Is it possible to record audio from just one application on windows?

Question

I want to be able to record audio from a single application running on Windows 7

So for example, If I want to record application A, and my internet browser plays a noise from a advertisement, the recording does not pick up this noise

I know you can change the volume of all applications independently using the mixer inbuilt to windows, but I want the noise filtered, so I could even watch a film without interupting the recording of sounds from application A.

Answer 1

This is possible, but it depends on the software and the sound card.

Sound cards can have multiple inputs/outputs and will allow signals to be routed. Therefore it is possible, if the software allows it, for you to select what output to use. At this point, you can route the signal.

So, based upon the likelyhood of the software giving you this option (which is minimal if not designed to allow this), coupled with an on-board sound card, I'd say no.

Answer 2

Yes it's possible using a software.

You can use a small software called Virtual Audio Cable. http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.htm

After installation, it will create a new sound card with a playback on you real sound card. Then by "cheating". You choose the virtual sound card by default then you launch your application. Then choose your real sound card again and you will be able to record from the virtual sound card and listen from your real sound card.

Put every application you want to record on the virtual sound card and it's ok.

Of course in your recording software be careful to choose the right sound card.

Answer 3

The easiest an quickest way I found was to follow the instructions in this article and use the Audacity audio editing software to record the WSAPI software device. This has the added benefit that you don't need to use different programs to record and edit.

In the Audacity device toolbar (the third toolbar from the top in the default layout) you need to change the audio host (the first drop-down) to "Windows WSAPI". You then need to change the audio device (the second drop-down) to something appropriate - this will vary - you may need to select a loopback device, or you may to just use the same device as with regular recording - some trial and error is needed.

Press record in Audacity, then play the audio in the application you want to record and you should see the waveform appear in Audacity as it records.

Answer 4

I know you can change the volume of all applications independently using the mixer inbuilt to windows

There is your answer isn't it. Mute sounds from all other applications except the one you want to hear/record

Answer 5

This basically requires recording audio from a process instead of system wide audio. It was not possible until now.

A normal recording software will records system wide audio, this is achieved by calling Windows WSAPI API loopback device. This will includes all audio source that active at that time.

Recently a company called D3DGear has developed a technology to record audio just from one process, it will not include background audios from other process. You can check D3DGear to see details of their audio technologies.

Answer 6

On Mac systems a small developer, Rogue Amoeba, created an app named Audio Hijack. Which is an application with the sole purpose of recording other applications audio sources. I highly recommend it even when you requested a Windows alternative, I would consider some kind of boot system or separate device for this type of action.