For example, If you have a 7.1 channel headset, select “8.”Īudacity’s tutorial website explains why this feature is actually better than Stereo Mix: Note: If this doesn’t work, you may also need to select the correct number of recording channels to match your device using the dropdown box to the right of the device selection box. Because you’re using Audacity, you can easily trim and edit the sound file when you’re done. RELATED: The How-To Geek Guide to Audio Editing: The BasicsĬlick the Record button to start recording the audio in Audacity, and then click Stop when you’re done. Then choose an appropriate loopback device, such as “Speakers (loopback)” or “Headphones (loopback).” In Audacity, choose the “Windows WASAPI” audio host. The feature also functions in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11, and it helps make up for the lack of a Stereo Mix option on modern Windows PCs. This method takes advantage of a feature that Microsoft added in Windows Vista named the Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI). In fact, Audacity’s feature may be even better than Stereo Mix, assuming you’re willing to use Audacity to record the audio. Audacity has a useful feature that can record the audio coming out of your computer-even without Stereo Mix. Option 2: Audacity’s WASAPI Loopbackĭon’t have a Stereo Mix option? No problem. It’s unfortunately become less and less common. There may be a way to enable it with different audio drivers, but not every piece of sound hardware supports Stereo Mix. On some devices, you may not have this option at all. After enabling Stereo Mix, you can use any audio-recording program, and just select “Stereo Mix” as the input device instead of the usual “line-in” or “microphone” option. Follow our instructions to enable the Stereo Mix audio source on Windows. On modern versions of Windows, Stereo Mix is generally disabled by default - even if your sound drivers support it. RELATED: How to Enable 'Stereo Mix' in Windows and Record Audio from Your PC If it is included with your drivers, you can select Stereo Mix (instead of a microphone or audio line-in input), and then force any application to record the same sound that your computer is outputting from its speakers or headphones. Stereo Mix is sometimes called “What U Hear.” It’s a special recording option that your sound drivers might provide.

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