Chapter 3: Audio Recording Explained

Now that you've made your first recording, let's dive deeper into understanding audio recording. This chapter will explain the three ways SeaMeet can capture audio: from your microphone, from your computer, or both at the same time. By the end, you'll know exactly which option to choose for any situation.

What is Audio Recording? (The Basics)

Before we get into the technical details, let's understand what audio recording actually is.

Simple explanation: Audio recording is like taking a photograph, but for sound. Just as a camera captures light and saves it as a picture, a recorder captures sound waves and saves them as a digital file.

Think of it this way:

Your voice creates sound waves in the air
A microphone detects those waves and converts them to electrical signals
SeaMeet converts those signals into a digital file
The file can be played back later, shared, or edited

What makes SeaMeet special? Unlike a simple voice recorder app on your phone, SeaMeet can capture:

Your voice (through your microphone)
Your computer's sounds (videos, music, meeting audio)
Both mixed together (you speaking + the meeting audio)

This flexibility makes SeaMeet perfect for recording meetings, creating tutorials, capturing streaming content, and much more.

The Three Audio Recording Modes

SeaMeet offers three distinct ways to record audio. Understanding when to use each one is key to getting great results.

Mode 1: Microphone Only 🎤

What it records: Just your voice (or whatever your microphone picks up)

Think of it like: Holding a tape recorder up to your mouth

Best for:

Voice memos and personal notes
Podcast recordings
Voiceovers for videos
Dictation
Recording yourself practicing a speech or presentation
Interviews (if you only need your side)

How it works: SeaMeet activates your computer's microphone and records everything it hears. This could be:

Your voice
Sounds in your room
Background noise (TV, traffic, etc.)

Example scenario:

You're brainstorming ideas for a project. You open SeaMeet, select "Microphone" mode, and start talking through your ideas aloud. Later, you can play back the recording to review your thoughts.

Mode 2: System Audio Only 🔊

What it records: All sounds your computer makes (but NOT your voice)

Think of it like: Recording the radio—capturing everything coming out of the speakers

Best for:

Recording online meetings (when you don't need your voice)
Saving streaming music or podcasts
Capturing video audio
Recording game sounds
Saving online lectures

How it works: SeaMeet creates a "virtual loop" that captures the audio output of your computer before it reaches your speakers. It's like putting a recording device between your computer and your speakers.

Example scenario:

You're in a Zoom meeting and want to record what others are saying, but you don't need to record your own voice. You select "System Audio" mode and start recording. The file will contain everyone else's audio, but not yours.

Important note about system audio:

Windows: Works on all versions of Windows 10 and 11
Mac: Requires macOS 13.2 (Ventura) or later. Older Macs can still record microphone audio and video, but not system audio alone.

Mode 3: Both (Mixed) 🎤+🔊

What it records: Your voice AND your computer's sounds, blended together

Think of it like: Recording a phone call where you hear both sides of the conversation

Best for:

Online meetings (you + other participants)
Video calls (both sides of the conversation)
Tutorials (your explanation + the sounds from your screen)
Gaming (your commentary + game audio)
Reaction videos (your reactions + the video you're watching)

How it works: SeaMeet activates both your microphone AND the system audio capture, then mixes them into a single audio file. You don't get two separate files—everything is blended together automatically.

Example scenario:

You're hosting a webinar on Zoom. You want to record both what you're saying (your microphone) and what the attendees are saying (system audio). You select "Both" mode and start recording. The final file contains the entire conversation.

Why this is so useful: Imagine recording a meeting where you can hear:

You asking a question ✓
Your colleague answering ✓
The discussion that follows ✓

All in one seamless recording. No need to merge files later!

Understanding What Each Mode Captures

To help you visualize what each mode records, here's a comparison:

Scenario: Recording a Zoom Meeting

Audio Source	Microphone Only	System Audio Only	Both (Mixed)
You speaking	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Others speaking	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Your typing	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Meeting notification sounds	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Your phone ringing in the room	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Video playing in the meeting	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Scenario: Recording a Tutorial Video

Audio Source	Microphone Only	System Audio Only	Both (Mixed)
Your explanation	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Software sounds/clicks	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Video playing in tutorial	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Error notification beeps	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Your keyboard typing	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes

How to Select Your Recording Mode

Now let's walk through selecting each mode in SeaMeet.

Opening the Recording Options

Make sure SeaMeet is open
Look for the recording controls on the right side of the window (or wherever your recording panel is)
Find the section labeled "Audio Source" or "Recording Mode"

You should see something like:

Audio Source
○ Microphone only
○ System audio only
● Both (Mixed)    ← [Currently selected]

Selecting Microphone Only

Click the radio button or dropdown for "Microphone" or "Microphone only"
You may see additional options:
- Microphone selection dropdown: Choose which microphone to use (if you have multiple)
- Microphone test button: Click to see if your mic is working
- Volume/gain slider: Adjust how loud the microphone records
The recording will be labeled as "Microphone" in your recording list

Visual indicator: Look for a 🎤 microphone icon

Selecting System Audio Only

Click the radio button or dropdown for "System Audio" or "System audio only"
On Mac (if you see a warning): You may need to grant additional permissions in System Preferences
The recording will be labeled based on what app was detected (e.g., "Zoom", "Chrome", or "System Audio")

Visual indicator: Look for a 🔊 speaker icon or the app name

Selecting Both (Mixed)

Click the radio button or dropdown for "Both" or "Microphone + System"
You'll see options for both microphone AND system audio
Select your preferred microphone from the dropdown
The recording will be labeled as "Both" or with the detected app name

Visual indicator: Look for 🎤+🔊 icons or "Mixed" label

Understanding Microphones

Since microphone quality affects your recordings significantly, let's understand the basics.

What is a Microphone?

A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals. Think of it like a tiny ear that listens and translates what it hears into a format your computer can understand.

Analogy: Imagine a translator at the United Nations. Someone speaks in French, the translator listens, and converts it to English for the headphones. A microphone does the same thing—it "listens" to sound and converts it to digital signals.

Types of Microphones You Might Have

1. Built-in Microphone (Laptop)

What it is: A tiny microphone built into your laptop's body
Quality: Adequate for basic use, but not great
Best for: Quick notes, casual recordings
Limitations: Picks up keyboard noise, fan noise, room echo

2. Headset Microphone

What it is: A microphone attached to headphones or earbuds
Quality: Usually better than built-in
Best for: Calls, meetings, gaming
Advantages: Close to your mouth, less background noise

3. USB Microphone

What it is: A standalone microphone that plugs into USB
Quality: Can be very good to excellent
Best for: Podcasts, professional recordings, voiceovers
Examples: Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT-USB

4. Wireless/Bluetooth Microphone

What it is: Connects without wires (Bluetooth or USB receiver)
Quality: Varies widely
Best for: Presentations where you move around
Caution: Can have latency issues (see Bluetooth section below)

Selecting the Right Microphone in SeaMeet

If you have multiple microphones connected, SeaMeet lets you choose which one to use:

Step-by-step:

Look for a dropdown menu labeled "Microphone" or "Input Device"
Click the dropdown to see available microphones
Select the one you want to use
Test it by speaking and watching the audio level indicator (if visible)

Pro tip: Always test your microphone before important recordings!

Adjusting Microphone Volume (Gain)

Sometimes your recordings are too quiet or too loud. SeaMeet lets you adjust this.

What is "Gain"?

Gain is like a volume control for your microphone, but it works differently than speaker volume:

Speaker volume: Controls how loud something plays back
Microphone gain: Controls how loud the recording is made

Analogy: Think of gain like the sensitivity setting on a camera. Higher sensitivity (gain) captures more light (sound), but can introduce noise. Lower sensitivity captures less but is cleaner.

Adjusting Gain in SeaMeet

Go to Settings ⚙️
Look for "Audio" or "Microphone" settings
Find the "Gain" or "Microphone Volume" slider
Adjust the slider:
- Left (lower): Quieter recording, less sensitive
- Right (higher): Louder recording, more sensitive

Default is usually 1.0x (100%)

How to Set the Right Level

Method 1: Visual Indicator

Watch the audio level meter while speaking
Aim for levels that reach about 70-80% of the maximum
Avoid hitting 100% constantly (causes distortion)
Avoid staying below 20% (too quiet)

Method 2: Test Recording

Make a 10-second test recording
Play it back
If too quiet: Increase gain
If distorted/loud: Decrease gain
Test again

Common Gain Issues

"My recordings are too quiet"

Increase gain to 1.5x or 2.0x
Get closer to the microphone
Check if microphone is muted in system settings
Try a different microphone

"My recordings sound distorted or 'crackly'"

Decrease gain to 0.7x or 0.5x
Move slightly back from the microphone
Check for loose cables
Reduce background noise

"I can hear background noise"

Lower the gain and get closer to the mic
Use noise reduction (if available in your microphone settings)
Record in a quieter environment
Consider a microphone with better noise rejection

Bluetooth Audio Considerations

Bluetooth headphones and microphones are convenient, but they have some special considerations for recording.

How Bluetooth Audio Works

Bluetooth sends audio wirelessly between devices. However, it has some limitations:

Latency: Small delay between speaking and recording (usually 100-300ms)
Quality: Compressed audio (not as high quality as wired)
Battery dependent: Dies when battery runs out
Interference: Can be affected by other wireless devices

SeaMeet's Bluetooth Warnings

SeaMeet will show a warning if it detects you're using a Bluetooth device because:

Latency can cause sync issues - Your voice might be slightly delayed in the recording
Quality is reduced - Bluetooth compresses audio
Connection can drop - If the battery dies or connection weakens

When you see the warning:

Click "Dismiss" if you want to continue using Bluetooth
Switch to wired headphones/microphone for best quality
The warning is just a suggestion, not a requirement

Best Practices for Bluetooth Recording

If you must use Bluetooth:

Use high-quality Bluetooth devices (look for "aptX" or "AAC" support)
Keep the device charged
Stay close to your computer
Test first with a short recording
Be aware of the slight delay

Better alternatives:

Wired USB microphone (best quality)
Wired headset with microphone
Built-in laptop microphone (if nothing else available)

Common Use Cases and Recommended Settings

Here are practical scenarios and the best audio settings for each:

Use Case 1: Recording an Online Meeting

Your goal: Capture the entire meeting including your contributions

Recommended settings:

Mode: Both (Microphone + System)
Microphone: Your best available mic
Gain: 1.0x (adjust based on test)
Why: Captures both sides of the conversation in one file

Pro tip: Test with a colleague before the real meeting!

Use Case 2: Creating a Voice Memo

Your goal: Quickly record a thought or idea

Recommended settings:

Mode: Microphone only
Microphone: Built-in or closest available
Gain: 1.0x
Why: Fast, simple, just your voice

Pro tip: Use the Floater (floating widget) for quick access without opening the full app

Use Case 3: Recording Streaming Music

Your goal: Save a song or podcast from a streaming service

Recommended settings:

Mode: System audio only
Why: You don't want your room noise or voice, just the music

Legal note: Only record content you have permission to record. Respect copyright laws.

Use Case 4: Recording a Tutorial

Your goal: Create a video tutorial explaining software

Recommended settings:

Mode: Both (Microphone + System)
Microphone: USB microphone if available
Gain: 1.0x for mic, system audio at normal level
Why: Your voice + software sounds = complete tutorial

Pro tip: Do a 30-second test recording to check audio levels for both sources

Use Case 5: Recording Gameplay

Your goal: Capture gaming with your commentary

Recommended settings:

Mode: Both (Microphone + System)
Microphone: Headset mic
Gain: 1.0x, possibly adjust so your voice is clear over game audio
Why: Game sounds + your reactions/commentary

Pro tip: Watch your levels—game audio can be loud and drown out your voice

Use Case 6: Recording a Lecture

Your goal: Save a class or presentation for later review

Recommended settings:

Mode: System audio only (if watching online) OR Microphone only (if in person)
Why: You usually don't need to record yourself in this scenario

Alternative: Use Flashback mode (Chapter 6) to capture the last few minutes if you miss the beginning!

Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues

"I can't hear anything in my recording!"

Check these:

Was the right mode selected?
- Microphone only: Did you speak?
- System audio only: Was something playing on your computer?
- Both: Were you speaking AND was audio playing?
Check microphone permissions
- Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone
- Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Microphone
- Make sure SeaMeet is allowed
Is your microphone muted?
- Check physical mute button on mic
- Check system volume mixer
- Check if another app is using the microphone exclusively
Is the gain too low?
- Increase microphone gain in SeaMeet settings

"There's a weird echo or double sound"

This usually means: You're recording both microphone and system audio, but your speakers are playing the microphone back through the system.

Solutions:

Use headphones - Prevents the microphone from picking up speaker output
Enable echo cancellation - Some microphones have this feature
Reduce speaker volume - Lower the chance of feedback
Switch to Microphone only mode - If you don't need system audio

"My voice sounds robotic or metallic"

Possible causes:

Bluetooth issues - Switch to wired connection
Low bitrate recording - Check quality settings
Microphone damage - Test with another mic
Audio processing conflict - Close other audio apps

"There's a lot of background noise"

Solutions:

Move closer to microphone - Allows lower gain setting
Use a directional microphone - Picks up less side noise
Record in a quieter space - Close windows, turn off fans
Add soft materials - Blankets, pillows absorb echo
Use noise reduction - Some mics have this feature, or edit later

"The recording volume goes up and down automatically"

This is likely: Auto Gain Control (AGC) - Some microphones adjust volume automatically

To fix:

Check microphone properties in system settings
Disable "AGC" or "Automatic Gain Control"
Set a fixed gain level in SeaMeet instead

Best Practices for Great Audio

Before Recording

✅ Test your setup

Make a 10-second test recording
Listen back with headphones
Check for issues before the real recording

✅ Choose the right environment

Quiet room without echo
Close windows and doors
Turn off notifications on your computer

✅ Position your microphone correctly

6-12 inches from your mouth
Slightly off to the side (not directly in front)
At mouth level, not above or below

✅ Check your levels

Aim for consistent volume
Avoid clipping (hitting max levels)
Adjust gain if needed

During Recording

✅ Monitor with headphones (if possible)

Hear what you're actually recording
Catch issues immediately
Prevents echo problems

✅ Stay consistent

Don't move closer/farther from mic
Maintain same speaking volume
Avoid sudden loud noises

✅ Use the right mode

Microphone only for solo recordings
System only for capturing computer audio
Both for meetings and tutorials

After Recording

✅ Listen back critically

Is the volume consistent?
Any unwanted noise?
Is everything clear?

✅ Rename files descriptively

"Meeting_Zoom_March15.webm"
"Tutorial_Photoshop_Basics.webm"
"VoiceMemo_Idea_ForProject.webm"

✅ Organize regularly

Create folders by project or date
Delete test recordings
Back up important files

Next Steps

Now you understand audio recording! Here's what to learn next:

👉 Chapter 4: Video Recording Explained Learn about recording your screen—fullscreen, specific windows, or custom regions. Understand video quality (1080p, 720p, 480p) and frame rates.

Or explore:

Chapter 5: File formats explained in detail
Chapter 6: Flashback recording (capture the past!)
Chapter 15: Advanced audio settings

Quick Reference: Audio Modes

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    AUDIO MODE QUICK GUIDE                   │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                             │
│  🎤 MICROPHONE ONLY                                        │
│  Records: Your voice                                        │
│  Use for: Voice memos, podcasts, solo recordings           │
│  Doesn't record: Computer sounds, videos, meeting audio    │
│                                                             │
│  🔊 SYSTEM AUDIO ONLY                                      │
│  Records: Computer sounds, videos, meeting others          │
│  Use for: Saving streams, recording meetings (no voice)    │
│  Doesn't record: Your voice, room sounds                   │
│  Mac note: Requires macOS 13.2+                            │
│                                                             │
│  🎤+🔊 BOTH (MIXED)                                        │
│  Records: Your voice + computer sounds                     │
│  Use for: Meetings, tutorials, gaming with commentary      │
│  Best for: Most online meeting recording                   │
│  Result: One file with everything blended together         │
│                                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Last updated: 2026-02-01 Part of the SeaMeet User Manual Previous: Chapter 2 - Your First Recording Next: Chapter 4 - Video Recording Explained