Skype Call recorder - Noise floor gest too high
by StaceC
on
Jul 31, 2007 at 8:45:33 pm
Hi all,
I have a client that uses Ecamm's wonderfully simple "Call Recorder" for skype to record podcast interviews. (http://www.ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder/)
The "guest" side of the call always records crystal clear. Occasionally however, the "host" side (on whose machine Call Recorder is running) the noise floor will start OK, and then after about 8-10 minutes step up in to unacceptable territory. This noise does not appear to be "acoustic" - in other words it does not sound like it's coming from the mic from a fan kicking on, etc.
My theory is that this is a bandwidth issue, but then I'd imagine the noise would step up on both channels. Any thoughts on where the culprit might be, or can any one in this forum recommend a better system for recording these calls? Budget, of course, is tight.
Re: Skype Call recorder - Noise floor gest too high by Jonathan Miller on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:29:34 am
Hmmm, I don't think it's a bandwidth issue.
I personally use Call Recorder and think it's just about a perfect product. I haven't had a single issue with it in over a year.
It sounds like it might be hardware-based on the host's side. See, with Call Recorder, the software records the host's voice directly to it's own track without having it sent through Skype, so your client's internet connection isn't a concern. If it was a bandwidth issue, then the guests' recording track would sound problematic.
Have you tried using a different computer or a different mic setup?
You might also want to contact Ecamm since they seem very proactive when it comes to Call Recorder...they're constantly upgrading the product with new version releases.
You could also try Audio Hijack (http://www.rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/) and see if that solves the problem. The issue here is that you seem to need to run it longer than 10 minutes and the free demo will only give you up to 10 minutes of recording time before it disables recording. At $16 though, you could just buy it since it's a valuable program to have on hand anyway.
Good luck. If I were you, I'd first try your setup out on a different computer (maybe a borrowed laptop?) and then contact Ecamm. Again, I've NEVER had a single issue with my Call Recorder so I think you'll find a solution.
Re: Skype Call recorder - Noise floor gets too high by StaceC on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:42:15 pm
Thanks Jon - I think this will be great for diagnostic purposes at the very least - if not an alternative solution.
My client is about 600 miles away, so unfortunately I can't troubleshoot this first hand.
I'll let you know what we come up with, and thanks again for this response. I've also always had great experiences with the Ecamm folks, both in the product and the people.
