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General discussion

Recording cassette tapes on CDs.

Aug 9, 2005 2:15AM PDT

Years ago, I stopped using cassette tapes for my home music. I have some good music that I'd like to copy onto Cds. Radio Shack sold me a "RadioShack CTR 121 AC/Battery Cassette Recorder" and a microphone cable. Would not go tape-deck to computer.I tried running it from the cassette device through a Sony IC hand-held Recorder. Makes noise - not good music.(Maybe IC range limited to voice.)I am not a musician - so my fidelity needs are are not great. I have these sound programs on my computer: Real One Player, Sound 32 and the Sony 2.25 Voice Editor.(1) Does any part of my arrangement have any viability for my purpose? (2) Is adding another interface to replace the Sony a way to go and, if so, what "other interface." I'd appreciate advices. JiMcG.

Discussion is locked

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This might help you get started.
Aug 9, 2005 4:37AM PDT
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Use this and you'll be ok
Aug 14, 2005 3:42AM PDT

Simple solution is to download Audacity from:
audacity.sourceforge.net
It is a freeware waveform digital editor.
Next, run a patch cable from your headphone output of the tape deck to the "black" input on the back of the PC, be careful with the levels. Digital music levels cannot peak into the red or clipping of the signal occures.
You should be able to learn how to use the Audacity program quickly with the website support. The cable will cost less than 2 dollars at an electronics supply company. If fidility is not the issue, this method should work.

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There are many program for audio work.
Aug 9, 2005 6:23PM PDT

My recommandation is "audio cleaning lab", about $30. Use the tapedeck to play your cassettes. I have no idea what the radioshack recorder is all about so no comment on that. What did you use to play the tapes before?

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Recording Tapes on CDs
Aug 10, 2005 1:49AM PDT

Ahtoi - Thanks for your advice. I'll seek to solve my issue that way. What I used to play these tapes is so long "gone" that I don't even remember what it was. I am not a person with a delicate ear, as I told you in my inquiry, so all that I know about it now is that it was probably equipment of medium or less technical ability. Thank you. JiMcG.

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Do not use the mic input for your connection. It is not
Aug 10, 2005 12:46PM PDT

designed for the type of signal you are feeding it. Use the line in. If nothing else is available, connect the earphone output on the player to the 'line in' on the computer. Gently adjust the player's volume until an adequate level is produced.

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Cassettes to Cds
Aug 11, 2005 4:31AM PDT

Kiddpeat - Thank you - that would explain the failure of Plan "A". so - back to the drawing board with your help. Thanks. JiMcG.

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I use the latest version of Roxio CD/DVD Creator
Aug 13, 2005 6:58AM PDT

As noted, there are several packages available for recording vinyl or cassette music. I have used several packages. Currently, I'm using Roxio CD/DVD Creator 7.5. It includes all of the tools required for recording, cleaning, and burning music recorded from tapes and records. It's nice to have it all in one package. I have a high-end Marantz cassette player in my basement, but I use a mid-level player I had for recording tapes and CDs to mini-discs.

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Recording cassettes
Aug 19, 2005 2:16AM PDT

PMilligan - thank you. I have #5 and will take a look at the process and cost of upgrade. JiMcG.

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Cassette Recording
Aug 24, 2005 2:22PM PDT

I've been using an "ADSTechnologies" anolog to digital video device for years. I just leave out the video connect when downloading from cassett to computer.
The ADS or "Pinnacle" device used for video tape transfer are available from tigerdirect.com.
dbPowerAMP, Music Morper, and AudioGrabber are all free downloads to convert the saved files to .wav or mP3.
Hope this helps.

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A different approach
Aug 25, 2005 12:34AM PDT