Record Audio on a Mac Using macOS Voice Recording Apps

You might want to record sound on a Mac for many reasons: from documenting your thoughts to creating music to live streaming. Although the uses for a Mac as an audio recording device are as numerous as they are varied, the built-in tools at your disposal are scarce: Voice Memos and QuickTime Player.

Of course, you can record audio on a Mac using a third-party utility, but that’s the subject of another article. Here, we will focus on voice recording with your Mac’s native tools.

A note from our experts:

 

Your Mac comes with several built-in tools for recording voice. If you feel you can’t manage this on your own, the experts at MacKeeper Premium Services are on hand to help you 24/7. Our team comprises over 150 consultants.

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Premium Services:

1. Download the MacKeeper app and install it.
2. Select Premium Services from the sidebar and click Chat Now.
3. Type in the details and follow the provided instructions.

How to record audio on a Mac using Voice Memos

The Voice Memos app allows you to record voices on a Mac using the built-in mic, a headset, or an external microphone. The subsequent M4A file can then be synchronized across your Apple devices.

Here’s how to use Voice Memos:

1. In the Applications folder, open Voice Memos.
2. When prompted, enable or disable iCloud syncing.
3. To start creating an audio file, click the Record button.
4. During the recording process, you have the options to pause or continue recording using the Pause button.
5. To complete the recording, click the Done button in the bottom-right corner.

That’s it. You’ve just created a voice recording on a Mac. Click the Trash icon to delete the file or the Share icon to spread your message.

How to record audio on a Mac using QuickTime Player

Designed for playing and editing video, QuickTime Player also allows you to record audio. It can be done using the built-in mic or an external headset.

Follow these steps to record audio with QuickTime Player:

1. In the Applications folder, open QuickTime Player.
2. In the File menu at the top of your screen, select New Audio Recording.
3. Select the arrow next to the Record button to configure the audio. Choose the microphone that will be used and the recording quality.
4. Click the Record/Stop button to start recording. If necessary, control the sound in the process using the volume sliders.
5. To stop recording, click the Record/Stop button again.

Now you know how to record voices on a Mac.

Let’s see how to edit your audio:

1. Click the Pause button to stop the recording.
2. In the Edit menu at the top of your screen, select an editing option. For example, Trim.
3. Drag the yellow sliders to select the part of the recording you want to leave.
4. Click Trim to cut the recording.
5. In the File section at the top of your screen, select Save to save your recording in M4A audio format.

Summary

To record voices on a Mac, use its native apps: Voice Memos and QuickTime Player. Both apps work perfectly well with the Mac’s built-in microphone. The only thing that’s missing to start a recording is a smidgen of inspiration. Hopefully, our blog can help you with that.

Read more:

• How to Fix Sound Not Working on Your Mac
• How to Take Video on a Mac: An Ultimate Guide
• How to Choose the Best MacBook for Music Production