{"id":527646,"date":"2026-02-26T10:15:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T02:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollyland.com\/?p=527646"},"modified":"2026-05-22T22:03:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:03:41","slug":"record-computer-audio-in-audacity-on-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollyland.com\/blog\/topics\/record-computer-audio-in-audacity-on-mac","title":{"rendered":"How to Record Computer Audio in Audacity on Mac (The 2026 Workflow)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have recently switched from a Windows environment, you are likely frustrated trying to figure out how to record computer audio<\/a> in Audacity on Mac<\/strong>. On Windows, you simply select „WASAPI“ or „Stereo Mix“ and hit record. On macOS, that option doesn’t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn’t a bug in Audacity; it is a deliberate security feature of Apple\u2019s Core Audio architecture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike Windows, macOS creates a strict wall between audio output<\/strong> (what goes to your speakers) and audio input<\/strong> (what goes into your microphone). By default, the operating system prevents applications from „hearing“ the output of other apps. This prevents feedback loops and protects copyright, but it makes recording a podcast interview or capturing gameplay audio difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Solution: A Virtual Audio Driver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You cannot fix this by changing a simple setting in System Preferences. To bridge the gap, you must install a Virtual Audio Driver<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think of a Virtual Audio Driver as a „digital auxiliary cable.“ It tricks your Mac into sending audio out to a virtual destination, which Audacity then recognizes as a microphone. This allows the audio to flow from your browser, Spotify, or Zoom directly into your recording track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Compatibility Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This restriction applies to every modern version of macOS<\/strong>, including Sonoma<\/strong> and Sequoia<\/strong>. Whether you are using an older Intel Mac or the newest Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or M3)<\/strong> chips, the solution is the same: you need a third-party bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method 1: The Free Standard (BlackHole + Audio MIDI Setup)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want a reliable solution without spending money, BlackHole<\/strong> is the industry standard. It replaces the obsolete „Soundflower“ driver and works flawlessly on modern Apple Silicon Macs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method requires a one-time configuration of your Mac’s internal audio routing. Follow these steps exactly to avoid the common „silent recording“ issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Install the Virtual Driver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Download BlackHole:<\/strong> Download the driver from https:\/\/existential.audio\/blackhole\/<\/a>. You will need to enter an email address to get the link.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Select the 2ch Version:<\/strong> For standard recording (YouTube, Zoom, Spotify), the BlackHole 2ch<\/strong> version is perfect. You don’t need the 16-channel version unless you are doing complex music production.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Install:<\/strong> Run the installer package.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        1. Restart Audacity:<\/strong> If Audacity was open, close and reopen it so it sees the new driver.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          This is the step most people miss. If you just send audio to BlackHole, you won’t hear it through your speakers while recording. To hear the audio and<\/em> record it, you need to split the signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Open your Mac’s Spotlight Search<\/strong> (Cmd + Space) and type Audio MIDI Setup<\/strong>. Open the app.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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            1. Click the + (Plus)<\/strong> icon in the bottom-left corner and select Create Multi-Output Device<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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              1. In the device list on the right, check the boxes for BlackHole 2ch<\/strong> AND Built-in Output<\/strong> (or your headphones\/interface).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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