Help needed with tape
Apr 2, 2023 14:43:04 #
I have a few cassette tapes that need to be downloaded onto a hard drive or CD to preserve them. I need suggestions for the best way to accomplish this. I do have Roxio easy CD and DVD burning 2, but do I need a special box for inputting the analog signal into the computer? It seems a few years ago I had a setup like that to transfer analog VHS tapes into the computer or will a simple small jack to USB (if I can find a cord like that) suffice?
Apr 2, 2023 14:50:31 #
Windows or Mac? Digital or Analogue tape? Last time I did this some years ago I had to have a camera to play the digital tape which downloaded to my computer via a Firewire lead. I could then edit/save. Analogue tapes are too far back in my memory for me to remember if/how I did it. Good luck.
Apr 2, 2023 14:51:25 #
Apr 2, 2023 15:08:18 #
therwol
Loc: USA
Bridges wrote:
I have a few cassette tapes that need to be downloaded onto a hard drive or CD to preserve them. I need suggestions for the best way to accomplish this. I do have Roxio easy CD and DVD burning 2, but do I need a special box for inputting the analog signal into the computer? It seems a few years ago I had a setup like that to transfer analog VHS tapes into the computer or will a simple small jack to USB (if I can find a cord like that) suffice?
If your computer doesn't have a line input, then you can try something like this. I can't say how good it is because I've not used it, but it supposedly converts the audio output of a device to MP3 files. It can either be a traditional cassette deck with RCA output or a portable device with a headphone output, i.e. old Walkman.
https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Capture-Grabber-Cassette-Converter/dp/B079CBGDST/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3QL9A750MCG9X&keywords=stereo+line+output+to+USB&qid=1680461771&sprefix=stereo+line+output+to+usb%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-10
If you do have a line input on your computer, then consider using Audacity to record the audio as it is playing.
Apr 2, 2023 15:12:42 #
Apr 2, 2023 17:29:26 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
Bridges wrote:
I have a few cassette tapes that need to be downloaded onto a hard drive or CD to preserve them. I need suggestions for the best way to accomplish this. I do have Roxio easy CD and DVD burning 2, but do I need a special box for inputting the analog signal into the computer? It seems a few years ago I had a setup like that to transfer analog VHS tapes into the computer or will a simple small jack to USB (if I can find a cord like that) suffice?
Just get a good pair of stereo mikes and record from play directly to your computer. That's assuming you have stereo tapes. If it's mono, one mike will do.
Apr 2, 2023 18:06:15 #
Do you have a good cassette player? How many tapes do you need to digitized? If you have the line in input on your computer it would be fine. Use Audacity. You can use the mic inputs but they are not very good for that. You do need a good cassette player.
Apr 2, 2023 23:32:20 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Do you have a good cassette player? How many tapes do you need to digitized? If you have the line in input on your computer it would be fine. Use Audacity. You can use the mic inputs but they are not very good for that. You do need a good cassette player.
Right answer.
Apr 3, 2023 00:47:56 #
TriX wrote:
Right answer.
If the OP doesn't have too many cassettes I can do it for him. I have the right tools to do it as I do it often.
Apr 3, 2023 08:25:25 #
Bridges wrote:
I have a few cassette tapes that need to be downloaded onto a hard drive or CD to preserve them. I need suggestions for the best way to accomplish this. I do have Roxio easy CD and DVD burning 2, but do I need a special box for inputting the analog signal into the computer? It seems a few years ago I had a setup like that to transfer analog VHS tapes into the computer or will a simple small jack to USB (if I can find a cord like that) suffice?
I Have an inexpensive record player which has a cassette slot. Ii connects with a computer or Audacity vis USB. Check Amazon electronics
Apr 3, 2023 08:36:14 #
sodapop wrote:
I Have an inexpensive record player which has a cassette slot. Ii connects with a computer or Audacity vis USB. Check Amazon electronics
Good thought. I have one of those but without the cassette slot. I do think there is an input link where I could attach a cassette though.
Apr 3, 2023 08:36:42 #
BebuLamar wrote:
If the OP doesn't have too many cassettes I can do it for him. I have the right tools to do it as I do it often.
Thank you for the offer. I will keep that in mind!
Apr 3, 2023 08:37:13 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Do you have a good cassette player? How many tapes do you need to digitized? If you have the line in input on your computer it would be fine. Use Audacity. You can use the mic inputs but they are not very good for that. You do need a good cassette player.
Thank you!
Apr 3, 2023 08:37:36 #
Apr 3, 2023 09:04:22 #
Doyle Thomas wrote:
do u hava sound card with a line input?
No, at least the kind that has an RCA input. That is why I was wondering if I could input the feed through a USB port. There is a blue input and I just watched a video on Youtube and it explained that is an input for tape decks etc. Now I just need to find a cord that goes from the RCA plugs on the back of the tape deck to the mini plug into the computer. I'm pretty sure there is one of these cords around the house -- just need to locate it.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.