USB Audio Tape Player or low price alternative?

patwa_2

Hello.

I would like to convert a number of standard 90 minute double sided audio cassettes to MP3. Whereas I have the software to do it, I no longer have a cassette deck/player to play the cassettes.

I was wondering if there was any reasonably priced USB tape player, or failing that, a low price high quality cassette player (mains/battery powered) that I could link up to something like the Griffin Technologies iMic to play the tapes and send the audio to the computer for processing.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

H.

ManAtHome

Have a look at Richer Sounds - you should be able to get a decent HiFi deck then plug the headphone socket into the audio-in on the PC (I converted lots of tapes with an AKAI deck and CDex freeware).

I'v seen a couple of USB units advertised, but they were more expensive than standard (and better quality) decks.

GoofyGAT

patwa, if you can (& budget-permitting) try to get a player with a line-out jack - this is preferable to connecting to the headphone socket. If it's a decent HiFi player/deck, it will probably have this feature as standard.

Because of its editing capability & added functions, the free Audacity is probably a better alternative to CDex. Get the MP3-encoder download & instructions from here. G

ManAtHome

I found the computer 'noise' to be more intrusive recording through line-out than the headphone jack (and that was with a SB-Live card).

GoofyGAT

ManAtHome wrote: »

I found the computer 'noise' to be more intrusive recording through line-out than the headphone jack (and that was with a SB-Live card).

That's an odd one, because line-out is usually the recommended way to go - an explanation why.

As I don't have line-outs, I've used the headphone jack too with some success. Adjusting the player's volume & settings in the recording software is key I guess. And one must be careful not to damage speakers in the process. G

Donnie

Of course, you can use a Walkman(or similar) if you have one. Just start with the volume turned down low and experiment from there.

isofa

Using a standard player, or Walkman as described above is definitely a better bet.

I've digitised loads of old cassettes using a decent unit into a Mac, never had any problem. I digitise them at a CD sampling rate and have then burned them into a True CD (for ones I want CD versions of), but then obviously can run the high quality audio file into an MP3 converter too.

I've done one or two using a top end Panasonic Walkman via the headphone socket, but you have to be careful not to let levels peak and distort.
But if you can use a line out from a tape deck, that's the best method. I've had excellent results using a Technics deck.

A USB tape deck is likely to have a very cheap and cheerful tape transport, I don't think I'd even bother.

Better to pick up a good quality second hand deck, I bet there are loads on eBay, you'll get much better quality.

Donnie

One has to be careful with second hand cassette decks, as you'll have no idea of any problems with 'Wow & Flutter' until it's actually up and running.

If you were in London, I would possibly lend you my Panasonic 'Walkman' with Dolby Noise Reduction.

isofa

It's true, but a high quality top end deck, that has obviously been well looked after, will be infinitely better than a USB cheapo, or any cheapo from Argos. Top end decks also have electronics to monitor the motors to virtually eliminate wow and flutter, my Technics does, but then it did cost an arm and a leg when new

Obviously don't buy something that's been hammered and looks in poor condition. Some people are selling off their tape/hifi gear with the move to digital, so there are bargains to be had.

Look for decks that support Dolby B and C (they tend to be higher quality), HX-Pro, and digital motor electronics, also the most recent ones also sport dolby S. Both my Panasonic Walkman and tape decks support B+C.

A quick search on eBay brings up hundreds, just found these good example items:

260180342714 - Sony
160178931948 - Technics
130172077070 - Denon
270186845925 - Teac

Bargains to be had IMO.

Donnie

I handed in a new Denon Cassette deck a couple of years ago to Richer Sounds for repair under guarantee.
I must get around to picking it up.

patwa_2

OK, so to clarify, I want a good quality tape deck, probably not a walkman as I'll be wanting to use it from the mains rather than on batteries. Richer Sounds as a first stop off. Features to look out for:

Good Brand
Dolby B+C support
Digitised/electronic motors
Line-Out socket.

In a way, it would be good if the tape deck also came with radio and CD player, but I guess many of the all-in-ones pay less attention to the 'quality' details to keep the prices down. I'm probably not going to want to get rid of it after I've converted the 20 or so cassettes, might want to use it for radio or CDs.

H.