Often, the speakers and microphone device drivers on a PC have their own separate internal clocks.  Although these all run at approximately the same speed, there are slight variations.  These variations can build up over time and on long calls can become quite significant, causing the recording from the microphone (your side of the call) to drift out of synchronization with the recording from the speakers (the other side of the call).

If you are recording long interviews, e.g. for podcasting, this can be a significant problem.

To overcome this, CallBurner has “Anti-Drift”, which monitors the clock speeds and automatically adjusts for any variations, by making small, virtually undetectable changes to the audio recorded for either side of the call.  You can see if this is occurring on your system by going to the “Stats” tab and looking at the “Pads” and “Trims” statistics during a call.

“Anti-Drift” is enabled by default - there is no need to turn on any options.

Got a question about Anti-Drift?  Leave a comment on the bottom of this post and we will get back to you.

How does SkypeOut work?

On the Call Phones tab within Skype, enter a phone number (we’ll help you get the country code right) and hit the big, green call button and start chatting. When you begin to run low on credit, it’s a quick trip back to your Account to top up.

For more information on SkypeIn, see the SkypeOut page on Skype’s website.

These steps assume you have Skype and CallBurner installed. Do you need help with installing CallBurner, or perhaps installing Skype?

To configure CallBurner to record each party on a Skype call to a separate file, follow these steps:

1. Click on the CallBurner chilli icon in the system tray to bring up the CallBurner Call Monitor window as shown below:

2. Click on the ‘Options’ tab (4th tab from the left) as shown below, and then click on ‘Configure…’:

3. When you see the ‘CallBurner Options’ dialog, select the “Recording” (as shown below):

4. Note the ‘Advanced Recording Options’ panel of the Recording Options dialog.  In this dialog, you can configure audio encoding options, audio format options etc.  More information on audio encoding and audio format options.  To configure CallBurner to record each side of the call separately, you need to check the ‘Store raw audio in addition to the audio recorded in the format above’ checkbox.  When this option is checked, CallBurner will record a single file with combined audio to the file format specified in the ‘Audio Format’ section, and an additional two .wav files - one for your side of the call and one for the other side.  The separate wav files contain raw audio (as in, uncompressed audio) which can be then edited in your post production software of choice.

Note: CallBurner names each of the wav files with the following names, in the directory specified in the ‘Folder to store recordings in’ setting:

• ‘This side.wav’ - This file contains audio only from your side of the Skype call
• ‘Other side.wav’ - This file contains audio only from the other side of the Skype call

CallBurner can record ecah party to a separate file on the the following types of Skype calls:

• Skype to Skype (computer to computer)
• SkypeOut calls
• SkypeIn calls

If you have any problems getting this to work, we can help - just email us at callburner@callburner.com for assistance.

• a 3 month subscription where you pay in advance to keep your new ordinary phone number for 3 months and have the option of renewing at the end of the 3 month period.
• a 12 month subscription where you pay in advance to keep your new ordinary phone number for 3 months and have the option of renewing at the end of the 12 month period.

How does a SkypeIn number work?

You buy a SkypeIn number in one of over 20 locations and your friends, family or business contacts can call that number and only pay for a standard rate call (if they are in the same country as your online number) – the SkypeIn number uses the internet to route the call and so saves them money. It makes absolutely no difference wherever you are, you can pick up the call at no cost to you wherever in the world you are logged into Skype.

For more information on SkypeIn, see the SkypeIn page on Skype.com.

CallBurner is a powerful Skype recording application which can record SkypeIn calls (and other types of Skype calls such as Skype-to-Skype calls, and SkypeOut calls).  Download a free 14 day trial of CallBurner to try it out for yourself.

1. You will need to purchase a SkypeIn number if you don’t already have one.  A SkypeIn number is a Skype feature which allows people to call you from a normal phone.  SkypeIn works just like a standard phone number - i.e. for the USA, you could have a SkypeIn number such as +1 987 555 5555 for example.  When someone calls that number from an ordinary phone, it rings through to your computer where you are signed in on Skype.

Tip: On the SkypeIn page (link above), you can select from a range of different SkypeIn numbers in different countries.  The best part is that you can select a local number in your local exchange so that people can call you on Skype for the cost of a local call.

2. Click on the CallBurner chilli icon in the system tray to bring up the CallBurner Call Monitor window as shown below:

3. Click on the ‘Options’ tab (4th tab from the left) as shown below, and then click on ‘Configure…’:

4. When you see the ‘CallBurner Options’ dialog, select the “Recording” (as shown below):

5. Note the ‘SkypeOut and SkypeIn’ subheading on the above dialog. The following options pertain to both SkypeOut calls (calls made from Skype to ordinary phones), and SkypeIn calls (calls made from ordinary phones to a Skype account):

• Record my voice only - This option will only record your side of the call (as in, your voice) in the event of a SkypeIn call with another party calling your SkypeIn number. If you select this option, you will only be able to hear your voice during call playback. This option is sometimes used by sales companies who want to record their side of the conversation for training purposes.
• Record all voices - This option records both your side of the SkypeIn call and all of the other parties in the call.

6. This dialog also allows you to configure advanced CallBurner options such as which audio format to record to, which audio encoding to use etc. See our How to record Skype calls using your choice of format and bit rate page for more information on these options.

If you have any problems getting this to work, we can help - just email us at callburner@callburner.com for assistance.

1. You will need to purchase Skype Credit to make Skype calls to ordinary phones if you don’t already have credit.  The term for making calls to ordinary phones with Skype is known as SkypeOut.  SkypeOut calls are relatively inexpensive compared to making calls on ordinary phones (especially when it comes to making international calls).  Here is Skype’s list of SkypeOut calling rates for your convenience. Tip: On the SkypeOut calling rates page, be sure to select your local currency from the “Show rates in” currency drop down box.

2. Click on the CallBurner chilli icon in the system tray to bring up the CallBurner Call Monitor window as shown below:

3. Click on the ‘Options’ tab (4th tab from the left) as shown below, and then click on ‘Configure…’:

4. When you see the ‘CallBurner Options’ dialog, select the “Recording” (as shown below):

5. Note the ‘SkypeOut and SkypeIn’ subheading on the above dialog.  The following options pertain to both SkypeOut calls (calls made from Skype to ordinary phones), and SkypeIn calls (calls made from ordinary phones to a Skype account):

• Record my voice only - This option will only record your side of the call (as in, your voice) in the event of a SkypeOut call with another party, or a multi-party Skype call (i.e. a Skype Conference, SkypeCast etc).  If you select this option, you will only be able to hear your voice during call playback.  This option is sometimes used by sales companies who want to record their side of the conversation for training purposes.
• Record all voices - This option records both your side of the SkypeOut call and all of the other parties in the call.

6. This dialog also allows you to configure advanced CallBurner options such as which audio format to record to, which audio encoding to use etc.  See our How to record Skype calls using your choice of format and bit rate page for more information on these options.

If you have any problems getting this to work, we can help - just email us at callburner@callburner.com for assistance.

If you’re new to CallBurner, you get to use all features for free for 30 days (except where Skype charges apply - e.g. to call standard phones).

After 30 days CallBurner will still record Skype-to-Skype calls with other CallBurner users for free, or you can purchase a license to continue to record other calls.

Follow the steps below and you should be up and running in less than five minutes.

1. Run the installer when prompted by your browser.

2. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

3. The CallBurner licensing and startup wizards will be displayed. Follow the prompts to configure CallBurner.

4. Follow these installation instructions to ensure that CallBurner can properly connect to Skype:

Which version of Skype do you have installed?

I have Skype version 4.0 or later
I have Skype version 3.8 or later
I have Skype version 3.6 or earlier
I’m not sure - how do I tell?

Installation instructions for Skype version 4.0 or later.
Skype should show an “Allow access” button near the top right hand side of the main Skype window. Click it to allow CallBurner to connect to Skype. (NOTE: If the right-hand panel is hidden in your Skype, Skype will instead pop up a separate window for you to allow access).

If you don’t see the button, go to Tools > Options > Advanced and click “Manage other programs access to Skype” near the bottom of the page. If CallBurner appears in the list, click it and click the “Change” button to alter permissions.

If CallBurner is not in the list, reboot your PC and try again.

If you still don’t see it, it is possible that security software is getting in the way. For example, Auslogics has an option to disable the Skype public API. Turning this option off (or similar options in other products) should resolve the issue.

Installation instructions for Skype version 3.8 or later.
a. When CallBurner connects to Skype for the first time, a balloon will above your Windows system tray. Click on Click here to accept/deny.

b. The Skype Client window will appear. Click on the text callburner.exe.

c. The Skype security window will appear (as pictured below). Select the Allow this program to use Skype option and click OK.

Installation instructions for Skype version 3.6 or earlier.
When CallBurner connects to Skype for the first time, you will see a standard security dialog that Skype shows for all third party applications that use Skype. It is designed to stop unauthorised software accessing Skype. You must click one of the “Allow…” options in order for CallBurner to operate. If you accidentally click OK before setting the option correctly, you can follow these instructions to allow CallBurner to access Skype.

How to tell which version of Skype you have installed
a. Double click on the green Skype icon in your system tray, or open Skype if it isn’t already running. Click on the Skype Help Menu, and then click About (as pictured below):

b. The version of Skype you currently have installed is shown (in bold):

Which version of Skype do you have installed?

I have Skype version 4.0 or later
I have Skype version 3.8 or later
I have Skype version 3.6 or earlier

7. On completion of the wizard, you will notice the CallBurner toolbar underneath the standard Outlook toolbars.

8. Click here for a full list of CallBurner Prerequisites.

• 12 months of CallBurner Technical Support (from the date of purchase)
• 12 months of CallBurner Software Upgrades (from the date of purchase)

For example: if you purchased CallBurner on 1 July 2007, you’re entitled to 12 months of CallBurner Technical Support & CallBurner Software Upgrades from the date of purchase for 12 months until 1 July 2008.

You are welcome to keep using your current CallBurner license for as long as you like without renewing your CallBurner Technical Support, and CallBurner Software Upgrades. If you chose to do this, you won’t receive any CallBurner Technical Support or CallBurner Product Upgrades once your initial 12 month period has expired.

You can purchase one of our maintenance packs listed below to continue receiving Technical Support and Software Upgrades for an additional 12 months.

Save - 2 in 1 pack

Technical Support & Software Upgrades

*Price per computer
Buy Now €17.95 (save 10%)

This 2 in 1 pack includes:

• 4 technical support incidents in the next 12 months with a guaranteed 24 hour response*
  If you get stuck with Skyloook, simply send an email to our support team at renewals@callburner.com. Our support team will get back to your enquiry within 24 hours of you sending an email (even over weekends!)

• 12 months of all minor and major CallBurner Software Upgrades.
  As CallBurner evolves, you will keep up to date with all the latest features. Product upgrades include new and improved CallBurner features, enhancements, Skype comptability (as Skype evolves, CallBurner is upgraded to be fully compatible).

As a CallBurner Extra Hot customer you get: Free Upgrades for Life, Three Years Support, Use on up to 3 PCs (standard license is single PC only). Buy CallBurner Extra Hot now

Or, you can purchase

Technical Support

If you require CallBurner Technical Support for the next 12 months but don’t want CallBurner Software Upgrades:

*Price per computer
Buy Now €9.95

The Techical Support pack includes:

• 4 CallBurner Technical Support incidents in the 12 months from your purchase date*
  If you get stuck with CallBurner, simply send an email to our support team at renewals@callburner.com.
  
• 24 hour response.
  Our support team will get back to your enquiry within 24 hours of you sending an email (even over weekends!)

CallBurner Upgrades

If you want to keep receiving CallBurner Software Upgrades for the next 12 months but don’t require CallBurner Technical Support:

*Price per computer
Buy Now €9.95

The CallBurner Upgrades Pack includes:

• 12 months of all minor & major CallBurner software upgrades.
  As CallBurner evolves, you will be keep up to date with all the latest features. Product upgrades include new and improved CallBurner features, enhancements, Skype comptability (as Skype evolves CallBurner is adapted to be fully compatible).

Contact us at renewals@callburner.com if you have any questions regarding CallBurner maintenance.

* CallBurner Technical Support cover includes 4 separate 15 minute Technical Support Incident Vouchers (TSIVs). A minimum of one TSIV is used per Technical Support Incident. TSIVs expire 12 months after the purchase date whether they have been used or not.

• Call landline and mobile phones anywhere in the world (NOTE: Emergency numbers are not available).
• Send SMS messages to mobile phones.

You can buy Skype Credit here.

Read about how to set up Skype here if you don’t already have it. (Skype is a free download).

Also available:

SkypeIn (to allow people to call your PC from normal phones)

Skype Voicemail

For Skype headsets and webcams visit our Hardware Store.

Visit the Skype website.

You can download CallBurner for Skype - a powerful Skype call recording solution.

Click here for information on Skype.