Page 1 of 1

Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 4:34 pm
by papa_joe
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;

Code: Select all

==============================
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
    
==============================

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 6:16 pm
by steve
papa_joe wrote:I am trying to record an mp3 file using Line In, from spotify
Is Spotify running on the same computer as Audacity or on a different computer?

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:39 pm
by papa_joe
It's running on the same computer

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:06 pm
by steve
Then why are you trying to record using "Line In"? Are you using a loopback connector?

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:21 pm
by papa_joe
Sorry, I thought that was the way to do it. I don't know what a loopback connector is.

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:52 pm
by steve
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/man ... puter.html
If you get stuck just give a shout and describe what/where you are stuck.

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:21 pm
by papa_joe
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 (TM)2 CPU [email protected]; windows version 4c29 3.95 EnhancedNT; XP Professional. )

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:17 am
by steve
papa_joe wrote: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 (TM)2 CPU [email protected]; windows version 4c29 3.95 EnhancedNT; XP Professional. )
Did you "show disconnected devices" and "show disabled devices" as described here: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Mixer ... trol_Panel

Re: Can't record an mp3 file

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:48 am
by papa_joe
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