This manual contains several ways to record sound played on a computer using the same computer. If you have already come across a method of recording sound using a “Stereo Mixer” (Stereo Mix), but it did not work because there is no such device, I will offer additional options.
I don’t know exactly why this might be needed (after all, almost any music can be downloaded, if that’s what it is), but users are interested in the question of how to record what they hear in speakers or headphones. Although some situations can be assumed - for example, the need to record voice communication with someone, sound in a game, and the like. The methods described below are suitable for Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7.
On some laptops and sound cards, the “Stereo Mixer” device is either missing (or rather, not implemented in the drivers) or for some reason its use is blocked by the device manufacturer. In this case, there is still a way to record the sound being played by the computer.
The free Audacity program will help with this (with the help of which, by the way, it is convenient to record sound even in cases where a stereo mixer is present).
Among the audio sources for recording, Audacity supports the special Windows digital interface WASAPI. Moreover, when using it, recording occurs without converting the analog signal to digital, as is the case with a stereo mixer.
To record audio from a computer using Audacity, select Windows WASAPI as the signal source, and in the second field select the audio source (microphone, sound card, hdmi). In my test, despite the fact that the program was in Russian, the list of devices was displayed in the form of hieroglyphs, I had to try at random, the second device turned out to be necessary. Please note that if you encounter the same problem, then when you record “blindly” from a microphone, the sound will still be recorded, but of poor quality and with a weak level. Those. if the recording quality is poor, try the next device on the list.
You can download the Audacity program for free from the official website www.audacityteam.org
Another relatively simple and convenient recording option in the absence of a stereo mixer is.
Record sound from a computer using NVidia tools
At one time, I wrote about a method for recording a computer screen with sound in NVidia ShadowPlay (only for owners of NVidia video cards). The program allows you to record not only video from games, but also just video from your desktop with sound.
In this case, it can also record sound “in the game”, which, if you enable recording from the desktop, records all sounds played on the computer, as well as “in the game and from the microphone”, which allows you to immediately record the sound played on the computer and then , which is spoken into the microphone - i.e., for example, you can record the entire conversation in Skype.
I’m not technically aware of how exactly the recording takes place, but it works even where there is no “Stereo mixer”. The final file is in video format, but it is easy to extract audio from it as a separate file; almost everyone can convert video to mp3 or other audio files.
This concludes the article, and if anything remains unclear, ask. At the same time, it would be interesting to know: why do you need to record sound from a computer?
Recording sound from a microphone is a simple matter. In addition, a great many programs have been written that can record audio. Such software may be very different from its competitors, but at the same time, it copes with its tasks quite well. Let's look at the most “capable” representatives of audio recording software.
A small but quite powerful utility, “tailored” for recording audio in MP3 format. It is for this format that the program provides a large number of settings. Free MP3 Sound Recorder records sound from players, instant messengers and other sources.
Free Audio Recorder
Another program for recording sound from a computer. Unlike Free MP3 Sound Recorder, it records (logs) all actions performed by the user. Logs can be used to diagnose and correct errors. This software supports all types of sound cards, including built-in, discrete and external devices.
Free Sound Recorder
In our opinion, this sound recording program does not stand out among its peers. The usual functions and a little marketing. True, unlike previous representatives, it has a built-in scheduler. Free Sound Recorder supports a large number of formats and devices.
Kat MP3 Recorder
Quite an old, but quite functional program that copes with its tasks perfectly. It has a simple and intuitive interface, includes many settings, and has a built-in scheduler and archive. The software can record audio in rare formats, and the scheduler has a built-in function for recording audio using a link from the Internet.
UV Sound Recorder
A very easy-to-use program for recording sound from a sound card. For all its simplicity, it can record sound from several devices at once into different files. One of the features is to convert the incoming audio signal to MP3 format on the fly.
Sound Forge
Powerful paid software that, in addition to recording sound, allows you to edit it. The editor is professional, with many features and support for third-party plugins. The program's arsenal of tools includes batch processing of files, burning CDs, and restoring damaged tracks.
NanoStudio
NanoStudio is a free software for creating music with a large set of built-in tools. The main ones include the TRG-16 drum machine and the Eden virtual synthesizer. Supports MIDI devices, has functions for creating compositions, as well as mixing and mastering.
Audacity
A very similar product to Sound Forge, with one big difference - it is completely free. For Open Source software, Audacity has surprisingly powerful functionality. The program supports plugins, provides the ability to convert formats, and supports any audio devices.
These are the representatives of audio recording software. Some can only write audio, some can also edit, some are paid, others are free. The choice is yours.
A very simple and elegant application for recording sound on iPhone and iPad, which also allows you to broadcast the signal from your device to a remote control, stereo system, camera, etc. through the headphone jack. The application menu has only six buttons: turn the microphone on/off, record, record list, playback, mute (in case of connecting with another device) and equalizer. Audio recorded in AIFF format can be sent to e-mail, SoundCloud or shared via Wi-Fi.
2
A free program for recording sound on iPhone and iPad, with a wide range of settings. The application supports three formats - MP4 (AAC), MP3 (MPEG) and WAV (PCM). Sample Rate - from 8 to 48 kHz (for WAV up to 96 kHz); Bit Rate - from 32 to 320 kbps; Bite Depth - from 8 to 32 Bits. The application also has a built-in VU meter that shows the current audio volume, which is adjusted using a special slider located below. The finished file can be sent by e-mail, saved on various cloud services, posted on social networks, and also carried out various manipulations with it - convert, crop, rename, etc.
3
Based on reviews, this recording tool for Android devices is known for producing better quality tracks than many others. The application has advanced functionality: it works in three different formats (MP3, OGG, WAV), allows you to set the sampling frequency to 8 kHz, 11 kHz, 22 kHz, 44 kHz or 48 kHz, edit audio files and make other useful settings. RecForge Pro records not only audio from the microphone, but also calls and games. For widget lovers, there are four options to choose from.
4
The official iOS application from the famous Australian company Røde Microphones, which allows you to record sound on the built-in microphone of a smartphone/tablet or on an external stereo microphone RØDE iXY. The program creates audio files with a resolution of 24-bit, 48 kHz (up to 96 kHz when using an external microphone), allows you to edit them using a nice built-in editor and output them in AIFF, WAVE, CAF, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, FLAC, etc. formats. On iPad you can also view waveforms, edit and manage tracks on one screen.
5
Unlike Røde, the Japanese company ZOOM Corporation has made its product free. The main screen contains all the most necessary information - duration, type and format (WAV 44.1/48 kHz or AAC 64/128/160 kbps) recording, volume level, playback and rewind buttons. The “Effect” section has a built-in equalizer, reverb settings and the ability to perform basic mastering. In addition, you can listen to and trim audio recordings in a separate window. Many other additional functions and settings are available only if you have a proprietary external microphone ZOOM IQ5/6/7.
6
A package of useful tools that allow you to measure noise level, harmonic frequency and other important parameters using a mobile microphone. The application includes an audio calculator, a phase meter, a wave generator, a built-in voice recorder that records audio in WAV format with a sampling frequency of 8 kHz - 48 kHz, and a bunch of other software modules necessary for every specialist working with audio.
7
A unique application for Android devices, which contains educational materials and articles on sound engineering, sound design and arrangement, lessons from famous producers, reviews of VST plugins and instruments, DAWs, information about schools, exhibitions and audio equipment stores. The application also works in offline mode, so texts can be read anywhere, regardless of Internet access.
8
A well-known program among connoisseurs, it turns your iPad into a universal studio with which you can mix sound and create various musical compositions. The menu has a huge number of buttons and subsections, and in order not to get confused, there is a built-in help system. To create compositions, you can play a melody or rhythm yourself using a virtual keyboard, use your own music collection, or take built-in samples. Each track has many fine-tuning settings, and the finished file is output in any of four formats (M4A, WAV, FLAC or MIDI). The only drawback is the high price.
From time to time, users have a not very popular need - to record an audio track of what is currently playing on the PC. Quickly navigating and saving, for example, an important conversation on Skype, can be problematic if you have never encountered sound recording on a computer before and don’t know where and what to look for. Therefore, it is better to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of Windows in advance.
You can record important audio information in the following ways:
- if you have a stereo mixer: built-in sound recording program in Windows;
- without a stereo mixer: special programs for sound recording, for example, Audacity;
- using an audio cable;
- recording using online programs.
First of all, you need to activate the stereo mix. This device is usually disabled in settings. To enable it, you need to right-click on the speaker icon in the notification area and click on “Recording devices”.
If the stereo mixer does not appear in the list that appears, right-click in the empty field in this window and turn on the “Show disabled devices” mode. Next, we activate the stereo mixer by pressing the right button as usual, then confirm the default use.
It should be noted that for non-standard cards there may be another device instead of a standard stereo mixer. For example, the source of the recording "What U Hear" from Sonic Blaster.
It is worth noting that after turning on the stereo mixer, you can enjoy a nice bonus - through the Shazam application for Windows. It allows you to determine the name of the song being played by sound.
The easiest way to make a sound recording is to use the built-in program in Windows. To do this, in Win 7 and 8, go to the Start menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Sound Recorder. For Win 10 – Start -> Voice Recording.
The standard sound recording program is very unpretentious and very easy to use, it starts with the “Start Recording” button. After clicking the “Stop Recording” button, it will offer to save the file in wma format (this is a licensed format for working with audio streams from Microsoft) in the folder of your choice.
If you need a different sound format, you can use alternative recording programs, for example, AudioMaster, but you will have to download them. Using this program, you can edit previously made digital recordings in any format or record new ones.
Record audio from a computer without a stereo mixer
It happens that some sound cards do not have drivers for a stereo mixer or the manufacturer has blocked such a device. A good assistant in this case will be the Audacity program, which is also useful if you have a stereo mixer. The program has advanced capabilities compared to standard audio recording applications.
To record sound from a computer using this program, you need to select Windows WASAPI in the first drop-down list, or your sound card in the second (which serves as your sound source) and press the start button.
Recording using an audio cable
This method is a little exotic, but useful if the stereo mixer is not supported and there is no Internet. Consequently, there is no way to download a recording program or use an online service, but you still need to record an audio track. You will need a cable with a 3.5 connector on both ends.
You need to connect one of the plugs to the microphone jack, the second to the audio output (headphones). After this, you can open any available recording program, for example, built into Windows, and carry out the necessary actions.
Online services for recording
There are also sites that provide the ability to record audio without having to install additional applications on your computer. Here are the most popular ones:
- vocalremover.ru;
- online-voice-recorder.com;
- vocaroo.com;
- audio-joiner.com/ru/;
- sound-recorder.ru and many other sites and browser add-ons.
Let's look at the sound recording process using the first site as an example. It’s easy to do: click the “Start Recording” button, and after finishing, click the “Stop” button. You can listen to the result before downloading and re-record if the recording is unsuccessful. There are also several additional options: changing the tempo, key, format converter. The downloaded file will be in the most popular MP3 format.
Thus, there are many opportunities to make high-quality audio recordings on your PC with any equipment.
Video - How to record sound from a computer
In this article I will tell you about sound recording; it may be needed in many cases - to record audio greetings, a song, an advertising audio video, for learning foreign languages, etc. I will tell you about the types of recording on a computer at home without professional recording studios. As many of you already know, Windows has a standard recording system. First I’ll tell you a little about it, in case someone doesn’t know how to do it. And then I’ll move on to a number of professional sound recording programs, which already have in their arsenal such functions as noise reduction, use various effects, shift sound, cut out unnecessary things, overlay and combine voice and music, control timbre, convert sound to various formats and much more.
And so how to record a voice on a computer in a standard way?
Let's go to start -> all programs -> standard accessories -> sound recording. The program will open “sound recording”
After you press the button “Start Recording” everything you say into the microphone will be recorded. To finish and save the audio track, press “Stop recording” and a window will pop up asking you where to save it, indicate a location convenient for you, and there you can listen to what happened. (Audio is saved in .wma format)
Well, now let's move on to cooler programs for recording sound on a computer.
I will tell you about those programs in which I worked and, in fact, I was able to do everything in them. Of course, there are paid programs Sound Forge And Adobe Audition, UV SoundRecorder And AUDIO MASTER. But I'm used to using the good old Audacity. It is free, convenient, and easy to use.
You can download it from the official website audacity.sourceforge.net FREE. Installation is simple.
Briefly about the program's capabilities:
Audacity can record live audio through a microphone or mixer;
Record from microphone, line input, USB / Firewire devices and others;
can control volume levels before, during and after recording;
Recording at sampling rates up to 192,000 Hz (depending on relevant equipment and owner's choice). Up to 384,000 Hz is supported for eligible high-resolution devices on windows (using WASAPI), Mac OS X, and Linux;
Record several channels simultaneously (subject to appropriate equipment);
Import sound files, edit them and combine them with other files or new recordings;
Import and export WAV, AIFF, AU, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis files;
Fast "On-Demand" import of WAV or AIFF files;
Easy editing with Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete;
Unlimited sequential Undo (and redo) to go back any number of steps;
Supports LADSPA, LV2, Kotelnikov, VST and Audio Unit effect plugins.
Until recently, you could even record audio online.
There is also such a service as online-voice-recorder.com it allows you to record sound online. The functions of this service are not great, but they are convenient in some cases:
Record sound through a microphone or an oncoming webcam into a laptop;
The ability to cut and slice already in the finished file;
Saving in MP3 format;
Automatic detection of silence and adjustment of noise.
At the end of the article I would like to say a few words about audio formats.
And so everyone knows me MP3– good quality and small size. Ogg Vorbis– the sound quality is better than mp3 and the size is the same. But there is one drawback - if there are no players that can play this format, there may be problems. WAV– very good sound quality and very heavy files. FLAC is the highest quality format, but it is a little heavier than WAV and again, not all players can play it. In general, there are a lot of formats, here are their examples, but above I indicated the best ones: AAC, AIFF, APE, DMF, FLAC, MIDI, MOD, MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MPC, Ogg vorbis, RA, TTA, VQF, WAV, WMA, XM, VOX, VOC.