LiteRec / Practical guide
How to record Mac system audio without video
Updated October 13, 2026 · Based on LiteRec 1.2.4
When the spoken content matters more than the picture, audio-only recording avoids storing an unnecessary video track.
System audio is not your microphone
LiteRec captures sound playing on your Mac. It does not record the microphone. In a meeting, this can include remote participants, but your own voice may be missing. Do not use it as a complete two-sided meeting recorder unless a short test confirms all required voices are present.
Record an M4A file in LiteRec
- Grant the screen/system-audio permission requested by macOS. Reopen the app if macOS asks.
- Choose the system-audio-only mode and a save folder.
- Play the sound you want to capture and start recording.
- Stop and save, then play the M4A file to check it.
Other apps playing sound can be recorded too; close unrelated audio sources and mute notifications before starting. Protected media may not be captured. Obtain the permissions you need to record or share the material.
How large is an hour?
At LiteRec’s target AAC rate of 48 kbps mono, one hour is approximately 21.6 MB before container overhead. This is a calculation, not a guarantee. Actual encoding and source audio affect the result.
Turn it into text
Open Transcribe, choose your recording, download a local model and process it on your Mac. A transcription file can be up to five hours long. Review names, numbers and technical terms against the audio before exporting.