Audio / laptop

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What's the easiest way to record audio on a laptop.
I just got an HP that came with Windows 7 home premium. I have a Sony wired lav with single AA battery power. Is there software in the Windows 7 that will record live audio or what is the best choice for additional audio software.
 
You'll need a hardware interface, either FireWire- or USB-based, along with the software. Fortunately, the software is usually bundled with the hardware. The "mic" input on your laptop is of very poor quality.

Check out ProTools M-Box series, or if you'd prefer Cubase to ProTools, look at the Lexicon Lambda or Omega.
 
wgzn said:
what kind of audio will you be recording and what do you plan to do with it?
Click to expand...

This week I just need to record a VO for a client film I shot. They don't have additional budget for a studio voice session which would be the norm. I plan to pick up a 4HN but can't seem to locate a supplier that has one where I am at the moment.
 
C2V said:
You'll need a hardware interface, either FireWire- or USB-based, along with the software. Fortunately, the software is usually bundled with the hardware. The "mic" input on your laptop is of very poor quality.

Check out ProTools M-Box series, or if you'd prefer Cubase to ProTools, look at the Lexicon Lambda or Omega.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately where I am working at the moment I can't run over to B&H so I'm stuck with emergency methods. Can't I just capture audio to the PC using something like Sound Forge? I can borrow a recording studio for this but then I will owe a big favor in return. If I could find a 4HN I'd pick one up which is what I plan to do on my next trip to NY.
 
If you want to avoid using the mic input on the laptop (and given that the camera you have has better inputs) record audio on cam and import it in.
Don't know if this is feasible in your situation but could be a suitable substitute. Just an idea.
 
If you want to avoid using the mic input on the laptop (and given that the camera you have has better inputs) record audio on cam and import it in.
Don't know if this is feasible in your situation but could be a suitable substitute. Just an idea.
Click to expand...

and its a good idea.
 
Cheapo and good--Mackie USB 2 channel and Reaper software. Or record to ZZZoom it and open the file in RRReaper.
 
SonicStates said:
If you want to avoid using the mic input on the laptop (and given that the camera you have has better inputs) record audio on cam and import it in.
Don't know if this is feasible in your situation but could be a suitable substitute. Just an idea.
Click to expand...

That is a good idea and my Sony lav records well in the 550D, but still have the AGC problem. I did download the magic lantern 550D hack haven't figured out how to install it yet. any links to that?

Thanks for the quick response from everybody by the way.
 
I third recording audio VO to the camera. We've had to do this in a pinch and it worked out well. (As long as your camera audio is good).
 
I did a test with the 550D between the $365 Sony wired Lav and the $3 cheapo computer desk mic and was surprised how good the desk mic sounded. The camera seems to have a lot less trouble with AGC when running an external mic. I don't have a clue why but the in camera mic was a disaster with AGC but these plug in mics don't seem to creap up with the background hiss the same.
I also downloaded some sample audio record software and both mics worked but the result has far more noise that the 550D audio.
 
if I were you, I wouldn't try this yet, being in the middle of a project, but...

there's a new pre-alpha magic lantern with lots of features, including manual audio gain

here's a link to the wiki, where you can find the firmware, plus a couple of videos on how to use it and how to install it (for this one, scroll down)

as I said, I'd wait to get out of this project, and for the beta to come out, specially since you already have a working solution...
 
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