Can't record an mp3 file

Audacity 3 Help Forum Windows
1

Hi

I am trying to record an mp3 file using Line In, from spotify, but the recording meter hardly registers on the scale, and the track waveform just shows a flat line.

When I try to play the track back there is no sound.

I’ve looked through the FAQs and Help topics, but can’t see why.

Any ideas

Papa Joe


Using Audacity ® 2.0.0 (Unicode); windows xp;

==============================
Default capture device number: 1
Default playback device number: 4
==============================
Device ID: 1
Device name: SigmaTel Audio
Host name: Windows DirectSound
Input channels: 2
Output channels: 0
Low Input Latency: 0.200000
Low Output Latency: 0.200000
High Input Latency: 0.400000
High Output Latency: 0.400000
Supported Rates:
==============================
Device ID: 4
Device name: SigmaTel Audio
Host name: Windows DirectSound
Input channels: 0
Output channels: 2
Low Input Latency: 0.200000
Low Output Latency: 0.200000
High Input Latency: 0.400000
High Output Latency: 0.400000
Supported Rates:
    8000 to 192000
    
==============================
2

Is Spotify running on the same computer as Audacity or on a different computer?

3

It’s running on the same computer

4

Then why are you trying to record using “Line In”? Are you using a loopback connector?

5

Sorry, I thought that was the way to do it. I don’t know what a loopback connector is.

6

OK, I understand now.
“Line In” is used when you want to record from something (such as a radio or an electric piano keyboard that is plugged into the “Line” recording input of the computer sound card.

To record sounds that are playing on the computer, the preferred method is to record from “Stereo Mix”.
Recording from “Stereo Mix” will record everything that is playing through the computer sound card.

Sadly support for “Stereo Mix” is gradually being phased out by Microsoft and many sound card manufacturers, but if it is available on your computer it is the most convenient method for recording what is playing on the computer.
The method is described here: http://manual.audacityteam.org/help/manual/man/tutorial_recording_audio_playing_on_the_computer.html
If you get stuck just give a shout and describe what/where you are stuck.

7

Sorry I didn’t get back to you last night. I don’t seem to have stereo mix on my computer. When I look in Volume Control/Properties/Recording there are only line in, rear mic and microphone - no stereo mix.
(dell inspiron Intel (R) Core ™2 CPU 6400@2.13GHz; windows version 4c29 3.95 EnhancedNT; XP Professional. )

8

Did you “show disconnected devices” and “show disabled devices” as described here: Missing features - Audacity Support

9

Hi Steve Sorry to take so long to get back to you, but I got sorted out last night using the tip ‘if all else fails, you can connect a cable from the line-out (green) port of the computer to the line-in (blue), and choose the line-in as recording source’ and hey presto! Thanks very mcuh for your help. Papa Joe