Back to Docs
StreamTap

StreamTap

Records whatever your PC is playing, to WAV or MP3. Optional microphone. No virtual cable.

Getting Started

01 Install

  1. 1.Install from the Microsoft Store
  2. 2.Nothing else is required — no driver, no virtual cable, no account
  3. 3.Launch StreamTap from the Start menu. Windows will keep it updated

02 First recording

  1. 1.Start playing whatever you want to record
  2. 2.Pick Record from — Default follows Windows, or choose the device by name
  3. 3.Press RECORD, then STOP. The file lands in Music\StreamTap

Recording

StreamTap captures the mix coming out of one playback device — browser tabs, a video call, a media player, system sounds. It uses WASAPI loopback, so what you hear is what gets recorded.

  • Pause leaves a stretch out of the file. The timer counts what you actually recorded.
  • Format, bitrate, save folder, device, and microphone lock while recording. Stop to change them.
  • It stays on the device it opened when you pressed RECORD. Switch outputs, then start a new recording.
  • Closing the window while recording asks whether to save first.
  • Long recordings split into _part1, _part2 instead of stopping at the WAV size limit.
  • It never overwrites a file already in the folder. A collision becomes _2.

Recording your microphone

By default StreamTap records only what your PC plays. Tick Also record my microphone before RECORD to capture your voice too. The toggle starts off every launch.

  • Mix both tracks into one file, or keep the microphone as a separate _mic file.
  • Mic level moves your voice up or down against the system audio by up to 12 dB when they are mixed. It does not change Windows volume.
  • A purple Microphone meter appears under the System meter. Say something and confirm it moves.

FAQ

Do I need a virtual cable?

No. StreamTap uses the loopback capture built into Windows.

Can I record just one app?

Not currently. It captures the whole output mix of one playback device.

Is there a length limit?

No. Long sessions split into numbered parts. The real limit is free disk space — roughly 1.3 GB per hour while recording.

Is it legal to record a call?

That depends on where you and the other people are. Many places require consent. Check local law, and tell people you are recording.

Troubleshooting

Silent recording, or the System meter never moves

Play something you can hear, then check Record from. StreamTap records one playback device. If the browser is on your headset and StreamTap is on speakers, you get silence.

Switching outputs mid-recording cuts capture. Stop, pick the device by name, start again.

Microphone was not recorded
Tick Also record my microphone before RECORD. The toggle is off every launch. Confirm the purple meter moves when you speak, and that Mic input is the microphone Windows is actually using.
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙

Rejoining the server...

Rejoin failed... trying again in seconds.

Failed to rejoin.
Please retry or reload the page.

The session has been paused by the server.

Failed to resume the session.
Please reload the page.