Guide: Make your own LP
Sup, my DN biatchessss!? Yeh.. ok, that was weird... anyway..
The following is a guide on... well read the title. It is written for windows seven, however, I'd imagine it wouldn't be that different for XP. Things will just be in a different place, if anything.
Read it, or don't, but don't spam 'tl;dr', because that is a waste of space. It's a guide, it's meant to be long... if you're not interested in what this guide is situated around, then close the page. If you post that silly text that shows you are a lazy, unmotivated person, who is... well, lazy.. Then I will personally sit on my ass and do nothing about it, because I am a lazy, unmotivated person who is well... lazy. But still, don't do it.
Now lets continue this thing:
Intro
I decided to put this together to answer a lot of questions that I usually get from people, or that people post on the forums... A lot of people have posted about it and I thought I'd write this to explain how I make my LP's, what I use, and how I do it exactly.
I have explained this to people in the past, but my guess is they either couldn't figure it out, or they were just too dang lazy to do it - it's probably the latter - if so than I demand you to get off your lazy ass and use this information to make an LP.
I understand that this is not exactly a tutorial on making a Dmod, or anything that gets uploaded to this site, so I do not expect this to get sticked. However, I still feel it worthwhile to spend the time writing this - Not simply so it will get lost in the history of these boards, never to be seen again, but instead to have something to link people to that will give them a concise answer as to how to go about making an LP.
What you need
Software wise, you need a screen recording program, and the game you are recording, that's it.
Hardware wise, you need a microphone. Preferably a headset.
I use Camtasia Studio 7 to capture my screen, the version isn't too important, I once used 6 and that was fine... Camtasia 7 is helpful if you would like to record the commentary while you're playing though, instead of post-commentary, as it allows you to record two inputs. I never use this feature though, as I have had problems with it. Whenever I record live commentary, I use an audio repeater.. but I will explain that further on in another section.
Live, or Post Commentary?
Next you have to decide, will you record live or post commentary?
By live commentary, I mean, while you are playing the game, you are also commentating. Post commentary involves filming the footage first, and then recording the commentary later, while rewatching your footage. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Live commentary gives a more genuine feel to the commentary, as you will get the 'actual reaction', since you are talking whilst playing. However, the game sound and commentary is usually combined into one audio track when using this method, making it tedious to edit later.
Post-commentary, is not as genuine, and may require some acting if you want to keep it interesting, but this is very easy to edit the audio track if something in the audio goes wrong.
I will now explain how to deal with both methods.
Recording Post Commentary
So first of all, you will need to film your footage. I will assume you are using Camtasia Studio for this.
So first of all, open up Camtasia recorder. Next open up Dink Smallwood, or the Dmod you are going to record. Run it in window mode. Full-Screen mode causes flickering in the recording.
Next, you will need to set the recorder to record just the region where Dink Smallwood is running. Under the 'select area', you will see 'custom', next to this you will see 2 boxes to input the dimensions, in the top box put '640', in the bottom box put '480'. The region should then appear as a dotted box with a handle in the middle, click the handle and drag the box to fit the Dink Smallwood window. Also, under 'recording inputs', make sure it says "audio on", and then click the selection arrow next to the microphone icon, and change this to 'stereo mix'. This will let it know to record the game sound. Now hit record.
When you are ready to stop recording, press 'stop'. it will open a preview window to show your video. Watch it if you want. Don't close this window, or your recording will be lost. Press the 'Produce' button, this will open another window. In this window change the 'save as type' to AVI, choose a location, and save it.
Once the video is saved it will open the 'production wizard'. You can close this, as you already have the video saved in AVI, and you are going to re-render it later when you add the commentary anyway.. so just hit 'cancel'. Now the main Camtasia Studio window will open... if you like you can add your video to the time line in here, and add the commentary in this editor. Just drag the video into the time line, then select "Tools > voice narration". I prefer to use a different editor. Either way, find a way to narrate your time line. After you have added the commentary, render the final video and you're ready to upload it.
Congratulations, you just made a post-commentary LP.
Recording Live Commentary
There are a few different ways to do this one. Basically all you need to do (aside from the Post-commentary method which I described above) is get your computer to record the microphone, and the game sound at the same time... if you are using a simple microphone headset, with the standard 3.5 mm jack, you can just use the same method, as recording the 'stereo mix' input, should record your microphone as well.
However, if you are using a USB microphone, it will be it's own separate device to the speakers, so it becomes a little more tedius. I prefer to use a USB mic, as it seems to be better quality, and louder, and my audio card is not the best, and does not do a good job of boosting my microphone volume.
If you choose to use a USB mic with live commentary, and you are using windows seven, and Camtasia Studio 7... under 'recording inputs', you can choose to 'record system audio', and then you can choose a second input. I have had problems this way, so I prefer to use audio repeater.
I will explain how to use this below. If you do not require this, you do not need to read the next section... I am simply adding this for the people who have problems recording both inputs.
Audio Repeater
For this you will need to obtain a software called 'Virtual Audio Cable' it can be found at this link.
Basically this software can create a fake audio device on your PC, which will mirror any other device that you choose. So in other words, you can use this fake device to mirror your USB microphone, and your Stereo mix (stereo mix is your game sound). You will then set Camtasia to record the fake device. This may seem difficult at first, but once you set it up once, you will be able to do it agian in 5 seconds any other time. So allow me to guide you.
Once you have installed Virtual Audio Cable, you will find that it has installed 2 programs on your PC - The virtual audio cable control panel, and 'Audio repeater'.
First of all open the Virtual audio cable control panel. What you do in here is a one-time only thing, so you will not do this every time you want to record. Basically, make sure the window that comes up, looks similar to the one in This screenshot, if your settings are different, change them to match what I have in that screenshot. Now close the Virtual audio cable control Panel. You do not need to worry about this again.
This next part is the part where you will actually set up the audio repeater, so you need to do this every time you want to record with live commentary. Don't worry, it's simple.
Ok so open up "Audio repeater", and open it again, so you have two instances of it running. Don't worry, these are not very memory-intensive at all. So now you have two 'Audio repeater' windows open.
In the first window, set 'Wave in' to whatever your USB microphone device is called.. for me it is "Headset microphone Logitech". Then set "Wave out" to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'.. now change total buffer to '100', and leave everything else default. Press Start and minimize the window.
In the second window set 'Wave in' to 'Stereo mix', and 'wave out' to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'. Then set the Total buffer to '100'. Press Start and minimize the window.
Now you're all set, just open camtasia recorder, and record as normal, but remember to change the Audio selection under 'recording inputs' to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'... this will now record the game sound and your USB microphone.
When you are done you can close both instances of Audio repeater, and when you want to record again, just open them again and set them up the same way.
ENJOY!
The following is a guide on... well read the title. It is written for windows seven, however, I'd imagine it wouldn't be that different for XP. Things will just be in a different place, if anything.
Read it, or don't, but don't spam 'tl;dr', because that is a waste of space. It's a guide, it's meant to be long... if you're not interested in what this guide is situated around, then close the page. If you post that silly text that shows you are a lazy, unmotivated person, who is... well, lazy.. Then I will personally sit on my ass and do nothing about it, because I am a lazy, unmotivated person who is well... lazy. But still, don't do it.
Now lets continue this thing:
Intro
I decided to put this together to answer a lot of questions that I usually get from people, or that people post on the forums... A lot of people have posted about it and I thought I'd write this to explain how I make my LP's, what I use, and how I do it exactly.
I have explained this to people in the past, but my guess is they either couldn't figure it out, or they were just too dang lazy to do it - it's probably the latter - if so than I demand you to get off your lazy ass and use this information to make an LP.
I understand that this is not exactly a tutorial on making a Dmod, or anything that gets uploaded to this site, so I do not expect this to get sticked. However, I still feel it worthwhile to spend the time writing this - Not simply so it will get lost in the history of these boards, never to be seen again, but instead to have something to link people to that will give them a concise answer as to how to go about making an LP.
What you need
Software wise, you need a screen recording program, and the game you are recording, that's it.
Hardware wise, you need a microphone. Preferably a headset.
I use Camtasia Studio 7 to capture my screen, the version isn't too important, I once used 6 and that was fine... Camtasia 7 is helpful if you would like to record the commentary while you're playing though, instead of post-commentary, as it allows you to record two inputs. I never use this feature though, as I have had problems with it. Whenever I record live commentary, I use an audio repeater.. but I will explain that further on in another section.
Live, or Post Commentary?
Next you have to decide, will you record live or post commentary?
By live commentary, I mean, while you are playing the game, you are also commentating. Post commentary involves filming the footage first, and then recording the commentary later, while rewatching your footage. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Live commentary gives a more genuine feel to the commentary, as you will get the 'actual reaction', since you are talking whilst playing. However, the game sound and commentary is usually combined into one audio track when using this method, making it tedious to edit later.
Post-commentary, is not as genuine, and may require some acting if you want to keep it interesting, but this is very easy to edit the audio track if something in the audio goes wrong.
I will now explain how to deal with both methods.
Recording Post Commentary
So first of all, you will need to film your footage. I will assume you are using Camtasia Studio for this.
So first of all, open up Camtasia recorder. Next open up Dink Smallwood, or the Dmod you are going to record. Run it in window mode. Full-Screen mode causes flickering in the recording.
Next, you will need to set the recorder to record just the region where Dink Smallwood is running. Under the 'select area', you will see 'custom', next to this you will see 2 boxes to input the dimensions, in the top box put '640', in the bottom box put '480'. The region should then appear as a dotted box with a handle in the middle, click the handle and drag the box to fit the Dink Smallwood window. Also, under 'recording inputs', make sure it says "audio on", and then click the selection arrow next to the microphone icon, and change this to 'stereo mix'. This will let it know to record the game sound. Now hit record.
When you are ready to stop recording, press 'stop'. it will open a preview window to show your video. Watch it if you want. Don't close this window, or your recording will be lost. Press the 'Produce' button, this will open another window. In this window change the 'save as type' to AVI, choose a location, and save it.
Once the video is saved it will open the 'production wizard'. You can close this, as you already have the video saved in AVI, and you are going to re-render it later when you add the commentary anyway.. so just hit 'cancel'. Now the main Camtasia Studio window will open... if you like you can add your video to the time line in here, and add the commentary in this editor. Just drag the video into the time line, then select "Tools > voice narration". I prefer to use a different editor. Either way, find a way to narrate your time line. After you have added the commentary, render the final video and you're ready to upload it.
Congratulations, you just made a post-commentary LP.
Recording Live Commentary
There are a few different ways to do this one. Basically all you need to do (aside from the Post-commentary method which I described above) is get your computer to record the microphone, and the game sound at the same time... if you are using a simple microphone headset, with the standard 3.5 mm jack, you can just use the same method, as recording the 'stereo mix' input, should record your microphone as well.
However, if you are using a USB microphone, it will be it's own separate device to the speakers, so it becomes a little more tedius. I prefer to use a USB mic, as it seems to be better quality, and louder, and my audio card is not the best, and does not do a good job of boosting my microphone volume.
If you choose to use a USB mic with live commentary, and you are using windows seven, and Camtasia Studio 7... under 'recording inputs', you can choose to 'record system audio', and then you can choose a second input. I have had problems this way, so I prefer to use audio repeater.
I will explain how to use this below. If you do not require this, you do not need to read the next section... I am simply adding this for the people who have problems recording both inputs.
Audio Repeater
For this you will need to obtain a software called 'Virtual Audio Cable' it can be found at this link.
Basically this software can create a fake audio device on your PC, which will mirror any other device that you choose. So in other words, you can use this fake device to mirror your USB microphone, and your Stereo mix (stereo mix is your game sound). You will then set Camtasia to record the fake device. This may seem difficult at first, but once you set it up once, you will be able to do it agian in 5 seconds any other time. So allow me to guide you.
Once you have installed Virtual Audio Cable, you will find that it has installed 2 programs on your PC - The virtual audio cable control panel, and 'Audio repeater'.
First of all open the Virtual audio cable control panel. What you do in here is a one-time only thing, so you will not do this every time you want to record. Basically, make sure the window that comes up, looks similar to the one in This screenshot, if your settings are different, change them to match what I have in that screenshot. Now close the Virtual audio cable control Panel. You do not need to worry about this again.
This next part is the part where you will actually set up the audio repeater, so you need to do this every time you want to record with live commentary. Don't worry, it's simple.
Ok so open up "Audio repeater", and open it again, so you have two instances of it running. Don't worry, these are not very memory-intensive at all. So now you have two 'Audio repeater' windows open.
In the first window, set 'Wave in' to whatever your USB microphone device is called.. for me it is "Headset microphone Logitech". Then set "Wave out" to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'.. now change total buffer to '100', and leave everything else default. Press Start and minimize the window.
In the second window set 'Wave in' to 'Stereo mix', and 'wave out' to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'. Then set the Total buffer to '100'. Press Start and minimize the window.
Now you're all set, just open camtasia recorder, and record as normal, but remember to change the Audio selection under 'recording inputs' to 'Line 1 (Virtual Audio Cable)'... this will now record the game sound and your USB microphone.
When you are done you can close both instances of Audio repeater, and when you want to record again, just open them again and set them up the same way.
ENJOY!
Aaaaawesome guide! Makes me want to try my hand at it 
But, is this also the way you create your d-mod creation tutorials? Or is that different software for desktop capturing?
But, is this also the way you create your d-mod creation tutorials? Or is that different software for desktop capturing?
But, is this also the way you create your d-mod creation tutorials? Or is that different software for desktop capturing?
Yes, it is.
Obviously I just modify the recording region though, to film my entire desktop. I usually lower my desktop resolution to almost the lowest, to get rid of the lag, as well. Also, I use the live commentary method when recording tutorials... for obvious reasons.
Yes, it is.
Obviously I just modify the recording region though, to film my entire desktop. I usually lower my desktop resolution to almost the lowest, to get rid of the lag, as well. Also, I use the live commentary method when recording tutorials... for obvious reasons.
You know, there's really no point in telling what screen capturing program you use, if you don't actually show people where to get it from. Camtasia Studios isn't so easy of a program to find, y'know.
Ummmm, isn't it this? It took me about 5 seconds to find it with Google.
I meant it isn't easy to find out how to get the full version, which costs quite something.
Indeed. But getting the treasure won't be so easy unless captain Rob gives a map. 
yeah i know and well hope to find it soon myself(dang trail expiries preventing me completing the low EXP run(well dunno what to use as topic fillers for the more boring stuff*probably will use gloves for one but i know i do not wanna use just that divine looking on chicks cloth for all grinding that is needed for the challenge run(and unlike normal runs the "grinding" is the grey bonca doing all the killing instead of Dink))
And what do you use to edit the videos with? And I'm not talking the fancy intros, just the cutting and such 
I just used Windows Movie Maker along with Sony Vegas Pro in some cases. Rob, as far as I know, has always used Sony Vegas Pro. For the fanciest stuff, we used Abode Aftereffects.
Those programs can be 'obtained' with simple google searching of course. Or tor-rented.... yes.
Or purchased... Virtual Audio Cable and Camtasia Studio 7 do cost, but it's up to you to obtain these yourself before following the guide. *AHEM* .. hit me up on MSN, Skype, or my email... PM me for these.
Windows movie maker, or even just the camtasia editor is fine for cutting the video. I use Sony Vegas, simply because I like to create fancy stuff.
Any other questions, just ask. I'm happy to help
Or purchased... Virtual Audio Cable and Camtasia Studio 7 do cost, but it's up to you to obtain these yourself before following the guide. *AHEM* .. hit me up on MSN, Skype, or my email... PM me for these.
Windows movie maker, or even just the camtasia editor is fine for cutting the video. I use Sony Vegas, simply because I like to create fancy stuff.
Any other questions, just ask. I'm happy to help
