I have been looking to find a way to record my Skype video calls. I do most of my interviews using Skype because my AT&T reception is very bad, I have to sit in my balcony in the northwest corner. I often lean over the balcony to get better reception. After almost dropping my phone and also myself off the balcony I now just make calls by Skype. The calls are recorded using the iPhone recording app carefully positioned closely to my laptop speakers. I still have no idea why Skype doesn’t implement this functionality.
Until that happens it’s time for me to branch out and find a better way to record my VoIP calls. So, how to record skype call? In my search I came up with 5 great Skype call recorder apps.
Pamela
Pamela [for Windows] is free to download and allows you to recordSkypecalls. It works on Windows devices and according to the website its certified by Skype. Here is a list of all the features that it has:
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My main concern with the fluorescent purple app, is that recording times is restricted to 15 mins. Interviews that I do, only start to get interesting after 15 mins in, the free version of Pamela was not going to cut it with me. The premium version allows for unlimited call recording for $25. You download the app and follow the easy to understand installation instructions. Restart Skype and you’re good to record.
MP3 Skype Recorder
I thought to myself there must be a free version out there somewhere and then I discovered MP3 Skype Recorder.
MP3 Skype Recorder [for Windows] is like Pamela and allows you to record calls you make using Skype. It’s features include:
It is made for Windows users and the software is aimed for professional recordings of Skype conversations. Which is great when you need to keep track of phone conversations, either by legal requirements, or for job security. It works in the background and begins to record conversations automatically at the exact moment they start. However you can also record conversations manually, which is better for me. All the recordings are stored in convenient MP3, OGG, WMA or WAV format. The software integrates seamlessly with Skype and has better design and usability then Pamela. MP3 Skype Recorder hits all my needs for VoIP recording.
WireTap Studio
WireTap Studio [for Mac] lets you record, edit, and export all audio on your Mac, from a specific app (like Skype or iTunes) or an external microphone. For tasks, like recording an iChat conversation, you can access WireTap Studio’s features directly from its streamlined controller window. The rest of WireTap Studio’s interface is also reassuringly easy to use, with handy tools for editing. It has a nifty feature which allows you to record from two sources at once. However it comes with a price tag of $69.
Ecamm Call Recorder
Ecamm costs $19.95 to purchase but you can download a free demohere. If you’re looking for a device for both Mac and PC then give IMcapture a try.
IMcapture
IMcapture’s control panel is straightforward and easy to use. With the ability to record audio calls automatically or start and stop recording where you like. You can also change the Sample Rate to improve the recording quality or decrease the file size. It costs $49.95 and you can take a tutorial before purchasinghere.
I think I will stick to the lovely free made for WindowsMP3 Skype Recorderbut if you are looking to record VoIP give one of these services a test drive.
Story byFatema Yasmine
Fatema is the founder of SmartGiggles and a technology writer living in San Francisco. You can find her on Twitter @FatemaYasmine.(show all)Fatema is the founder ofSmartGigglesand a technology writer living in San Francisco. You can find her on Twitter @FatemaYasmine.
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