I have been searching for a method that can be used to record Skype VoIP calls I make.  Most of the interviews I conduct are done through Skype since my AT&T reception is quite bad.  It usually restricts me to look for a northwest corner in my balcony.  This forces me to lean over the balcony to enjoy better reception. After almost tripping from the balcony and losing/damaging my phone, I decided to make Skype calls.  These calls are recorded using an application on my iPhone, after placing the phone on the right position near the speakers on the laptop. I still don’t know why Skype has not implemented this function.

Before this happens, it is time to look for better ways that can be used to record the VoIP calls. As I was conducting the search, I managed to come up with 5 Ways in which this can be done:

Pamela [Win] – this is free to download and it permits a person to record the calls that have been made through Skype. The official website accords that it has been registered by Skype and it supports Windows devices.  Some of the features it comes with include:

• Blogging and Podcasting
• Playing sounds as the call is going on
• Answering machine
• Creates really cool mood messages
• Skype cal; conference call manager
• Stereo/mono recording options
• Automatic call recording
• Skype call scheduler
• Skype call transfer
• Skype chat recording
• Skype video recording
• Skype call recording

My main concern however was with the fluorescent purple application is that the recording time is only limited to 15 minutes.  The interviews that I deal with start to become juicy after 15 minutes. Thus this free application was really not going to work for me. There is an option of paying $ 25 when you are looking for unlimited recording time. It is easy to download the applications as it comes with instructions that are understandable. When you are done, restart Skype and you will be good to go.

My search continued and I came across MPs Skype Recorder. Just like Pamela it allows a person to record Skype calls. It comes with:

• It is free and does not have any limits attached
• Manual or automatic recording capabilities
• Compact format of  stored records
• Can split person called and caller and save them on different tracks
• Can be integrated easily with Skype conference recording
• Easy to use interface.

Wire Tap Studio allows you to record edit and export audio on a Mac from applications like iTunes and Skype.

Ecamm Call Recorder [Mac]- gives you seamless recording controls when using Skype. It comes with:

• Record video calls with pictures
• Share recording
• Designed for Mac users
• Advanced compression capabilities

IMcapture- [Win/Mac] – records and captures audio from Skye calls. These are saved in MP3- AAC format. It is excellent for personal use and comes with numerous amazing features like: record audio Skype, time’s lapse indicator and quick time movies format.

Telephone recordings are utilized greatly, because of documentation and legal requirements.  It is wise to note that these recordings are conducted legally and not through any clandestine techniques. A number of people have encountered automated voice recordings warning them that their call will be recorded for future reference. This is often the case with calls made to mobile service providers, but all businesses which record telephone conversations are required to notify callers that they are being recorded. There really aren’t recording rules which guarantee quality telephone recordings. Telephone sets differ technically and require varied technicalities during the recording process. Everyone can use the following tips for better telephone recordings and consequently effective transcriptions.

In the case of a telephone interview, preparation is important to ensure that the recording is successful or what is required. The interviewee has to receive the list of questions prior to the phone interview. This is an effective tip to use in order to save on time and ensure that the interviewee is ready for the recording process. The assumption is that the interviewee would be aware that the phone conversation is being recorded, but for legal purposes it would be best to inform them in advance about the telephone recording.

In line with the preparation process, it is important to set a particular date and time for the phone interview. The time chosen should be convenient for you and the party being interviewed. Choose an appropriate time when there are minimal or no distractions. Telephone recordings can pick-up on outside noise, which results in distortions in the end product.  The interviewee should also be instructed to switch off other audio devices which may act as interruptions. If need be, the call should be placed when the interviewee is not expecting any other calls to avoid recording the continuous beeping of in-coming calls.

A test recording should be conducted in order to figure out if the equipment is operational and to identify any set-backs that may be experienced. A test recording also helps to rectify any technical difficulties experienced prior to the actual recording day. The testing process is particularly important when placing a VOIP call or a cell phone call.

Ask the interviewee to receive the call in a quite room, but not in a large and empty room. Large and empty rooms produce echo sounds which are likewise picked-up during a recording session. Try to warm-up the person being interviewed so that they can provide calm answers, and avoid moments of long silence which are common with parties being interviewed over the phone. More on telephone transcription