How do I set up my microphone and save my recordings on a Macintosh computer?

If you want to use your computer to record your Speaking responses in this program, you will need a computer microphone. Please note that you can also use other recording devices (for example, tape recorders). The instructions that follow explain how to set up a computer microphone.

For information on how to record your voice in the Speaking sections once your microphone is set up, select, "How do I use the Speaking sections?" in the Overview Menu.

Your computer should have a connection to plug in a microphone (either a traditional microphone jack or a USB port). Some computers (especially laptop computers) have built-in microphones. A computer microphone can be purchased at many stores. We recommend that you use a combination headset (with microphone and speakers) to listen and record.

Setting up your microphone on Macintosh OS X:

1.  Select the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.

2.  Select System Preferences.

3.  In the "Hardware" section, select Sound .

Screen 1: OS X System Preferences

4.  Select the "Input" tab .

5.  In the "Choose a device for sound input" field, select External microphone/Line In .

6.  Set the "Input volume"  to at least a middle level.

7.  Speak into the microphone to confirm that the "Input level"  rises and falls according to the volume of your voice.

Screen 2: OS X Sound Control

Setting up your microphone on Macintosh 9.x:

8.  Select the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.

9.  Select Control Panel, and then select Sound.

10. Select the "Input" tab .

11. In the "Choose a source for sound input" field, select External mic .

12. Select the "Check signal level" check box .

13. Speak into the microphone to confirm that the "Level"  rises and falls according to the volume of your voice.

Screen 3: Mac 9.X. Sound Control - Input

Saving your recordings:

You have the option to save on the Self-Assessment Checklist Screen any of the speaking activities that you record using a computer microphone.

Screen 4: Self-Assessment Checklist Screen

To save your recording, follow these steps:

1.  On the Self-Assessment Checklist screen, click on the Save Recording button. 

2.  In the "Save Recording" dialog box (Screen 5), use the navigation area  to select the folder in which to save the recording.

3.  We recommend that you keep the default file name  so that it is easy to know from which activity the recording was done. The end of the file name indicates how many attempts you have made at the speaking activity (for example, "A1" means "Attempt 1").

4.  Click on the Save button to save your recording. 

Screen 5: Save Recording Dialog Box

5.  Each speaking file that you wish to save must be saved individually using steps 1 to 4 above.

6.  To listen to a saved recording, go to the folder in which you save your recording. Double-click on the file you wish to hear. The file will open in QuickTime.

Other Notes and Recommendations:

  We recommend that you save your recordings to a drive that includes a lot of space. A floppy disc, for example, is quite small and only holds a few recording files.

  If you intend to share your recordings (for example, with your instructor), we recommend that you use a high capacity removable drive, such as a Flash drive or Zip drive. The recording files may be too large to send easily by e-mail.

  We recommend that you save your recordings in a folder location that will not change. The program will remember your saved recordings if they remain in their original saved location. You may hear your previously saved recordings by reviewing your work in the "Results" section of the program.

  If your file cannot be located, you can browse to find the file. Once it has been located, the program will once again remember where the recording is saved.