How do I record AND listen to Internet streams?

[deko]

I'm a noob trying to figure out how to record and listen to audio on the Internet at the same time. For example, let's say I'm surfing the Net and come across some audio I like. How do I record it? I've discovered I can use a jumper cable to connect 'Line Out' to 'Line In' on my sound card, and then use Audacity or WavePad or whatever sound editor I want, BUT I can't HEAR what I'm recording because 'Line Out' is plugged into 'Line In' instead of my speakers.

Can I install a second sound card in my PC and record on one and listen on the other? I've read there are problems with this sort of arrangement because two apps can't use the same sound card at the same time.

Is there some kind of external device I can purchase (under $100)? I really hate having to crawl under my desk to jumper 'Line Out' to 'Line In' and blindly (deafly?) waiting for a track to finish. Not to mention it's practically impossible to capture live streams this way.

I'm not so much concerned with sound quality as I am with reliability, versatility, and ease of use. Most importantly, I need to be able to record ANY audio that can be played on my computer - the audio track from an online video, something playing on my internal DVD player, etc.

If anyone has any recommendations please let me know.

Thanks!

[deko]

I forgot to post my system specs:


Vista Ultimate 64-bit

Asus P5Q WS motherboard with Realtek ALC1200 8-channel High Definition Audio with Coax/Optical S/PDIF out ports

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 3.0GHz Processor

8Gb RAM


Can I use the coax port somehow to do what I'm trying to do?

[AndyH]

Vista has done weird things with audio; I don’t know if what was normal previously si normal there. However, the soundcard mixer settings are where this is normally accomplished. For the Windows mixer, it was generally labeled something like “what you hear” on the RECORDING tab. That set, you record. You may need to select a particular input option in the recording program setup. What you are recording should also be coming out the line out jacks for headphone and speakers.

[deko]

Thanks for the reply but I don't have any utility like Windows Mixer - only the "Audio" applet in Control Panel.

I tried installing Virtual Audio Cable but my system doesn't like the drivers so that's not an option.

I'm thinking a hardware solution would be better. There must be some kind of device out there that will split the audio output so I can send it to my speakers as well as to Audacity or some other audio editor.

[deko]

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=172232

This may be what I'm looking for. It looks like I can plug my speakers into one side, and jumper the other side to the 'Line In' of my sound card.

Has anyone else had success with this kind of setup?

[robertruetz]

So in the "audio" applet, you don't have an "advanced" button on the Volume tab? If you pop that open and go to "options"-->"properties"-->then select your input, you should be given an option for "Stereo Mix" or something similar. This should be default on all Windows PCs... Granted, I'm not sure whether or not it exists in Vista.

Rob
:cool:

[deko]

I've poked around for that 'Stereo Mix' interface but haven't seen it... I'll check again.

I think what I'm attempting to do is solve a driver/software incompatibility problem with hardware.

What I have is a working 'Line Out' and a working 'Line In'. So I want to split the 'Line Out' so it goes to my speakers, and to the 'Line In' on the same sound card.

The reservation I have with that Belkin splitter is signal degredation. I'm wondering if there's some external device (rather than the Belkin splitter) that I can run the line out to - then split from there.

[deko]

http://www.totalrecorder.com/index.htm

High Criteria's Total Recorder is the solution. It's far better than any other audio editor I've tried, commercial or free.

What sets Total Recorder apart from other audio editors is that High Criteria has written their own WDM audio driver for playback. This circumvents all kinds of driver/software incompatibility problems - of which I am all too familiar. Kudos to High Criteria going the extra mile and making robust software. They've got themselves a very happy customer.

Another advantage of Total Recorder is that it's offered in 3 versions: Standard, Professional, and Developer. This way regular users are not overwhelmed by too many controls and don't have to pay for what they don't need. If additional functionality is needed, you can always upgrade.

As for the interface, it's elegant, intuitive and packed with features.

5 stars. Highly recommended.

[ecc83]

Don't know jack about Blista, does it not have an "Audio Devices and Properties" panel in Control Panel? (does it have CP!?)

I DO know however that the M-Audio 2496 soundcard has PROPER Vista drivers, not "beta" ones.

I strongly suggest you fit one of these in place of any and all sound devices. Set to "Monitor mix" you will be able to record anything you hear emanating from the pc.

Dave.

[killstablo]

On vista go into recording devices, and right click the device list, and click show disabled devices, enable stereo mix or wave out mix or what u hear.

[aymanok]

i solved the problem, now i have usb sound cards have stereo mix option that i can record from all chat programs and streaming , also i can play sound files in chat rooms, who want ot get the card please contact my messangers : yahoo: aymanok@yahoo.com , msn : aymanalkafrawy@yahoo.com
or send email to aymanok@gmail.com,
I am very glad that i solved the problem,
have a nice time