How dI record an mp3?

December 14, 2007 1:53 PM

Quick and easy mp3 recording?

I need to record a 'bumper' for an mp3 interview I did recently. Basically, just record "This recording is copyright 2007, bla bla..."

I don't have a mic to stick into an input jack on my laptop. I'm thinking MUCH simpler than that.

Here's what I want to do: I want to be able to dial a number and then have it spit out an mp3 of what I spoke into the phone. That's it.

So no skype, or skype recorder, or what have you. I need something simpler. I want to call a number using my cell or a desk phone, speak, and then have an mp3 of what I'm saying e-mailed to me.

Do-able? Recommendations?

posted by zooropa to computers & internet (13 comments total)

Can you record voice notes on your cell phone? Perhaps you can do that and get the file off the phone via bluetooth or USB.
posted by kpmcguire at 2:03 PM on December 14, 2007

Probably. But I don't have a USB cable or anything with me. I'm looking for something much simpler than that.

This seems like a definite problem looking for a simple solution. I'm open to ideas. :)
posted by zooropa at 2:16 PM on December 14, 2007

some types of studio/dj -type headphones will work as a mic if you speak into the earpiece. seriously.
posted by gnutron at 2:17 PM on December 14, 2007

First, get a Backpack account.

Next, sign up for CellTell Voicenotes for Backpack.

Then call the number that voicenotes gives you, say your bit, and it will show up on your backpack page.

Voila! (I think. I signed up a long time ago thinking it was a great idea, but I have never actually used it)
posted by The World Famous at 2:21 PM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Would this work?

If it is a one-time deal, post a comment with what you want the bumper to say and I'll record it for you on my laptop, and give you a link to the file.
posted by chocolate_butch at 2:25 PM on December 14, 2007

Gabcast will do that for you. It won't email you the mp3, though. You'll have to go to the site to pick it up.
posted by ignignokt at 3:01 PM on December 14, 2007

I use a service called Simulscribe for voicemail, and it basically does what you're asking for (except the file emailed to you is a .wav I believe, although they're still very small). Very convenient because I never have to pick up my messages through the phone and it transcribes your message in the email as best it can as well. But it costs money.
posted by rooftop secrets at 3:19 PM on December 14, 2007

Computer-generated voice-to-MP3.
posted by davcoo at 4:18 PM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Sorry, make that voice-to-WAV, which can be converted to MP3.
posted by davcoo at 4:19 PM on December 14, 2007

In a pinch, you can use a set of earbuds or a speaker as a mic.
posted by jjb at 4:32 PM on December 14, 2007

Jott does this. (Yes, they transcribe it too, but you get the audio also.)
posted by dmd at 5:23 PM on December 14, 2007

Audacity is a free, open source, audio recorder/editor that can convert audio files between formats. Works well for me!
posted by swarkentien at 10:10 PM on December 14, 2007

I don't understand the resistance to just doing this with a desktop mic and Audacity. It's a cheap, flexible, and easy solution to the problem. And it's far simpler than trying to get a cell phone (with their generally horrible audio quality) into the mix. Audacity is free, and you can nab a desktop mic for less than $10 at any Wal-Mart/Target/whatever. You can probably find one for a dollar at Goodwill. The service formerly known as Froogle lists them starting from $0.49.
posted by wheat at 12:22 PM on December 15, 2007