Years ago, I was using Audacity on Windows (XP through 10) I used to be able to select “Stereo Mix” as the recording device, and I would be able to extract clips from any audio that I was running. It was no longer an option sometime around 2018. It just disappeared from the option list.
After installing Linux on my new computer, I found that there was no “Stereo Mix” on this computer’s Audacity, either. When I go online to search how to record from any mixed sounds, I still get the search results saying, “just select Stereo Mix”.
What is going on, here? Did it go away because of pirating?
This page has information for Windows MacOS and Linux.
I believe Stereo Mix and What-U-Hear are optional Windows driver features from the soundcard or motherboard manufacturer, and they are becoming less common. On Windows you can use WASAPI loopback.
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Seems weird that the Windows option would just disappear one day. Right now, it does have a new Recording Device: Speakers (loopback). That’s good, as a contingency plan, at least (it’s an older computer, which could result in poor results).
Mainly, I’m on Linux. The correct procedure said to ensure I already have the latest version of pavucontrol (which I do), ensure Audio Setup Hotbar is set to on (it is), Host is ALSA (it is), and to choose ‘pulse’ as the Recording Device… But I don’t have ‘pulse’ (nor Default) as an option.
I have my headset mic, Elgato, Webcam, USB Audio - , USB Audio #1, and USB Audio #2. None of them send any audio to the monitor, nor record anything, when I hit record.
It could be a Windows or driver update.
I don’t know much about Linux.
“Stereo Mix” can be available. but hidden by default.
Try this on Linux: Ripping hair out because Audacity won't record web audio - #5 by evilmrb
Mark B
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I should also mention that I am working with Ubuntu. It’s probably a bit different than Mint, as talked about in evilmrb’s post, though that gets me somewhere to start.