Recording BlackHole with GarageBand

This guide shows you how to record audio from BlackHole in GarageBand. Once your audio source is routed to BlackHole, you can record it directly into a GarageBand project for editing, mixing, or further production.

Before You Begin

This guide assumes that BlackHole has already been configured as the output device for the audio you want to record. For example, your web browser, media player, or another application should already be sending audio to BlackHole before you begin.

1. Create a New Track

Open Garageband, choose a Track Type, and in the section that says My instrument is connected with, click on the Continue button as shown on the screenshot.

2. Select BlackHole as the Input Device

Select BlackHole 2ch as your Input Device. Apply the changes.

3. Start Recording

You may now start recording from your audio source by clicking on the Record button or by pressing R.

Troubleshooting

No audio is being recorded

• Make sure BlackHole 2ch is selected as the Input Device in GarageBand.
• Ensure the application or system audio is actively being routed to BlackHole.

BlackHole doesn't appear as the Input Device

• Restart GarageBand after installing BlackHole.
• If BlackHole still doesn't appear, restart your Mac and launch GarageBand again.

GarageBand doesn't have microphone permission

If GarageBand cannot access audio input:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Go to Privacy & Security → Microphone.
3. Make sure GarageBand is allowed to access the microphone.
4. Restart GarageBand if necessary.

I can't hear the audio while recording

• You may set-up a Multi Output Device and use it as your system output instead, so the audio you are trying to record gets sent to BlackHole and to your preferred speaker. To learn more about Multi Output Devices, you may click here.