[Jimkkc]

I recently purchased the computer software "Easy Media Creator 8" made by the Roxio company. I bought the software to covert my analog tapes to digital cd's. I have the correct cables connecting my tape deck to the computer - my problem is that the software insists on setting the recording levels way off the map - in other words, the software sets the level so high that all the music gets quite ridicuously distorted. As far as I can tell, I have two options on setting recording levels: 1. the auto set (which I just described as always setting too high) or 2. manual setting - the manual setting allows you to set the levels at the same level as the auto set; or so far into the negative range that there is no discernable playback. Long story short -has anyone purchased this or like software? any suggestions? I have just about run out of ideas and am frustrated as this was an $80 program. The tech support is a lame on-line automated support system that has not come close to answering any of my questions - any help on how to get these levels set would be greatly appreciated!

[strumminsix]

I had about 50-60 tapes and replaced most of them digital copies. In only 1 instance was a tape more complete and that was only by 5 seconds and in no instances was the quality better.

IMO it is not worth the effort espcially considering how easy it is to download or trade or BnP.

[ebick]

I use(d) a program called Cool Edit 2000 to digitize the tapes and that allowed full control of volume, as well as many other features.....i.e., I could adjust the speed and pitch of a tape that was off.

I don't think you can get that anymore.

If you don't find success with Roxio, PM me and I'll see if I can get you an "evaluation" copy of Cool Edit.

[Jimkkc]

Hey thanks for the offer on your software - I am going to try one more idea - the roxio software says that I can use a portable tape player (i.e. boombox) and run a line from the headphone jack to my computer source - I am going to try this in the hope that because the boombox is a cheapie compared to my tape deck - perhaps that will allow the levels to not go through the roof - I also tried recording with manually adjusted levels at their lowest and then edit them before burning.

Strumminsix,to be honest, I gave up on BnP so long ago (in the very early 90's I just kept getting burned by people claiming their stuff was A+ quality when in fact the quality hovered around a C+! - although I did trade with a guy whose A quality tapes were actually A quality - thank the universal force that he opened up his collection to me!) that I have forgotten when the last time tapes came in the mail! I prefer to convert the solid sounding tapes I have b/c I already know what I have. On the other hand, we should stop and thank our lucky stars that this music that scratches us where we itch is available in many formats and in many forums. That I even have the possibility to convert what I consider to be treasures is a blessing of profound significance.

[Jimkkc]

Just a quick follow up to the Roxio "Easy Media Creator" program - I seem to have figured out the formula - Run a 3.5mm cable from my boombox headphone jack to my laptop microphone jack - it's a strange set-up, but if anyone has bought this program and are having trouble setting the levels, this set-up works. I am listening to my first converted audience tape - Not only has the digital format greatly improved the sound, the distortion I was getting from my actual tape deck are nowhere to be found. Anyway, if you have this computer software, you might consider trying this set-up.

[strumminsix]

Jim,
With the effort you are putting into converting tape to digital you could have downloaded 10 shows. Trust me, it is not difficult to download.

So you download a show, it takes a few hours while you do other stuff (play guitar maybe), you listen to the show if you don't like it you delete it.

If you'd like, I'll help you.

[ebick]

....but did ya ever just grow attached to a particular recording?

For years, I had a tape of 9/2/80. Then they released the heart of the show on a Dick's Picks. I still prefer the recording I had over that.

[Jimkkc]

Strumminsix - I agree about the ease of downloading shows, and believe me I have downloaded many from archive.org, gdlive.com etc. etc - but I think three things are happening here: 1. I like the challenge of figuring stuff out as a non-gear head. 2. ebick is right - there are just recordings on analog that we will always remain partial to and 3. This is a project I have wanted to do for a few years, and being the stubborn fool that I am, there is no stopping me now!

Happy listening!

[strumminsix]

Awesome and congrats! My main concern, even if it didn't sound like it, was that you didn't restrict yourself to the abundant of music out there!

Glad you are doing it!

[grateful4booze]

I don't know if you tried this, but I use a Nak deck and DART software. I can adjust the recording volume using the headphone output. Found out by accident! The problem I have is not being able to adjust the pitch. Some of my old tapes seem to change from song to song. I am putting the worst ones aside until I can find somebody that has a Nak BR300. Another cool thing about the old tapes is you get all the between song tuning and chatting that gets cut by DP.

[wisedyes]

The program I use is Cakewalk, it allows you to adjust recording levels. I came somewhat late to downloading, but I will continue to convert my tapes over for the simple reason that the quality of the shows I have been hearing on archive, etc, just isn't that good, as a rule. Almost all of my tapes are high quality boards or very good audience tapes, and I don't like listening to something that sounds like it was recorded in a very long wind tunnel.

Am I correct in thinking that soundboards are not available on the download sites?