[tuqqer]

I'm having a helluva time figuring out how to record phone conversations into my G5 2Ghz (tons of RAM, running OS 10.3.3, with all updates and latest versions of all sofware). After 10 hours of trial and error, using 2 otherwise great Mac technicians, 4 pieces of software, and a variety of hardware, I'm stumped.
We need to record 90 testimonials over the phone, over the next few months.
Hardware we've tried: JK Audio Voice Path, directly into the Mac's Mic port, as well as through Griffin's iMic.
Software: Audacity, PEAK LE, Sound Studio, and Amadeus.
Settings: System Prefs: making sure the Sound and Speech settings are correct. Also, checking each of the above software's pref settings for the Input and Output settings.
Over the past two days, we've also unpluggeg/plugged in all components (from phone to cable, to iMic), run DiskWarrior, PRAM zap, restarted, rebuilt permissions, and run Onxy stuff.
The problem we're having is twofold: horribly loud background noise (louder than the speaking voices, we're not tallking a low hum here), or superlow sound. Without the iMic, the background sound is lower, but the audio is almost inaudible. With iMic, the voices are louder, but the buzz drowns out what the parties are saying.
The lines certainly sound clear when we're talking and interviewing; we don't hear any background buzz and we can hear each other perfectly.
Has anyone successfully recorded telephone conversations into their G5? If so, what precisely did you use, from cables to phones to devices. Whatever you're using, we'll buy! Just give us the list.
We're about to hire some $80/hour sound technician to come over, but before we do, we're wondering if anyone has a solution. So far, we're in shock that it's been this difficult.

[moda]

http://homepage.mac.com/jonn8/jpt/
I just found Jon's utility useful. This is a dialing utility that allows the user to use the modem line to dial out and receive calls as well, but I have been using it for alternate reasons:
I have been using it to record my conversations in Peak. The one thing that I cannot figure out is to adjust the volumes of my outgoing voice. While the others on the line come in with less volume, my volume is hot. So, I've been adjusting my volumes in Peak.
In order to make things work, after launching the utility, make certain that the modem is released everytime you want to dial out and record. This allows the internal speakers to operate, and Peak to record via Built-In. You also have to make certain to set the default 10 second modem setting in the utility's control panel, to 1000+ seconds, so that the modem can remain engaged until you hit the hang up button. Even when you pick up the phone to speak, the modem will remain engaged allowing Peak to receive the modem's audio.
So, while Peak is open and you have the record interface up, hit record in Peak, and then dial using Jon's utility, then pick up the handset or activate the headset, all in that order. Make certain that you can hear the modem pick up and dial via your computer speakers. If you don't hear anything, then Peak will not pick up the audio. To remedy this, make certain to release the modem under the file menu of Jon's utility.
The utility is shareware with a 14 day trial and works well with 10.3.3.
Good luck!

[rockinphotog]

Thanks for the AD! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[westy48]

Tugger,
This isn't a computer problem - it's an audio one.
You'd be better off finding a local recording studio or radio station who'll sell you a couple of days in a studio and the services of someone who can work the gear.
They'll have the right equipment and skills to get good quality sound out of the telephone. You'll be able to walk away with something that sounds good and hasn't wasted your precious time.
Setting up to record a phone call in a studio is just a few minutes work - you don't want to spend ten hours trying to do the same.
Good luck,
James

[Hawaiian_Starman]

I'm running into the same problem too. Attempting to record telephone conversations via an iMic using Amadeus and 10.3.4. Same problem as you describe - loud background hum.
I'm using a headset (non-wireless) Plantronics telephone via a Radio Shack telephone device plugged into the iMic. I've used this combination to record to a cassette player w/o any problems. Computer is another matter.
Were you able to resolve the problem?

[Chris Breen]

Check out today's entry in the
Mac 911 blog.
Chris

[Hawaiian_Starman]

Thanks Chris.
I have tried the speakerphone approach, however, the result is a lesser quality than I get when recording directly to a cassette player. I know I could stream the cassette tape into the Mac, however, I was hoping to eliminate that step.
The folks at Proteron recently developed an app for telephone recording, however, they had to pull the OS X v10.2 and later version due to MP3 licensing problems. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif In response to an e-mail to them, they mentioned others using their product have complained about feedback hum when using a telephone connected to an iMic device . It was their opinion the iMic may have unresolved grounding issues. So, Griffin Technology is next on my list on the path to resolving what ought to be an easy process. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Thanks again for posting the blog. Perhaps others will join in on the discussion.

[ppartekim]

There is a product by JKAudio called THAT-2 (telephone handset audio tap) that plugs in between the handset and phone. It contains rca port inputs and ouputs that can run to any sort of equipment. This means that conversations (both sides) can be recorded or the handset mic can be turned off and a audio can be inputed to the phone line (aka music hold). Since it just contains rca (and XLR jacks) you can run it to any recorder or player (say record phone conversations stealthly, or stream itunes to your office phone). They are rather expensive but extremely useful. I have used to turn a standard phone into a speaker phone once by plugging in amplified speakers. Also used it to create a more personal and professional call message on the phone company's voice mail system.
A link to the procuct is : http://www.jkaudio.com/that-2.htm

[Hawaiian_Starman]

Received this e-mail note from Griffin Technologies about the iMic: "The iMic does not ground off of the USB bus because of internal system noise. This could be the problem [background hum] as it is
using a "floating" ground."
Seems the iMic is where the weak link is occurring when using the telephone as a source. Back to square 1, wherever that is! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[albertoricci]

Check this out: Ovolab Phlink, http://www.ovolab.com/phlink/.
The audio quality is very high, and no noticeable hum gets recorded. There are sound samples on the web site too.
The software allows you to set up extremely powerful phone trees, voicemail systems, and more, plus it lets you start recording live calls at any time.
Best,
Alberto.

[johnpa2]

Hi
this is how i record phone conversations with great quality. I use my iPod, a Belkin adapter with mic and headphone jacks and recording patch line that transfers from the phone to the iPod. Yeah, I know this solution requires buying an iPod, but it work very well. In fact, I use the set up with a cordless phone with great results. Aside from the iPod and Belkin adadpter, the other parts are available at Radio Shack.
john