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MP3 Skype Recorder Manual

 

MP3 Skype Recorder main window
 

Quick start

 
MP3 Skype Recorder is a small application for automatic recording of Skype calls. It records P2P (call from computer to the computer) as well as calls to or from landlines and mobiles. The program places itself in user startup after installation and by default it starts automatically every time you login to your desktop (this behavior could be changed, see below). MP3 Skype Recorder connects to your Skype client to monitor Skype activity and to start and end recordings when you making or answering a call.

 
MP3 Skype Recorder first start and access to Skype v.4

Note if you are using older Skype version 3, please take a look to the manual for the previous version of recorder to find necessary authorization steps.

MP3 Skype Recorder will try to connect to Skype on the first start, and will be waiting for authorization.
Skype client will ask you for a permission to allow MP3 Skype Recorder to connect to Skype during the first start of the program. 
Click Allow Access, as shown on the picture.
Choose Allow this program to use Skype and click OK Skype authorization for skype call Recorder
NOTE: If for some reason you don't see Allow Access panel (as shown above), or you accidentally clicked "Deny Access". You will need to go to the Tools->Options in the top Skype menu (as shown on the picture). Skype authorization process
Click Advanced tab on the right and click Manage other program's access to Skype link in the bottom in the Skype Options window. Skype options window
The new widow (Skype - Manage API access control) should open with the listing of 3rd parties programs connected or not allowed to connect to MP3SkypeRecorder.exe is marked as Not allowed to use skype. Choose it from the list by clicking on it and click Change on the right. Skype options window
Choose Allow the program to use Skype, by clicking radio button and click OK Skype authorization for MP3 Skype Recorder

 

!!! Note: Vista and some personal firewalls can give you a "low risk" alert on MP3 Skype Recorder first recording, as it uses a local port to get sound stream from Skype, to record you have to allow MP3 Skype Recorder to use this local port. This is absolutely safe.

 

MP3 Skype Recorder user interface

 

Top of free MP3 Skype Recorder - cross button on the upper right of MP3 Skype Recorder window minimizes the window to system tray,  to close window use Exit command in the upper right menu. Double click tray icon to maximize window.

Upper menu for free skype recording program  Upper menu:

  • Exit - close Skype Recorder Program
  • Help - link to this page
  • Skype Links - gives list of Skype useful links for easy access.
  • About - link to the MP3 Skype Recorder product page

Recorder button to start Skype conversation recording Recorder button - turns the recording ON, if pressed during Skype conversation starts the recording immediately, else starts automatic recording mode.

stop voip recording Stop recording - turns the recording OFF, MP3 Skype Recorder will stop automatic record mode, if pressed during Skype call, the recording will be finished.

Open recordings - opens the folder containing skype conversation records (mp3 files).

!Note: The names of mp3 files contain date and time of recording, the type of Skype call and and name or telephone number of other party.

Choose folder to store skype conversation records  Skype records location - shows the path to the folder to save Skype mp3 records. The button on the right with the folder icon opens the dialog for changing this setting.

Toggle automatic startup of skype mp3 skype recorder  Toggle startup - turns automatic startup ON/OFF. If checked the MP3 Skype Recorder will be launched on windows startup automatically.

MP3 Skype Recorder minimized startup option Toggle minimized startup - force the MP3 Skype Recorder to start in minimized mode. To show the window double click the tray icon.

 Skype Recording Mode Recording modes - 

  • Mono - the sound from microphone and incoming sound are mixed to one channel. This mode help to save space
  • Stereo - the sound from microphone goes to right channel, incoming voice  to left channel. This mode could be useful if you want to split channels and take only one, this could be done by any sound editor.
  • Joint Stereo mode uses M/S stereo coding and transforms the left and right channels into a mid channel and a side channel, hence the name. The mid channel is the sum of the left and right channels, or L + R. The side channel is the difference of the left and right channels, i.e., L − R. This mode usually gives more quality on the same bitrate, but you can't split channels.

Recording Bitrate Recording bitrate
Choice of bitrates from most space saving 24 bits upto 128 bits

     

    If you have any questions, please use comments below to ask.

Comments

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 01:45 — Skype user

Hi
I can't get Skyperecorder to work.
When I open Tools/Options/Advanced in Skype, I don't get a link to manage access for other programs. There's just a blank space.
Thanks for any help you can give.

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 17:30 — VOIP

Make sure that:

  • MP3 Skype recorder is started.
  • you are not using business version of Skype, it doesn't have Extras manager
  • no personal firewalls blocking connection between recorder and Skype
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 05:29 — Skype user

I have everything set up and allowed, but every time I record, I just get a file that is 0 bytes, and nothing is recorded. Help?

Fri, 02/26/2010 - 08:39 — VOIP

Check that you are using the latest version of MP3 Skype Recroder 1.9.0. Check that no personall firewall blocking connection between MP3 Skype Recorder and Skype. 0bytes record means that something is preventing Skype recorder from getting audio stream from Skype.

Mon, 03/01/2010 - 23:06 — Skype user

 I found the problem, I had two versions of the recorder installed. I uninstalled the old version, and now it works. :)

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 09:08 — Skype user

Been wanting to try this, but the site says it's no limits, the comments here say there are no limits..

..BUT when the popup to record a call comes up to select Yes / No, it clearly says there is a 15 minute limitation (using latest version of the application, latest version of Skype).

Is there a 15 minute limitation? If not, why does it say there is? I plan to record an hour long weekly podcast, and while I wouldn't mind paying for a service, most skype recorders want $25-40 for something that simply records audio.. aka an application that should be fairly cheap to make and use as a skype pluggin (around the $10 range is something more acceptable).

Anyway, just curious.

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:05 — VOIP

There are no limits. I can't undestand what popup message you are talking about. Could you send me a screenshot with the message you are talking about, please.
The program is 100% free to use.

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 01:02 — Skype user

I have both Skype version 4.1.0.179 with Extras Manager and MP3 call recorder version 1.9.0.1 installed on both my laptop and my desktop. I had no problems connecting MP3 call recorder to Skype on my desktop, but whenever I try to open MP3 call recorder on my laptop, I get the "Error connecting to Skype" message and Skype doesn't pick it up.

Any ideas as to what may be causing the discrepancy?

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 18:01 — VOIP

It looks like Skype Extras Manager is not installed or working properly. Try to reinstall Skype.

Fri, 02/19/2010 - 22:44 — Skype user

I've tried reinstalling Skype multiple times including several of the latest releases and I can't get Extras Manager to pick up the MP3 call recorder. It recognizes my other plug-ins, just not this one.

Tue, 02/23/2010 - 14:22 — VOIP

Are you using not-Business version of Skype? Cause business version does not support connection by third party software. Could you give me more details which version of Windows are you using? Is it 32 or 64 bit version? Does it give any errors or warnings, when you start recorder?

Wed, 02/24/2010 - 01:33 — Skype user

Windows Vista 32-bit. Skype came with my laptop, but I tried reinstalling from their website several times. What's confusing me is that Skype picks up MP3 Call Recorder on my desktop, which uses the same OS, version of Skype and the call recorder as my laptop.

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:12 — VOIP

That's strange should be working. Try the following:
- Go to Skype upper menu -> Tools -> options -> choose advanced tab on the right -> click Manage other program's acces to the Skype on the bottom. In the new window find MP3 Skype Recorder if it is in the list and check if it is Allowed or Not allowed to use Skype. Change if it's not.
- If the above doesn't help try to switch off any personal firewalls or antivirus, just to understand if they are causing this.

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 19:06 — Skype user

MP3 Skype Recorder does not appear in "Manage Other Programs' Access to Skype" and turning off the firewall had no effect.

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 07:51 — Skype user

I am using Skype v4.1.0.179 and MP3 call recorder version 1.9.0.1.
I have my microphone input turned all the way up both in the mixer and in the skype sound settings.  Auto adjust is turned off.   Normal calls seem to sound fine and the echo test calls sound fine.  The MP3 call recorder seems to record calls just fine as well except the volume is very very low/quiet.  Any suggestions as to how to improve the volume of the recordings?
Thank you.

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 21:58 — VOIP

Please see this records volume level topic. Try to adjust both speakers and mircrophone volume level.

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 06:48 — Skype user

 Hi, I'm sorry for my english...
I install MP3 Skype Recorder 1.9.0.1 and work with it. later I have problem with .NET Framework and Skype Recorder start with error. I want reinstall Skype Recorder, but can't uninstall it. If I try install again .exe file don't start, .msi file start setup, but programm start with error again...
say me, pleas, how uninstall Skype Recorder ???

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 21:44 — VOIP

To uninstall go to Control panel -> Add or Remove programs

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 14:57 — nnnn74

Hi,
Have any possibility way  to apply folder to store the record for all the user under Active Directory meaning all user dont need to set anything and the record file will store in the same folder? we only set 1st  time in the administrator user

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 18:41 — Sniglet

Does anyone have any suggestions about how to fix MP3SkypeRecorder when it stops working? I have been using MP3SkypeRecorder (version 1.9.0.1) for months, but all of a sudden it stopped recording my calls. It don't see any errors. MP3SkypeRecorder still shows itself as running (it says it is "waiting for Skype").
I also still see that Skype is configured to allow MP3SkypeRecorder to access it.
Is there some error log I should check? I tried running the MP3SkypeRecorder install again (choosing the "repair" option) but it didn't seem to help.

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 23:33 — VOIP

Sent you an email.
You need to allow MP3 Skype Recorder to access Skype, please see manual

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 10:24 — Skype user

i dont want the recorder to inform when the recorder starts or stops recording. sometimes i want to record secretly. what should i do for that

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:25 — VOIP

A new program is coming soon. It is almost finished. It will have no information popups, no icon in system tray or taskbar.

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 07:34 — Skype user

That's a really great news ! I'll wait for it.Thanks

Mon, 02/15/2010 - 23:48 — Skype user

Any news on when the popups can be disabled ?

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 17:38 — susanlowes

I switched the setting to start minimized but now I can't change it back!
thanks!

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 19:41 — VOIP

That's sounds weird. When you are saying "can't change it back", do you mean can't uncheck the checkbox?

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 20:22 — susanlowes

I can't bring it up in full mode so that I can see the checkbox to uncheck it! It loads minimized and I can't see any way to maximize it again. I can right-click on the minimized box but it only allows me to turn the recording on/off or exit. When I exit I see the whole thing as a phantom-like fade away.
 
Try it and see. Hope you can help! This is the case on an XP and Win7 machine.

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 22:11 — VOIP

Double click the tray icon to show the window.

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 22:33 — Skype user

Ouch, sorry, how idiotic. I am so used to the right click, it never occured to me.
 
Thank you!

Wed, 11/11/2009 - 00:45 — VOIP

np

Sun, 01/24/2010 - 20:59 — Skype user

I've had the same problem as this guy except that when the icon appears on my task tray it disappears when i hover my mouse over it. What's going on?
 

Mon, 01/25/2010 - 00:50 — Skype user

Try to restart your computer.

Sun, 11/08/2009 - 11:23 — Skype user

I use VoipBuster instead of Skype. I have tried but the recorder writes no files.  Is there any way the recorder would work for me?
Robert

Thu, 10/15/2009 - 21:05 — Skype user

Hi, I just made an one hour interview with somebody and clicked on record in the beginning of the conversation. It said that the recording was ON. But now I can't find the recording in the place it should be. Any ideas?
Best regards  Cirsten

Fri, 10/16/2009 - 08:00 — VOIP

Did you see the popup window with message saying that the recording is started, when  you turn the recording ON. There should be one more window when the recording was finished. 
 
It is more convenient to keep recording ON as it starts recording automatically.
 
Try to turn recording ON and make a test call to Skype Test Call (echo123) should be in your Skype contacts by default. Check if the recording is OK.
 
Check if you allowed MP3 Skype Recorder to access Skype (see manual).
 
It also could fail to record if the destination folder doesn't exist (just create it), or you don't have the sufficient rights to write in it, which is unlikely.
 
Just try a test call and check if everything is OK.

Fri, 11/27/2009 - 11:13 — Marinovic

hi, how many minutes does the recorder record?
a whole hour or more, less?
 

Fri, 11/27/2009 - 18:52 — VOIP

No limits applied.

Thu, 10/15/2009 - 16:42 — Skype user

Why are there two files in the zip?
Which one should I use to install?

Fri, 10/16/2009 - 07:43 — VOIP

Any.  The installation needs both.

Thu, 10/15/2009 - 15:59 — Skype user

It's only recording the other side for me, even though I turned off auto-adjust volume. Suggestions?

Thu, 10/15/2009 - 16:46 — Skype user

... Seems to be working now. Will see how it goes, thanks!

Wed, 10/14/2009 - 22:13 — Skype user

Just recorded a call and have no idea where the file is. I see where the file ws supposed to go but that folder does not exist on my computer. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Rick

Wed, 10/14/2009 - 22:57 — VOIP

MP3 Skype Recorder should give an error message when the recording starts and the target directory doesn't exist. The recording doesn't actually acquire in this case . Current version reports the end of recording as normal if you ignore the error message, I'll fix this in next version.
You should create the target directory to record correctly or choose the existing one.

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 20:25 — Skype user

Here's a "nice to have" to take into account dumb users (aka me !).
If you move the MP3 output directory, it would be nice if the code flagged this error as it starts recording (which it does) but also prompted you to either pick a new directory, and / or, automatically create the directory if it's missing.
I've ignored the error for the past couple of calls.  When the conversation ended, it told me the call had been recorded and even gave the filename so assumed the reported error hadn't actually affected its functionality ( and hence I ignored it the second time around too ).  It actually turns out the call wasn't recorded which is frustrating.

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 02:29 — Skype user

Here's a strange one for you: WHen I make a test call, it records but at a slower speed, so the playback is too fast to understand. The other person'svoice jumps around and mine is sped up (chipmunk style)! What gives? (Thx)

Tue, 10/06/2009 - 20:39 — Skype user

I have a problem because I thought this recorder put the recordings in mp3 format, but it is not playable by mp3-player. How can I make it playable on mp3 -player?

Tue, 10/06/2009 - 21:16 — VOIP

All the recods are mp3 files and should be played by any mp3 player. Check the size of the mp3 file, if its 0KB, then you probably have personal firewall blocking Skype from streaming sound into MP3 Skype Recorder.

Sat, 09/26/2009 - 06:04 — Skype user

I am suddenly having an audio level problem when using the Skype recorder. The incoming caller comes in at such a high level, when I import into either Adobe Audition or Audacity, the audio is clipping...in other words it's extremely high and distorts.
My voice however is at a normal level and quiet clear. Of course I can control my mic level from the mixer but not the incoming call.
This is something that only recently has begun happening and doesn't affect every recording I make...some are fine.
Any suggestions how this can be fixed or what's causing it?
Ian (Sydney)

Sat, 09/26/2009 - 08:21 — VOIP

Try to adjust volume in Skype
Skype->options->audio settings
Try also to switch off/on automatic volume adjustments there.
 
Hope this helps