Free2X Sound Recorder is a legacy, 100% free lightweight audio recording software designed to capture any audio playing through your computer’s sound card or connected input devices. To record both system audio (what you hear from games, videos, or music) and your voice (microphone) simultaneously, you must rely on Windows system settings because Free2X itself only captures from a single designated device channel at a time.
Here is the exact step-by-step process to configure Windows and Free2X to record both audio streams together: Step 1: Enable “Stereo Mix” in Windows
Because Free2X selects one audio source, you must route your microphone into the system’s default output channel using Windows’ native Stereo Mix tool.
Right-click the Speaker icon in your Windows system tray (bottom right corner) and select Sounds, or search for Sound Control Panel in your Start menu. Click on the Recording tab.
Right-click any blank space inside the list and ensure Show Disabled Devices is checked.
Look for Stereo Mix (sometimes called “Wave Out Mix” or “What U Hear”). Right-click Stereo Mix and click Enable. Step 2: Route Your Voice to Your Speakers
Next, you need to tell Windows to play your microphone input through your speakers so it gets grouped into the “Stereo Mix” channel.
While still in the Recording tab, find your active Microphone. Right-click your microphone and select Properties. Navigate to the Listen tab. Check the box that says Listen to this device.
Under “Playback through this device,” select your default computer speakers or headphones.
Click Apply, then OK. (Note: You will now hear your own voice live through your speakers/headphones). Step 3: Configure Free2X Sound Recorder
Now that your voice and system audio are combined into one channel, you can map Free2X to record it. Launch the Free2X Sound Recorder application.
In the main interface, locate the Audio Source or Recording Device dropdown menu. Select Stereo Mix as your primary input source.
Go to the settings tab to choose your preferred output format (such as MP3 or WAV) and set your destination folder.
Play a video/audio track on your PC and speak into your microphone to verify that the volume bars inside Free2X are moving. Step 4: Record and Finalize
Click the red Record button in Free2X to begin capturing the audio.
Use Free2X’s customizable system-wide hotkeys if you need to control the recording while inside a full-screen game or application. Click the Stop button when you are done.
Crucial Cleanup Step: Once you finish recording, remember to go back to your Windows Microphone Properties and uncheck Listen to this device so you don’t continually hear an echo of your own voice while using your PC. If you would like, let me know: Which version of Windows you are currently running. If you notice any audio lag or echoing while recording.
Whether you prefer a modern alternative that records microphone and system audio on separate tracks without having to change Windows Control Panel settings.
I can guide you through optimizing your audio settings or suggest newer tools if needed!
How to Record System Audio and Microphone at the Same Time on Windows (Easiest Way) | by Andrew Best | Medium