To capture music, game sounds, browser audio, or calls in Streamlabs Desktop on a Mac, route your Mac’s sound through the free virtual audio driver BlackHole. Create a Multi-Output Device in macOS Audio MIDI Setup so you can hear the sound and send it to BlackHole, then select BlackHole as a Mic/Auxiliary input in Streamlabs. A normal microphone input by itself will not capture other apps’ audio.
Why Streamlabs does not capture Mac desktop audio directly
Streamlabs’ support article explains that “macOS doesn’t allow apps (like Streamlabs Desktop) to grab audio directly from other apps.” That is Streamlabs’ explanation of the workflow, not a quotation from Apple. The article, attributed to Kevin, was last updated November 10, 2025. macOS routes app audio separately, so you need a virtual audio route that presents system sound to Streamlabs as an input.
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The steps below follow Streamlabs’ documented BlackHole workflow. You can monitor through your Mac’s built-in output or another listening device while BlackHole carries the same sound into Streamlabs.
Set up BlackHole and route Mac audio to Streamlabs
1. Install BlackHole
Download and install BlackHole by following the instructions on the BlackHole project wiki. Streamlabs describes BlackHole as free and open source. Its download flow may ask you to donate or skip and complete a short form to receive the installer; that process can change, so follow the current instructions on the project’s site.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
2. Create a Multi-Output Device
- Open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac. You can find it with Spotlight search or in Applications > Utilities.
- Click the + button and choose Create Multi-Output Device.
- In the device list, enable BlackHole and your listening output, such as Built-in Output. Enable any other output you use for monitoring.
- Keep the built-in output (or your chosen listening device) above BlackHole in the device list. Streamlabs warns that placing BlackHole first can leave you unable to hear sound through your speakers or headphones.
3. Set the Multi-Output Device as the Mac’s sound output
Open your Mac’s sound output settings and select the Multi-Output Device you created. macOS will now send system audio to both the listening device and BlackHole.
4. Select BlackHole in Streamlabs Desktop
- In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Audio.
- Choose BlackHole for one of the Mic/Auxiliary devices.
- Play audio in the app you want to capture and check the Streamlabs mixer for activity on the selected input before recording or going live.
The mixer check is a practical way to verify your routing before you start. If the meter does not respond, work through the troubleshooting checks below.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Fix common BlackHole and Streamlabs audio problems
You can no longer hear Mac audio
Open Audio MIDI Setup, select the Multi-Output Device, and check the order of its outputs. Put the built-in output or your monitoring device above BlackHole, and make sure it remains enabled. Then confirm that the Multi-Output Device is selected as your Mac’s sound output.
Recommended Free Tools
BlackHole is missing or has no activity in Streamlabs
- Confirm that BlackHole is enabled in the Multi-Output Device and that the Multi-Output Device is selected as the Mac’s output.
- In Streamlabs Desktop > Settings > Audio, confirm BlackHole is selected for a Mic/Auxiliary device.
- Play audio from an app while checking the Streamlabs mixer; selecting BlackHole alone does not create the macOS routing.
Streamlabs cannot access audio input
Check macOS microphone privacy permission. Apple’s guidance, published May 27, 2026, gives these paths:
Rank #3
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with one combo XLR / Line Input with phantom power and one Line / Instrument input
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Solo’s transparent Crystal Preamp guarantees optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
- macOS Ventura or later: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone; enable Streamlabs Desktop.
- macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or Mojave: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Microphone; enable the relevant app.
Microphone permission allows an app to use audio inputs; it does not create the BlackHole system-audio route. You need both permission, when macOS requires it, and the routing setup described above.
BlackHole or Loopback?
Streamlabs’ Mac screen-recording guide recommends BlackHole for macOS 11 Big Sur and later, and also names Loopback as another third-party solution. Streamlabs does not provide a detailed comparison. Before choosing between routing tools, check their current macOS compatibility, routing controls, setup requirements, monitoring support, cost, and available support. Current Loopback pricing and feature details are not established here.
Rank #4
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep pre-recorded videos live on YouTube around the clock—not to capture live audio from Mac apps—StreamNeo is a different kind of solution. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded content in the cloud, so your computer does not have to stay on.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Nothing has to stay running at home.
- Uploaded video streams as made, at any quality up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo plays uploaded videos on YouTube; it does not capture a Mac’s live desktop audio or stream from a camera. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
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