termux-microphone-record -d 10 test.wav

Yulia Chive

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07-12-2024

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Recording Audio with Termux: A Guide to termux-microphone-record

This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the termux-microphone-record command in Termux to record audio from your Android device's microphone. We'll cover the basics, explore its options, and troubleshoot common issues.

What is termux-microphone-record?

termux-microphone-record is a powerful command-line tool within the Termux environment that allows you to record audio directly from your Android device's microphone. Unlike many other recording apps, it offers precise control over recording parameters, making it ideal for specific audio capture needs.

Basic Usage: termux-microphone-record -d 10 test.wav

Let's break down the command:

• termux-microphone-record: This invokes the audio recording tool.
• -d 10: This option specifies the recording duration in seconds. In this case, the recording will last 10 seconds. You can change this number to adjust the recording length.
• test.wav: This is the filename for the recorded audio file. The file will be saved in the current Termux directory (usually your home directory, /data/data/com.termux/files/home). You can specify a different filename and path as needed.

To execute this command, open Termux and type:

termux-microphone-record -d 10 test.wav

After 10 seconds, the recording will stop, and the test.wav file will be created. You can then transfer this file to your computer using various methods, such as using scp or a file manager app.

Advanced Options:

termux-microphone-record offers several additional options for more fine-grained control:

• -r <sample_rate>: Sets the sample rate (in Hz). Common options include 44100 Hz (CD quality) and 22050 Hz. The default is usually 44100 Hz. Example: -r 22050
• -c <channels>: Specifies the number of channels (1 for mono, 2 for stereo). The default is usually 1 (mono). Example: -c 2
• -b <bit_depth>: Sets the bit depth (in bits). Common options are 16 and 24. The default is typically 16 bits. Example: -b 24
• -t <seconds>: This is an alternative to -d and also sets the recording duration in seconds.

Example using multiple options:

To record a high-quality stereo audio file for 30 seconds, you could use the following command:

termux-microphone-record -r 44100 -c 2 -d 30 high_quality.wav

Troubleshooting:

• Permission Errors: If you encounter permission errors, ensure that Termux has the necessary audio recording permissions. You might need to grant these permissions within your Android device's settings.
• No Audio Recorded: Check your microphone settings on your Android device. Ensure that the microphone is not muted and is properly functioning. Also, verify that the correct microphone source is selected if your device has multiple microphones.
• File Not Found: Double-check the filename and path. Use the ls command to list files in your current directory.
• Incorrect File Format: The default output is usually WAV. If you need a different format (like MP3), you'll likely need to use a separate audio conversion tool after recording.

Alternative Methods:

While termux-microphone-record is a powerful tool, consider exploring other Android audio recording applications within Termux or on your device if you need more advanced features or a user-friendly interface.

This guide provides a foundation for using termux-microphone-record. Experiment with the different options to achieve the desired audio recording quality and duration for your specific needs. Remember to always respect copyright laws and obtain necessary permissions before recording audio.