Audacity Win7 does not record sound

Hi EMudgeSr,

Welcome to Microsoft answers.

First, I suggest that you download the drivers from the link and install it:

http://support.creative.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?catID=209&CatName=X-Fi&subCatID=669&subCatName=Sound+Blaster&prodID=17988&prodName=Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+Notebook&bTopTwenty=1&VARSET=prodfaq:PRODFAQ_17988,VARSET=CategoryID:209

1. Download and install Audacity.

You can choose to download the installer that will install the program on your system. Alternatively, you can download a ZIP file that will allow you to run the program as an executable file without having to install it. Just unzip the file and click on the Audacity icon in the folder and the program will run. If you wish to give a try I would recommend you download the ZIP version.

2. Download LAME MP3 encoder

Download and unzip LAME MP3 encoder in Audacity plug-ins folder or just anywhere.

3. Start Audacity

Go to Edit -> Preferences and select the appropriate playback and recording device to reflect your system’s devices. Also, set the recording channels to two (stereo). Now select Wave Out Mix in the input selector. This will ensure that the audio output of your system is directly recorded.

4. Remove any noise from your Windows

Ensure that there is no other disturbance. If you’re Windows keeps making noises like the sounds of clicks and other system noises that will also get recorded. To avoid these unwanted noises you need to disable sound for your Windows system that it makes at several occasions like clicks and beeps.

Go to Control Panel ->Sounds and Audio Devices. Select Sounds tab and change Sound Scheme to No Sounds. But before changing the sound scheme save your current sound scheme so that you may revert back to your sound scheme.

5. Start recording

Now start the streaming audio and click the record button of Audacity. When done Export your music as MP3. When you export your recording to MP3 for the first time it would ask you to locate LAME MP3 encoder. Just go to the place where you stored it and locate.

Now you have an alternative way of recording streaming audio and keeping it with you.

Though this guide has been written for Windows it can be easily modified to work in any OS. Just follow the basic steps by modifying it according to your OS.

A note for those facing problem in recording: Do you have the option dropdown that I have circled red in the image red? If yes, try to experiment with the options and see if something works. Select Stereo Mix or Wave Out mix, or other options available

Also, go to Edit> Prefrences> [or just press Ctrl+P]. There, in the audio I/O  tab, try to set the correct recording and audio device.

Swathi B  - Microsoft Support.
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Swathi B - Please reply to my question posted Tuesday, Nov. 24 3:12 AM

"Swathi,

Thanks for the advice.  Before beginning using your instructions I have a question about the driver you recomend.

Your link lead to a driver for Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook. I do not have that piece of hadware.  I have a desktop box with the PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series sound card installed.  ShouldI still use the driver you mentioned with my system?"

Thanks.

Hi, I am  little late here to answer. You may have found answers already.

I used to use Audacity to record sound on my Windows 7 too. First, it is possible to use Audacity to record streaming audio on the internet. You need to transfer to record what you hear and to do a lot of settings. Still, if you want to try other programs to record sound from PC, there are some of them out on the internet.