Great video with bad audio is unwatchable. Bad video with great audio is a podcast. Audio quality can make or break your screen recording, so let’s get it right.

Types of Audio in Screen Recording

1. Microphone Audio

Your voice, captured through your computer’s mic or an external microphone.

Best for: Tutorials, narration, walkthroughs, presentations.

2. System Audio

Sound output from your computer — music from Spotify, audio from a video call, game sounds, notification dings.

Best for: Demonstrating apps with sound, capturing video calls (with consent), recording presentations with embedded videos.

3. Both Combined

Mic + system audio together. Your narration layered with whatever is playing on your computer.

Best for: Reaction videos, tutorial overlays on top of existing content, live commentary on presentations.

Getting System Audio to Work

System audio capture is one of the trickier parts of screen recording in a browser. Here’s what to know:

Chrome / Edge (Chromium-based)

When you click “Start Recording” and the share dialog appears:

1. Select the “Chrome Tab” or “Browser Tab” option
2. Look for the “Share tab audio” checkbox at the bottom
3. Make sure it’s checked ✓

Important: System audio only works when sharing a browser tab, not when sharing your entire screen or a specific window.

Firefox

Firefox currently doesn’t support system audio capture through getDisplayMedia. You’ll get screen video but no system sound.

Safari

Safari has limited getDisplayMedia support and doesn’t support system audio capture.

Microphone Best Practices

Environment

• Close windows: Outside noise is distracting
• Turn off fans/AC if possible during the recording
• Choose a carpeted room: Hard floors and bare walls cause echo
• Put your phone on silent: Vibrations are picked up by sensitive mics

Hardware

You don’t need an expensive setup. In order of quality:

1. Dedicated USB microphone ($30-100): Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020, Samson Q2U
2. Headset microphone ($20-60): Gaming headsets or call center headsets
3. Earbuds with mic ($15-30): AirPods, Galaxy Buds, or wired earbuds
4. Laptop built-in mic (free): Usable but often picks up fan noise and typing

Technique

• Stay consistent distance from the mic (4-8 inches for USB mics)
• Speak at a consistent volume — don’t trail off at the end of sentences
• Avoid plosives: Position the mic slightly off-center from your mouth
• Don’t tap the desk: Vibrations travel through USB mic stands

Common Audio Problems and Fixes

Echo / Reverb

Cause: Sound bouncing off walls and monitors Fix: Record in a room with soft furnishings. Hang a towel behind your monitor if desperate.

Background Noise

Cause: Fans, air conditioning, traffic Fix: Use a directional mic (cardioid pattern), enable noise suppression in your OS settings.

Volume Too Low

Cause: Mic too far away or input gain too low Fix: Move closer to the mic. Check your OS sound settings and increase the input level.

Clipping / Distortion

Cause: Speaking too loudly or mic gain too high Fix: Lower the input level in your OS settings. Speak at a normal conversational volume.

Audio/Video Out of Sync

Cause: System under heavy load during recording Fix: Close unnecessary applications. Lower the recording resolution.

The Right Audio Setup for Each Situation

Scenario	Mic	System Audio	Webcam
Bug report	✅ On	❌ Off	❌ Off
Tutorial	✅ On	❌ Off	✅ On
App demo with sound	✅ On	✅ On	Optional
Quick walkthrough	✅ On	❌ Off	❌ Off
Meeting recording	✅ On	✅ On	✅ On

Test Before You Record

Always do a 10-second test recording before your actual take:

1. Start recording
2. Say a test sentence at your normal speaking volume
3. Play some system audio if you’re capturing it
4. Stop and play back
5. Check: Can you hear yourself clearly? Is system audio balanced?

This 30-second investment saves you from discovering audio issues after a 10-minute recording session.

Set up your audio and start recording →