Simplest way to get cassette tape audio into computer files?

[trekkor]

I have a number of old ( '83-'84 ) live taped concert recordings I want to share with some long time music buddies.

What are my options.
Quality just has to be OK.


thanks


KT

[John Rogers]

When I did this a few years ago, I hooked a tape player output to the line in of my sound card and played it back while digitizing it. I forget what software I used but it made .WAV files first and now it seems these new ones don't do that. Here is a website that covers a bunch of MP3 recorders that you could try out and if one is okay then register it. Since the sound quality of the music is suspect then MP3 would be okay and you can get lots of it onto CDROMs.

MP3 Recorder Software - Record Audio Streaming to MP3, WAV, WMA files

[vash]

"shhhhhh..i'm recording!"

[fanaudical]

I've done what John has suggested using Audacity with the MP3 plugin. (Audacity is open-source and works well.)

[RWebb]

besides the quality of the tape player and its head and electronics stages, and then the software...

the A > D needs to be adequate also - you say sound quality is not a biggie, but try a sample thru your sound card first before spending a lot of time

[gr8fl4porsche]

If they happen to be Dead shows, then decent digital copies are readily available on line for just about every show.

[trekkor]

High School performances from the Monterey Jazz Festival and a concert in Switzerland.



KT

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by gr8fl4porsche

If they happen to be Dead shows, then decent digital copies are readily available on line for just about every show.

Thats what I was thinking, too.

[trekkor]

Thanks for the replies.

I need to find a tape player, now.
I only have the one in my truck stereo.


KT

[flipper35]

You can get a cassette deck for a 5.25" bay for $50 or so. Don't know how good they are though. Audacity is a good program but make sure your sound card is decent. If you have to go get a Sound Blaster Audigy card. They are inexpensive for the basic card and will record decently.

[notmytarga]

Originally Posted by flipper35

You can get a cassette deck for a 5.25" bay for $50 or so. Don't know how good they are though. Audacity is a good program but make sure your sound card is decent. If you have to go get a Sound Blaster Audigy card. They are inexpensive for the basic card and will record decently.

Gosh - this is great! I now have hopes there is an 8-Track equivalent!

I found this in my search:

Ok, I know how strange this is going to sound....but, for some reason, I love 8 track tapes. I have NO idea why. I do love classic rock and so that may be one of the reasons, you know, having things on their original format (Yes I do love vinyl too). Before I start this for real I want you to know that I DON'T CARE ABOUT SOUND QUALITY. I posted on another forum and about everyone who is registered there said to me "CD's will give you much better quality so don't even bother with that." I know this, but 8 tracks are just something that I think are awesome. (BTW, I am 16 so no, its not like I have been looking to find an updated way to play all my Carpenters and Osmond Family 8 tracks that have been lying around since the 70's) So now that you have been scratching your heads wondering what the heck im talking about, here you go: Like I said, I love 8 tracks. I also happen to enjoy the company of my computer. Well, a friend of mine told me that at one point a long time ago he did see an 8 track player that was made for a 5.25" bay. Now being the kind of person I am, I almost crapped my pants with excitement. I mean, the format Jesus listens to music on can actually be in my computer??!! Well I go home, search the internet only to find nothing. So he posted on some forums, I posted on some forums. Anyway, some people say they have heard of/seen them, but can't remember where they were. So now I am here. I have met some really nice people on these forums and thought maybe you guys could help me out (after you get done laughing of course). So, I know a lot of hardware geeks are saying that this is taking a step backwards, but I say it is embracing the memories and finding balance between old and new. BTW, I'm not sure if the player my friend or the other buy saw was custom, i assume it was, or not, but any help at all would be appreciated. If I can't find a pre-made one, I may need instructions on how I could make one myself. I am a total n00b when it comes to electronics like that, so a lot of help would be needed. Thanks a lot guys!

[scottmandue]

I have a B.I.C cassette player that needs to go away, a fancy two speed unit my dad gave me.

I'm keeping my super nice Sony TCK so I don't need two cassette players (really don't need one).