How to record audio on a MacBook
Learn how to record audio on a MacBook
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Thebest MacBooksare well-known for being some of the best laptops for creative and editing projects, which extends to audio recording. That’s why there’s a wide variety of programs and even a website to record high-quality audio.
And thanks toiCloud, you can sync your recordings to other Mac devices, which is incredibly handy when you need to switch files over or back them up in multiple places.
This guide will introduce you to several different methods for recording audio on any MacBook, depending on your own preference and what equipment you have available.
Steps for how to record audio on a MacBook
Tools and requirements
Step by step guide
1. How to record audio in QuickTime on a MacBook
Open theQuickTime Player appon the MacBook and selectFile > New Audio Recording.
Click theOptionspop-up menu, choose between microphone and quality, then adjust the volume.
ClickRecordto start recording audio, and pressStopto cease the record. To pause it,Option-clicktheRecordbutton and click again to resume.
File > Saveto save and name your recording.
2. How to record audio in Movavi Screen Recorder on a MacBook
Openthe software and select the recording option.
Choose eitherMicrophoneorSystem Audio, and select or deselectWebcamto control whether you want video footage.
Start the recording by choosingREC.
ClickExport > MP3to save the audio track, then clickSave.
3. How to record audio in Voice Memos voice recorder on a MacBook
Open theVoice Memos app, then press the red button to start the recording.
ClickPauseto pause your recording, then click again toResume.
ClickDoneto stop your recording, then access it inPreferences.
You can also sync across your Apple devices using iCloud.
4. How to record audio in Audacity on a MacBook
Open the software and check your microphone throughPrimary Sound Capture
Click on the top dropdown then selectTracks > Add New > Stereo Track
Click the red button to start recording, pause by clicking thePausebutton, and stop by clicking the yellowStopbutton
ClickFile > Exportand select a file type then clickFile > Export > Export Audio
5. How to record audio in GarageBand on a MacBook
Open theGarageBand appand selectAudioas the track type
ClickSystem Preferences > Sound, selectInput, and then select your microphone type
ClickCreate New Music Project, name your file inSave As, then clickCreate
Click on the track header, chooseTrack > Delete Track, followed byTrack > New Track
Click onReal Instrument TrackthenclickCreatein the pop-up
Go to theTrack Infopanel, then selectVocals > No effects.Check your audio input throughInput Source.
ClickRecordto start the recording and thenPlayto stop it
Save your file withFile > Saveand export it withShare > Send Songto iTunes
6. How to record audio in Screencapture.com on a MacBook
Go to theScreencapture.comwebsite and select your sound output options
Click onStart Recordingto begin, then clickStop Recordingto end it
You can save the file on your computer, upload it to a website, or share it online
Final thoughts
These are the most common and best ways to record audio on MacBooks. However, there are plenty of other programs and websites that one can use to record, especially for more professional work.
But for most uses like podcasts, videos, basic music editing, and more, these are all more than good enough to use. Oftentimes, one doesn’t need more complex programs, and sometimes, that can actually be harmful to the quality of your work, as the numerous options may be overwhelming.
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Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.
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