Recording my classes? Garage Band?

audacity.sf.net

I should note, that it doesn't matter so much what software you use in as far as the quality you will get for something like this. The real thing for this type of application would be the recording setup, don't expect much from your internal mic... actually even with an external you probably won't get to much, but at least you would be able to direct it towards your professor and still use your laptop. The mac internal mic is designed to be used for video conferencing with you facing the screen, not to record someone behind the screen.

Seablade

Hi there, I actually record my classes all the time. The software that I use to do it is is the new Microsoft Office 2008. If you use the Notebook layout, you can click on audio at the top menu bar and it will give you an option to record. (the quality is actually quite good) This is the easiest option I can think of because you won't lose the recording, it's saved in the word document.
hope that helps

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/product...k_layout_view/

DISCLAIMER: I look at things from a different level from many folks I suppose, not trying to brag here, just trying to say that what I consider quality might not match other people's, or your own

In general yes distance will matter. There is an inverse square law that describes audio levels originating from the source and the level at points away from the source. Suffice it to say you lose levels quickly the farther way you get.

Now, this might not be much of an issue for you, try it out at different locations and see if you are happy with the results. In general you want as strong a signal as you can get, in this case it will cause it to be more easy to understand when the source(Your professor) is louder than the background/ambient noise. So moving closer can make a difference(Critical distance and other things aside). This becomes important as when we lose our ability to see the speaker, it also affects intelligibility as well, so it can be important to have a clear recording. But again, as I said, try it out and see if it works for you. If it doesn't, try to get closer. There are other options as well, like using directional mics, etc. as I mentioned earlier, but the cheapest way is probably going to be the best.

Seablade

hey there, it doesn't really matter THAT MUCH how far you are from the teacher with this program, but don't get crazy and sit at the back of the class :P , however there are options for you to change the quality of the recording and recording level, you can also go to mic settings and turn on the USE AMBIENT NOISE REDUCTION option. I usually sit in the middle of the class and my Profs are quite loud (also some of my profs use a Mic) the quality won't be the greatest in the world but it you can use it to recap if needed. just put the recording volume all the way to the top. however like Seablade said, if the level is too low, just try to move a bit closer.

I think the limitation would be the microphone and your physical position rather than the software.

check with your prof before you record anything... some of them get really touchy about it and i have heard of cases of students getting in serious crap over it. be careful and check.

That is a good point Fidget. Even more than that though, some colleges also get picky about that even if the professors don't care. I forgot about that.

Seablade