Record Screen + System Audio on Mac (Free, 2025 Guide)
A simple guide to capturing your Mac screen with internal audio without complex audio routing or expensive software.
TL;DR
Want to record your Mac screen with internal audio without expensive software? Here's how to do it in 2 clicks with Cap—completely free, no audio routing hacks needed.
4 Ways to Capture System Audio on macOS
| Method | Price | Complexity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cap | Free (open-source) | ★☆☆☆☆ (2 clicks) | Works on all macOS versions including Sonoma, M-series chips |
| QuickTime + BlackHole | Free but technical | ★★★★☆ | Requires terminal commands, audio MIDI setup |
| OBS | Free but complex | ★★★☆☆ | Large app, needs BlackHole for audio |
| Loopback | $99 | ★★☆☆☆ | Professional solution, but expensive |
Method 1: Cap (2-Click Tutorial)
Cap makes it ridiculously simple to record your Mac screen with system audio:
Step 1: Install Cap
Step 2: Start a Recording
- Click the Cap icon in your menu bar
- Toggle "No System Audio" to "Record System Audio"
- Select the screen area you want to capture
- Click "Start Recording"
That's it! Cap now captures both your screen and all system audio without any complex setup.
Pro Tip: Cap works without kernel extensions and is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma and all M-series chips.
Step 3: Edit and Share (Optional)
After recording:
- Trim unwanted sections with Cap's built-in editor
- Adjust audio channels individually - control microphone and system audio levels separately
- Increase or decrease dB gain to make audio louder or quieter as needed
- Add custom backgrounds or padding if needed
- Get a shareable link with one click
Method 2: Built-in QuickTime + BlackHole
If you prefer using Apple's built-in tools, you'll need to:
- Install BlackHole audio driver via Terminal:
brew install blackhole-2ch - Open Audio MIDI Setup and create a Multi-Output Device
- Configure QuickTime to use BlackHole as input
- Remember to switch your audio setup back when done
Skip the hacks and try Cap instead — no audio configuration required.
Troubleshooting System Audio Recording
I hear echo or feedback in my recording
This typically happens when both microphone and system audio are being recorded. In Cap, make sure only "Record System Audio" is enabled if you don't need microphone input.
My microphone is muted during system audio recording
Cap allows recording both system audio and microphone simultaneously. Toggle both options ON in the recording menu.
FaceTime/Zoom audio isn't being captured
Some apps have special privacy protections. In Cap, make sure to select "Record entire screen" to capture protected app audio.
System audio recording stopped working after update
After macOS updates, you may need to re-authorize screen recording permissions. Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Screen Recording and ensure Cap is checked.
Pro Tips for Client Demos and Content Creators
🔹 60 FPS Recording
Enable high frame rate recording in Cap settings for smoother demos of animations and transitions.
🔹 Audio Channel Control
Fine-tune your recording's audio by adjusting microphone and system audio levels independently. Increase dB gain for quiet audio or reduce it to prevent distortion.
🔹 Auto-Subtitles
Cap can automatically generate captions for your recording, making content more accessible.
🔹 Custom Sharing
Use Cap.link or set up your own custom domain for a branded sharing experience.
See It in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on M1, M2, and M3 Macs?
Yes, Cap is fully optimized for all Apple Silicon chips, including M1, M2, and M3 series processors.
Will recording system audio affect my computer's performance?
Cap is designed to be extremely lightweight. You'll experience minimal performance impact even when recording high-resolution screens with system audio.
Can I record specific application audio only?
Currently, macOS doesn't provide an API for app-specific audio capture. Cap records all system audio, but you can easily edit out unwanted sections afterward.
Is there a time limit for recordings with system audio?
Cap's free version has no time limits on recordings. Record as long as you need.
Can I record system audio on multiple monitors?
Yes, Cap can record system audio while capturing a single monitor, multiple monitors, or just a portion of your screen.
Start Recording with System Audio Today
Cap makes recording your Mac screen with system audio incredibly simple. No complex audio routing, no expensive software.