Tech: Recording Streaming Audio

22 Jul 09 - 06:34 AM (#2685144)
Subject: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,Ed

Apologies if I'm revisiting an oft discussed topic.

On occasions, I wish to record the output of my soundcard. Streaming internet radio and such like.

In the past I used the Total Recorder program, which met all my needs. I have a different computer now, and High Criteria (owners of Total Recorder) don't like my Maestro bank card for some reason, so I can't buy a copy.

Any alternatives out there?

Thanks,

Ed

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22 Jul 09 - 06:43 AM (#2685152)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: SteveMansfield

Assuming Windows:

I'm getting good results from the Ask & Record Toolbar - make sure you untick the two boxes in the install routine that want to set your homepage and default search to Ask.com and you are in business. Easy-peasy, free as in beer, and does what it says on the tin.

Last used it to record the Dots To Download BBC Radio 4 programme in fact, so will be listening to that later.

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22 Jul 09 - 06:47 AM (#2685156)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Will Fly

Stick a mini-jack from a mini-disc recorder's (or similar) "input" socket in to your computer's "phones" output. Record.

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22 Jul 09 - 07:11 AM (#2685166)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,Ed

Thanks for the help, but I'm not going to download a browser 'toolbar'. It's the best way to get spam..

I'm not going to buy a mini-disc either... I tend to respect your posts, Will but that is a silly idea

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22 Jul 09 - 07:18 AM (#2685169)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Will Fly

I wasn't suggesting you buy a mini-disc recorder as such. All I was saying was that it's possible to attach a recording device (if you have one) to your computer and record the output. If you don't have such a device, and if you don't feel the recording of streaming audio is important enough to get one, then fair enough. The idea, per se, is not silly, and the advice was practical and well meant. I record this way myself. Be assured I shan't offer further advice in future.

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22 Jul 09 - 07:30 AM (#2685177)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Will Fly

For those who might be interested in a fuller explanation of the process I use, it's as follows:

1. A stereo line with mini-jacks runs from the output/phono socket of my Mac laptop to the input/mic socket on my mini-disc recorder.*

2. The output is recorded as a continuous stream.

3. I reverse the mini-jacks so that the output/phono on the mini-disc recorder connects to the input/mic socket on the laptop.

4. I use Audacity to imprt the complete recording as a continuous .aup file.

5. I use the "marker" utility in Audacity (thanks to Joe Offer for alerting me to this one) to mark the .aup file into its constituent tracks.

6. I export the marked-up .aup track as automatically separated .wav files - which can then be imported into iTunes.

* or your recorder of choice

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22 Jul 09 - 07:59 AM (#2685194)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: bobad

Audacity has a "What You Hear" source option for it's Record function.

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22 Jul 09 - 08:24 AM (#2685206)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Simon G

Audacity is a good choice for Windows.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net

If you are on Vista you will need to enable the stereo mix device.

Enable Vista Stereo Mix for Audacity

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22 Jul 09 - 08:44 AM (#2685216)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: SteveMansfield

I'm not going to download a browser 'toolbar'. It's the best way to get spam.

Well that's your choice; but as the Ask & Record toolbar doesn't even need an email address to download, and it's also showing no signs whatsoever of any non-benign firewall / network / disk activity, I stand my my recommendation.

You asked for alternatives, I gave you an alternative. Like Will, I also shall be less likely to offer any advice in future.

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22 Jul 09 - 09:24 AM (#2685245)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,Ed

I'm sorry if I've upset anyone and many thanks for your input. Perhaps I should have been clearer.

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22 Jul 09 - 09:31 AM (#2685248)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker

if you were using a legit non pirated Total Recorder
then there shouldn't be any problem migrating the installation to a new computer.
It was the first audio software I ever purchased nearly 10 years ago
on the understanding that it gave entitlement to free updates
for the lifetime of the product.

The only difficulty I ever encountered was on a couple of occasions when
the latest update required a new password,
and I'd forgotten the original email address I'd used to register.
but I eventually found the required info and emailed High Criteria
for my new password for the latest version.

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22 Jul 09 - 09:59 AM (#2685254)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST

Thanks, GUEST,punkfolkrocker

The computer I had it on is dead and it's a few years ago since I used Total Recorder. It's just frustrating that I'd happily pay for a program but am unable to.

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22 Jul 09 - 10:03 AM (#2685257)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker

i'm in a similar position,
i've not got round to installing it
on my new PC yet.
so i've downloaded the latest version of total recorder from high criteria site
and emailed for my new serial number.

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22 Jul 09 - 10:18 AM (#2685261)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: bobad

I would also suggest you check your sound card's software to see if it has a recording program. I have an older version of Creative Sound Blaster which came with a package of recording and editing programs.

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22 Jul 09 - 10:41 AM (#2685269)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker

just an extra note for people recording streaming audio in real time
via the PC line-out to external hardware recorders.

One of the main problems with that
is when you have poor internet connection conditions
and the audio breaks up, glitches, and/or is totally interupted
during transmission.

Thats were software like Total Recorder is designed to provide far more reliable succesful results.
Whilst recording it can be set up to compensate for connection glitches
and eliminate most internet problem related audio drop out flaws.

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22 Jul 09 - 10:41 AM (#2685270)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Grampus

Try these Freeware programs

Wavosaur: Wavosaur

Streamosaur: Streamosaur

Radio Sure: Radio Sure

All three have recording facilities, but not a lot of 'whiz & bangs'. Radio Sure copies streaming radio, whilst playing.

HTH

G.

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22 Jul 09 - 10:52 AM (#2685275)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Dave Roberts

Not for the first (or, I'm sure, last) time I'll put in another vote for Audacity.
It's simple, reliable and free.

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22 Jul 09 - 11:13 AM (#2685285)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Arkie

Another vote for Audacity. It works quite well for me and I need things pretty simple. I did have trouble getting Audacity to record from the internet until I discovered a little window to the right on the toolbar. I cannot remember what the default is; line in, aux, CD player, Wav, etc. When I changed to Wav I was in business.

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22 Jul 09 - 11:15 AM (#2685287)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Nick

Orbit

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22 Jul 09 - 01:02 PM (#2685369)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Bru

An easy way is to connect a patch lead from the headphone socket to the microphone socket on your computer.

You'll need something like Soundforge or CoolEdit. Press record and off you go.

You might need to balance the input; go into your accessories and look for the mixer (usually in Volume/sound recorder) Make sure the REC button is tagged and then do a trial run, altering the line input levels. I might sound crude to the Tech Experts on here but it works.

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23 Jul 09 - 07:37 AM (#2685881)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Will Fly

That's why I use an external recorder - the output phones socket works regardless of any software constraints.

I should add that my recording of streaming radio is as an aid to future CD purchase. Once I've decided what I like, I dump the streamed output and purchase the CD.

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23 Jul 09 - 07:51 PM (#2686425)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Nick

Orbit grabs all the examples on the secure-tsplayer site and downloads them to your machine - so it doesn't seem over secure to a simple chap like me.

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23 Jul 09 - 07:56 PM (#2686429)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: open mike

replay a v 8 works...the free program only records 5 min. segments
but that is usually long enough for a song.

applian.com/replay-av/index.php

www.applian.com/replay-av/demo.php

www.replay-av.com

good luck and let us know which one works best for you.

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24 Jul 09 - 01:21 AM (#2686559)
Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Streaming Audio
From: Joe Offer

Up above, Simon gave a link to instructions for recording from Windows Vista in Audacity. The page suggests installing Windows XP sound drivers in compatibility mode. I didn't want to do THAT, for sure. I found the "stereo mix" input was just hidden, and it became visible when I right-clicked on the white area of the sound device selection feature.
After that simple procedure, Audacity did a very good job of recording whatever sound was playing on my computer.
Now, I don't see anything that lets me adjust relative volume of inputs in Vista - is there a place to find that?

-Joe-

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