Recording Audio from Sources
Internal Interfacing
Required Setup
Audio Source
Web page such as audiomicro.com , and YouTube video , Facebook response sounds (you’ll most likely require an internet connection).
Internal Device
Used to route the audio signal through the computer as a virtual or software interface. On Windows these are VB Cable, JackAudio, or VRS Recording System. On OSX use Soundflower.
Recording Software
Used to capture the routed audio. This can be achieved on these computers by using one of two pieces of software.
Working Method
Reaper and Audacity both have a template saved to the desktop that is setup to recording the output signal of a web page or application, through the virtual interface and into the recording software.
In Reaper
- Open > Web Audio Sampling template.RPP
- Ensure the Record Enable button is selected on the Audio Track
- Ensure the Input Monitor button is set to ON (green)
- Locate the cursor to the point at which you want to start recording (most often the start)
- Click Record to capture the incoming audio. When finished press stop or space bar, and when prompted save the file with an appropriate name.
In Audacity
- Open > Web Audio Sampling template.aup
- Click Record to capture the incoming audio
- When finished press stop or space bar
- Save the file with an appropriate name
- Select require section of recorded audio
- Choose File>Export Selection
- Name the exporting file appropriately and select require Format from the dropdown menu –
WAV (Microsoft) signed 16 bit PCM for PC,
AIFF (Apple) signed 16 bit PCM
For taking songs from Youtube, a page such as 320YT (https://320ytmp3.com/enfkln/) may be used to record a sound.
Setting Up on Alternative Computers
Required Software
Audacity - Recording and Editing Software (mac & PC)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/
Reaper – Multi Track and Recording Software (mac & PC)
VB Virtual Audio Cable – Internal Interface (PC)
http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Cable
Soundflower – Internal Interface (mac)
https://rougueamoeba.com/freebies/soundflower/
Sourcing Sounds
Other Options
Sound Librarian
A well-regarded and prolific sound designer from Melbourne has created an application that allows access to his catalogue of recorded audio. It provides a good use of metadata for searching sounds and allows direct download of 50 free sounds daily for Australian residents.