Purpose

To record audio from Skype using different applications to find the best audio output.

Method

Downloaded and installed the applications from the Internet onto an iMAC with OSX 10.6.8
There were many small steps to achieve audio output that are not included in this discussion.

Observations

The following audio clips provide sample output from the applications listed on the MAC Skype Podcasting Toolkit webpage.  Please note that the software discussed in this article is not an endorsement.  (Clarification: Skype host is the caller and the contact is called the guest)

Skype with Audacity - LineIn - Soundflower

There is a difference in sound level between the host and guest speakers.  The host voice level is much lower than the Skype test call voice (guest).  Configuration requires more time to enabling the correct settings for LineIn and Soundflower; both need to be started before  launching Audacity and Skype.

Skype with Audacity - LineIn - Soundflower and Levelator

There is very little difference in sound level between the host and guest speakers.  The host voice level is at the same level as the Skype test call voice (guest).  There is a distinctive "hollow" tin sound generated from the routing applications (LineIn + Soundflower) that can be heard from the host voice.

Skype and Call Recorder

There is a difference in sound level between the host and guest speakers.  The host voice level is much lower than the Skype test call voice (guest). The guest replayed a recording of the host at a higher level than the original host voice level.  There was no "hollow" tin sound, that was found in the routing applications (LineIn + Soundflower).  Setup was extremely easy and fast.

Skype and Call Recorder with Levelator

There is very little difference in sound level between the host and guest speakers.  The host voice level is at the same level as the Skype test call voice (guest). The voices are clear and clean.

Conclusions

The workflow with the best audio output was Skype with the Call Recorder plugin, followed with post processing from the Levelator.  Although the Call Recorder is commercialware, it saves time and effort for a low cost when compared to the free option of using Audacity and audio routers. In addition, Call Recorder has the advantage of capturing video.  It is noteworthy that Audacity is useful in all workflows as an audio editor for a complete podcast with beginning and ending audio segments.  Further details on methodology can be found in the tutorials on the MAC Skype Podcasting Toolkit webpage.