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Best method to get audio from old cassette tapes?
- Thread starter delsoul
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Do you have any device that will play the tapes now?
If so, what kind of output does it have?
Something with a RCA-plug (usually 1 red and 1 white) style line out would be best.
Then, run the analog signal through an analog to digital converter with a USB output.
A quick search on amazon has some:
Again -- double-check any product in which you're interested to be sure that it has a USB output. I noticed that some have only digital-optical and SPDIF outputs. BE CAREFUL.
On the Mac, you might use the free app "Audacity" to record and edit the incoming signal.
If so, what kind of output does it have?
Something with a RCA-plug (usually 1 red and 1 white) style line out would be best.
Then, run the analog signal through an analog to digital converter with a USB output.
A quick search on amazon has some:
Amazon.com: Analog To Usb Digital Converter
Amazon.com: analog to usb digital converter
www.amazon.com
Again -- double-check any product in which you're interested to be sure that it has a USB output. I noticed that some have only digital-optical and SPDIF outputs. BE CAREFUL.
On the Mac, you might use the free app "Audacity" to record and edit the incoming signal.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Even a headphone jack will work in a pinch. Those can be adapted to a RCA-type input pretty easily... just need to experiment with the volume level on the player to get the best recording quality.
The best metod?
Pioneer CT-A1 + Cordial CFU 3 PC cable + RME Fireface 802 FS + what ever DAW (Logic Pro has been the best so far).
Cheaper methods have been described here countless times....
Special care must be taken to ensure that the wifi devices are either very far away or turned off.
Pioneer CT-A1 + Cordial CFU 3 PC cable + RME Fireface 802 FS + what ever DAW (Logic Pro has been the best so far).
Cheaper methods have been described here countless times....
Special care must be taken to ensure that the wifi devices are either very far away or turned off.
That is only if your player has a line out via the headphone jack otherwise the output signal will be distorted by the player's amp circuit. RCA out is the best route if you want to keep things simple.
If sound quality matters then I would avoid any recent tape player, especially those that have inbuilt usb out specifically for tape recording transfer like the ION Tape2PC. Those have weak transport mechanisms, which are prone to wow and flutter and inconsistent tape speeds. Stick to any player from the last century. Tapes have a lubricant layer which evaporates over time and makes players work harder to keep them moving. In too many cases, they stick. EMI XDR tapes from the 80s are notorious for this.