How to Record Audio from Your Computer

Recording audio from your computer can be useful in many situations, whether it’s saving a live stream, capturing audio from a video, or recording system sounds for later editing. Let’s go over the main methods for recording audio on both Windows and macOS.

1. Using Windows Built-In Tools

Windows includes a built-in "Voice Recorder" app, but it only captures audio from a microphone. To record system sound, you’ll need additional settings or third-party software.

Setting Up Stereo Mix

  • Open Control Panel and select Sound.
  • Go to the Recording tab and look for the Stereo Mix device.
  • If it’s not visible, right-click and select Show Disabled Devices.
  • Enable Stereo Mix and set it as the default recording device.
  • You can now use any recording app, like Audacity, to capture system audio.

2. Recording Audio with Audacity

Audacity is a free audio recording and editing software that can capture both microphone and system audio.

Steps to Record System Audio:

  • Download and install Audacity.
  • Open the app and select the recording device – either Stereo Mix or Windows WASAPI.
  • Click the Record button to start recording.
  • When done, click Stop and save the audio in your preferred format.

3. Recording Audio on macOS

On a Mac, you can record audio using the built-in QuickTime Player or third-party software like Loopback or Soundflower.

Using QuickTime Player

  • Open QuickTime Player and select New Audio Recording from the File menu.
  • To capture system audio, you’ll need Soundflower, which adds a virtual device for recording system sounds.
  • After installing Soundflower, set it as the output device in System Preferences and select it in QuickTime.
  • Click Record to start capturing audio.

4. Third-Party Software for Recording System Audio

For advanced features, consider programs like OBS Studio, Movavi Screen Recorder, or Bandicam. These apps allow you to record both audio and video from your screen.

Example of Recording Audio with OBS Studio

  • Download and install OBS Studio.
  • Set up audio sources, choosing your system sounds.
  • Click the Start Recording button to begin recording.
  • The recorded file will be saved to your computer in the designated folder.