Analog to Digital conversion - anyone got any experience?

[peebag]

Got some Reel to Reel tapes that I need to convert over to digital format - been looking at using this:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

 

Not sure of the hardware hookups though - thoughts?

[rex-n-effect]

Audacity is good recording software although you may need something more advanced to process your recordings depending upon the quality of the tape recording and the quality of the transfer. The tape is what it is and you will have to clean it up in software if it is is poor shape.

 

However, how you transfer the sound from player to computer makes a big difference. Your reel to reel might have RCA or 1/4" audio cables (or something harder to find a cheap interface for like XLR or coax) on the audio out. None of these are formats the typical computer has, which means you need to use an adapter or bus to transfer into your computer. The ideal solution is to transfer on a new studio-quality reel player with optical cables into a computer with optical input. Otherwise, you would want an audio interface that transfers the audio into a digital signal that you can record through HDMI, USB, or if you must, your 1/8" audio port. You can pick up digital RCA to USB interfaces for under $50. Not sure if audacity will work on USB but Audition (windows) or GarageBand (apple) will. (Here is an example of such an interface: http://www.guitarcenter.com/American-Audio-Audio-Genie-II-USB-Phono-Interface-500861-i1427371.gc)

 

You may be able to buy a cheap analog converter that plugs into your computer's audio port but that usually requires a converter from RCA to 1/4" audio to 1/8" audio. Each time you have to use an analog converter the more the sound is degraded. If these are your old high school band recordings then you might not care about quality but if you care about the sound then go with a digital interface.

[dickkotite]

Rex n effect is correct, but overthinking. Dont assume a 1/4 inch tape will sound bad. Analog recording can blow away cold digital crap.

You are not giving enough info though. Do you have a 1/4 inch player? Start with that. Assuming you do now we have to get it into your pc. Quite frankly, if its really important to you, you can buy a digital interface used for 50 and sell it for about the same when your done. Also, if your tapes are old they might play nicely and suddenly start squeaking and youll find tons of oxide on the heads. If this happens ill tell you how to fix that with your oven or a food dehydrator. Trust me, im an analog freak. I used to be in the analog tape industry

[peebag]

First off -Thanks for the input! - The tapes and player are 1/4 inch and both are very old 1960ish  - just recordings of family reunions and would like to get them transferred to some more modern.

[Gunnails]

First off -Thanks for the input! - The tapes and player are 1/4 inch and both are very old 1960ish  - just recordings of family reunions and would like to get them transferred to some more modern.

Take them to Costco.

[Bob]

I've converted vinyl with a USB turntable and used Audacity for the recording. You got good advice above about getting an interface. They're cheap.

 

I'm assuming your rel-to-reel machine has RCA outputs. I used to work in radio in the pre-digital days and our decks all had those outputs. You shouldn't have any trouble finding an interface that will accept them.