How to Record MP3 on Mac in 6 Different Ways | Best Mac Recording

Recording MP3 files on a Mac is handy for anyone who wants to capture audio, whether it's a podcast, music, or voice notes. In fact, recording audio directly to MP3 ensures the files are small, easy to share, and compatible with most devices. This can also be useful for content creators, students, or anyone needing to save audio for later use. Whether you're recording a lecture, your own music, or an interview, knowing how to create MP3 files on your Mac can make your tasks smoother and more efficient. Furthermore, Macs have built-in tools like QuickTime Player and Voice Memos that simplify this process, even for beginners. However, there are disadvantages to using these built-in tools. That's why we also added some third-party tools that are more advanced than Mac's built-in recorders. These are Aqua Demo, GarageBand, Audacity, and AceThinker Free Online Screen Recorder. Moreover, this guide will show you how to record MP3 on Mac quickly and easily.

Comparing the 6 MP3 Audio Recorder Mac

Find out the effectiveness and ease of use of each audio recorder.

Use Built-in Tools for Recording Audio on Mac

Built-in Tool #1: QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is known as a built-in media player on a Mac that you can use to watch movies, listen to MP3s, and more. But little did you know that this versatile built-in tool can also record MP3 audio on Mac. However, this tool can only record audio from your microphone. Hence, you must install a plugin like Soundflower to record internal audio Mac. Additionally, QuickTime Player can save recorded audio in M4A format by default. Aside from that, you can also enjoy its editing features, including trimming, splitting, merging, and rearranging sound clips. Moreover, follow the guide below to learn how to record audio on a Mac.

User Guide:

• On your Mac computer, search for and open the QuickTime Player app. Next, on the top menu, click the File menu and select New Audio Recording. The Audio Recording widget will then appear on your screen.
• Next, use the installed plugin instead of the microphone to record the internal audio. Then, set the audio quality from high to maximum. Once you've done this, go to the music streaming site and find the music you want to record.
• Once found, click the red circle button to start the recording. After the music ends, click the Stop button to end the recording. Afterward, go to the File menu again, click the Save option, and select the desired designation folder you want. Finally, you can preview the recorded MP3 after saving.

Built-in Tool #2: Voice Memos

Another built-in Mac recorder that is perfect for interviews and notes is Voice Memos. It is a simple and reliable screen recording tool that is free to use. Also, all iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, Mac PCs, and more, have this free tool. However, one of the disadvantages of this tool is that it only records your voice through your microphone. This means that you can’t capture an internal sound of your Mac, like music playing. Also, the same as QuickTime Player, it can only save the recorded audio in the M4A format. But don’t you worry, AceThinker has an Online M4A to MP3 Converter tool that you can use to convert the recorded audio. Here’s how to record an MP3 on Mac using Voice Memos.

User Guide:

• First, get a mobile device and search for the music you want to record. Next, launch the Voice Memos app on your Mac and modify the settings before recording. You can choose the audio quality and days you want to keep the recorded audio.
• After that, click the REC button on the app and play the music on the mobile device. Once the music stops, tap the Done button on the Voice Memos app to end the recording. Next, the recorded MP3 will appear on the left-side corner of the app.
• You can play the recorded audio to see if it's good. Then, if you want to edit it, you can simply tap the Edit option located in the upper right corner. Also, since it's saved as M4A by default, you can convert it if you wish to share it with other devices.

Does Mac have an audio recorder?

In the Voice Memos app on your Mac, click the Record button (or use the Touch Bar). To pause, click the Pause button . To continue, click Resume. When you finish, click Done in the lower-right corner.

Apple Support

Create a recording on Mac - Apple Support

3 Alternative Audio Recorders for Mac

Software #1: Aqua Demo

Aqua Demo is a screen recording tool with many useful features. It has a lot of recording options such as video recorder, game recorder, audio recorder, and more. This tool also stands out from others as it can simultaneously capture system audio and microphone simultaneously. Besides, it lets you save the recorded MP3 on various audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, and more. Furthermore, this versatile tool can record from SoundCloud, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other music streaming sites in high audio quality up to 192kHz/24-bit. Aside from that, Aqua Demo has a basic editing feature where it allows you to trim the unwanted start and ending parts of the recorded MP3. To learn how to use this tool, here’s how to make an MP3 recording on Mac using Aqua Demo.

User Guide:

• To start with, get the installer file of Aqua Demo and proceed to the installation process. Once installed, open the tool and change the Video Recorder to an Audio Recorder. Then, start modifying the Recorder Settings according to your liking.
• Once done, navigate to the music streaming site where your favorite music is. Then, turn on System Sound to capture the internal audio on the audio recorder's interface. Next, tap the REC button to initiate the recording process and play the MP3 after the 3-second countdown.
• After the music ends, hit the Stop icon, and the preview panel will appear on your screen. The recorded file will also automatically save to the output folder you chose. Afterward, you can play the music on the Recording History to check if the recorded file is okay.

Software #2: GarageBand

Another excellent Mac audio recorder is a very popular software called GarageBand. It is designed for music creation and audio recording. One of the useful features of this tool is that it can record your voice, any instruments, and beats to create complex compositions. Aside from that, this versatile tool is for users who have experience in audio mixing and production. Furthermore, you can export the recorded audio to MP3 format without any hassle. In addition, GarageBand also has editing features such as trimming, voice control, and more.

How do you record an MP3 file on a Mac using GarageBand?

User Guide:

• Open GarageBand on your Mac, and select New Project from the main menu. Then, choose Audio as the track type for recording vocals or instruments, then click Create. After that, you can name your project and set the desired sample rate and tempo.
• Next, connect your microphone or audio input device to your Mac. Then, click the Record button to initiate recording in the GarageBand. After that, play your audio and click the stop button when finished. You can replay and edit the recording by trimming or adding effects as needed.
• Once satisfied with your recording, click Share in the menu and select Export Song to Disk. In the export window, choose MP3 as the file format and adjust the quality settings if necessary. Finally, click "Export," and GarageBand will save your recording as an MP3 file to your chosen location.

Software #3: Audacity

Audacity is an open-source audio recording available on multiple platforms. It provides a rich set of features, including recording live audio, editing sound files, converting mp3 files, etc. In fact, this tool can be used in various scenarios like podcasting, voiceovers, and more. This means that it can capture sound coming from your microphone. However, it requires a plugin to record internal audio on your Mac. Don’t worry; Audacity supports many plugins, such as VST3, Soundflower, Nyquist, and more. Furthermore, it also supports multiple audio formats like MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, and more. You can follow the steps below to learn how to record MP3 on Mac.

User Guide:

• First, install the Audacity software on your Mac. You can get the installer file on its main website. Once installed, open the app and start configuring its settings. Next, click the drop-down menu of the Recording Device tab and select an audio input, whether your microphone or a plugin.
• Then, navigate to the Tracks menu at the top and choose Add New Option to create a new empty track. After that, start the recording process by tapping the REC button (small red circle). By that, you can now play the MP3 you desire to record then hit the stop option once the music ends.
• After that, the recorded MP3 will appear on the tool's interface, where you can preview it. Lastly, save the file in your desired format by going through the File menu and clicking the Export option. From there, you can choose among the audio formats available and save it in your desired output folder.

Record MP3 on Mac Using an Online Tool

If you don't want to install any software on your Mac or you don't want to use the built-in audio recorders since they lack features. In that case, you can try our AceThinker Free Online Screen Recorder! It is a browser-based screen recorder tool that can capture system audio and audio from your microphone. Also, this reliable tool allows you to record unlimited MP3s you want without any limits. Furthermore, you can use this tool to record any activity on your screen, such as music videos, tutorials, and more. However, since it's a screen recorder, the tool can capture your screen along with the audio, not only the audio. See the given steps below to learn how to record MP3 on a Mac using a screen recorder.

User Guide:

• To begin with, go to the main page of the online screen recorder and click Start Recording to get the launcher. Then, click the Download option in the pop-up window. Once downloaded, proceed to the installation process, and the launcher will open automatically after installation.
• After installation, navigate to the music streaming site and find the music you want to record. Then, adjust the recording area to fit it on the screen. Next, tap the REC button and play the music after the countdown.
• When the music ends, hit the Stop button, and the preview window will appear. From there, you can trim the unnecessary parts of the recorded file. Finally, save the recording as a video file by clicking the File icon, selecting Save As Video File, and choosing an output folder.

Tips to Have High Quality Recordings

Choose a Quiet Location:

Recording in a quiet room or place is important to avoid unwanted background sounds like traffic or talking. A peaceful space also helps ensure your recording is clear, making it easier to hear the important parts without distractions.

Use a High-Quality Microphone:

A high-quality microphone captures sound more accurately, enhancing the clarity and professionalism of your voice or music. Additionally, investing in a quality mic can significantly improve your recordings, reducing the need for extensive editing later.

Adjust Recording Settings:

Set your recording levels properly to avoid distortion or overly quiet audio. Ensure the sample rate and bit depth are set to optimal values (e.g., 44.1 kHz and 16-bit) for clear and balanced sound quality.

Test the Setup:

Always do a quick test recording to check your mic, levels, and settings before the main session. This lets you catch and fix any problems early, saving time and ensuring a smooth recording process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does QuickTime Player record internal audio?

By default, QuickTime Player can't record internal audio but can capture audio from your microphone. If you want to record system sound, you need to install a plugin like Soundflower.

What are the tools that can record MP3 on Mac?

You can use various tools to record audio on a Mac. QuickTime Player and Voice Memos are built-in recording tools you can acquire. In addition, if you want advanced audio recording tools, you can try Aqua Demo, GarageBand, and Audacity. Furthermore, suppose you do not want to install any software on your Mac. In that case, you can acquire an AceThinker Free Online Screen Recorder accessible in any browser.

Is M4A better than MP3 for saving recorded audio?

M4A generally offers better sound quality than MP3 at the same file size because it uses a more advanced compression method. However, MP3 is more widely supported and compatible with many devices. If you need better quality and don’t mind the file format, M4A is a good choice; otherwise, MP3 is more versatile.

Final Thoughts

Recording MP3s on a Mac is simple with tools like QuickTime Player, Voice Memos, Aqua Demo, Audacity, GarageBand, and AceThinker's online recorder. Each tool has different features that can help record high-quality MP3 on a Mac. Additionally, it's worth experimenting with these methods to see which best fits your needs. Whether you're recording music, podcasts, or notes, trying out different tools will ensure you find the best quality and ease of use for your recordings.