How to Record a Telephone Conversation to a Computer

You can record your phone conversations into your computer by setting up your cell phone to send audio ouput to your computer.

If you want to record a telephone conversation into your computer you will need a way to get the audio signal from your telephone to your computer. If you have a cell phone equipped with a headset jack, you can accomplish this connection easily with the use of a few inexpensive cords and adapters. Once your computer is set up to receive the audio signal from your cell phone, you can use audio recording software to record your phone conversations.

Things You'll Need

• Cell phone with headset jack
• Cell phone headset
• 3/32" stereo plug to 3/32" stereo jacks Y-adapter ("stereo jack Y-adapter")
• 3/32" stereo plug to 1/8" stereo jack adapter ("cell to stereo adapter")
• 1/8" male to male stereo patch cable ("stereo cable")
• Audio recording software

Instructions

Setup

1. Insert the male plug end of your stereo jack Y-adapter into your cell phone's headset jack.

2. Plug the male end of your cell to stereo adapter into one of the female jacks on your stereo jack Y-adapter. Plug your cell phone headset into the other female jack on your stereo jack Y-adapter.

3. Connect one end of your stereo cable into the female end of your cell to stereo adapter. Plug the other end of this cable into your computer soundcard's line in jack. The line in jack is the small, round, blue jack on the back of your computer.

Recording

1. Turn on your computer and launch your audio recording software. If applicable for the type of audio recording software you're using, open a new recording session and enter your desired file properties settings (for example, 44100 sampling rate with a 16-bit resolution is the standard used for CD recordings).

2. Put on your cell phone headset and use your cell phone to place a call to your voice mail, local weather update number, or some other phone number that will allow you to test your connection before you make the phone call that you intend to record.

3. Initiate the record mode on your audio recording software. If your connections were made properly, the record meter levels in your software should be fluctuating. If so, proceed to Step 4. If your meter levels remain flat, it means that audio is not being received by your computer. Go back to Section 1 and double-check your setup connections.

4. Use your cell phone to place the call that you wish to record. Initiate the record mode on your audio recording software when you're ready to begin recording the conversation.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows comes with a very basic sound recording application called "Sound Recorder." It's located in the Programs / Accessories / Entertainment folder in the Start menu. If you want to install a more robust sound recording application, check out the links to the audio recording and editing freeware provided in the resource section of this article. Or shop around for another choice.

References

• Sagebrush: Record from Telephone Headset Connector