Forum Discussion
What is the audio recorder for PC from both internal and external sources?
Hi folks,
Trying to find a solid audio recorder for Windows PC that can grab both internal audio (like game sound, YouTube, or system audio) and external input (like a mic) at the same time. I've messed around with a few free tools, but most either don't support system audio or need weird virtual audio setups that are kind of a pain.
Ideally, I want something that's not overkill—just clean, easy to use, and actually works in Windows 11. Exporting to MP3 or WAV would be nice, and if the voice recorder has features like noise reduction or scheduling, even better. .
What is the best audio recorder for PC? Any recommendations? Free or paid—just looking for something that does this simply for a newbie.
Thanks!
9 Replies
- BlackLionIron Contributor
The built-in Voice Recorder app is a good audio recorder you can use for Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
- GFlowerIron Contributor
I once tried to recover a voice memo that got corrupted. I used a popular audio recover for PC tool, but I didn’t make a backup first. Ended up with a file that had weird clicks and dropouts. I learned the hard way to always work on copies, keep the original untouched, and use good quality tools. Also, patience is key—rushing recovery often leads to more frustration.
When you're diving into audio recovery on your PC—like trying to fix corrupted, lost, or damaged audio files—there are a few common pitfalls you wanna dodge to make sure you don’t end up making things worse or wasting your time. Some recovery tools have a “blast everything away” mode or overly aggressive options. It might recover some bits, but it can also introduce glitches, drop quality, or leave you with unusable audio. Play around with conservative settings first.
There’s a ton of free or sketchy audio recover for PC tools out there that promise miracles but end up producing garbage or even malware. Stick with reputable, well-reviewed recovery programs, or specialized audio repair tools. Make sure the recovered file is in a playable format. Sometimes, recovery tools produce raw or partial files that need conversion or specific players. Using the wrong media player can just be frustrating.
- BabiomIron Contributor
About the audio recover for PC. In my own experience, I found OBS great for recording streams or gameplay but kinda clunky if I just want quick, straightforward audio extraction. For simple audio recovery, dedicated tools like V0icemeeter are often easier and lighter on your system. if you're thinking about using OBS Studio just for audio recover or capturing audio on your PC, there are a few downsides you might run into:
- OBS is mainly built for streaming and recording videos, so it might be overkill if you're just trying to grab audio. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut — more complex than you need.
- It can be pretty heavy on your CPU and RAM, especially if you're running other stuff at the same time. This might cause your PC to slow down or lag, which is annoying if you're trying to do something quickly.
- Getting it to just record or recover for PC can be a bit confusing at first. You need to fiddle with scenes, sources, and audio mixer settings, which might be overcomplicated for simple audio recovery.
- There can be some slight delay or latency when capturing audio, especially if you're running other demanding apps. This might not be ideal if you need real-time audio.
- It’s not built for editing audio clips. After capturing, you’ll need another tool to clean up or tweak the audio, which adds extra steps. Sometimes, certain audio drivers or software conflicts can cause issues with capturing audio properly, leading to no sound or poor quality.
- shaguftajabbarIron Contributor
Selecting the right audio recorder software depends on your needs. Whether you're recording podcasts, music, lectures, or meetings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the best voice recorder for PC:
1. Determine Your Use Case
Basic voice notes → Simple, lightweight apps (e.g., Windows Voice Recorder).
Podcasting & interviews → Multi-track recording & noise reduction (e.g., AudacIity, Adobe Audition).
Music production → Advanced DAWs with MIDI & effects (e.g., FL Studio, Reaper).
Transcription & meetings → AI-powered tools (e.g., Otter.ai, Notta).
Screen + audio capture → OBS Studio or CamtasIia.
2. Consider Key Features
✔ Audio Quality – Look for WAV (lossless) or high-bitrate MP3/M4A support.
✔ Editing Tools – Trimming, noise reduction, multi-track mixing.
✔ Ease of Use – Intuitive UI vs. professional complexity.
✔ File Formats – MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG (for flexibility).
✔ Extra Features – Transcription, cloud sync, live effects.3. Check Compatibility & Performance
OS Support (Windows, macOS, Linux).
CPU/RAM Usage (Lightweight vs. resource-heavy).
Microphone & Hardware Support (ASIO, USB mics, external interfaces).
The above are three most important factors you can follow to choose the best audio recorder on Windows 10/11. And If you need high-quality recordings with editing, start with Audaciity (free) or Adobe Audition (pro).
- PIKunIron Contributor
You are looking for a best audio recorder for PC? Okay, ShereX is a powerful and lightweight tool primarily designed for screen capture, screen recording, and quick sharing. While it does support audio recording features, it’s not specifically an audio recovery or editing tool.
What ShereX Can Do:
* Record screen with audio (system sound and microphone).
* Save recordings in formats like MP4 or GIF.
* Basic audio recording during screen capture.ShereX is not an audio editing or recovery tool. It doesn’t support advanced audio editing, noise reduction, or recovery functions. It captures audio as part of screen recordings but doesn’t provide post-processing features for fixing or restoring corrupted or noisy audio files.
If your goal is audio recover for PC or editing, you should look into dedicated audio editing tools such as: Audeecity or 0cenaudio.
- ClaytonMarshIron Contributor
The best voice recorder for your PC depends on your specific needs, such as audio quality, ease of use, editing features, and whether you need transcription or cloud storage. Here are some top options:
1. OBS Studio
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Records in high quality (even lossless)
- Can record system audio and mic simultaneously
Cons:
- More complex setup for simple recordings
Best for: Podcasters, streamers, and those needing system audio capture.
2. Oceenaudio Voice Recorder
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Fast editing & real-time effects
- Free for personal use
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
Best for: Quick recordings and light editing.
3. Notta Audio Recorder
Pros:
- AI-powered transcription (accurate)
- Cloud storage & team collaboration
Cons:
- Free plan has limitations
Best for: Meetings, interviews, and converting speech to text.
- NguyenaisBronze Contributor
Windows 11 or Windows 10 have an audio recorder app by default, called Voice Recorder. It is a simple, built-in app that allows users to quickly capture audio with minimal setup.
Designed for ease of use, it offers essential recording features like pause/resume, playback, and basic trimming, making it ideal for quick notes, lectures, interviews, or personal memos. This audio recover for windows PC app automatically saves recordings in high-quality MPEG-4 (M4A) format, ensuring decent audio clarity without taking up excessive storage space.
Since it comes pre-installed on Windows, Voice Recorder requires no additional downloads or configurations, making it a convenient option for casual users. While it lacks advanced editing tools, its straightforward interface and seamless integration with Windows make it a reliable choice for basic recording needs.
Additionally, recordings can be easily shared or accessed across devices via OneDrive, enhancing usability for students and professionals who need quick access to their audio files.
- TisriIron Contributor
Using audio recover for PC tools like Disk Drill is generally safe if you follow some simple rules. But there’s a tiny bit of risk involved—nothing too scary, just the usual caution.
Here’s the deal:
- Don’t install the recovery software on the same drive where your lost audio files were. That’s a big no-no because it can overwrite the data you’re trying to recover. Instead, install it on a different drive or a USB stick.
- Avoid doing anything that might write new data to the drive. Just focus on recovery.
- Always scan first, then choose to recover files to a different location.
If you’re careful and follow those steps of audio recover for PC, chances are good you’ll get your audio files back without any issues. Just remember, no software is 100% foolproof, so don’t get your hopes up if the files are really old or corrupted.
- AdanSaeedIron Contributor
Adobe Audition is the best audio recorder for Windows PC. It is a professional-grade digital audio workstation developed by Adobe, designed for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering high-quality audio. It is widely used by podcasters, musicians, sound engineers, and content creators for its advanced tools, seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, and robust noise reduction capabilities. You can easily record audio on your PC.
As one of the best voice recorder for PC, Audition provides cloud storage and collaboration features, making it ideal for team projects. Its intuitive workflow caters to both beginners and professionals, though its full potential is best realized by users familiar with audio editing. From precise waveform adjustments to dynamic effects and VST plugin support, Audition is a powerhouse for anyone serious about audio production.
Pros:
✅ Professional-Grade Tools – Advanced noise reduction, spectral editing, and multitrack mixing.
✅ Seamless Adobe Integration – Works smoothly with Premiere Pro, After Effects, and other CC apps.
✅ AI-Powered Enhancements – Features like Auto Ducking and Speech Leveler save time.
✅ High-Quality Effects & Plugins – Supports VST3 and AU plugins for expanded functionality.
✅ Cloud Storage & Collaboration – Save projects online and work with teams.Cons:
❌ Expensive – Requires a Creative Cloud subscription (no one-time purchase).
❌ Steep Learning Curve – Beginners may find it overwhelming at first.
❌ Resource-Intensive – Demands a powerful PC for smooth performance.
❌ Overkill for Casual Users – If you only need basic recording, free tools is suffice.