iSchool Knowledge Base

TotalRecorder Standard Edition is a software package made by High Critera for capturing sound from a variety of sources. This document explains how it can be used to record both ends of Skype calls in MP3 format.

The iSchool does not currently have a license for Total Recorder Standard Edition. To obtain this software at a cost of $17.95 for one unlimited-use license, visit the Total Recorder website.

Also note that these instructions are available in video form. Click here to view this screen capture tutorial.

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If this is the first time you have used Total Recorder, you will need to set the directories for playlists and for temporary files. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Create the directory C:\TotalRecorderPlaylists
2. In the Total Recorder playlist window click Options > Preferences
3. Under Playlists click the Change button
4. Click “Select and insert path into template…”
5. Select C:\TotalRecorderPlaylists and click OK
6. Click OK

When you are ready to record, begin by opening TotalRecorder, then navigating to the Recording Wizard from the Tools drop-down list

 

When the wizard starts up, click Next to begin.

Recording Wizard. Stage 1: Recording Source

1. Choose the second radio button: Internet-telephone, and hit Next

2. Follow the onscreen directions to pick your playback and recording devices [Note: Be sure to verify that the speaker and microphone that you plan to use for Skype are selected in this step]

3. Choose No to allow both voices to be placed in the same audio channel and hit Next

4. The next step offers to perform a test recording. To run a test:

a. Click Yes and hit Next

b. Hit Start and speak into the microphone until the test self-terminates

Recording Wizard. Stage 2: Recording Format

1. Choose the third radio button: Record in MP3 format, and hit Next

2. Choose to record in Near high quality and hit Next

Recording Wizard. Stage 3: File Tag

1. Open the Change tag window and enter details concerning the recording

2. To add a picture to the file:

a. Click the Artwork tab

b. Click the Add button and locate your picture file

3. Hit Ok, Next, then Finish

You are now ready to record! Begin your call through Skype as usual, and when you are ready to start recording, hit the Record button at the lower right hand side of your TotalRecorder window. If everything is working properly, your tag information will display and the green bars will be moving (indicating that TotalRecorder is detecting your voices), such as in the following screen capture:

When you’re finished, just hit the Stop button. To start a new recording, be sure to save your current recording from File > Save As, then choose File > New and run the Recording Wizard once more.

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If you have any questions after reading this article or if you need any help, please don't hesitate to contact the iSchool IT Help Desk.

http://ischool.uw.edu/help
(206) 616-3086