Which screen recorder records internal sound?
Screen recording is a valuable tool for capturing video and audio from your computer screen. Whether for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or making video presentations, the ability to record internal audio from your computer is often crucial for providing necessary narration, system sounds, or other audio elements.
This article provides an overview of the built-in screen recording capabilities of Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, and mobile devices. It looks at how each platform allows you to record your screen with internal audio, and provides tips for selecting the best software for your recording needs. The goal is to help you understand the range of options so you can choose a screen recorder that fits your use case and records high-quality video complete with essential internal audio.
Windows Screen Recorders
When it comes to recording internal audio on Windows, such as system sounds and microphone input, there are several good options to choose from. Some of the top screen recorders for Windows that can capture internal audio include:
Movavi Screen Recorder – This full-featured tool allows you to record screens, webcam footage, and internal audio simultaneously. You can schedule recordings, edit videos, and export in various formats.
Windows 10’s Built-In Xbox Game Bar – Windows 10 and 11 come with a free built-in screen recorder powered by the Xbox Game Bar. It provides basic screen recording with internal audio capture.
Screencast-O-Matic – This online screen recorder has a free version that lets you capture system sounds and mic audio along with your screen. Exports are watermarked unless you upgrade.
Icecream Screen Recorder – A lightweight tool for Windows that records screens, webcam, and audio in an easy-to-use interface. The free version adds watermarks.
OBS Studio – A very popular open source solution for screen recording and live streaming. It takes some setup but can capture high-quality video and audio.
Mac Screen Recorders
Some of the most popular screen recording apps for Mac that can capture internal audio include:
ScreenFlow – ScreenFlow is designed specifically for Mac and is considered one of the best screen recorders for capturing both on-screen activities and internal audio. It provides advanced editing tools, animated callouts, camera recording, and more. ScreenFlow records audio input from microphones as well as system audio played through the Mac.
Snagit – Snagit by TechSmith is another full-featured Mac screen recorder and capture utility. It can record video, audio, webcam footage, and iOS device screens. Snagit offers advanced controls for recording system audio on Mac.
Camtasia – Camtasia Studio for Mac lets you easily record your screen and internal audio simultaneously. It provides options like camera recording, annotation tools, cursor effects, and more. Camtasia is commonly used for software demos, tutorials, product overviews, and training videos.
Linux Screen Recorders
Some of the popular screen recorders for Linux that support recording internal audio include:
- SimpleScreenRecorder (GNU General Public License) – This open source tool allows recording the entire screen or part of it along with audio input and output. It captures audio from JACK or PulseAudio.
- recordMyDesktop (GNU General Public License) – This is a simple screen recorder for GNOME Desktop Environment that can capture audio as well as video.
- Freeseer (GNU General Public License) – It can capture audio and video from desktop sessions. Audio can be captured from ALSA or PulseAudio.
- Vokoscreen (GNU General Public License) – This recorder has options to record entire screen, specific area, webcam and audio.
- Kazam (GNU General Public License) – It can record the desktop screen along with audio from PulseAudio or ALSA.
Most Linux screen recorders like SimpleScreenRecorder allow configuring separate audio sources for internal and external audio.
Chromebook Screen Recorders
Chromebooks come with built-in screen recording capabilities, but this does not allow capturing internal audio by default. However, there are some Chromebook compatible screen recorders that can record both screen video and internal audio.
One option is to use the Chrome extension Screencastify. This lets you record your screen, webcam, and microphone audio. To also capture internal audio, you need to upgrade to the paid version of Screencastify. This unlocks advanced audio recording features including system audio.
Another popular choice is ApowerREC, a free web-based screen recorder for Chrome OS. This tool lets you record both system audio and microphone audio at the same time with no need to install anything.
There are also some third party Android apps like Mobizen Screen Recorder that can be installed on Chromebooks. These apps may allow recording internal audio along with screen recording, but support can vary across different Chromebook models.
Mobile Screen Recorders
When it comes to mobile screen recording apps that can capture internal audio, there are a few good options for both iOS and Android devices:
For iOS, some top options include:
- AirShou – Records screen, microphone, and device audio.
- Apowersoft iPhone/iPad Recorder – Records screen, mic, and internal audio.
- DU Recorder – Free option that records screen, front/back camera, and internal audio.
On Android, some highly recommended screen recording apps with internal audio capture include:
- AZ Screen Recorder – Free and full-featured with mic and internal audio recording.
- Mobizen Screen Recorder – Records screen, face cam, mic, and audio.
- MEmu Screen Recorder – For recording gameplay with internal sound.
There are many great free and paid options for iOS and Android devices that allow recording the screen with internal system audio. Just be sure to check the app capabilities before downloading to ensure it captures audio from the device.
How Screen Recorders Record Audio
Screen recorders are able to record internal audio by accessing the audio streams of the operating system. On Windows, Mac, and Linux, the operating system handles all audio routing and mixing, so the screen recorder just needs permission to access those audio streams.
On Windows, screen recorders can use the Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI) to capture the audio streams combined by the operating system. This allows them to record audio playing on the system as well as from microphones and other input devices.
On Mac, screen recorders can use the CoreAudio APIs to access system audio. QuickTime Player’s screen recording feature uses CoreAudio to record audio, for example. There are also some third-party APIs like Soundflower that can route audio for recording.
On Linux, screen recorders like OBS Studio can access the PulseAudio server or ALSA directly to capture audio. PulseAudio handles audio routing and mixing on many Linux distributions, making it easy for screen recorders to grab combined audio.
So in summary, the key is that screen recorders leverage OS APIs to access the mixed and routed audio streams, rather than having to combine the streams themselves. This allows the recorder to get internal audio easily.
Recording Tips
Capturing high-quality internal audio when screen recording takes some finesse. Here are some tips for getting the best sound:
Use a dedicated microphone rather than your computer’s built-in mic. An external USB mic or headset will provide much clearer audio. Position the mic close to your mouth so it picks up your voice over ambient noise.
Adjust the microphone volume in your computer’s sound settings, not just within the screen recording app. You want the loudest clear signal without peaking or distortion.
Record a short test clip and listen back carefully through headphones. Make sure your voice is loud and clear compared to any background noise.
Consider using specialized audio recording software like Audacity to capture your computer’s internal audio, then sync it later with the video track.
When possible, record in a quiet space without disruptive ambient noises. Turn off any fans, music, or chatter in the background.
Speak clearly and loudly enough into the microphone, but avoid yelling. Keep the mic about 6 inches from your mouth.
Adjust audio effects like noise removal, compression, or normalization to maximize the sound quality in your recording software.
With careful mic positioning, levels adjustment, noise reduction, and editing, you can capture great internal audio to match the quality of your screen video.
Legal Considerations
Recording someone without their permission raises important legal issues. Laws vary by state, but generally it is illegal to audio record someone without their consent if they have an expectation of privacy. However, there are some exceptions. For example, it is usually legal to record in-person conversations if the recording party consents and it occurs in a public place without expectation of privacy. But secretly recording private conversations, phone calls or meetings without permission can violate wiretapping or eavesdropping laws.
According to this source, federal law and most state laws require all parties to a phone call or private conversation consent to recording. Violating this can lead to criminal charges or civil lawsuits. However, some states only require one-party consent. It’s important to check your local laws first before recording audio without permission to avoid potential legal issues.
Conclusion
When choosing a screen recorder that can capture internal audio, the platform you are using is the most important factor. For Windows users, tools like OBS Studio, Bandicam, and XSplit Broadcaster are top choices. On Mac, QuickTime Player, Screenflick, and Screenflow lead the options. Linux users can turn to Simple Screen Recorder, Kazam, or ffmpeg for internal audio recording. Chromebook and mobile users have more limited but still effective built-in tools like Screencastify and screen recording in iOS and Android.
No matter what device you are using, look for a recorder that offers audio mixing capabilities, settings to record computer/mic/system audio, and advanced audio controls. Using a digital audio workstation like Audacity along with your video recording can help maximize audio quality. Follow best practices like checking your audio levels beforehand. With the right tool and setup, you can create professional screen recordings with flawless internal audio.