SoundCapture

We always appreciate completely free software, but this recording application lacks too many features to be more than a middle-of-the road offering. SoundCapture’s interface is a snap to use, if a bit strange. When you start recording, you’ll see a green display telling you it’s twelve o’clock. However, you can’t change the time or disable the clock. The color scheme also makes it tough to see some of the main window’s wording. It’s nice that SoundCapture gives you recording presets from sources such as a microphone, a CD player, and a line-in jack, but since the program lacks meters, setting the recording levels to avoid distortion is a tedious, trial-and-error process. We also missed a voice-activation feature, a full-blown scheduler, and the ability to capture audio in a format other than MP3. Still, if you don’t have habitual or demanding recording needs and are short on cash, this program may be suitable.