Discussion: Convert Cassette Tapes to CD

Osc · Posted: Thu 01/22/2004 1:29am [Post #1]

This is the discussion thread for Eugene Seah's excellent tutorial on converting audio cassette tapes to CD. If you have questions or something to add, please post it here.

Special thanks to Eugene for the permission to reprint!

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Canuck · Posted: Thu 01/22/2004 10:25am [Post #2]

Here's the shortcut to article http://www.help2go.com/article157.html&mode=&order=0&th old=0

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

Any suggestions as to software, like free ones?

I did copy a few tapes running them through a stand alone graphics equalizer with fairly decent results.

Cheers Smile

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Canuck · Posted: Sat 01/24/2004 11:52am [Post #4]

A question that needs answering is, many don't have a full blown stereo system with line out connections. I have copied using the headphone connection, is this as good, or is the quality compromised?

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whoozhe · Posted: Sun 01/25/2004 2:43am [Post #5]

The best method is to attach the tape out into the Line in socket on the sound card. However not all tape players that are part of a system have this option. In that case use the earphone socket from the player into the line in. Remeber that the volume control and/or graphic equalizer will have affect on the compters own sound.
In some ways this is a preferable way as a player's own dolby system and some fundamental enhansments can be utilized.
Using this method you need to balance the players controls with your sound cards Line In controls.
There's plenty of software out there. A huge selection can be found at http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/
The ideal software is, of course, the most expensive but there are some freebies that can do the job reasobaly well.
Look for one that has at least a basic Graphic Equalizer and a Hiss reduction filter.

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trorow · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5 Points: 0

My soundcard had no input jack, but it does have a mic jack. However, when I use this jack for the input from my cassette player, I can't get the recording levels low enough to prevent distortion in the recorded transfer. Id there any way to fix this short of getting a new soundcard?
Thanks.

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

Have you tried to adjust the "Mic" setting to a lower setting?

On the task bar you should have a "Speaker Icon" assuming you have
a Win Op system. Right click on this Icon to open Volume controls, back down Mic settings.

If that does not work I still have another way but involves splitting the cable and inserting a resistor.

Cheers Smile

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trorow · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5 Points: 0

I did set the mic settings as low as they would go (1 click above 0), but to no avail. I just bought Adobe Audition which used to be called Cool Edit Pro because I found out it has a clip reduction utility. I tried it and it worked well, but if there is anything you can suggest to eliminate the extra step (it takes quite some time to edit the clipping out of large files) I would like to try it.
Thanks.

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trorow · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5 Points: 0

I have tried the clip reduction utility with Adobe Audition on several large files with mixed results. It helps to a degree, but there is still some clipping no matter now much you adjust the file. I am using a new Dell laptop. Is there perhaps a PC card I can get that has the correct input sockets? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

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trorow · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5 Points: 0

I found a pc card called Echo Indigo IO that one can record with and am thinking of buying that if I can't find another solution to the problem. It gets good reviews from users and is relatively cheap at $165-$180. I thought laptop users recording from cassettes might like to hear about this alternative. If there are any other suggestions, let me know.
Thanks.

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whoozhe · Posted: Mon 03/22/2004 7:53pm [Post #11]

Whe recording via the mic input from and ecternal force you need to adjust the mic input levels.
This is not the mic volume control you see whe you open the Volume Control panel. These controls are for output only.
The one you need is to be found under Option > Properties >Recording in the Volume Control Panel. These control the level of input signals.

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trorow · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5 Points: 0

Thanks for the information. I did this before in the beginning and the levels were still too high. I went so far as to use the up arrow on the keyboard to adjust the mic level to one click above zero and that still caused much clipping. I don't think my "mic" input can handle the 2 channel signal from the cassette. I think I might try the PC card I mentioned in an earlier post. If there are any other suggestions not covered earlier, let me know.
Thanks for the help.

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

Do you know how to solder small parts?

If so let me know and I will show you basically what to do.

What can possible work is inserting a resistor in the line.

Cheers Smile

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rahoma · Guest

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

This topic is for input of information only, not questions. (edit canuck)

If you have a question(s) please start a new topic.

Cheers Smile

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