Thanks to 360east.com for the original post that helped me set this up. The directions on the 360east blog are for using GarageBand as the recorder. Check it out, too.
I decided to write more detailed instructions to make it easier for non-techies. Here are the steps:
1. Download and install the following:
- Soundflower from Cycling 74.
- LineIn from Rogue Amoeba.
- Audacity from Sourceforge. This will be our recorder.
2. Configure the sound settings of your Mac.
- Click the Apple icon > System Preferences > Sound Output. Choose Headphones (or Internal Speakers, if you're not using Headphones). See screenshot, below.
- In the same window, click Input. Choose Internal microphone. Close the window.
3. Configure Audacity.
- Run Audacity. In the menu, click Audacity > Preferences > Audio I/O.
- Set Playback Device to Built-in Output.
- Set Recording Device to Soundflower (2ch)
4. Configure LineIn (we're almost there).
- Input from: Built-in Input
- Output to: Soundflower (2ch)
- IMPORTANT: Click the Pass Thru button before recording the call. On playback, turn it off (if you're wearing headphones, be careful as this may cause deafening feedback).
5. Configure Skype (just a bit more patience).
- Run Skype and click Skype > Preferences > Audio/Video. (The picture below is Skype version 5.0)
- Set Microphone to Soundflower (2ch)
- Set Speakers to Soundflower (2ch)
6. Run Soundflowerbed.
When you install Soundflower, you also install an App called Soundflowerbed residing in your /Applications folder. You can also use Spotlight to find it.
Soundflowerbed shows up on the upper right menu bar of Mac OS X.
- Check Built-in Output in the settings for Soundflower (2ch).
- Important: Leave the 16ch off (or you may get deafening noise!).
6. Hit the record button on Audacity.
7. Start your Skype session and have fun!
Thank you so much! I was following someone else's instructions but they were using an external mic so it didn't quite work out. This, however, works perfectly.
ReplyDeleteYES! thanks
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ReplyDeleteThis will be so useful. Thanks
ReplyDeletethanx a lot, but as for me, i prefer to use this nice tool http://www.imcapture.com/IMCapture_for_Skype/, it records skype calls in great quality!)
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for your instructions! I did what you said but when I call someone they can't hear me, and Audacity can't hear me either. When I change the Skype microphone back to 'Built-in microphone' the other person can hear me again but I'm still not being recorded...?! Have I done something wrong?
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ReplyDeleteHi, what would change if I used an external mic with Blue Ice usb converter (i.e., recorder both the Skype voice and my own on the same recording)?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. This was written in 2011, when there weren't too many tools available for free for the Mac. For the Anonymous poster above ^^^, please try the free tools posted here on the comments. They make life more simple, too :)
ReplyDeleteFor the other Anon poster (Blue Ice), you need to go to System Preferences > Audio (or Sound) > Input and choose your external mic from there.
ReplyDelete