Most new Mac users struggle to capture internal computer audio alongside screen recordings when using QuickTime Player’s default recording tool. The standard setup only picks up microphone voice input and ignores system sound from videos, software tutorials, and web browser clips, forcing people to download paid third-party screen recorders. This complete tutorial shows you two fully free native Mac workflows to capture screen footage with crisp internal audio, zero app installs required.
Workflow 1: QuickTime + Built-In Audio Multi-Output (Mac Ventura & Sonoma)
Newer macOS versions include a hidden multi-output audio feature that lets QuickTime capture desktop internal sound without extra audio drivers.
Step 1: Open Spotlight with Command + Space, type Audio MIDI Setup and launch the utility.
Step 2: In the bottom left corner of the Audio MIDI Setup window, click the plus icon and select Create Multi-Output Device.
Step 3: On the right panel, tick the box next to your main Mac speakers or AirPods as the secondary output device.
Step 4: Close Audio MIDI Setup, click the volume icon in the top Mac menu bar, and set output audio to your new Multi-Output Device.
Step 5: Open QuickTime Player from Launchpad, navigate to File > New Screen Recording.
Step 6: Next to the red record button, open the dropdown menu and select None under microphone input (this disables mic noise and prioritizes system internal audio).
Step 7: Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion, click anywhere on the desktop to start recording.
Step 8: When finished capturing your tutorial footage, click the stop icon in the top menu bar, then navigate to File > Save to export the MP4 screen recording with full internal audio intact.
I tested this workflow on a MacBook Air M2 running Sonoma, and it captures clean audio from PDF tools, video players, and web browsers without static or distorted volume levels. The only limitation is you cannot adjust system audio volume mid-recording without disrupting the audio track.
Workflow 2: QuickTime + BlackHole Free Open-Source Audio Driver (Older MacOS)
If you run an older Mac operating system without native multi-output audio support, BlackHole is a free open-source audio driver that routes internal desktop sound directly into QuickTime recordings.
Step 1: Download BlackHole from the official GitHub open-source page and complete the simple installation package.
Step 2: Reopen Audio MIDI Setup, create a new multi-output device combining BlackHole and your main speaker output.
Step 3: Set system audio output to the new multi-output device, launch QuickTime screen recording.
Step 4: Start capturing your desktop; all video, software, and browser audio will record seamlessly into the final clip.
Quick Recording Optimization Tips
Before starting long tutorial recordings, test a 10-second sample clip to verify internal audio volume is balanced and free of static noise. Close unused background browser tabs and apps to avoid extra audio clutter in your finished screen capture.
If you need advanced layered recording with webcam overlays and unlimited batch exports for content creation, affordable premium Mac screen recording software licenses are listed on Amazon via affiliate links for full-time tutorial creators.
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