Recording via SKYPE

[omero]

Goodmorning:

I have 1.3 beta installed - everything works fine but not the incoming sound. Am using headset and the usual mike/speakers sockets on a Toshiba laptop. Tried the previous version (1.26 ?), same thing.
Any ideas?

Many thanks!!

Omero

[waxcylinder]

The "Search" button is your friend - see top right of the forum window.

There are a gazillion posts on skype on the forum - mostly from folks who can't make it work (particulary can't record both sides of the skype dialog) - the underlying probem being that Skype takes over complete control of the sound services.

WC

[omero]

WC thanks.

Yes, I kooked for a skype-dedicated forum and then tried the search as you said. I also tried recording the bbc, same result. I get recorded, but the sound-in doesn'nt. I tried to change some of the defaults under preferences/device etc, same result. I am wondering whether this is a problem for Sony (SONY, not Toshiba as I said before), though I had the same problem with a Toshiba and in a hurry I ended up recording fromm the mike and the speakers...! this time I need a proper set up, one that doesnt pick up all the sounds in the house. Any suggestions? I cant see any previous post in search, I have gone thru 5 pages... any suggestions?

thanks Omero

[kozikowski]

http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic ... 11&t=23036

The latest of many postings like this.

Koz

[steve]

Skype cannot be recorded by Audacity using "Stereo Mix", because as soon as you launch Skype it switches off Stereo Mix.

The best and easiest way to record Skype is to use one of the specialist programs such as Pamela et al.
It is also possible to record Skype using a virtual sound card - this is the method used by Total Recorder, but it can be tricky to set up.
The other way to record Skype is to use a second machine to record on (either another computer or just an audio recorder).

[kozikowski]

Skype does not Play Well With Others. In order to work right, Skype has to take over both the microphone and the speaker services. For most computers, that's the whole list.

Koz

[omero]

Thankas everyone:

I cant record from the sound coming in, irrespective of whether it s skype or some other source, like the bbc or you tube for instance. To test it, I deactivated skype and closed it off. Do you mean that skype grabs all the sounds settings when you install it? Closing off the skjype session should disable the 'skype' settings though. (or not?)

Pamela etc has a limit on how long you can record, I seem to recall. I need to record telephone conversations (so that everybody remembers what was said .... ) as well as, later, play around with guitar and sounds etc.

I feel there must be a hardware solution that doesnt involve installing a different sound card i.e. route the speakers in to a second mike, to avoid the other party hearing the echo of his own voice? Just a thought, a somewhat crude solution, but sometimes simple is best. p.s. I will repost the main question. It s a recording problem not limited to Skype (unless what I mentioned abopve applies)
Any coimments, THANKS!!

ok edit: correctionm: pam recording is 15 mins for the free version and unlimited for the full version, I will have a look.

[steve]

Do you mean that skype grabs all the sounds settings when you install it? Closing off the skjype session should disable the 'skype' settings though. (or not?)

Skype grabs the sound settings as soon as it is launched (even when just open in the background).
You've probably noticed that when Skype is closed, it does not shut down completely, it continues to run in the background until you completely exit from it.
It then lets go of the sound system, but does not put it back to how it was set up previously, so you need to do that manually.

Here's how to record sounds playing on your computer (not including Skype or other voip programs)
http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Recor ... e_computer

[omero]

thanks!

I have tried the wiki page suggestions with no success - but I have stumbled across the Realtek problems, so I will see what Realtek have got to say (if they reply). In the meantime I am use the freebie Pam recorder, or may buy the full version if i need it more than 15 min (the limit on the freebie).

Cant fathom out why sound in, which needs to go thru the sound card (whichever make or version that is) cant be intercepted and, optionally, redefaulted to bypass the Skype resets. But I have probs in recording sound, not just with skype, so I cant single them out this time. I reckon anybody writing a prog to bypass this hassle or as an add-on to Audacity will make a killing by charging 5.00 for ther software!. I prefer Audacity to Pam, but thats a personal pref. Pam works fine with skype tel calls, just very minor hiccups.
cheers!

[kozikowski]

<<<I am use the freebie Pam recorder, or may buy the full version if i need it more than 15 min (the limit on the freebie). >>>

It's worse than that. Not only does the freebie give out after fifteen minutes, but only the top two paid Pamela packages give you the two directions on their own track. You need this if you're going to do any sort of production and effects for a show.

If you're on a Windows machine, Total Recorder can be made to work as well.

It's not a matter of redirecting a sound pathway. You have to have somewhere to redirect it to. Every direction you turn, Skype is already there. What the paid packages do is create fake virtual sound cards in memory and record from those. Not trivial.

Koz