Doesn't record system sound, sometimes not even mic (macOS 11.0.1)

[dialex]

Disclaimer: I'm terribly frustrated. I've followed dozens of tutorials and videos and I can't figure out how to make this work. After a couple of hours struggling, this was the latest guide.

I'm using macOS 11.0.1 Big Sur. I had this briefly working but now it just doesn't work:

• When I select the Multi-output device, I stop hearing sound
  • even though I'm using the multi-aggregate device
• My recordings don't record the system sound
• When I connect my headset, it doesn't record system sounds nor microphone

I've given up on my headset. I've tried Blackhole 2ch and 16ch. I just want this to work with the built-in mac...

Notice the Out 0 on Macbook's Microphone. Is that normal? I can't change it.

And when recording

Can someone please help me figure out what I'm doing wrong? I know this is open-source and free, and I have no right to complain. What frustrates me is that everyone else seems to have it working except me, and I had it working a single time and never again. For it to be so hard it must be something really simple.

[dialex]

Sorry, I just can't try more combinations on my own, I'm losing my mind. Reset.

1. I want to record the system sounds and hear them at the same time.
2. If possible record my mic.
3. If possible do all this while wearing a headset.

Please, how can I do that? 😭

[dialex]

Ok I managed to achieve 1)

And when recording:

• Preferences > Sound > Multi-output device
• Quicktime player > Input > Aggregate Device

[devinroth]

Download BlackHole 2ch version. QT likes working with that one better. As well as multi-outputs. That may be part of your issues.

[devinroth]

Input into QT should be BH.

[devinroth]

System output should be the multi-output with BH and speakers/headphones.

[dialex]

To achieve the same, but using headphones, change the config to:

BUT!

• you need change the config while the Multi-Output Device (MOD) is not being used
• you need to keep the order Mac > BH > Headphones

Otherwise you mess up your MOD forever, and you need to delete it and start all over.

[devinroth]

The reason is due to a bug in macOS. That won't be a problem with the 2ch version.

[devinroth]

For recording your voice, you need to mix your mic into BH. I use Logic, but it should work with Audacity, Garage, or any other type of DAW. Just set the input from your mic, output to BH and enable monitoring so the audio gets passed through.