to use BlackHole screen recording with QuickTime:

Step 1. Go to the Existential Audio website and download BlackHole on your Mac. 

To download BlackHole for free, click "I can't afford to donate," enter your email address, and then click "Send Link to Download." Then, check the download link in the email.

Choose a version to download. The BlackHole 2ch version is suitable for most users.

Step 2. Open Audio MIDI Setup on your MacBook or other devices.

Go to Go > Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.

Step 3. Create a Multi-Output Device for internal audio recording

Click the + button at the bottom left, select Multi-Output Device. Check Built-in Output (or Mac Speakers) and BlackHole 2ch.

Step 4. Create an Aggregate Device for mic sound capture.

Click the + button at the bottom left, select Aggregate Device, and check both Built-in Microphone and BlackHole 2ch in the device list.

Step 5. Adjust internal audio recording in System Settings.

Go to Apple iconSystem Settings > Sound > Output, and select the Multi-Output Device. You are advised to adjust the system volume in advance, as you cannot change the speaker or headphone volume during recording sessions.

Step 6. Start a screen recording in QuickTime.

Open QuickTime Player, go to File > New Screen Recording.

Step 7. Select the audio recording device.

Select which area to capture. Then, click the drop-down next to the Options button and choose BlackHole 2ch for audio.

Step 8. Start and stop recording.

Start recording by pressing the Record button. To stop screen recording on QuickTime Player, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command-Control-Esc.

🚩Check this video tutorial for How to Record Internal Audio on Mac | BlackHole Tutorial if needed:

  • 00:25 Download & Install it
  • 00:55 Let's Configure it
  • 02:16 How to Uninstall it
 Editor's Notes:

1. The editor used a Mac running macOS Sequoia 15.1 with an Apple Silicon M1 chip. Steps for using BlackHole to screen recordings may vary slightly on different versions.

2. Many users on Reddit and other UGC forums reported issues like QuickTime Player screen recording no audio, confusion with Audio MIDI, or compromised audio quality. If so, try more ways discussed below.

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Best Alternative to BlackHole for Mac Screen Recording

EaseUS RecExperts is a versatile screen and audio recording software for Mac and Windows that allows you to capture system sound, microphone input, and video simultaneously with minimal setup. Unlike BlackHole, which requires manual configuration of virtual audio devices, RecExperts offers a one-click solution for recording internal audio, saving time and avoiding technical hurdles.

With built-in features like scheduled recording, multiple output formats, and high-quality audio capture, EaseUS RecExperts ensures professional results without the need for extra drivers or complex routing. Its intuitive interface and reliable performance make it ideal for recording streaming videos, online meetings, and tutorials, offering a smoother and more user-friendly experience than BlackHole.

🚩Steps to screen capture with sound on Mac using EaseUS RecExperts:

Step 1. Run EaseUS RecExperts on your device and you will see two recording modes. You can choose "Full Screen"to record the whole screen or choose "Region" to select the recording area manually before recording.

Step 2. After that, you can choose to record the webcam, system sound, microphone or record none of them as you like. You can also set auto split, auto recording with various functions on the interface.

Step 3. Then, you can click the red "REC" button to start recording. Here will be a menu bar on your screen. To pause the recording, click on the white double vertical bar; to end the recording, click on the red square sign.

Step 4. After recording, you will be led to the list interface. Here you can view or edit your recordings. To start a new recording, just click on the "REC" button on the top of the interface.

Editor's Notes:

1. Before getting started, go to Settings to set up file formats, video quality, location path if needed.

2. It's frequently updated to remain compatible with the latest macOS.

3. Ideal for creators recording tutorials, gameplay, Zoom calls, or presentations.

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Screen Record Mac System Audio with OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source source recorder. Some users might know that OBS previously couldn't record system audio directly before; it once required virtual audio drivers like BlackHole (free) or Loopback (paid). However, with recent updates, OBS has overcome this limitation. As long as your Mac is running Ventura 13 or later and OBS is version 30 or above, you can record both screen and system audio directly.

Based on reviewing OBS's official documentation and hands-on testing, the editor has confirmed that this method works. Here, we will provide a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

🚩See how to use OBS Studio to record screen with internal audio on Mac:

Step 1. Download the latest Mac version of OBS Studio from obsproject.com.

Step 2. Go to Settings > Audio > Global Audio Devices. Select your system audio input from Desktop Audio and choose mic sound input from Mic/Auxiliary Audio.

Step 3. Click + (Sources), select macOS Screen Capture, and finish the setup.

Step 4. Play the video you want to record and click Start Recording. Click Stop Recording to end the session.

Step 5. Click File > Screen Recordings to open the .mov files you recorded.

 Editor's Notes:

1. If your macOS version is older than Ventura, follow the steps in section 1 to set up a Multi-Output Device (BlackHole + Built-in Output) via Audio MIDI Setup.

2. Then, add  BlackHole 2ch as the sound source: clcik the + sign under Source, select Audio Input Capture, and select BlackHole 2ch.

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Online Mac Screen Recorder for Internal Audio Without Installation

If you're looking for an easier way to record internal audio on your Mac,  use an online screen recording tool. This method requires no software download - you can record directly through your browser.

EaseUS Online Screen Recorder is a great choice. Its advantages include no registration, no watermarks, and it's completely free. Whether you're using Safari, Chrome, or any other browser, on a computer or mobile device, it allows smooth and hassle-free recording.

🚩Here is how to record internal audio on Mac online for free:

Step 1. Open your preferred browser and prepare the screen you want to record.

Step 2. Go to the EaseUS Online Screen Recorder website: https://recorder.easeus.com/online-screen-recorder.html.

Step 3. Enable system audio, then click Start Recording.

Step 4. Switch back to the tab with the content you want to capture and click Share to begin.

Step 5. When you're finished, click Stop Sharing. Your MP4 recording will be ready to download instantly.

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Final Words

Recording internal audio on Mac doesn't have to be complicated. While BlackHole works with QuickTime, tools like EaseUS RecExperts, OBS Studio, and online recorders provide more convenient and flexible options. Depending on your needs - simple setup, advanced features, or quick browser-based use - you can choose the best method to capture system audio smoothly.

🚩Here is a comparison table of the ways discussed about:

Method

Ease of Use

Extra Setup Needed

Best For

BlackHole + QuickTime

Moderate

Yes (virtual audio driver)

Free method for users comfortable with setup

EaseUS RecExperts

Very Easy

No

Beginners, professionals, anyone who wants one-click internal audio recording

OBS Studio

Moderate

No (on macOS 13+ with OBS 30+)

Advanced users who want customization and streaming features

Online Screen Recorder

Easy

No download

Quick recordings on any browser or device

Screen Mac with Sound FAQs

1. Is BlackHole safe to use on Mac?

Yes. BlackHole is open-source, widely used, and reviewed by the developer community. Just ensure you download it from existential.audio.

2. Why doesn't QuickTime record internal audio by default?

Due to macOS's privacy design, Apple disables internal audio recording without routing tools like BlackHole.

3. What's the easiest way to screen record with sound on Mac?

EaseUS RecExperts. It skips the setup headaches and supports mic + system audio in one click.

4. Can I use BlackHole with other apps like Zoom?

Yes. You can route Zoom audio through BlackHole to OBS or any recording tool, but make sure to test settings beforehand.

5. Do I need admin rights to install BlackHole?

Yes, installation requires permission to access your system's audio configuration.

6. Can I use iPhone to screen record Mac with audio?

Not directly. iPhones can't record Mac screens. You'll need a Mac-based solution for internal audio capture.

7. How can I uninstall BlackHole?

The process of removing BlackHole from your Mac can be tricky:

Step 1. Go to the BlackHole official website.

Step 2. Scroll down to the Help and Support section.

Step 3. Find and click the Uninstall BlackHole option.

Step 4. Download the correct uninstaller for the version you installed (usually the first one listed).

Step 5. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 6. Once completed, BlackHole will be removed from your system.

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✅2025-08 - Article Update Log

1. Enhanced the BlackHole Screen Recording section with clearer steps, supporting images, and an added video to make the process more intuitive.

2. Refined the descriptions of each solution to help users focus on the key points of every method.

3. Added extra tips and notes addressing common user concerns.

4. Replaced the extension-based method with an online screen recorder solution for easier access.