How to record a sound playing on the computer again?

A while back I had my computer set up so I could start up CoolEdit (my sound recording/editing software) and record any sound playing on my computer. For example, I could record a sound that my broswer was playing and then have that saved as a wav.

Since reformatting and reinstalling, though, I haven't been able to figure out how I did this: now when I try it it just records silence. I figure there's a switch or something somewhere in Windows or CoolEdit, but for the life of me I can't figure out where it would be.

Any suggestions?

m19

 

On my XP and 98SE systems, it's possible to use window's own sound recorder to record anything that's coming out of the speakers. Just doubleclick the "volume" icon in the task bar (or if not there, go to "sounds and multi-media" in the control panel, and under the sounds tab, make sure the "show volume control on task bar" box is checked, and press "apply") on the menu that pops up, go to "options" and then "properties". Under the heading "Adjust volume for" select the radio button for "recording". In the box under the heading "Show the following volume controls" find and check mark "Wave out mix" (Or Speakers - I have seen it named differently under different versions of windows). Press "Ok" and that volume bar should now appear on the initial pop-up menu. Select it, and you should be able to record anything coming out of your speakers. Granted, there are probably many different ways to do this, and many audio programs have an easier interface - but this how it works for me just using the Windows sound recorder. I've not used the audio program you mentioned, but I have used the free program Audacity, and it has a handy little drop down menu that lets you select the sound input, including the speaker output of your PC. I hope this helps.

 

That sounds like what I'm looking for, and makes sense. Since the reinstall I probably just don't have that slider checkmarked or the volume up and thus, wouldn't hear anything when it recorded.

Thanks, I'll give it a try tonight.

m19

 

Hallelujah! Thank you so much... I just wanted to follow up and let you know it worked: the exact slider on my system was "Record Master". Once I checkmarked that one, I was able to record again.



m19

 

You are very welcome!