Best Mac Voice Recording App

This WikiHow will teach you how to record your voice on a Mac computer using the Quick Time Player app. QuickTime comes preinstalled on all Mac computers. Open QuickTime Player. Double-click the QuickTime Player app in your 'Applications'. Day One is an excellent app for keeping a digital diary for yourself, and it has some useful voice recording features. With Day One, you can dictate a new entry with just your voice. The speech recognition that is built-in is pretty good, and will do a nice job of transcribing your voice into text for whatever you need to record.

Gone are the days when you needed a separate electronic device for recording important information. Now you can use your iPhone and an app to take care of those tasks. Voice recording has grown in popularity and is used for a multitude of reasons.

Students record important lectures rather than taking written notes, musicians record practice sessions, writers and journalists capture interviews, and many people simply record their own thoughts and ideas so they aren’t forgotten.

Regardless of the reason you want to record audio, there is a voice recorder app iPhone users can download (many of them free) which will get the job done right. Keep in mind that not all apps are created equal and the app that is best for you will depend on what you need to use it for.

Below, we have put together a list of the top voice recorder apps on the market along with information on each of them. Whether you are looking for a free voice recorder app for iPhone or you are open to purchasing one, you’ll find the best of the best voice recorder apps for iPhone users in the list below. Happy hunting!

Here are the 10 best voice recorder apps for iPhone

1. Rev Voice Recorder

In case the name didn’t give it away, the Rev Voice Recorder is our very own free voice recorder app. Since it was built based on feedback that came directly from our customers, it’s consumer-oriented and easy to use. YOu can find it available for download on iPhone and Android.

There are many things to love about it making it a popular choice among users looking for a great voice recording app. It will always be free to download and record audio files using the Rev Voice Recorder, and it’s as simple as pressing a button to purchase transcripts any time you need them for $1.25/audio minute up to 30 minutes at a time. A great feature to have at your fingertips when you need to directly quote or tease insights out of an audio recording, and a feature that makes the app a favorite among journalists and market researchers.

What We Like About It

Records and trims with ease
Can send files anywhere including Evernote, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, and Google Drive
Can record in the background while other apps are being used
Can import recordings from other iPhone apps to Rev

What’s Lacking

Some iPhone users may not like having to pay for each transcription, but since real humans transcribe your audio we’re able to guarantee 99 percent accuracy, unlike automated alternatives.

2. iTalk

iTalk is a simple-to-use, voice recorder app that records audio files and allows the user to share them straight to SoundCloud. The basic version is free and allows you to record and listen to the files only. You can make an in-app purchase to unlock many additional features including control options such as reverse and fast forward.

The iTalk voice recorder app is a great choice for simple recording needs like lectures, interviews, and other simple recording tasks. If you need to email your recordings to someone right after making them, this may not be the app for you but otherwise, we find that it is a great app for basic recording that provides everything you need.

What We Like About It

Easy User Interface
Allows audio quality selection: Good, Better, Best Sound
Access to AirDrop files from the app
Note Feature that allows you to add notes to your recordings; helpful when saving large numbers of files

What’s Lacking

Does not allow file emailing from the app
Can’t rename recordings or delete recordings via iTalk Sync

3. Voice Memo

All iPhones come pre-loaded with Voice Memos, a voice recording app that has a nice array of features that work well for most basic users including file trimming if the video is a little too long. You can easily find this app by going to your iPhone’s “extras” icon on the home screen. Seeing as this voice recorder app is already pre-installed, it is a good place to start if you are just getting started in the voice recording world, but as you increase your skills you will more than likely want to upgrade to a better, more versatile app. There are several things to like about this app.

What We Like About It

Easy user interface
Handles basic file trimming
Compatible with Apple Watch
Already loaded on the iPhone

What’s Lacking

Cannot share large audio files
Can’t take text notes while recording audio

4. AudioShare

AudioShare is a cool voice recorder app that allows you to record along with adding music to your recordings. It is the perfect app for musicians and songwriters and allows you to use your iPhone to make music. There is not much you can’t do with this fantastic voice record app.

What We Like About It

Allows users to record, trim, and share audio files
Inter-app recording that allows recording from other apps on your iPhone
Organizes all sound and midi files right on your phone
Huge list of great features

What’s Lacking

Can be a little complex for brand new users
Some users may feel the $3.99 price tag is high

5. AVR – Awesome Voice Recorder

With a name like Awesome Voice Recorder, you expect the best and this app delivers. There are some advanced features AVR offers that get on our top ten list such as tagging, combining two or more files together, and many others. It has a simple layout that is relatively simple to use but may prove a little challenging at times for brand new users. There is a free version as well as a paid upgrade to AVR Pro for $4.99.

What We Like About It

Allows tagging of important events during the recording
Can pause recording and continue where you left off
All recordings are moved to a folder that can be saved and password protected
Compatible with Apple Watch

What’s Lacking

No feature that allows multiple file transfer to Dropbox
Clearer instructions needed for some functions such as combining

6. Voice Recorder and Audio Editor

If you are looking for the perfect app for recording lectures for school, the Voice Recorder and Audio Editor is just right. Not only can you record the lectures but with a purchased upgrade on this handy app you can get them transcribed as well with an 80% accuracy rate!

What We Liked About It

Sleek user interface
Can use other phone functions while recording
Offers in-app purchase that will transcribe your recordings
Easily saves files on iTunes account

What’s Lacking

Limited editing function only allows deleting
When recording is stopped a new file is generated; can lead to long files

7. AudioNote2

College students of all ages will appreciate the ease in which AudioNote2 makes recording and taking notes for class. This app is basically a notebook in digital form that has a sound recorder as well.

Once you start the recording, the notes will be time-stamped, highlighted, and saved in iCloud. Taking notes in class will never be the same. There is a free version as well as a paid version where you can enjoy upgrades including importing audio from the phone, and increased recording quality.

What We Like About It

Easy to use interface
Files can be saved to Dropbox, your iPhone, or iCloud
Sharing available on several platforms

What’s Lacking

Files are saved at RSTD files, not useable on PC
Requires iOS 8 or later

8. HT Professional Recorder

HT Professional Recorder is the ideal voice recorder app for business people that want to record meetings or students wanting to record their class lectures. There are some really unique features in this app including the ability to record conversations in larger rooms even if people are talking close to the phone. Once you hit record, the app will auto-amplify the voices allowing it to pick up speakers that other apps may not be sensitive enough to catch.

What We Like About It

Bookmark important moments throughout the recordings
Share files through email or iTunes
Skip silence button cuts out dead space
Overwrite capability allows dictation corrections

What’s Lacking

Cannot record during phone calls
It could be even better with a transcription feature
$9.99 cost may be seen as too expensive by some consumers

9. Multi-Track Song Recorder

Another great voice recorder app for musicians and songwriters is the Multi-Track Song Recorder that allows users to record as much as four different sounds and then overlays them on top of each other. Once this is completed, the files are combined and can be edited to play together or start separately.

The simple user interface and other great features make this a favorite among musicians that want to put entire music tracks together. There is a free version and the company offers in-app purchases for additional upgraded features.

What We Like About It

Files can be saved individually or all together
Easy to use
Exporting is simple and can also be sent through Dropbox, iTunes, and email
Includes a metronome

What’s Lacking

Can have echo from other tracks if headphones are not used to record
Can be difficult to get solid recordings using the internal hardware of the iPhone without a separate mic and headphones

10. Voice Record Pro

Last but certainly not least is the Voice Record Pro, one of the more advanced voice recorder apps that you can get for iPhones. Many great features come with this app making it a great choice for journalists, writers, and even personal use.

One of the most attractive features of this app is the ability to customize the attributes of your recordings. You will be prompted to do this once you press record. This app is free and offers in-app purchases for additional features.

What We Like About It

Dedicated silence detection bar that will help eliminate dead space from your recordings
Can add editable tags for more detailed clarity on your recordings
Several editing features such as reverb, echo, distortion, and volume
Can snip parts of your file if needed

What’s Lacking

Lack of ability to get tech support
Could use an additional feature that allows the recording to be stopped without having to tap the screen

How to Record Audio on Mac – External and Internal Sound Recording:

Mac Computer is well known for its Macintosh Operating System. Most people choose MacBook or Mac PC because of its flawless performance. Mac OS offers some amazing features that are not available with any other operating system. But when you want to record an audio on Mac, you may not know how to do it.

Mac OS is easy to use for experienced users and not for everyone. First time Mac users have to learn everything by watching Mac OS Tutorials. Our team has worked on various methods to record audio on Mac. So you don’t need to worry as we will provide complete guidance for you. Here you will learn about 3 easiest ways to record audio on Mac.

Contents

1 How to Record Audio on Mac
2 3 Easiest Ways to Record Audio on Mac – [External Audio Recording]

Types of Audio Recording

General meaning of Audio Recording is simple i.e. the device (Mac) records whatever is heard from its microphone. But there are two basic types of audio recording i.e. record external voice and record internal voice. Let us understand both the types of recording in brief.

[I] External Audio Recording on Mac:

When you record an audio of your voice or other instruments in room, it is called external audio recording. In external audio recording, Mac System records audio of anything comes from microphone. It includes news reading, singing a song or practicing an interview or a conference speech by recording it on Mac.

[II] Internal Audio Recording on Mac:

This option is required when you want to record audio of something playing on the computer screen. Internal Audio Recording will record and save the audio of everything being played on your Mac. This audio includes recording of a song or speech on YouTube, iTunes Music and on a website.

How to Record Audio on Mac

We have seen the meaning and types of audio recording. Now let’s move towards our main task i.e. how to record audio on Mac. We have found various methods to record external and internal audio on Mac. Firstly we will explain some simplest ways to record external audio on Mac and then discuss about how to record internal audio on Mac.

Input Device for External Audio Recording on Mac

When you want to record your voice on Mac, you need to think about the input device. All Mac computers have default microphone for voice input except Mac Pro and Mac Mini. Kindly note that default microphone of Mac provides decent audio recording, but it is not the best. Therefore the default microphone may not meet your expectation in voice quality.

If you are using the latest MacBook then you may not have voice input source other then its default microphone. Older Mac Systems have 3.5mm jack to connect a headphone or mic for voice input and listening music. We recommend you to use an external microphone for best quality audio recording on your Mac System. If your Mac has only USB connectivity then you should use the USB Microphone to record audio on Mac.

3 Easiest Ways to Record Audio on Mac – [External Audio Recording]

In order to record an audio, you must have an app with sound recording feature. Many Cellphones have built-in Sound Recorder App that offers audio recording in AMR, MP3, AAC and M4A formats. The same way iOS and Mac OS also have audio recording app. Here we will discuss about how to record audio on Mac with built-in app and also with third party apps.

01. Use QuickTime Player to Record Audio on Mac

QuickTime Player is a default application on all Mac Systems. Whether you have an old Mac PC or the latest MacBook, you will see that QuickTime Player App is pre-installed on your Mac. However, the Audio Recording Feature is freely available from Mac OS X 10.6 and later. If your device has earlier Mac OS then QuickTime Player App will offer ‘audio recording’ as a paid feature.

Every Mac User knows very well about QuickTime Player. Because they watch videos and movies in QuickTime Player. But not all users know that QuickTime Player App has video, screen and audio recording features. If your QuickTime Player or Mac OS are older versions then update them to the latest version to record audio on Mac using QuickTime.

Steps to Record Audio on Mac with QuickTime Player:

Here we provide some simple instructions on how to record audio on Mac using QuickTime Player App.

1. Open Applications Folder on your Mac and Select QuickTime Player to launch the app.

2. As the QuickTime Player appears on screen, select File Menu.

3. Then click on “New Audio Recording” option to open audio recording window.

4. You can see the Microphone (Built-in Microphone) and Quality (High Quality) options beside the red recording button.

5. Choose the Microphone you want to use as input device for audio recording.

6. Press the Red button to start audio recording on Mac.

7. Record the Audio as long as you want and again press Red button to stop.

8. Go to File Menu and save the recording.

9. Export your audio recording to your desired folder on Mac and Close the QuickTime Player.

After completion of audio recording and saving the file, you can check your selected folder. You will see that your recorded audio file is right there. Open the Audio File if you want to listen to it. You can also edit your recorded audio files using QuickTime Player.

02. Use GarageBand to Record Audio on Mac

GarageBand is a wonderful app that comes as pre-installed in most Mac computers. If it is not available on your MacBook then you can get it from Mac App Store. GarageBand is an app for playing, recording and editing audio at free of cost. This app has some more features than other simple audio recording apps on Mac.

When you record an audio using GarageBand App, you can add some sound effects in background. The GarageBand allows you to add Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar & Bass and other sound effects. In addition, you can adjust audio recording volume level to get the best musical effects and voice with perfect rhythm in recording.

Steps to Select Voice Input and Record Audio on Mac using GarageBand App:

In order to select Voice Input Source for Audio Recording on Mac, you need to go to following menu options:

GarageBand>Preferences>Audio>Devices

If you are using built-in microphone of your Mac then choose “Built-in Microphone” as the Audio Input Source.
If you are using a Microphone connected with Audio Input Port then choose “Built-in Input” as the Input Source. (For example: mic/headphone with mic connected to 3.5mm jack on Mac.)
If you are using a USB Microphone via USB Port then choose “USB Microphone” as the Input Source.

After setting the correct audio input source, you can proceed to record audio on Mac with GarageBand App. Here you need to connect a musical instrument if you want to use it in recording. Thereafter, you should select a track or add a track for recording and set volume level. Finally set the audio recording resolution (24 Bits are recommended). Before you start recording audio on Mac, you should check if the instruments & microphone are connected and working well.

1. Open GarageBand App on your Mac System.

2. Select the Red button to start recording the audio track.

3. Give your voice input as per background music and rhythm of the song.

4. Hit the Red Recording button again when audio recording is complete.

5. Save the recorded audio to your desired folder.

6. Listen to your recorded audio track and edit it (if required) with GarageBand.

03. Use Third Party App to Record Audio on Mac

You can record audio on Mac using QuickTime and GarageBand. But there are some third party apps which are free to use and provide more features. Audacity App is a free and open source application for audio recording and editing. It has lots of features to customize the audio recording on Mac. You can also add various plugins to Audacity to get additional features.

Download and Install Audacity App on Mac

Audacity App is available to download for free on its website. You need to visit the Audacity Website and download the app on your Mac. Thereafter, install the Audacity App on your Mac System and Restart your Computer. After the app is successfully installed, you are ready to record an audio on Mac using Audacity App.

Steps to Record Audio on Mac using Audacity App

Best Mac Voice Recording App For Laptop

1. Launch Audacity App on your Mac PC or MacBook.

2. Keep your Microphone ready for Voice Input.

3. Adjust other audio recording features and set it the way you want.

4. Click on Red Recording button to start recording.

5. Give your Voice Input as long as you wish to record the audio.

6. Click on Brown Square button to Stop recording when you are done.

7. Open File Menu and click on Export option, save the file on your Mac Storage.

You can listen to your recorded audio using the Audacity App or other audio player app. The Audacity App also allows you to edit, trim and delete the recorded audio. Long duration audios require more editing and Audacity is the best app to edit such recording files.

There are some more apps which are also good in audio recording on Mac. Such apps names include Movavi, n-Track Studio, WavTap and many more. You can also try them (if you want) to record an audio on your Mac System.

How to Record Internal Audio on Mac

Internal Audio is different than external audio that is captured by microphone. To record audio of any song or video playing on computer is called internal audio recording. For example: You want to record audio of an online video playing on your Mac PC. Kindly note that your Mac does not have built-in app to record internal audio directly.

As the Mac doesn’t have a feature of direct recording internal audio, you have to get help of a third party app. We have done audio recording experiment on Mac using two different apps with Soundflower Extension. Therefore this method to record internal audio is divided into two parts.

Part I – Install Soundflower Extension on Mac

Soundflower Extension is not an audio recorder. It is an extension for Mac OS. Soundflower is designed to create a virtual audio output device that can also work as an input. It changes the route of audio and that helps to record internal audio on Mac. You need to download and install the Soundflower Extension before we move towards the process of recording the internal audio.

Steps to Download and Install Soundflower on Mac:

Open a Web Browser on your Mac and go to Soundflower Website.
Find out Soundflower and select it to open its info page.
Select the given link to go to Github page.
Download Soundflower Extension and Install the same on your Mac.

After the Soundflower Extension is installed, you need to change the Sound Output Settings on Mac. Go to Preferences>Sound>Output. Now select “Soundflower (2ch)” as Sound Output Device. Please note that you cannot listen to any song playing on Mac after changing the sound output settings. Your Mac Speakers will not create any sound as the sound output device is changed.

Part II – Use QuickTime Player or Audacity App to Record Internal Audio on Mac

After you have changed the Sound Output Settings, you are ready for internal audio recording on Mac. It is advisable to “Turn Off Sound Effects” to avoid any disturbance in audio recording. You can do it from Preferences>Sound>Sound Effects. You can do internal audio recording with QuickTime Player or Audacity as you like.

QuickTime Player is a built-in app on Mac and Audacity is a free open source app you need to download. You should download and install the app you want to record an audio with and follow the steps given below:

Steps to Record Internal Audio on Mac with QuickTime Player:

Launch QuickTime Player App on your Mac.
Select File Menu and click on the tab “New Audio Recording” to begin.
Now the Audio Recording Window will open on your screen.
Select the ▼ symbol to open audio recording options.
Choose “Soundflower (2ch)” as Microphone i.e. Input.
Now play the video or audio sound on Mac and hit the Red Record button to start recording.
Press the same red button when the recording is complete.

Steps to Record Internal Audio on Mac with Audacity App:

Launch Audacity App on your Mac.
Now go to “Audacity Preferences” and select “Devices” tab.
Navigate to Recording and again select Device option.
Choose “Soundflower (2ch)” as the Recording Device.
Return to Main Page of Audacity and ‘Turn On Monitoring’ option given at top right.
Decrease the Microphone Level to Zero by moving it left side.
Now play the video or audio sound on Mac and click on Red Record button to start recording.
Finally click on Brown Square button when the recording is done.

Mac Recording Software

After recording internal audio, you need to change the Sound Output Settings as well as in QuickTime Player or Audacity. Thereafter, you can listen to the internal audio recorded and edit it to make it better.

Free Professional Voice Recording Software

Final Words:

Best Mac Voice Recording App For Android

All the information given above about How to Record Audio on Mac is true and fair. The methods provided for recording audio on Mac are tested by our expert team. In case you have more queries regarding External and Internal Audio Recording on Mac, kindly contact Apple Helpline at 1-800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753) or visit Apple Support Website at support.apple.com.