How to Screen Record Mac with Internal Audio - BlackHole & Alternatives

Key Takeaways

• EaseUS RecExperts offers the easiest method for beginners to screen record on Mac with internal audio and microphone, requiring no extra setup.
• BlackHole screen recording on Mac allows you to capture system audio by creating an Aggregate Device, a must-know trick for QuickTime and OBS users.
• OBS Studio and Chrome extensions serve as powerful or lightweight alternatives to Mac screen recorders, depending on your needs.

If you're using a Mac, you've likely noticed the built-in screen recorder (QuickTime) doesn't capture internal audio. This is a common frustration for users trying to record streaming videos, gameplay, or tutorials with full sound.

In this guide, we'll walk you through 4 tested ways to how to record screen and audio on Mac, covering both free and advanced tools. Whether you're tech-savvy or a beginner, we've broken it down clearly so you can choose the best method for your needs.

Best Mac Screen Recorder with Internal Audio and Mic

Best for: Beginners or professionals seeking a hassle-free solution for recording Mac screen, internal audio, and mic, with editing and scheduling tools.

EaseUS RecExperts is a top-rated Mac screen recorder designed to simplify recording with system audio and microphone. Unlike free tools like QuickTime or OBS, it doesn't require configuring virtual audio devices like BlackHole - install and record.

There are many other amazing features as follows:

• Lightweight yet multi-functional screen capture software
• Record screen, webcam, and audio at the same time
• Split the recordings automatically according to a specific time or file size
• Offer some necessary editing tools
• Export recorded files in over 10 formats

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

Step 1. Select the Recording Area

Launch this program on your Mac, then click "Full screen" or "Region" to select the recording area on your desktop.

Step 2. Choose Audio Source/Webcam

Click the "Sound" icon at the bottom left of the panel to select the sound you want to capture with screen. If needed, you can add webcam overlay to your recording by hitting the "Webcam" icon next to "Sound".

Step 3. Adjust Output Settings

According to your needs, click the "Settings" button on the panel to choose the output format, quality, location, shortcuts, etc.

Step 4. Start Recording

Once all settings are done, move back to the main interface and click "REC" to start your recording. Then there will be a toolbar that lets you pause, resume, stop the recording flexibly.

Step 5. View Recordings

When you finish the recording, you can view all the recorded files with the help of the inbuilt player.

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BlackHole Screen Recording Mac System Audio with QuickTime

Best for: Free solution lovers who are comfortable setting up Mac audio routing.

For macOS, there is an inbuilt screen recording program called QuickTime Player. This freeware enables you to record screen content and audio without requiring any additional third-party software. However, it does not have the ability to record internal audio on Mac during the screen recording. So you may encounter Mac screen recording no sound.

To screen record Mac with system sound using QuickTime, you will need to install an additional plugin, BlackHole, an open-source virtual audio driver for macOS that allows you to route audio from the system output to recording apps like QuickTime.

🚩How to use BlackHole with QuickTime:

Step 1.Visit Existential Audio and download Black Hole. The BlackHole 2ch version is suitable for most users.

Step 2. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.

Step 3. Click the + button at the bottom left > select Create Aggregate Device. You can name it if necessary. Check both Built-in Microphone and BlackHole 2ch in the device list. This allows you to capture sound from an external microphone using Black Hole screen recording.

Step 4. Create a second new device: Multi-Output Device > check Built-in Output (or Mac Speakers) and BlackHole 2ch. This allows you to capture sound from the system using BlackHole screen recording.

Step 5. Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output, and select the Multi-Output Device. You are advised to adjust the system volume in advance, as you cannot adjust the speaker or headphone volume during recording sessions.

Step 6. Open QuickTime Player, go to File > New Screen Recording.

Step 7. Click the dropdown next to the record button and choose the Aggregate Device for audio.

Step 8. Start recording.

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How to Screen Record on Mac with Internal Audio OBS

Best for: Advanced users seeking a highly customizable recorder with streaming and plugin support.

OBS Studio is a free and open-source source recorder, popular among gamers and content creators. Based on the macOS and OBS versions, the way to screen record sound on Mac using OBS can be very different:

• If your device runs Ventura (macOS 13) or newer and you are using OBS 30 or 31, you can use OBS record desktop audio without any plugin;
• If your device runs an older macOS version and you are using OBS 28 or 29, you need to install an extra plugin like BlackHole or Soundflower to capture internal audio on Mac;
• If your device runs an older macOS version, even if you are using OBS 30 and newer, you have to configure an extra plugin to record internal audio on Mac using OBS.

🚩How to screen record Mac with internal audio on OBS:

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. Click Start Recording.

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macOS Record Screen with Audio Using Chrome Extension

The last tool that helps you capture internal audio and screen on Mac is Screen Recorder - a Chrome Extension. If most of your recordings are within the web browser, it is the best solution.

This tool allows you to record Mac screen with system audio without any limitations, such as time, watermark, etc.

Step 1. Download and add this Chrome extension, then open it.

Step 2. Select what you want to record from three options: only screen, screen and webcam, or only webcam. Here you can choose the first option.

Step 3. On the following page, select the "System" icon and hit "Start Recording" to begin your Mac screen capture.

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Final Words

If you want the easiest path to how to record screen and audio on Mac, go with EaseUS RecExperts - it just works.

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 Download EaseUS Screen Recorder 
 DownloadEaseUS Screen Recorder

Trustpilot Rating 4.7

If you prefer a free method and don't mind additional setup, BlackHole + QuickTime is a solid option.

For streaming professionals, OBS Studio provides full control.

For browser-only recordings, Chrome extensions are your go-to solution.

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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.

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