User profile for user: LlovesM
LlovesM Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Can't record system audio macOS Catalina

Since upgrading to macOS 10.15.7 (the last upgrade compatible with my laptop), I can't record any system audio anymore. The audio plays just fine and the recording software is up to date and compatible with Catalina, and it looks like it's recording, but when I play the recorded file, there is only silence.


I've tried QuickTime Player, Sound Siphon, and Audacity, and all have the same problem. I've looked at the sound settings in System Preferences, and even when I set the input volume to the max, no input level bar lights up when I play anything from the selected source. Only the internal microphone seems to be working. So I suspect something in the OS is causing this. What can I do to fix this?


Thank you!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 25, 2022 04:04 AM

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User profile for user: jeffreythefrog
jeffreythefrog
User level: Level 6
13,535 points

Posted on Oct 25, 2022 05:25 AM

to record the mac's internal sound with quicktime you need additional software. i use the free BlackHole Virtual Audio Driver. then you can choose "BlackHole 2ch" in the recording options instead of "Built-in Microphone."


you will also need to set up a multi-output device in your audio MIDI setup utility to be able to both hear and record the internal audio at the same time.


to set up a multi-output device:


Open Audio MIDI Setup: (found in /Applications/Utilities)

hit the '+' button in the bottom left corner and select "Create Multi Output Device"


then in the panel that appears on the right, in the Multi-Output Device tab, select "Built-in Output" AND "BlackHole 2ch". (and, if you want, any of your other connected devices.)


once you do that, (and BEFORE recording) you can choose "BlackHole 2ch" or "Multi-Output Device" in your menubar "sound options". 


to both hear the speakers and record the audio at the same time, choose "Multi-Output Device". before choosing multi-out, set the internal speakers' volume to a comfortable level first. you cannot control the volume once you are in multi-out mode.

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User profile for user: jeffreythefrog
jeffreythefrog
User level: Level 6
13,535 points

Oct 25, 2022 05:25 AM in response to LlovesM

to record the mac's internal sound with quicktime you need additional software. i use the free BlackHole Virtual Audio Driver. then you can choose "BlackHole 2ch" in the recording options instead of "Built-in Microphone."


you will also need to set up a multi-output device in your audio MIDI setup utility to be able to both hear and record the internal audio at the same time.


to set up a multi-output device:


Open Audio MIDI Setup: (found in /Applications/Utilities)

hit the '+' button in the bottom left corner and select "Create Multi Output Device"


then in the panel that appears on the right, in the Multi-Output Device tab, select "Built-in Output" AND "BlackHole 2ch". (and, if you want, any of your other connected devices.)


once you do that, (and BEFORE recording) you can choose "BlackHole 2ch" or "Multi-Output Device" in your menubar "sound options". 


to both hear the speakers and record the audio at the same time, choose "Multi-Output Device". before choosing multi-out, set the internal speakers' volume to a comfortable level first. you cannot control the volume once you are in multi-out mode.

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Can't record system audio macOS Catalina

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