How can I record phone calls?

[Erin Pavlina]

I'd like to start recording the readings I conduct with my clients and send them an MP3 file when the reading is over. Any idea how I can do that?

I know other psychics record their readings but I'm not sure how they do it. I'd rather not mail a CD or tape, I just want to email an MP3 attachment. I also know some psychic only record their end of the conversation, but I want to record both sides. Thanks for any tips you can send my way.

[Lucas]

In my opinion, the best way would be to use Skype to make the calls and an extension like Pamela, which will allow you to record them as MP3s

I am not sure how you go about taking calls now, but the quality is quite excellent, especially on your end...which I imagine is the crux of what you want to send your clients?

[Minsc]

You could use a PC with a modem to record if you have the right software.

You could use a regular phone and connect the modem to the line once the call starts, or you could call from the PC with a headset.

If you can get your PC to record from the modem instead of, say, a microphone, you could use a regular sound-recording program like Audacity.

I guess you could also attach the phone line to your sound card's line in(by changing the RJ11 at the end of a phone cable to a RCA) but I'm not sure how well that would work. If it worked then it'd be a nice way to avoid getting a modem and modem software.

Using a PC will let you put it into any format you want and you won't have to deal with any media like cassettes or disks from a seperate phone recorder, so I recommend it.

[Interpreneur]

Take a trip to your local Radio Shack and ask the question. They will give you several choices ranging in price from $20 - $100.

The system I have in my office is a small audio console that is connected to the phone and two PCs (probably more complicated than what you want). I use Sound Forge to record and edit the MP3s.

There are many ways of doing this, but I'm sure you want something that's plug n play, looks good, and will work for a long time.

[Erin Pavlina]

Interpreneur, yes thank you. Exactly! I shall head to the local Radio Shack and hope one of the employees is willing to even ask me if he can help me.

[ChefSalad]

Originally Posted by Minsc

I guess you could also attach the phone line to your sound card's line in(by changing the RJ11 at the end of a phone cable to a RCA) but I'm not sure how well that would work. If it worked then it'd be a nice way to avoid getting a modem and modem software.

Just to prevent badness, don't do that. While a phone line is two wires and a mono audio jack is two wires, they don't hookup together like that. Phone lines have 40V of AC running through them. Sound cards are designed to absorb phono line voltage which tops out 5V (sometimes 8V). 40V into an 8V socket equals fried computer.

Anywho, you really have three options. Each has it's pros and cons. I recommend setting up and testing options one and three. Option two may be worth investigating, but it's probably more trouble than it's worth.

1: Your best bet for high quality (and, in a way, cheapest, since you already have microphones and headsets from Steve podcasting) is Skype. Recording on there is dead easy. If your clients also have Skype the call will be free and the sound much, much higher quality than old fashioned telephone. If they don't have Skype, then this will cost you money for the phone call.

2: Using a voice modem. Odds are 50/50 that you already have one, and if you don't, they're fairly cheap. You can generally use whatever software you want to to record off them. It usually involves just selecting it as a sound source (sorry I can't get more specific on how exactly that works; I haven't used Windows in quite some time, and have never done what you want to do in Windows (though I have done it in Linux)). There's specialized software out there that can do all the setup and recording for you. With this option, you would use your regular phone headset just like normal.

3: The third option is a device like this one. They're relatively cheap and should substitute directly for your microphone. Since Steve already has podcast recording software, you should be able to just plug in this device and use that software with it. It's only real disadvantage, as far as I can tell, is that it comes with a pricetag (albeit quite small), and it's sound quality won't be as high as the other two options (although option 2 will sound very similar).

[Patricia]

Hi, Erin,

Skype is one of the best alternatives - if not the best - and there are several ways to record both sides of a conversation on Skype.

Pamela has already been mentioned and a lot of people use it and love it, but it didn't really work for me. So I researched other alternatives, let me share some of them with you:

MX Skype Recorder:
Free MX Skype Recorder
I use this one and can't complain. Simple, small/lightweight, effective, good recording quality.

i-Sound WMA MP3 Recorder Professional:
i-Sound WMA MP3 Recorder Professional - Streaming Sound Recorder
Records anything that goes through the sound card and can be configured to record Skype calls.

Evoca:
Evoca
This is an interesting online solution. Once recorded, you can share the conversation with the other party through a password protected web address.

Powergramo:
Skype Recorder - Record skype and do a lot more!

AfterBeep:
Accordiva - Digital Video Surveillance System & Answering Machine Software for Skype

Super TinTin:
Supertintin MSN/Skype Webcam Recorder, Skype/Msn Messenger, Recording Both Audio and Video Chats
Records video calls too.

See if any of these suit your needs. I hope this helps.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

I'd like to start recording the readings I conduct with my clients and send them an MP3 file when the reading is over. Any idea how I can do that?

I've used Pamela and now use Powergramo Professional together with Skype. Both programs are good but I prefer Powergramo.

[Lauxa]

You could also look at spy shops, I would bet there are some in Vegas, they have recording equipment like this.

[Erin Pavlina]

I found something at Radio Shack, thanks!! Once I can figure out how to use it I'll be in business

[BenThere]

Erin, will you need to add your own software to the Radio Shack doohickey?

If so, as I mentioned in the voice recorder thread, I recommend Audacity (free) for basic recording and editing; and the excellent bundle that comes with the Emu high-end audio interfaces if advanced editing is needed.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

I found something at Radio Shack, thanks!! Once I can figure out how to use it I'll be in business

How are you doing in installing it? Will you have it installed soon...say very soon? Just curious.

[Stu]

Something you should also be aware of is the legality of recording phone conversations. I doubt any of your clients would really mind as it's for their own benefit but it probably wouldn't hurt to make sure they're aware they're being recorded.

[Erin Pavlina]

I went to Radio Shack and found a good one but Steve suggested I look online for reviews and such. I haven't had time to do that yet but I probably will very soon. I think the one they showed me does not require extra software, but we'll see.

Yeah, on the device it talks about how you have to notify the person that you are recording. I will definitely ask each client if they want it recorded. I can't imagine anyone saying no though. But if they do it just puts me back to where I am now so that's fine.

Thanks for your tips and ideas everyone.

[Angela]

Erin, I've noticed that the knowledge that you're being recorded can affect some people's sense of freedom in expressing themselves. Where will this recording end up? Is this confidential? Will you yourself listen to it later and if so, what are you going to do with it? -- that kind of stuff.

Maybe when you ask about recording, there is something you can say to assure them they're safe and keep their vibration high.

Just a thought.

[Erin Pavlina]

I'm just recording the call so they can listen to it later. I don't plan to ever listen to it again. Most psychics nowadays record the reading so the client can refer back to it. If they want to share it with friends and family, that's fine.

[Patricia]

Hi, Erin,

For some reason, at first, I thought you wanted to record readings over the phone () - hence the software I suggested for Skype. Silly me! But I'm glad you found what you were looking for. However if you ever need to record one over the phone, those are still good options.

[Erin Pavlina]

Yes I am wanting to record the phone conversations. I don't like Skype. Looked into it before. Don't want it.

[Patricia]

Oh, ok. Glad you found what you were looking for.

[SteveWeber]

Hello,

I use FreeConferenceCall.com for my teleconferences.

They will record the call and you can download it.

The service is great and it is free.

[Lupe]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

Yes I am wanting to record the phone conversations. I don't like Skype. Looked into it before. Don't want it.

Why don't you like Skype?

[desertrat]

I dont know if Erin is still viewing this thread it is 2 years old . There is the old suction cup pick hooked to a tape recorder. It will work on a old stile phone , not a cel phone or skype . desert rat