Download and install Audacity and Soundflower on your Mac. Click the Apple menu to Open System Preferences on your Mac, select Sounds, switch to the Output tab and set Soundflower (2ch) as the device for sound output. Open Audacity Preferences, switch to the devices tab and select Soundflower (2ch) as the Recording device. SYBA External USB Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows, Mac, Linux Extra Audio Source with 3.5mm Audio Mic Jack C-Media Chipset SD-CM-UAUD. Color: Black Changer Type: USB to Audio Specifications: OS Supported: All Windows OS / MAC OSX Connector A: 1x USB 2.0 male Model #: SD-CM-UAUD Item #: N6035 Return Policy: 45/1 Return Policy. The family of Macintosh operating systems developed by Apple Inc. Includes the graphical user interface-based operating systems it has designed for use with its Macintosh series of personal computers since 1984, as well as the related system software it once created for compatible third-party systems. In 1984, Apple debuted the operating system that is now known as the 'Classic' Mac OS with its release of the original Macintosh System Software. The system, rebranded 'Mac OS. Apr 27, 2021 With the arrival of macOS Big Sur 11.3, it is now possible to use a HomePod stereo pair as your Mac's system audio output. This article explains how to set up two HomePod speakers as a.
How can I record streaming audio mac for a radio station I'm streaming live? I don't want to record the sound in my room, but only the sound I'm streaming.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions in the Mac community. Actually, it is a common question that many Apple users encounter when they want to record music from audio in their browser, system audio or application on Mac. How to record streaming audio Mac? This step-by-step guide will illustrate how to capture streaming audio Mac.
Part 1: How to Record Streaming Audio Mac with QuickTime Player
If you only prefer to record audio with the external devices, then Apple's default media player – QuickTime Player would be your best option. Actually, QuickTime Player is not only a video player, it could also record the screen audio or internet audio or FaceTime audio. But if you prefer to record the internal audio, such as the streaming audio on Mac, more steps would be needed so as to obtain the audio. If you would like to know more about how to record audio on Mac with QuickTime Player, please refer to the following steps.
Steps:
- Launch QuickTime Player on your Mac. It is installed by default. If you can't see the app on the main screen, you can hit Command + Space to locate the app on your Mac.
- On the main screen of QuickTime Player, click the File button, then you can choose New Audio Recording option.
- Enter the recording panel, behind the red REC button, you can click the drop-down button then choose your preferred device to record audio. Here it means, you can only record audio once you have prepared an external recording device if you would like to record audio with QuickTime.
- Start recording the audio. Before recording, you should go the streaming webpage and play the audio files you would like to record. Then, tap the REC button if you are ready. If you have completed the recording, tap the red button again to stop the recording and the audio file would be saved on your Mac.
Part 2: How to Record Streaming Audio Mac with Soundflower
As the default media player for Mac, QuickTime Player could only meet some basic requirements. If you would like to further edit the recording, or you would like to record the internal audio or streaming audios directly without any external recording devices, a third-party recording program would be needed here. Though Apple has provided no preset solution for Mac users to record streaming audio or Internet radio on Mac, QuickTime Player could actually complete this with the help of certain plugin called Soundflower, a free Mac extension that allows programs to pass audio to other applications. It acts as an audio device, which allows programs to send or receive audio from it without any other support.
Step 1: Download Soundflower and install this program by opening the .dmg file and following the on-screen instructions on your Mac computer.
Step 2: Once Soundflower is successfully installed, visit the Sound tab in your System Preferences again. Click on 'Soundflower (2ch)' on the 'Output' section of Sound settings panel. Now your computer is outputting all of its audio through the Soundflower (2ch) extension. (The only downside is that you will not be able to hear audio through your speakers as long as this is selected.)
Step 3: Now open QuickTime Player and click on File > New Audio Recording. Click the little arrow on the side of the QuickTime window. Under the microphone section, click on 'Soundflower (2ch)'. After that, click the red button and play internet streaming audio files to start recording on Mac.
When you're done and you want to hear audio through your speakers again, go back to System Preferences>Sound>Output, and click on 'Internal Speakers'. Your audio will now play through your internal speakers again.
Part 3: How to Record Streaming Audio Mac with Leawo Music Recorder
With intuitive and easy-to-use interface, Leawo Music Recorder for Mac offers a comprehensive solution to record streaming audio Mac. The streaming recorder Mac is able to record any audio played on Mac, including local audio, online audio and microphone audio, radio streaming audio, etc. If you are not convenient, the embedded Task Scheduler helps you automatically record streaming audio Mac by setting start time and duration. The Mac streaming audio recorder also has an Auto-filter to remove ads in the recording and music tag editor to allow users to manually add and edit music tags like title, song name, artist, etc. What's more, Leawo Music Recorder supports to export audio in the output format of WAV, MP3 and M4A.
Step 1. Download Leawo Music Recorder for Mac
Download and install this Mac MP3 recorder software on your Mac computer and then launch it. It works on Mac OS 10.6 and later. Here's how this streaming audio recorder Mac captures streaming audio Mac.
Leawo Music Recorder
- Record any sound from computer stream audio and built-in input audio.
- Record music from 1000+ music sites like YouTube, Facebook, Veoh, VEVO, etc.
- Schedule music recording via the internal recording task scheduler.
- Automatically/manually add and complete music tags like artist, album, cover, genre, etc.
- Save recorded musicfiles into either WAV or MP3 format for wide uses.
Step 2. Choose output directory
Head to Leawo Music Recorder > Preferences > General to set output directory in the 'Output' box.
Step 3. Select output format
On the same panel, click 'Format' to choose the output format of WAV, MP4 and MP3. The parameters like 'Bit Rate' and 'Sample Rate' can be changed on the panel.
Step 4. Set audio source
Tap on the little microphone icon at bottom left to choose 'Record Built-in Audio' or 'Record computer Audio' in 'Audio Source' panel. We are going to record streaming audio, thus we can choose 'Record Computer Audio'.
Step 5. Start to record streaming audio on Mac
Prepare streaming audio you need to record, then click the red button at top left to start to record streaming audio Mac. You can play streaming audio now. When you finish recording, you can click the recording button to stop recording.
Step 6. Add music tags if needed
Go to Leawo Music Recorder > Library > All Recordings, then all recordings will show in the right interface. Right click the recording you need to edit to choose 'Edit Music Tags' to edit music tags like song title, artist name, genre, etc.
For Windows computer, please turn to Leawo Music Recorder to record MP3 audio on Windows computer with ease.
Part 4: How to Record Streaming Audio Mac with Audacity
Audacity is another wonderful online radio recording software tool we would like to recommend to you for recording streaming audio on Mac. It's a totally free audio recorder software program that enables you to record any sound from your microphone or your Mac. Also, it's an audio editor tool that enables you to edit audio with multiple practical editing features like trimming, cropping, adjusting effect, etc.
Steps:
- Download and install Audacity and Soundflower on your Mac.
- Click the Apple menu to Open System Preferences on your Mac, select Sounds, switch to the Output tab and set Soundflower (2ch) as the device for sound output.
- Open Audacity Preferences, switch to the devices tab and select Soundflower (2ch) as the Recording device.
- Next switch to the Recording tab. Click the red button to start recording and at the same time play back target streaming audio on Mac for recording.
- Click OK if all the streaming audio has been recorded. Then, the file would be saved on your Mac.
Part 5: Comparison Among 4 Recorders
In comparison, Leawo Music Recorder is easier to use, for it can record streaming audio Mac on its own. However, users have to download other recorders to record streaming audio with Soundflower. Leawo Music Recorder is featured by recording any audio from any audio sources and setting bit rate and sample rate to adjust sound quality. It can also automatically download audio tags and allows users to edit music tags. Soundflower is simply an input device and output device. It is used to transfer audio when Mac has no built-in ability to record streaming audio. In terms of itself, it doesn't possess the ability to independently record audio. For more information, you can refer to the following comparison chart which would guide you to make your own preferred choice. Actually, it is hard to tell which one is the best, you can select your own preferred one based on your own needs.
Leawo Music Recorder | Soundflower | Audacity | QuickTime | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compatible with Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compatible with Windows | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Support internal audio recording | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Support online audio recording | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Output formats | MP3, WAV, M4A | MOV | MP3 | MOV |
Support audio editing | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Recording lossless | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Automate audio information recognition | Yes | No | Yes | No |
We're no strangers to audio interfaces, and today in our specific search, we wanted to find some Mac OS only models to take into consideration for your recording studio. The only difference (and advantage many may claim) is that Mac audio interfaces can be hooked up to your studio in a few different ways aside from USB — FireWire and Thunderbolt. The advantage? Faster data processing, less latency, and at times, better audio quality in general.
Guidelines to the best Mac audio interface
Audio interfaces don't have to be tricky to shop for. In our experience, the biggest concern (aside from of course budget) is how many ins and outs you'll actually need, as well as the audio resolution. Nowadays in this day and age, we do not recommend you go any lower than 192 kHz and 24-bit! We don't care what anybody else says. If you are investing in an entirely new audio interface or it's your first one, keep up with the times. Be strict on this.
With that being said, just any audio interface that says it goes up to 192 kHz isn't the same as others. For example an audio interface under $300 won't be the same as a higher-end RME interface that goes for nearly a grand, even though they both record with 192 kHz. You can have the same audio resolution but different types of ways in which it processes your audio signals. This is either with the mic preamps themselves or the processing built-in to the interface's skeleton. This is why you'll see many interfaces start to hike up in price even though they have the same resolution — the inner parts are higher quality and more expensive, and whether or not it ‘sounds' better will totally be up to you.
Aside from quality and how interfaces sound, we lastly want you to keep in mind what inputs and outputs you actually need. There are some out there 16×16 or even higher, but if you don't need those, don't get it! We have gotten by with just a 4×4 or even 2×2 before; however, it will really just depend on your intended use and what type of music or sound you record.
The best audio interfaces for Mac
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MK2
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
- 2×6 Thunderbolt audio interface
- LUNA Recording System
- DUO or QUAD Core Processing
- Unison technology
- Built-in talk back mic
- Monitor remote functions and monitor controls (Mute, Mono, DIM, and ALT)
- Two (2) mic/line preamps (premium Unison)
- One (1) front-panel instrument input (Hi-Z)
- Two (2) line outputs
- Up to 8 channels of additional digital inputs
- Two (2) analog monitor outputs (digitally controlled)
Here's one of our favorite picks as the best audio interface for Mac. We have a Thunderbolt-only connection here with some brilliant audio resolution and core processing. In our opinion more than enough ins and outs, especially at a good number of channels and mic-preamps for your recordings. A built-in talk back mic is useful if you record others, otherwise what really stands out here is the way they process their sound. Their Luna recording system is a technology of theirs that increases the speed of recording through DSP-powered plug-ins with zero latency, and also offers some real time monitoring. We love the Apollo Twin Mk2 for Macs simply because of the quality of sound.
Stereos Mac Os Catalina
You can also look into the Universal Audio Arrow for a bit less features but at a cheaper price. The audio quality there is beautiful, too. We can't get enough of UA's sound.
RME Fireface UCX
- 36-channel USB and FireWire interface
- Audio resolution: Up to 192 kHz
- Up to 18 channels of recording and playback
- Low Latency mastering grade converters
- Two (2) mic preamps
- TotalMix FX (UFX DSP engine)
- Eight (8) x Analog input/outputs
- Two (2) x XLR/TRS Mic/Inst/Line
- Two (2) x Line/Instrument Input
- One (1) x SPDIF and One (1) x ADAT in/out
- Two (2) x MIDI hook ups
- Compatible with iPad
Up next as another one of our favorite choices as the best Mac audio interface, we have a heavy hitter by a brand RME that is synonymous with higher-end and more professional-geared studios. They have quite a few other options so we recommend checking out their interface lines but this is one of our favorites for Mac. Zirca mac os. It's compatible with both FireWire and USB, and offers up to 18 channels of playback and recording.
The converters are beautiful which is what you're really paying for — the resolution is nice but what's inside is best. Add in some FX DSP engine, two mic preamps and tons of ins/outs as you can see in the list above, and we have another great pick with the RME Fireface UCX as the best audio interface for Mac computers.
MOTU Track16
- 16 x 14 Desktop Interface
- Audio resolution: Up to 192 kHz
- Connect via FireWire (Bus-powered) or USB 2.0
- Two (2) mic inputs (individual preamps)
- Two (2) Hi-Z instrument inputs
- Two (2) pairs of line inputs
- Four (4) analog outs
- MIDI I/O
- Two (2) headphone jacks
- Analog trim (digitally controlled)
- Balanced line inputs and main outputs
- Digital optical I/O
- Adjustable 48V phantom power and -20 dB pad
- Built-in instrument tuner
Let's talk about a Mac OS audio interface that packs a powerful punch in a small package. Connecting via FireWire, the Track16 uses a clever way of being able to hook up so many ins and outs to a small little interface. You connect a variety of cables into a universal I/O connection they have there at the front of the interface.
Combine this with some Onboard DSP, latency-free effects and processors and some nice hands-on control on the unit itself, and we have a great interface for Mac in the MOTU Track16 to keep in mind if you wanted something a bit more smaller in size and less in price.
Apogee Duet
- 2×4 audio interface
- Audio resolution: Up to 192kHz / 24-bit
- AD/DA conversion
- Two (2) analog ins (mic preamps for each)
- Four (4) analog outs (2 balanced 1/4″ and 1/4″ stereo headphone)
- MIDI connection
- Top panel high resolution display (OLED)
- Two (2) assignable top panel control touch pads
Let's continue to talk about something more simple yet still focusing on the most important part of a Mac audio interface — audio quality! We couldn't count how many times we've had the Duet recommended to many, especially those in a smaller home recording studio. We have the essential insouts here, with a nifty OLED display at the top (we use the metering more than we thought we would), and of course, some pristine AD/DA conversion. The audio quality of Apogee Duet‘s are famous now.
You can also look into their their Apogee Symphony if you want even more in/out.
Solid State Logic SSL2
- 2-In / 2-Out USB-C Audio Interface
- Two (2) Solid-Sate Logic microphone preamps
- Legacy 4K effect option for each channel
- On-board monitor mix control
- Balanced monitor ins
- SSL production pack bundle included
- USB 2.0 bus-powered
We got a chance to try this baby out and in fact, we purchased on just a few months ago. It isn't necessarily an audio interface strictly for Mac but we have a feeling these thing is going to be listed in a lot of our audio interface guides in the future. The audio quality of this is just amazing — and combine this with their '4K Legacy' button they have for each mic channel (it's a preset effect that puts some warmth on the audio channel — great for vocals or guitars), we have some beautiful capturing here. Yes, one of the best Mac audio interfaces even though the Solid State Logic SSL2 is only USB.
Be sure to read our SSL 2 audio interface review for some more information.
Mac Os Download
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2
Stereos Mac Os 11
- Audio resolution: Up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
- 6×6 USB audio interface
- Four (4) analog ins/outs
- Two (2) digital ins/outs
- Two (2) headphone out
- MIDI in/out
- Digital stereo input and output (S/PDIF / RCA) (lossless signal transmission)
We'll end our guide with another USB only audio interface but we really like recommending this to many if it fits their budget and needs. Native Instruments puts a different spin to their gear and is only worth buying if you're in need of a ton of FX and sounds. The processing on this interface is also great and the insouts will be most for many.
What you're really buying here are the sounds however. You have multiple GB of sounds, FX, and software. Ableton Live Lite 10, their trial version of Traktor, and more. Don't get this unless you need all the software, but we did want to end our article on the best Mac audio interfaces with this option in the Komplete 6 Mk2 just in case.
Related gear reviews:
Stereos Mac Os X
Thoughts? |