DesktopAudio vs SoundGate Guitar
Side-by-side comparison of features, pros & cons, pricing, and community votes (2026).
🏆 SoundGate Guitar leads with 452 upvotes
Record what your Mac plays. Local files, no cloud.
DesktopAudio offers Mac users a simple yet powerful way to record system audio directly onto their device without relying on cloud services or requiring microphone permissions. Perfect for capturing podcasts, live streams, webinars, calls, or any other audio played through your Mac, it saves recordings as local m4a files, ensuring privacy and control. Unlike traditional screen recording tools that lack audio capture, DesktopAudio complements macOS's native screen recording capabilities by adding seamless system audio recording, making it ideal for content creators, educators, and professionals who need high-quality, local recordings. Its straightforward, one-time purchase model at $19 makes it accessible without ongoing subscriptions, appealing to users seeking a reliable, privacy-focused solution for audio recording.
Pros
- Captures all system audio without microphone permissions
- Local recordings ensure privacy and security
- Easy to use with a one-time payment of $19
- Complements macOS screen recording for complete media capture
- No cloud storage or account required
Cons
- Limited to Mac users, no Windows support
- No advanced editing or mixing features
- Lacks cloud integration or sharing options
Best for
- • Recording podcasts directly from playback
- • Capturing live streams and webinars for offline use
- • Recording calls or meetings without microphone interference
- • Archiving system or app sounds for troubleshooting
Pricing: DesktopAudio is available as a one-time purchase for $19, with no subscription fees or free tier, making it an affordable, lifetime solution for Mac users.
AI Music Tutor that gives real-time feedback on your playing
SoundGate Guitar is an innovative AI-powered practice companion designed for guitar enthusiasts of all skill levels. It listens in real-time as you play, providing instant visual feedback directly on an interactive fretboard, with zero-lag note detection to ensure a seamless experience. Its built-in AI tutor analyzes your performance to offer personalized feedback, tailored practice routines, and quick answers to guitar-related questions. This makes it an ideal tool for self-learners, students, and guitar teachers seeking a versatile, tech-forward way to improve skills efficiently. What sets SoundGate Guitar apart is its combination of real-time audio analysis and intelligent coaching, creating a highly interactive and motivating practice environment that adapts to individual needs and progress.
Pros
- Real-time, zero-lag note detection for accurate feedback
- Interactive fretboard visualization enhances learning clarity
- Personalized AI-driven coaching and tailored practice routines
- Accessible for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players
- Answers to guitar questions improve overall understanding
Cons
- Limited information on pricing and subscription plans
- Potential learning curve for new users unfamiliar with AI tools
- Dependent on audio quality and device microphone accuracy
Best for
- • Practicing scales, chords, and songs with instant feedback
- • Learning new techniques or riffs via personalized guidance
- • Self-assessment for tracking skill improvement over time
- • Supplementing guitar lessons with AI-driven practice routines
Pricing: Likely offers a freemium model with basic features free and premium plans starting around $10-20/month, providing access to advanced feedback and personalized routines. Exact pricing details are not publicly confirmed.