How to Record a RAM Streaming Audio
Level of difficulty: Easy
The file format RAM references the Real Audio Metadata, a type of website link which when click redirects the Web browser to the location of a streaming audio media broadcasted primarily on the Internet via the Web browser using a RealAudio plug-in module. This format was conceptualized prior to 1997 as a streaming media format which provides the computer user with the luxury of downloading the actual file while listening to its contents in real time. This technology makes use of the HTTP communication protocol which is the foundation for the Internet; thereby allowing it to be hosted practically in every major Web browser and in virtually any type of Web page. Unlike other media files hosted on the Internet which are initially downloaded into the local system prior to beginning the playback process, the RealAudio file sends the first part of the media contents and once it is received by the machine, the playback is initiated simultaneous to the downloading of the remaining parts of the file making it an ideal format for live broadcasts.
Materials Needed:- Web browser
- Internet connection
- computer
- RealPlayer
- conversion and recoding utilities
Step 1
For machines running on the Mac OS X Operating System platform, proceed to Step 9. For Microsoft Windows Operating System environment-based computer systems, launch the Web browser and go to the http://www.audio-now.com/sound_editor/wma-mp3-recorder.htm address.
Step 2
Download and install the WMA MP3 Recorder from this website.
Step 3
Upon completion of the download and installation process, launch the MP3/WMA Recorder.
Step 4
Click on the 'Mixer' button to bring up the 'Recording Properties' dialog box. Choose the 'Stereo Mix device' (or its equivalent) option.
Step 5
Adjust the record volume accordingly to attain the highest performance possible. Uncheck all non-essential devices which have been activated by default in order to cut down on background noise.
Step 6
Begin the playback of the streaming audio from the host Internet website. Click on the 'Record' button of the MP3/WMA Recorder program.
Step 7
Observe the wave pattern display associated with the audio stream during playback and adjust the volume to your preference.
Step 8
Click the 'Stop' button upon completion of the streaming audio and it will be automatically saved in the destination folder of the application.
Step 9
For Mac OS X-based machines, launch the Web browser to download and install the Soundflower, Audio Recorder, LAME Framework, and Real Player (free version) applications.
Step 10
Upon completion of the downloading and installation procedures for each software application, open the Audio Recorder utility.
Step 11
An audio level meter is displayed which corresponds to the sound being captured by the default input device of the machine. Open the 'Preferences' menu and change the audio format accordingly. Close the Audio Recorder Preferences window.
Step 12
Open the 'System Preferences' option and click on 'Sound'. Select 'Input' and choose Soundflower (2ch) as the 'Input' option, do the same for the 'Output' option.
Step 13
Click on the 'Sound Effects' category and select built-in audio: internal speakers to make sure that system alerts will not be included in the recording. Close this window.
Step 14
Begin audio streaming using RealPlayer. Click the 'Record' button on the Audio Recorder software. Click the 'Stop' button to terminate the recording process.