Converting from cassettes to the Mac

[GoKyu]

Hi all,

Yes, I know there are several threads on this subject, including the sticky on the front page), and I do know how to use the phones-out (My stereo doesn't have a dedicated "line out" jack) to line-in on the back of the Mac Pro.

But I'm wondering - I have the Line 6 Toneport UX1, which has the following:

Mic in (XLR)
Instrument in (1/4")
Headphone out (1/4")
2 Line inputs (1/4")
1 Stereo Monitor input (1/4")

And on the top, both a mic gain and volume knob.

The connection into the computer would be USB.

Would I get better quality by sending the audio through this device, rather than just using a standard 1/8" -> 1/8" stereo cable, and which input should I plug into?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[UltraNEO*]

How about spending some money on a USB cassette deck? You should get the best result from this with minimal signal to noise ratio... OK you'll have to spend some money.

 

[GoKyu]

I didn't even know they made something like this. I have an old "all in one" stereo (i.e. not component parts) - I might see if I can get one of these for Christmas...

For now, I only have like 2 or 3 tapes to convert - does anyone know if my way would work?

Thanks for the link though, I'll most likely end up getting one of these

 

[UltraNEO*]

You can even buy USB Turntables...


hmm... wonder can I get a USB Reel 2 Reel

 

[synth3tik]

The line 6 will give you a better result as it is a dedicated piece of pro gear.

There are the USB cassette decks and turntables, however the vast majority are really cheap, getting anything good is going to cost some money, and once you get your tapes on to the computer, it just an expensive cassette deck.

I would go with the line 6

 

[jodelli]

I have recorded just using RCA out from a Sony cassette deck to a Y adapter with a 1/8" out in the audio in/ mic port. There are various filter options on the hardware.
I've also used an iMic with Final Vinyl software via USB.

The direct connection seems to work well as a quick and easy set up for commercial tapes as the initial recorded quality is limited anyway.

I've used Garageband for input as well.