Cassette to .mp3 methods

[jack-A-roe]

i am trying to figure out the best way to convert a bunch of tapes (dead and jgb live tapes) to digital files. anybody have any suggestions on what to use (setup or software information). i've talked to a few people who have said they tried it but had a big hiss in the background.

i'm at the stage where i have a bunch of tapes but no method of digitization. anyone tried anything like this?

many thanks.

[strumminsix]

Have you tried: Cassette > headphone out > stereo 3.5mm cable > line in on PC > recording software

I've used: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

But never tried to record from tapes. Mine were all 2nd and 3rd gens...

[pskept]

Have you tried: Cassette > headphone out > stereo 3.5mm cable > line in on PC > recording software

I've used: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

But never tried to record from tapes. Mine were all 2nd and 3rd gens...

i'd suggest at the very least getting an external sound card if you choose this setup. your pc's built in sound card is going to add noise to the recording like the hard drive spinning, the fans spinning and who knows what else. unless of course you have some high-end custom built pc specifically for audio recording with silent fans, flash hds and all that.

[strumminsix]

Good suggestions. I was just thinking a cheap proof of concept!

[RiverRat]

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[RiverRat]

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[pskept]

That type PC is for STUDIO work... straight A->D transfers don't require all that stuff.

agreed. i don't think he needs one either. an external sound card will solve the noise problem just fine.

[jack-A-roe]

hey all, thanks for the tips and info. i, uh, am ditching the cassette ---> .mp3 recording endeavor. 1. i tried with pretty shitty results and 2. i was able to find already archived digital recordings of the first two shows i was trying to get going. oh well, something like this is not really fun, so i don't feel very defeated.

so in the end, i will stand comfortably on the shoulders of deadheads who already did much better jobs of this in the past. all hail the many, many tapers. you guys bring a lot of good to the ears of many.