How to Record Sounds From the Internet on a Mac

Sound is normally channeled straight through a Mac's speakers.

On their own, Mac computers are not designed to record sounds off the Internet. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. System extensions have been developed for the Mac that allow users to route sound between applications instead of sending it straight out through the speakers. This way, all you have to do is route the Internet audio you wish to record into a sound recorder, and you're in business.

Things You'll Need

• Mac
• Audio recording software (Audacity or Audio Recorder recommended)
• Sound-routing system extension (Soundflower recommended)

Instructions

1. Click the "Apple" menu, then "System Preferences," then "Sound," then "Output," and select the sound-routing system extension as the system's main output device.

2. Click the dock icon for your audio recording software to launch it. Alternatively, click "Applications" and select your audio recording software from the applications list.

3. Click "Options" or "Preferences" in the sound editor, then click "Input," then select the sound-routing system extension as the audio editor's input device, and click "OK." At this point, the level meters next to "Input" should be responding to any sounds coming through your system.

4. Click the dock icon for your favorite web browser to launch it or select your browser from the applications list. Navigate to the website with the audio you wish to record.

5. Click "Record" in the audio editor, then play the Internet audio. Click "Stop" when you're finished recording.

References

• Cycling74: Soundflower

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish