How to record audio on and off the same machine using just a single jack?
How to record audio on and off the same machine using just a single jack?
I occasionally record audio from my laptop to the same device. Previously, there were dedicated headphone and mic connectors, and Audacity made it simple. Now I understand I can use a USB as an audio input. Everything is fine.
My concern is, what type of male jack should I use on the combined headphone/mic socket? It seems like a standard 3-contact plug, but I see some with 4 contacts, though they mention charging which isn’t my requirement. Could it be that the in/out functions are managed electronically rather than with different terminals?
There always has been, sometimes it just takes some searching. You have to go through all of the host settings, and then check the playback and record settings for each host to find which one works with your laptop. Usually the WASAPI host works, then check which playback and recording settings work for your laptop. Since all of my computers here have 4080 sound chips and optical outputs, there's a loopback setting that works for me. But you'll have to check yours to see what's offered based on your laptop's sound chip.
When it comes to tech help, you're definitely ahead of the game.
I know about hosts, but I haven't used one myself.
Can you make it simple for me?
When you select Audacity's Edit-->Preferences menu, the first section relates to the Interface options. For Host, a drop-down menu appears with three choices (on my machine). The suitable one for me is Windows WASAPI. Then comes the Playback Device, which is set by your system’s audio playback settings. On my setup it’s Realtek Digital Output because I use a Toslink optical link to my stereo receiver. On your laptop it might be Speakers, Headphones, or whatever you’ve configured in Windows sound settings. The next step is the Recording Device, which also varies based on your laptop’s audio configuration. On my machine there’s a Realtek Digital Output loopback option. Depending on your sound settings, other options may exist, with “loopback” being the important one. This feature lets me record directly from whatever is playing without using cables. You might need to try different combinations until you find the setting that works for Audacity on your system.