TL;DR
To record audio on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Open Voice Memos with Spotlight Search.
- Press the red Record button to start.
- Click Done to stop.
- Trim or rename your recording if needed.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or just need to record a quick voice note, your Mac has everything you need. It’s easy to capture clear, high-quality audio with its built-in tools and third-party apps. In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to record audio on your Mac, using simple and user-friendly options.
How to Record Audio on Your Mac
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That was the quick answer. Here are detailed steps for each method to record audio on your Mac:
1. Recording Audio with Built-In macOS Tools
Below, I’ve shared all the steps to use these built-in apps to record an audio on your Mac:
a. Voice Memos
Voice Memos is an excellent app for recording ideas, interviews, or even songs. It’s pre-installed and easy to use:
- Use Spotlight Search (Command ⌘ + Space) to find and open the Voice Memos app.
- In the Voice Memos app, click the red circle button to start a new recording.
- Once you click the recording button, Voice Memos will start capturing audio from your selected input device. Speak into the microphone or play any external audio source to begin recording.
- To stop the recording, click the red pause button and tap Done.
- After you stop the recording, you can play it back by clicking the play button.
- If you want to edit the recording, you can trim the audio by dragging the yellow handles at the beginning or end of the waveform. Then, tap Trim.
By default, Voice Memos will save your recordings with a timestamp. To organize your recordings, you can rename them, add descriptions, or create folders within the Voice Memos app.
b. QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is more than just a media player—it can easily record audio. Here’s how:
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Go to File in the menu bar > New Audio Recording.
- Click the red record button to start recording.
c. GarageBand to Record
GarageBand is a powerful, professional-grade tool for music creation and podcasting. Below is a step-by-step process of using GarageBand to record audio on your Mac:
- Open GarageBand.
- Click File in the menu bar and select New… to create a new project.
- Click Empty Project and tap the Choose button.
- Select the track type as Audio and choose the Record using a microphone… option.
- Click the Create button.
- Click the red record button to start recording.
During my tests on a MacBook Pro M3, I found that GarageBand occasionally required additional setup for external microphones. However, adjusting the input settings in Settings resolved this quickly.
2. Using Third-Party Apps to Record Audio on a Mac
Here are a few great third-party apps to record audio on your Mac:
🚫 Caution: Download apps only from reputable sources to avoid malware and security risks.
a. Audacity
As a free and open-source audio recording and editing software, Audacity offers a powerful set of tools for capturing and manipulating audio on your Mac. Here’s how to use Audacity:
- Download and install Audacity from the official website.
- Open the app and select your input device under Audio Setup.
- Click the red Record button to start capturing audio.
- Use editing tools to trim and enhance your recording.
- Export your audio in the desired format.
b. Adobe Audition
If you want a more comprehensive audio recording solution, Adobe Audition is a top choice. Here’s how to use Adobe Audition:
- Install Adobe Audition through Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Open the app and create a new multitrack session.
- Select your audio input device in Preferences.
- Arm the track and press Record to capture your audio.
- Edit and mix your tracks, then export the final product.
c. Logic Pro X
If you need a complete professional recording studio experience on your Mac, Logic Pro X is a pretty solid option. Here’s how to use Logic Pro X:
- Purchase and install Logic Pro X from the Mac App Store.
- Open the app and create a new project.
- Select your input device under Preferences.
- Arm the track and start recording by pressing the Record button.
- Edit, mix, and export your audio project.
3. Using Online Tools to Record Audio on a Mac
If you prefer a more accessible approach to the audio recording on your Mac, online tools can be a convenient option. These tools typically require no installation and let you record audio directly from your web browser.
Here are a few online tools you can use to record audio on your Mac:
a. Online Voice Recorder
This online tool has a simple interface to record audio directly from your browser.
- Open Online Voice Recorder in your browser.
- Allow microphone access.
- Press Record to start recording.
- Click Stop when done, then preview the recording.
- Download the audio file.
b. Vocaroo
Vocaroo allows you to easily record and share audio online.
- Go to Vocaroo in your browser.
- Press Click to Record and allow microphone access.
- Start recording your audio.
- When finished, listen to the recording.
- Download the file or share it via a link.
c. TwistedWave Online
TwistedWave Online lets you record and edit audio directly in your browser. Save or export your audio file in your preferred format.
- Open TwistedWave Online.
- Allow microphone access and start recording.
- Trim or edit the recording if needed.
Comparison of Audio Recording Tools on Mac
When deciding which tool to use for recording audio on your Mac, you must consider your specific needs and skill level. Below is a comparison table that highlights the ease of use, features, and ideal use cases for each method I’ve discussed in this guide.
| Tool | Ease of Use | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | Easy | Basic recording | Voice notes, quick tasks |
| GarageBand | Intermediate | Multi-track, professional editing | Music production, podcasts |
| Voice Memos | Easy | Simple recording with basic editing | Quick voice memos, spontaneous ideas |
| Audacity | Intermediate | Open-source, customizable | Versatile audio projects |
| Adobe Audition | Advanced | Comprehensive editing suite | Professional-grade audio |
| Logic Pro X | Advanced | Full professional studio setup | Music production, sound engineering |
| Online Voice Recorder | Easy | Browser-based, simple interface | Quick, no-installation recordings |
| Vocaroo | Easy | Browser-based, easy sharing | Simple, shareable voice recordings |
| TwistedWave Online | Intermediate | Browser-based, editing features | Quick edits, on-the-go recording |
| Apowersoft Free Online Audio Recorder | Intermediate | Browser-based, system sound & mic recording | Recording streaming audio or voice chats |
Now, you should be able to choose the best tool for your particular project, whether you’re recording a quick voice note, producing a music track, or using an online tool for convenience.
Master Audio Editing on a Mac
Your Mac can record amazing sound! With the right tools, you can make professional-quality audio right on your computer. Now that you know how to record audio on your Mac, here are some more tips for you:
- No sound on your MacBook? Check the volume, adjust sound settings, and install all relevant software updates to record audio without interruptions.
- If your MacBook volume is low, you may not be able to listen to what you recorded. So, check the audio port for dirt, listen on a different audio app, and check audio settings on your Mac.
- If your MacBook fan is so loud, it can interrupt the audio experience. So, fix it to avoid disturbance during music mixing sessions.
