Very basic guide for Using Audiograbber to
capture audio to MP3 or WAV.
This guide is primarily for capturing spoken word
Radio programmes, but most of it is also applicable to tasks like digitising vinyl
records, tapes etc - just use higher bitrates!.
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If you don't have the
program installed yet go to
Download the application, and follow the instructions there, also don't forget to install the Lame encoder it can be found at this site (free download): http://jthz.com/~lame/ . Unzip the lame_enc.dll and put in the same directory as Audiograbber and you will have an internal MP3 encoder. I'm assuming the programme source is set up and connected to the PC's sound card ready for recording. Open Audiograbber. If you want to change any of the default settings (where it stores the output files etc), this is a good time. First go to the MP3 settings options. These not only govern the ripping of CDs (if you also use the app. for this purpose) but also sets the file type etc for line in sampling, (which format ie .WAV or MP3 and bitrate in the case of of MP3). This is what we are interested in. The two options we can use are "Direct Rip and Encode to MP3 file" or "Wav file". I'd suggest if there is likely to be intensive editing, then capture to .WAV format, this can then be worked on in Wavepad or Cool Edit etc, then converted to MP3 either in CE or using the "Create MP3 now" option in Audiograbber. I prefer using Audiograbber for creating MP3 because with the Lame encoder it gives the best results in my opinion, but the choice is yours of course. If some simple edit is required on an MP3 then "mp3DirectCut" is the program to use. Check that LameEnc is selected (the version number may differ in your download).
I've Chosen 128Kb/s Stereo constant bit rate, this is adequate for spoken word material and any background music too, it is also considered to be a standard setting that will work in all MP3 players. You should have your audio source set up, this is through the line in jack on the sound card of your PC.
This window will open, the file needs a name in the "Tag" field, this one is Afternoon Play". The volume meter should show there is some audio present, if not or if the level needs adjusting, hit the mixer button, you can then select the correct source and adjust the level as needed. Around 85 to 90% works well for most recordings.
And away it goes! As soon as the recording is done hit the stop button, and you now have your MP3 (or Wav) file.
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