The Audacity Tutorial - Convert your music into WAV!

[Jayster]

Yes, but that converts the MIDIs using the Quicktime synthesizer which does sound a bit different. Some MIDIs don't sound as good with it, even if it is very close to a General MIDI synth. I guess if you listen to it with the Quicktime synth first to make sure it sounds ok, then you can go ahead and use that method. It's the same problem with XG midis as well.

[SH&E]

I'm sure you can change the synthesizer in the Quicktime Preferences. It comes up with General Midi, and Quicktime Synthesizer. I suppose if you selcct General Midi it'll work.

[Chief]

Alright, I'm getting a problem with step 8. For some reason I can't access this drop down menu. It's just kind of "greyed out," and I can't open it.

8 - Near the top of the program, you'll find a drop-down dialog next to some input and output volume sliders. Click on it, and select "What U Hear," so that it will record exactly what you hear through your speakers or headphones. *If you can't find "What U Hear," then choose "Stereo Mixer."

Can anyone help me with this?

[Theguyoverthere]

Hmm...

Well, the audacity method doesn't work because I don't have a "what u hear" or "stereo mixer" I have Line Input, but that doesn't work either. I think my soundcard is stupid.

The iTunes method works perfectly, but what's this I hear about subpar quicktime synthesizers? Can you change that?

[Nova]

I am experiencing the same problem as Chief.

[HyperX]

iTunes can only use the quicktime synth, period.

Recent versions of Windows require you to select Stereo Mix or 'what u hear' from the Recording Devices panel of your sound options. The best part is it's hidden - you'll have to View All Devices (or whatever it says, it's been a while), disable your default device, and set Stereo Mix as the default device to use it.

EDIT: while there IS an option to simply use 'General MIDI' in itunes, it won't change much IIRC.

[AI The Original]

Some computers don't even have the "What U Hear" available at all. I know it's not even listed under hidden devices on my sister's laptop. There's a long discussion about this on the Dell computer forums.

[HyperX]

Man, that's a terrible sound card then.

[Solaphar]

http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Mixer_Toolbar_Issues#cp

That may help some folks... Or not, but you won't know until you try. =)