Transfering Cassette to Computer

[Dale Stoltzfus]

Hi!

I need to transfer some cassette tapes to the computer. I was thinking simply using a cassette deck to MOTU ultralight (via RCA to TRS cable). My question is this: do I need to spend a lot for a pro cassette deck to get good quality sound, or will my stereo's cassette deck provide the quality I need?

Thanks!

[Alexandru Petrescu]

Originally Posted by Dale Stoltzfus

Hi!

I need to transfer some cassette tapes to the computer. I was thinking simply using a cassette deck to MOTU ultralight (via RCA to TRS cable). My question is this: do I need to spend a lot for a pro cassette deck to get good quality sound, or will my stereo's cassette deck provide the quality I need?

Thanks!

Is this a standard Philips audio cassette ? Or a DAT (Digital Audio Tape) cassette?

I think for the Philips any cassette deck you can find these days new it will give enough of quality, as compared to what the tape can hold. The problem is that a new is hard to find :-) If you use an old one: clean the heads and the driving mechanism in contact with the tape.

I think the analog quality is well enough from a new cassette deck or walkman. I imagine the advanced pro tape mechanisms are better in the sense they have more longtime mechanical reliability.

For the DAT tape I'd think you just need a working condition tape deck because it's digital on the tape.

The MOTU ultralite is a nice tool I used exactly for the purpose you mention (philips cassette) and a Panasonic walkman cassette. There's some hiss and I can't say whether it's from the tape or from the walkman.

[Dale Stoltzfus]

Thanks! Yes, I did mean a standard Phillips audio cassette. I'll try using the cassette player in my stereo and see how that sounds. I expect there will be a slight hiss - it's the nature of cassette tapes (in my experience). Probably pretty easy to help in Audition.