3 Steps for Recording Microphone and System Sounds Simultaneously

Recording audio can be tricky. Sometimes you’re trying to record a screencast and you set your Peek 360 input to the wrong mic, capturing nothing but dead air. Or you want to record the audio from your computer, so you turn the speakers way up and hope it sounds OK as you record with your microphone … but the results are always a little off. 

Thankfully, there’s a better way to capture both your audio on the correct microphone and the output from your computer at the same time, with a single click. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

Creating an Aggregate Device

When you see the words “aggregate device,” it’s easy to be instantly put off. Don’t be. There’s nothing to be afraid of. While it sounds complicated, it’s really just a blanket term Windows uses to define an audio device that’s made up of both input (e.g., the microphone) and output (e.g., speakers) devices. 

Let’s walk through how to create an aggregate device in Windows 10.

Step 1: Access Your Sound Control Center

The easiest way to access the Windows 10 Sound Control Panel is to search for Sound from the Windows search box. Select Sound Settings from the results. 

Once the Sound Settings window opens, click the Sound Control Panel link on the right-hand side. 

Once the Sound Control Panel opens, you’re ready for your next step. 

Step 2: Set Up Stereo Mix

Uh-oh. Another weird technical term? Not to fret! The stereo mix device is what Windows calls its default aggregate device. It’s disabled by default, so we need to enable it here. 

In the Sound Control Panel, select the Recording tab. Right-click and select Show Disabled Devices. 

Once you see Stereo Mix, select it, right-click, and choose Enable. Then select it again, right-click, and select Set as Default Device.

You’re almost done! Now you need the microphone to feed into your newly enabled Stereo Mix Device. Right-click the microphone you’ll use for recording and select Properties. When that window displays, select the Listen tab and enable Listen to This Device. If your microphone isn’t plugged in, you may hear some feedback; lower your speaker volume until you plug in your mic. 

Step 3: Record!​

The final step is easy. When you launch Peek 360 to start a recording, select the Stereo Mix Device from the microphone icon. Now, Peek 360 will record your narration as well as any audio playing from your computer, including screen reader narration and sound effects. 

That’s all there is to it! Now you can produce professional-sounding audio tracks to make your training content even better.  

Just a note, you can create an aggregate device for recording in macOS with the Audio Midi Setup app. But you’ll need third-party software to enable the option to record computer output.