Record System Audio on Your PC
Whether you're capturing the sound from a live stream, saving an important conference call, producing a podcast, or creating tutorials, knowing how to record audio from your computer is essential.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to record computer system audio on any operating system—Windows, macOS, and Linux. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and programs to easily capture high-quality sound, no matter what OS you prefer.
How to record computer audio on Windows
Icecream Screen Recorder is a user-friendly and versatile free software. It offers a range of features for capturing not only screen activity but also system audio from your PC.
- Download the free computer audio recorder. Follow the installation instructions and launch the app.
- Go to "Settings" and open the "Audio" tab. Here you can configure the parameters according to your needs.
- Once you're done preparing, hover over "Capture Audio" and select the desired bitrate.
- Press the "Rec" button to begin recording. You can pause and resume the process when needed.
- Once you’ve finished, save the file.
Pros:
- User-friendliness. The intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface makes this computer audio recorder accessible for users of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
- Flexible options. You can choose to record system audio, microphone input, or both simultaneously. This is perfect for creating tutorials, podcasts, and voiceovers.
- Scheduled recording. The scheduling feature lets you set up screen recordings to automatically end after a specific period.
- Bitrate selection. There are multiple audio bitrate options allowing you to control the quality and file size of your files.
- High quality. The program can record clear desktop audio, ensuring that the sound is crisp and free of distortion.
- Screen synchronization. You can choose to capture both video and audio simultaneously. The app will ensure perfect synchronization for tutorials, webinars, and live streams.
Icecream Screen Recorder combines simplicity with powerful video and audio recording features, making it a top choice for anyone needing to record PC audio. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, this screen capture tool can help you create polished, high-quality recordings with ease.
How to record audio from a computer on macOS and Linux
Audacity is a free, open-source sound recording and editing software that is widely used by professionals and hobbyists alike. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools for capturing and enhancing audio.
- Download the latest version of Audacity for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions.
- In the app, click "Audio Setup"and select "Windows WASAPI" as "Host".
- Press the red "Record" button to start capturing audio. You can monitor levels and adjust input settings as needed.
- Once recording is complete, use the built-in editing tools to trim, enhance, and finalize your audio.
- When you're satisfied with the result, export it in your desired format by navigating to "File" > "Export" and selecting the appropriate parameters.
Pros:
- Free and open-source. This software to record audio from computer is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or premium features locked behind a paywall.
- High-quality recording. You can capture audio from various sources, including system audio, microphones, and external devices. The app can record at sample rates up to 192,000 Hz for professional-grade results.
- Editing features. The program provides a wide range of editing tools, including cutting, copying, pasting, and trimming. There are also more advanced functions like multi-track editing, spectrogram view, and time and pitch adjustments.
- Effects and plugins. The software comes with built-in effects such as equalization, noise reduction, and reverb. Additionally, it supports VST, LV2, Nyquist, and other plugins, allowing users to expand the app's capabilities.
- Supported formats. The free computer audio recorder supports a variety of formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and OGG for import and export.
Audacity stands out as a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly option for editing and recording computer audio on any OS. Its open-source nature ensures ongoing enhancements, making it a reliable tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Best formats to record system audio
The best file format for recording system audio depends on your needs, such as quality, file size, and compatibility.
| Format | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAV | Uncompressed, high quality, widely supported. | Large file size. | Professional recording/editing, archiving. |
| MP3 | Widely supported, good quality at high bit rates. | Lossy compression. | Everyday listening, sharing online. |
| AAC | Better sound quality than MP3 at similar bit rates. | Lossy compression. | Streaming, everyday listening, online distribution. |
| AIFF | Uncompressed, high quality, widely supported (especially on Apple devices). | Large file size. | Professional audio work, Apple hardware/software environments. |
| ALAC | Lossless compression, good compatibility with Apple devices. | Larger file size compared to lossy formats. | Apple users needing high-quality audio and reduced file sizes. |
| FLAC | Lossless compression, open source. | Larger file size compared to lossy formats. | Archiving music, professional recording. |
| OGG | High quality at lower bit rates, open source. | Not as widely supported as MP3 and AAC. | Streaming, high quality at lower bit rates. |
Use cases:
- Everyday listening and sharing. MP3 or AAC for their balance of quality, file size, and compatibility.
- Professional recording. WAV or AIFF for their high quality and compatibility with professional software.
- Archiving. FLAC or ALAC for lossless compression, preserving original quality while saving space.
- Online distribution. AAC or OGG for efficient compression with good quality at lower bit rates.
FAQ
- Can I record system audio during a video call?
- Yes, all options mentioned in this article allow you to record computer audio while making a video call. However, make sure to obtain consent from all parties involved before capturing a conversation.
- What is audio bitrate?
- Bitrate specifies how much data is used per second to represent the audio signal. Higher bitrates generally result in better quality while lower ones lead to more compression.
- What is latency? How does it affect recording?
- Latency refers to the delay between when an audio signal enters a system and when it emerges. It can affect the real-time monitoring and overall performance of recording setups.
- What should I do if I encounter latency issues during recording?
- Adjust buffer settings in your computer audio recorder, update drivers, and close unnecessary applications.
- Is there any difference between stereo and mono audio recording?
- Stereo records audio with separate channels (left and right), while mono records a single channel, useful for voice recordings.
- How much disk space do I need to record desktop audio?
- It depends on the format and length of the recording. For example, an hour of WAV audio at 44.1 kHz takes around 600 MB. The same audio in MP3 format requires ~60 MB.
Conclusion
Recording computer audio opens up a world of possibilities, from preserving online content to enhancing your multimedia projects. Regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, there is a desktop audio recorder to help you capture high-quality sound with ease.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can choose the best method for your specific needs, ensuring you can utilize and record sound from your computer effectively.
If you're a content creator or someone who simply wants to save audio from your PC, mastering these techniques will significantly expand your capabilities.
Expert Tech Writer
