How to record a digital audio file using MusicMatch Jukebox
(A Question and Answer Session)

 Q.  Where can I get MusicMatch Jukebox?

 A.  From the following URL:  http://www.musicmatch.com. 

 Be sure to download the free version (unless you want the pay version).  The down side to the free version is that it has a nag screen that will pop up each time you close the program, inviting you to purchase the for-pay version.  Other than that, there are no functional differences for the purposes of this lesson.

 Q.  Should I use the Express or the Custom install when I install it?

 A.  We recommend the Custom install.  It will give you the opportunity to associate only certain media types with MusicMatch (or none, which is what we recommend).  Otherwise, MusicMatch will assume that you want all media types to be associated with it.

 Q. How do I set up MusicMatch for recording?

 A.  Follow these steps:

  1. After installation is complete, start MusicMatch.
  2. Click Options > Settings and click the Recorder tab.

 

  1. Be sure the following are selected:
    1. Recording Quality is set to WAV.  Note that you can make MP3 or WMA files with this program also.  For streaming and encoding purposes, however, an uncompressed, WAV file is recommended.
    2. Recording Source is set to Mic In (if that is where you plugged the microphone into your sound card).  Usually, when transferring a cassette tape to digital format through this program, you will use the Line-In port on your sound card.  In that case, change the Recording Source to Line In).
  2. Now click the “Tracks Directory…” button.  This will allow you to set the file save name and location.

 

 In the New Tracks Directory Options dialog  box, deselect the pre-selected options, and be sure that only “Track Name” is selected.  This means that whatever track name you give the recording will become its file name.  We recommend that you do not include spaces in file names. 

  1. On this same dialog box, click the ellipsis button after the “Directory for New” caption.  You will be allowed to navigate your file system and select a folder in which to save your digital recording.  Select one you are familiar with, or make a custom one just for recordings.
  2. Now, click Ok and OK again to return to the main Jukebox Window.  Click the Red Record button in the main window to start the Recorder (or select View > Recorder from the View menu).

 The recorder will appear:

 

 7.  Click the Track Name and give the track the name you wish, then click the Red “Record” button to begin recording.  Speak into your microphone.  When finished, click the Stop button.

Q.  What if the sound level is too low?  How do I adjust the recording sound level in Windows?

A.  Use the Windows mixer tool to set recording levels.  Here is how:

From the Start Menu choose Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Volume Control.

You will see something like this (the number of devices will vary):

Note that this is the Play volume control, NOT the Record volume control. 
To get at the Record volume control, click Options > Properties.

Be sure the "Recording" radio button is selected, and that "Microphone" is checked in the "Show the following volume controls" area.

You will then see the Recording volume controls:

Slide the Microphone volume control up about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way.  It may take a few tests to get the levels about right.  The easiest way to determine if your volume level is correct, is to play a CD through your computer at a comfortable volume level, so that you know your speakers are set correctly.  Then, experiment with the Record levels until they achieve about the same results.  Taking a few minutes to set your recording levels will pay off in the long run.

 

© 2002 Palomar College - Last Modified 05/14/2002