Author Topic: Transferring Cassettes to Digital with Notebook PC (Read 143 times)

tomhug · « **on:** August 08, 2009, 01:32:02 PM »

I've been working my way back through some old cassettes of my bands' gigs. I am trying to transfer these to digital format (Cassette->WAV->FLAC or SHN). I am familiar with the basics of the procedure, but I am having some trouble:

I am using a Denon DRW-55 running into a Sony VAIO VGN-AR270P. This cassette machine is pretty basic: RCA IN, RCA OUT. The output is way too hot for my notebook PC's Mic/Line In jack. Doesn't seem to be a way to adjust output from the cassette deck, and the adjustment on the PC still leaves me with an overloaded signal.

A sound card with a proper Line-In would probably solve this, but I've only got notebook style PC's. I've also got a Tascam US-122, and I think I'll probably wind up using that instead of the Mic/Line in on the notebook.

I've got various software packages: Goldwave, SonicStage, and Cubase LE. So far I've tried with Goldwave and SonicStage - have to dig up the Cubase Disc.

Can anyone suggest online FAQ's or knowledge bases that would help me? - I know I am being lazy and could Google this myself, I am just looking for some tips here from people who may have already solved this problem.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2009, 02:17:07 PM »

If you have a stereo receiver/amp with an adjustable headphone out and an adapter from 1/4 to 1/8 that could work.

artswork99 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2009, 02:44:20 PM »

elwoodblue, that's the same way I did some cassettes a while back. I recorded them using a laptop through the microphone in jack coming from a headphone output of a cassette player. I used a basic version of SoundForge (I would now use Cubase, but any recording software should suffice) and created a WAV file and then you may convert into your final destination of choice.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:06:40 PM »

The headphone output from the cassette player is NOT the correct way do do this. The correct way is to use the LINE LEVEL output. This way you will avoid any impedance or level miss-match . if you are using consumer equipment your line levels will be -10DB and if you are using pro equipment with 3 conductor balanced line outputs your levels will usually be +4DBU. I am including the latter bit of info so that you can set your software for your interface accordingly. I PROMISE you that you will get better results this way then using the headphone output( no offense please elwoodblue). I am posting this advice as my duty as a recording engineer.

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:26:41 PM »

Any of the various hardware interfaces will work(tascam, TC.lexicon,M AUDIO etc... ) And any of the included soft ware is OK . I am a PROTOOLS user and use an old 24 channel TDM mix system that is PCI card based.I like the software plugins on the old TDM system because they sound better then the others to MY ears . Of course Protools HD is even better sounding but that current industry standard will cost you about $10k entry level investment.I will get that some other day.At any rate , GET a recording interface that will fit into your budget.

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:36:41 PM »

My laptop asks me if I am using a line or mic level device when I plug anything into the jack. Are you telling yours it is line level?

If you have all that software, do you have a recording interface that Cubase came with? You might be able to record through that rather than the laptop's line in.

As I recall, Goldwave was pretty good at chopping up a large file into individual songs.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2009, 07:37:35 PM »

sonicus,
I'm happy to learn ,especially when it means better recordings. Thanks!

Kris

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2009, 07:57:04 PM »

HI kris. Cool , I am very pleased to help achieve better analog to digital transfers for you or anyone else here.

Sonic Regards !
Wolf.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2009, 08:28:59 PM »

I'm still using my old Digi001 (almost 10 years old now)...in some of my more experimental set-ups I bet I've had some impedance mismatches. What would be a telltale sound to listen for that might indicate the impedance is off? ...lots of floor noise,muddiness,etc?

Thanks

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2009, 09:51:41 PM »

The Digi001 was in my opinion one of the best sounding Protools LE interfaces . very well made as-well. If you are using it with the Apple OS I would suggest using at least an old Apple 733 MHz G4 QUICKSILVER or faster ; better yet a G4 933 Mhz QUICKSILVER or G4 1.25GHZ MMD .You will be able to use Protools 6.1 in Apple OS 10.2. I have always used Apple Computers for Audio analog to digital transfers.To answer your question about impedance mismatches _ YES ___muddiness ! The Low noise floor is from a variety of reasons when connecting line inputs to headphone outputs _____. I think you will be happy from the results with the Digi001! If you keep the signal path simple during the initial transfer just to dump the analog source to the hard drive you can always tweak and Re-master' your treasured archive later . I am using the term 'Re-master ' loosely.( additional signal processing) Be sure to use a completely separate hard drive as your 'WRITE drive either as a second 7200 RPM ATA drive in the computer or an external hard drive either FIREWIRE or SCSI interface. A good SCSI PCI card to use for this Protools rig would be An ATTO UL3D or other DIGIDESIGN approved SCSI card.You will get the best results with Seagate 10k RPM SCSI Hard drives if you want to go the SCSI route for a write drive. All this once very expensive SCSI hardware is now DIRT CHEAP on ebay because it's old technology - but it 's great for just AUDIO Transfer's. AVID RS ultra-320 lvd SCSI drives once used for video editing in AVID systems are cheap now as well. WELL as you can see i am a gear GEEK . All the hardware that I am mentioning is old , but still good stuff, it's all dirt cheap now because of changing technology ! HAPPY TRANSFERS !

elwoodblue · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2009, 10:35:08 PM »

Thanks Wolf,
I'm using an old G4, 450 MHz...so I'll have to upgrade one of these decades : ).
It works great for my focus now which is just giving me a good sound to play against as I work on my chops. The prices these days for older macs are very affordable. I'm amazed this one has been chugging along for years with no problems.
The more I know...the more there is too learn.

(sorry for the thread divergence Tom)...have you explored to see if there is a way to switch the laptop from mic level to line level?

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2009, 01:08:09 AM »

Kris_____
The Mac G4 450 will work but A Mac G4 QUICKSILVER can be found locally anywhere on craigslist for around $100.00 or so.

Tom___
I would use your Tascam US-122 to interface all audio inputs and outputs of your laptop. it will work just fine for this purpose.

Sonic Regards
Wolf_____

tomhug · « **Reply #12 on:** August 10, 2009, 05:28:59 PM »

Thanks everyone.

ElwoodBlue - no worries. My life is, by definition, thread-drift friendly. I don't think there's a way to switch the level.

Sonicus - I plan to use the Tascam. Based on your other comments I may put up my eSATA drive as the target for the audio transfer - it's got a pretty good transfer rate.

On a related note - most of these were recorded on an early 80's Sanyo boom box with surprisingly good level-setting and stereo imaging for 2 condenser mics. As I recall, it did not record with any noise reduction, so I am planning on transferring without any noise reduction (obviously).

Do I need to worry about bias? Man, I used to know all about this stuff, but I haven't messed around with cassettes for 20 years . . .

(Message edited by TomHug on August 10, 2009)

sonicus · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2009, 06:25:53 PM »

When it comes to BIAS and EQUALIZATION settings on the cassette deck used to playback your program material use what ever settings work do get as much high frequency information so that you get your cymbals ,snares and other high frequency transients on your hard drive file. You can always correct the equalization after the transfer .VERY IMPORTANT!____BE SURE TO DEMAGNETIZE AND CLEAN THE TAPE HEADS AND THE ENTIRE TAPE PATH . it must be spotless!!!!!!!!! I have transfered lots of cassettes and reel to reel tapes over the last few years and even have to bake a tape time to time because of what is known as sticky shed syndrome . Transfers are my particular specialty .
Let me know how it works out.

SONICS REGARDS ______________