How do I capture sound on Windows XP with ffmpeg?

Question

I'd like to capture the stereomix or line-in sound on Windows with the Windows build of ffmpeg. On linux I'd do something like this:

ffmpeg -f alsa -ac 2 -ar 48000 -i front rec.flac

This records from the alsa device, and saves it as FLAC. Now, I'd like the same thing, but on Windows.

How do I do that?

Answer 1

I don't know about ffmpeg specifically, but

Here's something to try..which has worked for other programs like audacity or sndrec32.

just generally tells windows to record what would come out the speakers before it comes out. Instead of taking input from the mic or line in. This has then worked when hitting record in programs.

Open the volume control(start..run..sndvol32, or the icon in the tray), then go to options..properties..recording..then check boxes stereo mix and mono mix. Now choose Stereo mix or mono mix.

Then if I recall, when you open start..run..sndrec32.exe if you play things and hit record it should pick it up. Instead of things from the mic again when you want it.

And remember to change it back so you get recording from mic again!

It worked for the few programs i've used.. So it may help for ffmpeg too.

Answer 2

With the recently added directshow support, you should be able to capture it by selecting stereo mix in your “recording properties” and then recording with the "normal" audio line in.

You could use a directshow audio "sniffer" if you're on vista/windows 7 https://github.com/rdp/virtual-audio-capture-grabber-device

Answer 3

OK, no one came up with this, really, so this is what I use most of the time:

I use sox.

It is the best option so far, I can record with rec, it will always record from the activated device in the windows sound configuration.