# How to Record Audio on Mac When Using Cya Live

Cya is a platform for shared live experiences. Set up Mac system audio for live sessions with this guide to BlackHole, a Multi-Output Device and microphone routing.

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[Canonical HTML](https://cya.live/info/how-to-record-audio-on-mac)

Published: 2025-06-23T17:21:47+00:00

Updated: 2026-09-10

![Record Audio on a Mac](https://cdn1.cya.live/info/img/originals/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-3.08.12-PM-da0393678f52.png)

When you hit the “Record” button on Cya Live, your session is captured—including video and visuals—but **macOS restricts apps from recording system audio by default**, which means you might miss the sound from videos or other participants unless you take a few extra steps.

Here’s the **easiest way** to enable both system and mic audio recording on a Mac.

## What You’ll Need

We recommend using **BlackHole** – a free, lightweight audio driver that lets you route audio between apps.

You can install it in just a few steps:

### Step 1: Install BlackHole (Free)

1. Visit the [official BlackHole GitHub page](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole).

2. Click on **“Download Installer”** and follow the instructions.

3. Choose **“2ch” version** unless you need advanced multi-channel setup.

### Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device (So You Can Hear and Record at Once)

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (found in Applications > Utilities).
2. Click the ”+” button at the bottom left and choose “Create Multi-Output Device” .
3. Check the boxes for: Your Mac’s built-in output or headphones BlackHole 2ch
4. Optional: Right-click it and select “Use This Device for Sound Output” .

### Step 3: Route Mic and System Audio

To capture both your mic and system audio:

- In Cya Live , keep using your regular mic as input.
- For recording: Choose BlackHole as the system output when recording. Or, for simpler capture, use a free app like Loopback or Audio Hijack if you prefer visual control (these are paid but easier for non-technical users).

### Step 4: Start Recording in Cya Live

1. Hit Record in your Cya Live session.
2. Make sure your audio output is set to the Multi-Output Device you just created.
3. Talk and play content as usual—Cya Live will now capture everything.

### Tips

- Test first : Run a short Cya session and review the video to confirm everything is working.
- You can switch audio output back to normal once your session is done (System Settings > Sound).

### Coming Soon

We’re working on an even smoother one-click audio setup for Mac. Stay tuned!

## Your questions, answered.

**What does the Mac audio setup involve?**

The Cya guide uses BlackHole and a Multi-Output Device to route system audio. It also covers combining microphone and system audio for recording.

**Can I hear audio while recording my session?**

The guide uses a Multi-Output Device so you can hear and record audio at the same time. Once your Cya session ends, you can switch your audio output back in System Settings.

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