Stereo Mix

Limitations of Windows 7 audio API.

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:26:23 +0000

Microsoft has made a generous gift to fans of the audio recording by implementing “Stereo Mix” feature in the system. Now we do not have the headache of searching for fixed drivers for sound cards. Is all well? In fact, no.

The new audio interface does not allow to capture DRM-protected audio streams. We are against piracy, but we should be able to make a legal copy of purchased audio track.

Another disadvantage: new audio API provides low-latency output in exclusive mode, but recording will be disabled. Recording allowed only in shared mode.

“Stereo Mix” no longer required?

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:34:25 +0000

I have got a great news from Abyssmedia today - they released new version of famous i-Sound recorder for Windows 7. This version work only with Window 7 and Windows Vista and not required “Stereo Mix” feature to record streaming audio.

It’s worked! By default, i-Sound get audio directly from Speakers with excellent quality. No virtual audio drivers installed. No system hooks used. Only new audio features of Windows Vista.

VIA VT3310 UAA Driver

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00:23 +0000

I’m noticed that audio driver for VIA VT3310 High Definition Audio Codec not available from official VIA site. Why? Actually, VT3310 (UAA) is the VIA VT1708 HD Audio Codec. Not sure why it is reporting this uncommon device name, but you can download and install audio driver for VT1708.

Why do i need the “Stereo Mix” feature?

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:58 +0000

The ‘Stereo Mix” input of sound card allows you to record all what you hear. Here is a list of possible applications:

Record your voice with background music. Sound card will mix voice and music together.
Record both sides of Skype conversations.
Record DRM-protected music to standard MP3 files. This is a main reason why “Stereo Mix” disabled in latest audio drivers.
Record MIDI files to WAV or MP3. In fact, this trick was popular few years ago. Now you can convert MIDI to MP3 directly using MIDI Rendering software.
Record sound tracks from popular games

Any more suggestions?

Another driver for Sigmatel

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:45:58 +0000

If you already tested audio drivers from LG and Dell, but still not have Stereo Mix under Windows Vista you can try this driver from Intel: http://www.intel-drivers.com/Intel-drivers/Intel-Desktop-Board-DG965RY-Sigmatel-(IDT)-92xx-Audio-Driver_71808.shtml

According my subscribers this driver work perfect on DELL Inspiron 1525, Dell Lattitude D531 and Dell XPS M1530.