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Download • Download MciRecorder

MciRecorder falls into the class of a “good” one. You can record files and choose their characteristics (channel, sample rate, and bit rate such as Stereo at 44,100 Hz 16 Bit), convert them to MP3 manually or have the program do that automatically (nice touch), and operate basic functions (record, pause, resume, stop) via mouse or hotkeys.

Speaking of the MP3 output, the program does have an option where you can select the bitrate, mode (mono/stereo) and optimization (non, speed, quality) of your MP3 recordings. This is very convenient.

The interface is not terribly fancy but rather, somewhat simple. Personally, I like a little esthetics in design if I'm going to have to look at a program's interface for any give time. But, in defense, MciRecorder comes with two other skins, which helps to balance out it's bland look. But, those two may be the only other ones available as I saw no mention in the HELP file about being able to download any others.

One item I always look for in a product like this is what we call in broadcasting a “VU Meter” or “Peak Meter”. It shows, graphically, your input source so that you can adjust it to avoid distortion or too-low of a recording. MciRecorder does not have any such tool but it does have a recording volume slider control which shows you where the audio setting is digitally on a scale from 0 to 65535 (which was useful but kind of weird. I'd like a scale, say, from 1-20).

MciRecorder is like a “McDonalds” for recording streaming audio: it's basic, not too many frills and not too many choices. But, it can record your audio. Of course, for a few dollars more, there are some other similar applications which have more advanced features a power-user may want to investigate.

The free trial version is fully functional except you can only record a :40 second file. The $19.95 registration fee gives you full access.

You can get the free trial from RealRecorder.net

- Corey Deitz

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