14 DAY TRIAL // MP3 Skype Recorder is a simple tool that offers a solution for recording your calls when using the VoIP protocol to communicate via the Skype network. Simply put, the program records your conversations, so you don’t forget anything important.
MP3 Skype Recorder features a small and compact main window. The software’s interface displays the main playback buttons in the left corner. Also included in the interface are the program’s settings that are well structured and organized. One will surely notice that MP3 Skype Recorder focuses on its functionality rather than its good looks.
The program’s connection to Skype is done automatically once both programs are running. All you have to do is grant it access from Skype when a notification window appears.
The main function of the application can be accessed by hitting the „Turn On Recording” button. Right next to it, we can find the „Turn off recording” button.
We can also see an „Open records folder” button dedicated to accessing the folder where all the recorded conversations go. Each button’s purpose is presented with tooltips in case you do not have a lot of experience with computers. The application certainly scores high when it comes to ease of use and general user-friendliness.
Furthermore, as an additional bonus, the lower part of the software’s main window displays information related to the current state of recording and other useful data such as the status of your connection to Skype.
The program comes with a preset folder for storing your saved conversations, but you can easily create a new folder and select your desired folder as a destination for the saved MP3 files.
Recording conversations in the MP3 format is one of the app’s highlights, as it is one of the most popular audio formats used for storing audio data, and one of the “standard” playback formats supported by all modern music players. So, you can record the conversation and transfer it to the media device you want to hear it on.
It should also be mentioned that MP3 Skype Recorder can only record voice calls and does not record your video calls.
So that you don't lose track of your conversations, the program integrates in the name of the MP3 file the date and exact time of your recording along with the type of conversation and the contact name of the person you were talking to.
A couple of recording options are also included in the settings section. The Recording Mode lets you select how sounds should be reproduced. Three options are available: Mono, Stereo and Joint Stereo. Simply put, choose the one that suits your hearing best.
After you have chosen your recording mode, you can also choose the bitrate of your MP3. Not to get into the technical stuff, we can tell you that a higher bitrate will produce a MP3 with increased audio fidelity and quality. As you would expect, the higher the bitrate is, the larger your output file will be, so it’s good to keep this into perspective if disk space is an issue.
The program does not take up a large portion of your screen, but does come with an option to start minimized. Besides that, if you don’t want to waste time launching it each time your system boots, you can set it up to start automatically.
That being said, we can move on to the program’s requirements. Running on a Windows 7 x64 system, MP3 Skype Recorder used a maximum of 7% CPU power and 17 MB of RAM.
Please note that for MP3 Skype Recorder to work, Microsoft’s .NET Framework 2.0 or higher must be installed.
The Good
The program offers an easy way to record your conversations (that includes conferences) and does not require any advanced computer training. Recording in the MP3 format and the fact that it is offered free of charge give the program another positive note.
The Bad
The program’s inability to play the recorded files doesn’t get it the same positive note, as you have to use a third party application in order to listen to your recordings. Due to the fact that the MP3 format is extremely popular, it would have been very useful if other recording formats were made available.
The Truth
A simple application that does the job it was built to do. Since MP3 Skype Recorder is free and very easy-to-use, I would recommend you give it a try if you’re in need of a recorder for your Skype calls. However, an option to record video calls would make a great addition for future versions.
