[SOLVED] How to record Skype calls?

Lysander666 · 09-01-2018, 08:52 AM

I have been using ruario's excellent script to install the latest Skype [8.29]. Now, using Echo Sound Test in Skype, both sides of the conversation can be heard fine, however, recording is another matter.

I am trying to use OBS-Studio to record. The problem is that Skype needs the following set in Pulse Audio in order to pick up the microphone from the headset: Configuration > USB Headset > Analog Stereo Output. However, OBS needs this option to be set to Analog Stereo Output + Input in order to record both audio streams, but this option does not allow Skype to hear any audio from the mic.

Is there a way to get this done so that both steams can be recorded? I would use Audacity but I am having similar problems getting both streams to be recorded simultaneously.

Lysander666 · 09-01-2018, 12:33 PM

Just to bump this, it may be worth noting that since version 8.19 apparently Skype supports recording natively [during a conversation you hit the 'plus' button in the convo window and then 'start recording']. However, I haven't been able to test this since Echo Sound Test doesn't give the option [ironically enough], however, I have seen the option present in other calls - see pic [though not tested it properly myself]. If anyone could verify that it works it would be great.

Nevertheless it would still be good to do this without relying on the native recorder.

Lysander666 · 09-02-2018, 06:17 AM

OK, I've sorted this out. Like I say, it may be possible to do this natively nowadays in Skype, but here is the non-native version.

I just made my own quick video on this for reference, if anyone wants to see my Pulse setup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1lTGjaYRmg

Most important is this video from Darren Young, worth a watch. He tells you how to set up an audio loopback device.

Use this script and run it:

Code:

#!/bin/bash

# Set up the mixed sound sink
pactl load-module module-null-sink sink_name=MySink
# Set up the first loopback sink
pactl load-module module-loopback sink=MySink
# Set up the second loopback sink
pactl load-module module-loopback sink=MySink

# To unload use command for each of the 3 modules: pactl unload-module "module number"

This will create two null outputs for recording, then you can use one of these ouputs to record from the headset and one from the soundcard. I then used Simple Screen Recorder to record everything using "monitor of null output" as the audio source. The good thing about using SSR is that it can also record video as well as audio.

kjhambrick · 09-02-2018, 06:42 AM

Thanks for sharing this solution Lysander666.

As I mentioned when I bumped your Rep on Post #1, I've wondered how to do this.

I didn't know about the loopback audio device.

Will set it up and then take it for a spin next time I need to record a Skype call for work !

Thanks again.

-- kjh

Lysander666 · 09-02-2018, 07:32 AM

Thank you very much for the bump in rep, kjhambrick. Like I say in the OP, apparently Skype now supports native call recording, but this is a backup method.

Recording Skype calls has always been fiddly, even back in the days when I was running Windows. It should always be tested before the call - I remember one interview I did years ago - after I had finished I listened to the recording and I could only hear my voice. So embarrassing. Needless to say the interview was never published.

I've tested it with Audacity too, and it works great. Just be sure to set the recording source to "monitor of null output" in Pulse as in the attached, and leave Audacity with the ALSA defaults.