Freecorder fails to record Skype call

[jppwt]

I have tried to record Skype calls on Freecorder. It worked once and has not worked again. I am on a HP Notebook with a mic and standard sound out.

The first time I tried I got only my own voice and NOTHING on the other end. I have tried every setup option in the documentation. The second time, I got a good recording. The third and fourth times - only my voice.

I have been trying to record training I am receiving on Skype, and I have now completely lost 3 out of 4 sessions. IT IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE TRIED EVERY CHANGE I CAN THINK OF. ALL I GET NOW IS MY VOICE (WHICH I DON'T NEED) AND NOTHING FROM THE TRAINER (WHICH I DO NEED).

I am frustrated to death (does it show?). If I can't resolve this problem, I'm going to return my upgrade.

I really need this to work. It is the main reason I upgraded from Replay AV (which I love by the way).

Any help would be appreciated. It worked once, I need it to work every time.

John

P.S. I think freecorder needs a little more substance. It is too "light" an application.

[Cheryl Wester]

Hi

If you are having trouble recording Skype calls with Freecorder, please check the following:

1. Make sure you are running Freecorder version 2.3 or newer.

2. Make sure "Also record microphone" is selected in Freecorder's settings.

3. Make sure the Recording line is "Stereo Mix", "Wave Out Mix", etc -- whatever matches the line for recording sounds off of the internet.

4. If having volume issues, uncheck "Optimize Volume" in Freecorder's settings.

5. Check your audio recording levels: The recording volume levels can be set from Start, Settings, Control Panel, Sounds & Audio -- then clicking the Audio tab and the Recording Volume button. Look for muted volumes as well.

6. If you have a USB microphone, it may not work when recording skype calls with Freecorder. Try using a non-USB microphone.


If this does not get you up and running please contact tech support so they can assist you further.

[petrogia]

My experience only. Most notebook sound cards do not offer this stereo mix/waveout option. Creative calls it "what you hear" the stereo mix. Also Freecorder 2.3 is not made for Vista if you have Vista OS there.

[Charliv]

I also had some problems with recording from skype. Now, what I have figured out is that there are 4 versions recorded.... one is blank.... one is only the outside phone, and two are from the microphone. I found this out when I went to import these to audacity to edit.
I have some questions for Cheryl Wester.
In my 3.0 version of freecorder there is no "also record microphone" button that I can see when I click on "settings" there is record from freecorder audio driver, record from freecorder input audio driver and record from windows input device.... are those the three versions I am getting?
I don't have "stereo mix or wave out mix" to choose from
I don't see anywhere "optimize volume"
Are these differences because of different versions of freecorder?
Do I simply have to put two files into audacity and combine them? It looks like there is left and right for each file that is saved. Thanks for any help anyone can give. I'm new to recording and am anxious to get this going since I'm starting interviews soon that I want to do using skype and freecorder.
Charli Vogt
www.CharliVogt.com

[scoopshady]

I'd like to follow-up on this as well...as I've been PULLING MY HAIR OUT trying to get FreeCorder to work with Skype. I also purchased the $19.99 upgrade....and so far...IT'S NOT WORKING...

Like the person above, I can record MY VOICE on Skype...but it's crickets on the other end when I'm trying to do a call....nothing, nada...

I believe that I have all of the settings correct, but I have to say, after 13 solid years of using the Internet, this is one of the most confusing programs I've ever dealt with....one thing that was mentioned...for the LINE choice...my only option in the drop-down is "microphone"....am I missing something??

Any help would be much appreciated!! I'm trying to take the next step with my business, and this is really holding me up....thanks.

[scoopshady]

3. Make sure the Recording line is "Stereo Mix", "Wave Out Mix", etc -- whatever matches the line for recording sounds off of the internet.

This is the one that loses me....like I said...I only have "microphone" as a LINE option...

[Cheryl Wester]

Freecorder 3 is not the desktop version. It is the toolbar. The toolbar version is not going to work with Skype. If you are having an issue with Skype and the desktop version let us know in tech support. Thanks.

[KAB1010]

I've also been unable to get Freecorder to work with Skype. I have version 2.3, using it on a Dell laptop, and fit all the requirements laid out by Cheryl. I upgraded and it still won't record calls.

I am frustrated at dealing with something that should work easily and seamlessly. Compounding my frustration: It's not clear from the initial sale spitch that the free version on records two minutes of Skype. And it's not clear that USB headsets may not work as Cheryl indicated.

At this point, all I want to know is this: How do I get a refund??

[Cheryl Wester]

What sound card are you using? It is not our program but your sound card that is giving you the problem. If your sound card doesn't have the necessary options then it won't work. A suggestion is to do a search for "sound card" + stereo mix as an example. Substitute your version for the words sound card.

If you have purchased the program in the last 30 days and would like a refund please contact customer service and they will be glad to assist you with this.

[KAB1010]

Cheryl,

I have to say your customer support has been very courteous and efficient. I still believe your initial sales material needs to make it clearer that the free version only records two minutes of Skype and the the upgrade will only work with certain sound cards and won't work in many cases with USB headsets..

But my refund was promptly processed and you've been extremely timely in your replies and I appreciate it. Kevin