Hello,
I will try to explain my situation as comprehensive as possible.
Basic information:
Windows 8 x64
Latest version (2.0.3 - Just downloaded the exe yesterday)
Dell Inspiron 17R SE laptop
Using headphones (3.5mm jack)
Using internal mic (in the laptop - I’m using an external monitor so the laptop at the right side of the table → I’m not facing the mic)
IDT Audio driver A03 (http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/04/Product/inspiron-17r-se-7720)
What I want
I’m playing a game. What I want is to record sound of that game. Only sound, no video. I want to record my voice at the same time. I thought this wouldn’t be too hard. There are tons of “commentaries” to be found on youtube. Granted, they also have video, but wanting only sound should make it easier, not harder, right?
What I tried (the problems)
Like most laptops, my laptop has a recording option called “stereo mix”. Recording audio through stereo mix with audacity works fine. However, there are two problems:
- Sometimes, and I say sometimes because I don’t really know what causes it, one channel seems to go louder (you can see it in the visual representation of the sound). Sometimes it’s the left, sometimes the right channel. When I restart my laptop, everything seems fine again, but after a while it’s like the sound is slowly making it’s way to one channel.
- It’s quiet. Like I said, I’m using headphones. Because my headphones don’t have volume control, I have my system audio at about 20/100. This is already pretty loud for me. However, when I record at this volume and listen to my recording, the volume is way lower than it originally was.
A solution to the first problem, something which I actually might prefer, is to record mono (for in-game reasons which aren’t important). And I have an extension cord with volume control I could use for my headphones, so that I can put the system audio on 50 or more which should make the recording louder.
I also want to record my voice though. Checking the box “listen to this device” at the internal mic options works. Again, there are some problems:
- The quality sucks. My voice sounds muted and is overshadowed by the system audio (which is already low). Typing is louder than my voice (I’m using an external keyboard), which isn’t the case in other applications. I know my mic setup isn’t optimal, but the quality isn’t nearly as bad using skype and other VOIP applications.
- I want to record my voice separately, so that I can edit it separately. I don’t what my mom saying “dinner is ready/feed the elephant/clean up your room” through my recording. If I have separate tracks, I can edit/mute those parts.
I don’t mind using a separate program to record my voice. But why is it so difficult? Like I said, there are literally millions of videos of games with live commentary. In those videos you hear the sound of the game, very clearly and with good quality, and the sound of the voice of the commentator, very clearly and with good quality. Granted, they are probably using headsets, but I can buy an external mic which I can put on my bureau if I have to.
Is what I’m asking impossible to do? Recording on separate tracks, I mean? If so, I can also consider another option: if I can mute my mic at any time I want (with a hotkey), that would work too. Then I will only turn it on whenever I say anything that is in-game.
Thanks in advance!