Audio Cassette to WAV Questions

[BruceSD]

I have a small collection of audio cassettes I want to convert to raw, uncompressed WAVs (and maybe burned to audio CD at some point.)

I am using a JVC stereo cassette deck, the kind that is an audio component that I used to have attached to an A/V receiver (which is now dead.) I have a Creative Labs Audigy sound card (separate card, not onboard mobo sound) in my PC.

Do I need a any kind of amp/preamp between the cassette deck and the capture device? Or will the line level out on the tape deck be enough? I have read here this is a problem with vinyl conversion, is it a problem with audio cassette decks also?

Also, is there any benefit to using a device like the ADS Instant Music device (external RCA stereo to USB capture device), as opposed to using the line-in on my sound card? I am worried about interference inside the computer causing static or other artifacts, and any kind of degradation of the sound from the impedance caused by the RCA-to-mini phono adaptor. I know audio tape had a limited dynamic range and lots of noise compared to LP or CD anyway, so I don't know if it would matter. (and my tapes never sounded great to begin with)

Also, will Audacity be ok for capturing the sound and cutting the audio into individual tracks? Or do I need to buy something like Goldwave or Adobe Audition? (I don't plan on doing any kind of filtering or cleanup of the audio for the time being)

[BJ_M]

line level out on the tape deck is enough


Audacity is just fine

[Soopafresh]

Audacity, plus download the Ladspa plugins http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/plugins if you want to do post processing.


This developer has a tape restore plugin for Winamp that is interesting.

http://www.hansvanzutphen.com/tape_restore_live/

[TheFamilyMan]

I use my preamp stage's tape out (got two of them) connected directly to my sound card's line in via a stereo RCA to minijack cable. I've noticed no noise nor distortion problems doing this, capturing either from my cassette desk or turntable. Using the tape deck directly should not be a problem. I also use Magix Audio Cleaning Lab, it covers all the bases: capture, clean, edit, master, export. It's very easy to use and the results excellent IMO. I believe they have a demo version available:http://site.magix.net/english-us/home/music/audio-cleaning-lab-11-e-version/
Experimentation is the best way to discover what works best with your setup. Good Luck!

[wan2no]

good read