After much trial and error, we've learned how to capture relatively good audio recordings from a Skype conference call and a UStream broadcast at the same time using a Mac OS X computer. Using this configuration, everyone on the call—including audio sent from UStream viewers or co-hosts—ends up in the recording.
Software used Edit
The Kink On Tap production setup uses the following software. These must be installed and the computer rebooted once before recording for the first time.
- LineIn (free software)
- Soundflower (free software)
- Skype (free software, requires creation of free user account)
- UStream (free web service, requires creation of free user account)
- WireTap Studio (commercial software)
Useful, but not necessary:
- CamTwist (free software)
Video Recording Setup Edit
- Launch CamTwist.app.
- Browse to the UStream website and begin a new broadcast.
- Set the UStream Video Source to be CamTwist.
- Set the CamTwist effect to be the netcast logo.
- Activate UStream recording by clicking the Start Recording button.
Audio Recording Setup Edit
On the master audio recording box (usually Maymay's iMac), these are the configuration settings to use in order to capture the audio in the best possible way. These instructions were found at http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/765 and modified slightly.
- In LineIn.app:
- Take Input from the default audio input source. In Maymay's case, that's Logitech USB Headset.
- Pipe Output to: Soundflower (2ch)
- Ensure Pass Thru is selected.
- In Soundflowerbed.app:
- Set the Soundflower (2ch) setting to select the default audio output source. In my case, that's Logitech USB Headset.
- In the Mac OS X Sound System Preference Pane set both the Input and Output devices to Soundflower (2ch).
- In Skype, set the Audio preferences for both Input and Output to Soundflower (2ch).
- In UStream, set the Audio Source to Soundflower (2ch).
- In WireTap Studio, set to record Skype in channel 1 and Logitech USB in channel 2. OR is it set to record Soundflower (2ch)?
Audio recording tips Edit
- Lower the System Volume quite a bit. We don't need it to be high, and the higher it is the more likely disastrous feedback will pierce the audio.
- Similarly, lowering the System Input volume might help keep the level of my own voice more even.
- Watch the various levels during recording; they may get automatically adjusted by Soundflower, and not always in the best way. :)
- To get far more granular control over the sound setup, use the Audio MIDI Setup.app program, not the Sound System Preferences Pane. (I'll need to get some more specific documentation about this.) --Meitar 23:46, August 22, 2010 (UTC)