Problems of Sound recording

I just got this Toshiba Satellite notebook (A105-S27160 with a built-in Realtek Sound Card. I tried to use both Audacity Easy CD-DVD creator to recording sound from a cd (or dvd) by using 'what u hear' as the recording source. I cannot seem to find that option in the sources in either of the software (in the same softwares on my main computer I can). Both the software are sound editors (or editing components). I tried turning off and on the virtual sound; if I turn it off, in the Easy Creator I cannot see any source options at all; on the other hand, if it turn it on, and pick the proper options for recording and playback, I could get the sources only with microphone or cd volume; but then it wouldn't record anything. In audacity, in the mixer area, where you normally see 'in-line', 'what u hear' etc. you can only see microphone and cd volume.

I am wondering what configuration (if any) I have to make in order to record that sound.

I would appreciate any help. If this is not the proper forum for this question, could you please direct it to where it belongs?

Moorty

 

If you want to capture a music from a music CD and create/store it as a mp3 file - called ripping), free tools such as CDex or AudioGrabber would provide a superior quality file. As for commercial DVD movies, no free programs I'm aware to capture audio files. If you are trying to capture audio when no source file is provided, then such tools as StepVoice Recorder can create a mp3 file from data collected via your sound card. This program allows a full function 30 day free trial. You can download a older freeware version for unlimted use. Once the audio file has been captured/saved, you load it into Audacity and edit file to your preferences.

 

Recording 'what u hear'

Thanks Dennis for your very helpful reply. I think you understand my problem. The software StepVoice Recorder (I tried both versions you have mentioned) does record sound coming off of the sound card (the other softwares I tried didn't), but the sound was low and kind of muffled with a lot of disturbance. It means some progress has been made, thanks to your suggestion, but I need to find a better recorder. How about acoustica or something? Would that be helpful here?

Thanks again,

Moorty

 

Recording 'what u hear'

Hi Dennis:

I have tried another software (Total Recorder) and finally solved the problem. The recording was crisp and clear.
Thank you for your helpful suggestion again.

Moorty

 

Total Recorder is another good choice and inexpensive ($11.95 US).
I continue to use the freeware version of StepVoice Recorder (no time limit on recording length). Originally had similar problems you had, but after adjusting bit rate(s) and volume level (at output of soundcard - StepVoice very sensitive to audio input level) it works fine. My use is very limited ... capturing audio clips with no origin file. A while back a friend emailed me a audio clip in mpeg2 (generally reserved for DVD movies). Could play it on my XP, but kids old computer did not have the correct codec. Ran it through StepVoice and captured as an mp3 ... worked just fine on kids computer.

 

Problems recording

Hello Dennis:

Thanks for your information again. I will keep that in mind.

Moorty