System audio recording works only in the desktop app (Windows and Mac). It isn’t available in a web browser.
How it works
Instead of sending a bot into the meeting, Tiro records the audio playing on your own computer directly. That includes the other side of a Zoom or Google Meet call, and any video or audio you’re playing.- Your microphone (your voice) and the system audio (your computer’s sound) are recorded on separate paths. Turn both on to capture both, or turn on just one.
- Nothing shows up for the other participants. Recording happens only on your computer, and only while you have it turned on.
How to turn on system audio
Turn on system audio in the recording controls
In the controls on the recording screen, turn on the [System Audio] input and set the [System Sound] input higher than 0%. The input percentage controls how loud your computer’s sound comes through; at 0%, system audio isn’t recorded.
(Mac) Allow screen recording permission
The first time you use it on a Mac, you need screen recording permission. When the “Screen recording is blocked” notice appears, allow Tiro under [System Settings] → [Privacy & Security], then try again. Windows needs no separate permission.
Start recording as usual
From here, it’s the same as live recording. The other side’s speech is captured in the transcript too.
”Couldn’t record system sound” appears
This is when your own voice (the microphone) is captured but the other side’s voice or a video’s sound isn’t. If the microphone is fine, it’s usually not a permission issue but the state of your computer’s output (speaker or earphone) device. Windows needs no separate permission for system sound recording.Check on Windows
- In [Settings] → [System] → [Sound], confirm that the default output device is set to a properly connected device. Switching to another device and back often fixes it.
- In that output device’s [Properties] → [Advanced] tab, uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”
- If any other app can grab the audio (virtual audio, voice changers, recording or broadcasting apps), close it.
- If it still doesn’t work, pause and resume the recording, or fully quit the app and reopen it.
Check on Mac
- In [System Settings] → [Privacy & Security], confirm that Tiro’s screen recording (screen and system audio recording) permission is allowed.
- Confirm that the [System Audio] setting in the recording controls is on and the [System Sound] input is higher than 0%.
”System sound capture stopped” appears during recording
If the output device changes mid-recording, such as when you unplug your earphones, system sound capture can drop. Microphone recording keeps going even then. Pause and resume the recording to pick up the new device.Frequently asked questions
Can’t I record system audio on the web?
Right. Because of browser security limits, it’s supported only in the desktop app (Windows and Mac). To capture the other side’s voice on the web, install the desktop app. See the app guide.Can the other people in the meeting see that I’m recording?
No. Tiro doesn’t join the meeting as a bot; it records the audio playing on your computer, so nothing appears on the other side’s screen. If you’re somewhere that requires notice of recording, tell them yourself.I want to record only system audio and leave out my voice.
You can control the microphone and system audio separately. Turn off the microphone and turn on just the [System Audio] input to capture only your computer’s sound.Related pages: Live recording · When recording doesn’t work If you need help, share your app version, OS, and output device (speaker, earphone, or whether virtual audio is involved), and we can sort it out faster.