Computer sound and microphone inputs are different
A playback source is an output device such as your speakers or USB headphones. Free Sound Recorder uses that device’s loopback audio to capture the sound Windows sends to it. A capture source is an input such as a built-in microphone, a USB microphone or a line input exposed by an audio interface.
Choose the device that is actually carrying your sound. A video playing through your headphones will not necessarily appear in the loopback of a different speaker output. Device names and the number of available inputs depend on your Windows settings, hardware and drivers.
1. Connect and check the devices
Connect the microphones or audio interface you want to use. In Windows sound settings, check the output used by your music, video or call, and check that each microphone receives a signal.
For a tape deck or another line-level source, use a suitable line input or audio interface. The connection must appear to Windows as an audio input before the recorder can list it.
2. Select one source or several
Open Free Sound Recorder and use the source checkboxes on the recording bar. Select a playback source for computer sound, a microphone for your voice, or several available devices together. Leave sources you do not need unchecked.
Each input has its own level indication and gain control, from 0% to 300%. Begin around 100% and make a short test. Raise a quiet input only as much as you need; a louder setting can also raise background noise or cause distortion.
3. Record together, then work on separate tracks
Press Record. Use the optional count-in if you need a moment to get ready. Pause and resume the take when needed, then press Stop.
The selected sources are brought into the multitrack editor as separate tracks. You can adjust one track’s volume, mute it or listen to it with Solo, without changing the other recordings.
Save the mix or keep the editable session
Export MP3, WAV or FLAC when you want one audio file containing the current mix. Save an .amss session when you want to reopen the separate tracks and keep editing later.
For an individual source file, solo the track you need and export it, then repeat for another track. This is a per-track workflow, rather than a one-click batch export of every source.
If a source is missing or silent
- Reconnect the device and check that Windows recognizes it.
- Check microphone access in Windows when a capture input cannot be opened.
- For computer audio, select the output that is actually playing the sound.
- Check that the input is selected and its gain is above 0%.
- Use headphones for a voice recording when sound from the speakers is getting back into the microphone.
Loopback records the selected output device. It does not isolate a particular app or browser tab.