hi really need some help, i want to record from old cassette to my computer, and be then able to convert to mp3 format, need to know where to get some really simple free software that will do the job i have tried audacity, and a few others from the net but not being technically minded cant work them out.
I recorded from cassette tapes (and a turntable) using Audacity. Play the tape and set to a low/moderate level. Rewind. Connected a mini plug from the player earphone jack to the 'mic' (pink connector) on the sound card and clicked on the 'Record' button in Audacity and pressed 'Play' on the cassette deck. My ancient sound card does not permit monitoring of the volume while it's being recorded - I just looked at the level meter in Audacity. http://www.nsftools.com/misc/TapeToCD.htm
Unfortunatly, there is not much much more simple than audacity. I would recommend using Roxio. Roxio will even name & tag the files for you if it has that album in the database it uses and can be picked up cheap on ebay. It all depends on how many audio captures you will do. Audio captures are a pain.
except that roxio will screw up just about every other multimedia piece of software on your computer... the sensible money avoids it like the plague!! I'm off track of where windoze software has got to (much better tools in free world these days) but unless you actually NEED the files in mp3 format I would avoid it because it's a compressed to hell pile of garbage.. Probably dbpoweramp would suit your purposes also.. but the mp3 codecs aren't free for some pretty damn stupid reason.. auadacity FTW imo
I have to differ with you on this one. I will agree with you on your opinion of Roxio. I can't think of anything worse and the only app this is its equal is Sonic, which is a re-packaged Roxio. mcgrath, on a scale of 1 to 10 1 being the easiest audio app, audacity is a 2 or 3. itunes and wmp are 1s. If itunes did audio capture I would suggest mcgrath use that. I actually hate Roxio more than itunes. HOWEVER, Roxio does integrate a tag database with audio capture. Even though I own a copy I descided I really hate that software. I captured 1 LP and deleted the files and uninstalled it. I am real picky maybe not as picky as Varnull but real close. I have a feeling mcgrath is more interested in easy than in preserving audio quality that will not be reproduced by mcgrath's audio equipment. You can pay big bucks (a few grand) and still have garbage for amps and speakers. Serous audio heads who are not millionairs either repaire their old equipment or buy old equipment on eBay and fix it up. The wealthy can buy refurbished from exclusive audio shops. I do know is that Roxio uses the Graceland tag database with audio capture. I believe it is the only audio capture app that uses a tag database. That is the only reason I picked it. I would have already captured all my LPs if dbPowerAmp could be used for audio capture. Yes, you can capture each side to lossless then burn to a CD then rip. What I have left never made it to CDs so it is not in their complete CD tag info database. The easiest way to get a digitized tape or LP is through P2P. Let someone else to all the work. That is what I do.
I have not tried this app.,but it may help you if you are using Vista or you have trouble connecting to your sound card. http://www.sound-recorder.biz/freesoundrecorder.html Good luck.
I don't know what it is with my pcs, but I have had Roxio and all previous versions of the software under different names, and the reason was their audio editing app was great for capture and editing-anyone remember the marchig band and notes? I rarely use it anymore but I have it if I need it. I also had Nero6.6 and have Nero ultra 8 installed(not InCD) and there have been no conflicts ever. Audacity is also a fine program and I use it now. I use Nero for burning all DVDs but I use Roxio for data RW-DVDs and reading data cd and dvds. Noe of these programs run on start up and I never run them concurrently.JM2C
garmoon, my head is often twisted on a few twists too tight. At least I know that and don't expect everyone to demand perfection. I can't even remember what pissed me off about Roxio. I am too demanding with a very short fuse. I try to overkill everything to the max. For someone who can't get Audacity to run would not like having to manually name, split and tag their music. That is a great deal of work. They are looking for that 'easy button'. Of course they wanted easy and free. I hate Nero as well but I may be installing it after almost a year with out. There are things Nero does best. I didn't throw out Roxio either. I do remember one of the things that set me off with Roxio. It was not apparent how to set the speed of the burn. That always sets me off. I set the speed.
thank for all of your advice i will try anything at the mo i will look at some of your suggestions thanks
