How to record streaming audio

Many online music sites (such as Pandora) prefer to stream audio offerings rather than serving them up as downloadable files; this way, the sites deal with standard royalty fees rather than having to negotiate individual licences for each track they offer. Although the legality is questionable, there are — and will always be — ways to record these streams. Ideally, this would be done on a high-speed connection to minimise skipping and ensure the highest possible sound quality. But no matter what connection speed you have, this tutorial will show you how to record streamed audio as an MP3.

Note: This tutorial was completed using Windows XP

Cost: Free

Time commitment: Varies

System Requirements: Windows

1. Download and install Free Sound Recorder
   
2. Open Free Sound Recorder and the streaming audio source
   Streaming audio can be recorded from the Internet or a music jukebox. Make sure you close all other programs, and turn off any audio alerts you may have on your desktop. The software records from the sound card, so it will pick up anything you hear through your computer's speakers or headphones.


Only two open apps.

3. Set the output file type
   For the purposes of this tutorial, we will be recording in MP3, since it is fairly universal and also small enough to be transferred to portable devices, but the software also gives WAV and WMA as options if you prefer. Click the Settings button to get to the below menu.


Click the General Settings tab, and select the MP3 file option. You may also
designate where you want the file saved in the Output Directory field.

4. Set the file bit rate
   The quality and size of the file depends on the bit rate. The higher the bit rate, the better the audio will sound. The lower the bit rate, the smaller the file will be. We're using the highest available bit rate for MP3 — 256kbps — which will result in a larger file that sounds better.


Click the Output Format Settings tab, and drag the toggle to the desired bit rate.

5. Set the inputs
   Hit the device button to view the options (if they are not already visible). You will be recording stereo audio from the sound card.


The top drop-down allows you to select the sound source. Make sure it is
set to your sound card. Under Recording Mixer, select Stereo Mix.

6. Test the volume
   Play some audio from your streaming source and observe the levels meters. Make sure that they are not clipping, or showing a reddish hue at the top. Adjust the volume slider up if the levels are too low, or down if the levels are to high. Try to adjust it so that the levels are about two-thirds of the way up. Once the adjustments are made, stop the audio playback.


If the recording volume is set too high, an error message will flash by the
levels meters. Lower the volume until the message stops appearing

7. Record
   Hit the red record button, then name your file when prompted, and immediately start your stream. Stop recording once you have reached the end of your song or stream.
8. Repeat or split
   You may repeat the last step for as many songs or streams as you wish. Or, you may choose to record one long stream, and then split the audio into individual tracks.