Recording from Analog Sources

Do you have a vinyl or cassette collection that would like to add to your digital media library? With RealPlayer you can save music from a phonograph, tape deck, boom box, or other analogA continuously varying signal. In contrast, a digital signal is a collection of numeric values representing the analog signal. The term is often used to refer to audio signals that can be heard from a speaker. music device. Once saved as digital files, you can play your collection from your computer or portable player, or create your own CDs.

What you'll need

• Phonograph or other analog device: This can include a stereo, tape deck, or other device from which you wish to record.
• Stereo amplifier: If you are recording from a phonograph or modular tape deck, you'll need to connect your device to a stereo amplifier, then connect the amplifier to your computer.
• Input Source: You can record from an analog device into RealPlayer in two ways: via a microphone connected to your computer, or via stereo cables connecting your stereo or other device to your computer.
• Sound Card: Talk to your audio and computer professionals to determine the best sound card for your configuration. A good sound card is essential for high-quality recordings.
• Sound editing/filtering software (optional): This software removes excess noise that's been introduced by faulty media, equipment, and the environment. See your computer software specialist for recommendations.
• Blank CDs: Talk to your computer professional to determine the best media for your configuration. Media can vary greatly, so make an informed choice for best results.

Note: Analog sound sources will be processed by the sound card on your computer. See your operating system or computer hardware manuals for more information and limitations.

Record Audio from Analog Sources 

1. To open the "Record from Analog Source" dialog, click and select Tools > Record from Mic/Line In...
2. Select an audio source from the Source drop-down list.
3. Enter a name for the file that you will be saving. (The media file and media clip will have the same name.)
4. (Optional, Windows XP only) Select Adjust Recording Levels... to open the "Recording Control" dialog. Adjust the volume levels as necessary.
5. Click Record to start the recording. The format and length of the recording appears in the Status area.
6. Click Stop Recording to end the recording. The recorded audio file is in your default Library folder, and the clip is added to the Library automatically. Because these clips have no clip info yet, they are organized alphabetically in the All Media or Music category and under <blank> in any of the specific subcategories, such as Artist or Album.
7. Click Close to exit the dialog.

Note: Analog recordings are saved in the default format and quality as set in Preferences > CD. They are saved in the default Library folder as set in Preferences > Library > File Locations.

Recording Sources

RealPlayer can record analog audio from the following sources:

Line In — Audio signal is connected to your computer through the Line In connector on your sound card.

Microphone — Audio signal comes from a microphone attached to the microphone connector of your sound card.

CD Audio — Analog audio signal from the CD drive connected to your sound card.

Note: If you have more than one CD drive installed, only one can be connected to the analog CD input of your sound card. Check your computer system manual to determine which CD drive is the analog source.

System Mixer — Record the combined output of your system mixerA feature that combines all audio sources that are available from the sound card. Double-click the volume control icon in the system tray to open the system mixer / volume control.. Adjust the volume for each of the available audio inputs with individual volume sliders.

Windows XP: select Adjust Recording Levels to access the system mixer from the Record from Analog Source dialog.

Windows Vista and Windows 7: the recording levels must be accessed through the sound device settings. Because these settings come from the sound device (sound card) they will vary from computer to computer.

1. Click Start.
2. Select Control Panel.
3. Open Sound.
4. Click the Recording tab.
5. Select your device.
6. Click Configure, then adjust the levels.

See Also 

Edit Clip Info

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