record from audio stream

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

Not sure how to describe this, but here goes:

I’d like to record some audio with Audacity through the audio stream going to the speakers rather than from the mic. What I mean is, I want Audacity to “sound capture” if that makes any sense–capture the sound on it’s way to the speakers.

I want to do this for two reason:

  1. so that I can mute the speakers while recording.

  2. so I don’t get any background noise from the environment.

Can Audacity do this?

2

It’s not a question of whether Audacity can do this. Audacity will record whatever the computer presents to it. The question is do you have a computer that can handle this.

http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_recording_computer_playback_on_windows.html

Koz

3

Some computers record the exact speaker signal. That means you can’t mute the speakers without killing the show.
Koz

4

It would have helped if you gave the version of Audacity and version of Windows (see the pink panel at the top of this page).

If you are on Vista or later, and using the latest Audacity 2.0.5, use the Windows WASAPI host in Device Toolbar as described in the link Koz gave. Play the stream before starting to record. You can left-click the speaker icon by the system clock, click “Mixer” then turn the “Device” slider down and Audacity should still record the stream.

On XP there is no Windows WASAPI choice but even if you record with the sound card’s stereo mix or what U hear, you can click the speaker icon then turn the “Master” slider down if you don’t want to hear what you are recording.

Alternatively, put headphones or some other jack into the speakers port.


Gale

5

Thanks everyone, that worked.

Oh, and sorry about the lack of info. I’m running Audacity 2.0.5 and Windows 7 (not that you need to know that now).

6

Better late than never, even so. At least we can possibly find that later if you post another question in future. :slight_smile:

Gale