> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mavioapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# System Audio Capture

> Record any audio playing on your desktop with Mavio system audio capture — no bot needed.

System audio capture lets you record any sound output from your computer. It works with every application — meeting platforms, webinars, training videos, podcasts, or any browser tab. This feature is exclusive to the Mavio desktop app.

## How it works

The Mavio desktop app installs a lightweight virtual audio driver that mirrors your system's audio output. When you start a system audio recording, Mavio captures the mixed audio stream before it reaches your speakers or headphones. Your actual audio output is unaffected — you hear everything as normal.

<Note>
  System audio capture records what you **hear**, not what your microphone picks up. To include your own voice (for example, during a meeting), enable **Microphone + System Audio** mode.
</Note>

## Getting started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the desktop app">
    Download Mavio for [macOS or Windows](/documentation/installation) and complete the setup process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Grant audio permissions">
    **macOS:** Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording** and enable Mavio. A restart of the app may be required.

    **Windows:** No additional permissions are needed beyond the initial microphone access prompt.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a recording">
    Click the Mavio icon in your menu bar (macOS) or system tray (Windows) and select **Record System Audio**. Alternatively, use the global hotkey:

    * **macOS:** `Cmd + Shift + R`
    * **Windows:** `Ctrl + Shift + R`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Stop the recording">
    Click the recording indicator in the menu bar or system tray, or press the hotkey again. Mavio processes the audio and delivers your transcript, summary, and action items within minutes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recording modes

| Mode                          | Captures                            | Use case                                                        |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **System audio only**         | All audio output from your computer | Webinars, training videos, podcasts                             |
| **Microphone only**           | Your microphone input               | In-person dictation, voice memos                                |
| **System audio + microphone** | Both streams, mixed                 | Active meeting participation where you want your voice included |

Switch modes from the recording dropdown in the menu bar or in **Settings > Recording > Default capture mode**.

## Audio quality

System audio capture records at the native sample rate of your audio output (typically 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) in 16-bit PCM. The audio is compressed before upload using Opus codec at 64 kbps, which preserves speech clarity while keeping file sizes small.

<Tip>
  For the best transcription accuracy, keep your system volume at a moderate level. Extremely low volume can reduce transcription quality, while clipping from very high volume degrades accuracy.
</Tip>

## Speaker identification with system audio

Since system audio is a mixed stream (all speakers combined into one channel), Mavio uses AI-based speaker diarization to separate individual voices. This works best when:

* Speakers take turns (minimal crosstalk)
* Each speaker has a distinct voice profile
* Audio quality is clear without heavy compression or background noise

If you have previously identified speakers in past meetings, Mavio will attempt to match voices to known profiles automatically.

## Platform-specific notes

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS">
    * Requires **Screen Recording** permission (used for the virtual audio driver, not actual screen capture)
    * Works with all audio outputs including built-in speakers, headphones, and external DACs
    * Compatible with macOS 12 Monterey through macOS 15 Sequoia
    * Apple Silicon and Intel Macs are both supported
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    * Uses Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI) in loopback mode
    * Works with all audio endpoints including speakers, headphones, and USB audio devices
    * No virtual driver installation required on Windows
    * Compatible with Windows 10 (1903+) and Windows 11
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="No audio is being captured">
    Verify that Mavio has Screen Recording permission on macOS (**System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording**). On Windows, ensure no other application is exclusively locking the audio device.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My own voice is not included">
    Switch to **System Audio + Microphone** mode in the recording dropdown. System audio alone captures only what plays through your speakers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Audio quality is poor or distorted">
    Check your system volume — if it is at 100% and the source is loud, audio may clip. Lower the volume to 70-80% and try again. Also ensure no audio enhancement software is modifying the output.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>