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I am very happy with my Mac book and I am also happy with the dual boot (boot camp/Leopard) generally but...
I have recently tried to use a Windows sound recording program, well, actually three different ones, and none of them are able to identify a source for inputing streaming sounds. I suppose they are looking for one of the Windows/PC standards so this may never be something I will get over.

Not a big deal but if anyone else has solved this I would love to hear about it.

Perhaps you have found a suitable piece of software?

My aim is to be able to record anything that appears on the sound card. I can record the mic with no problems but anything else - nah!

Oh, I use a USB headset with mic attached and that is the one that is found by the system.

Any comment would be very welcome.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by angellpparker

Dani AI

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— the symptom you describe is usually not a problem with the recorder itself but with how Windows (and Boot Camp drivers) expose a "what you hear" source. 's Audacity tip is useful; Audacity can capture system output on Vista+ by using the Windows audio loopback instead of relying on a hardware "Stereo Mix."

How to try that quickly with Audacity:

  1. Install a recent Windows build of Audacity.
  2. In Audacity's device toolbar (or Preferences -> Devices) set the Host to "Windows WASAPI".
  3. Choose the playback device you want to capture but pick the entry that includes "(loopback)" (for example "Speakers (Realtek) (loopback)").
  4. Set channels to stereo if needed and hit Record while playing the audio.
    If you do not see a loopback device, open Windows Sound -> Recording tab, right‑click and enable "Show Disabled Devices" — some drivers hide Stereo Mix or similar by default.

Other options if Audacity/WASAPI isn't available:

  • Install a virtual audio driver (Virtual Audio Cable or VB‑Audio Cable). Make the virtual cable the default playback device, then record from the corresponding virtual input in your recorder.
  • Update Boot Camp / audio drivers in Windows — some Apple-provided drivers don't expose Stereo Mix. Reinstalling/updating drivers can add or improve recording devices.
  • If you only need to capture while in macOS, use a macOS loopback tool (Soundflower, Loopback, etc.) plus Audacity or QuickTime.

Quick troubleshooting tips: ensure the target playback device is the default device, check levels in the Windows mixer, disable "exclusive mode" in device properties if it blocks access, and avoid physically wiring headphone out into mic in unless you know the ports are compatible (risk of poor level or damage). Also note some streaming services may use DRM or protected output that prevents capture.

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Member Avatar for uniquestar

try Audacity.

Member Avatar for angellpparker

What is piece of software?

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