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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: 69mako on July 21, 2006, 05:25:16 AM

Title: "best" transfer method
Post by: 69mako on July 21, 2006, 05:25:16 AM

Hello all,
I have a bunch of cassettes that I would like to transfer to digital.  Here is my question...  Which method is the preferred/"best" way to transfer cassettes?

cassette -> CDR

-or-

cassette -> DAT -> CDR

I have a Nakamichi BX-300 cassette deck, a Tascam DA-20 MKII DAT deck, and a M-Audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard.

I've tried both ways and can't seem to "hear" a difference.  What are your opinions?

Thanks in advance,
Mako

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: nihilistic0 on July 21, 2006, 07:55:57 AM

Id say just record to your pc @ 24/96

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: greenone on July 21, 2006, 09:40:40 AM

In order of most to least preferential:

1) Nak>dedicated A/D device>soundcard (if you have one)
2) Nak>DA-20 (as A/D)>soundcard
3) Nak>soundcard

The more you isolate your A/D conversion from your soundcard, the better - you don't want to be doing it in your soundcard. I have an external A/D (ADC-20) but I hate taking it out of my bag, so I use my DA-20 as my A/D converter. The analog inputs on my soundcard are notoriously noisy so I avoid using them if at all possible.

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: Gordon on July 21, 2006, 11:00:58 AM

what he said.  I've done a few  cass > rca/xlr > V3 > audiophile and been very happy.  otherwise go cass > dat then to harddrive.

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 21, 2006, 11:20:10 AM

Also, adjust the azimuth on the playback deck for each tape side.

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: 69mako on July 23, 2006, 11:37:10 PM

Thanks to everyone for the replies.  Just as I thought, everyone has an opinion and they vary....   :D

Brian, I always adjust the azimuth for every show.  Never though of doing it for every tape side.  I'll try that.  What a difference that adjustment can make.

Greenone, What do you suggest for a dedicated A/D device?

Thanks to all who replied?
Mako

Title: Re: "best" transfer method
Post by: greenone on July 24, 2006, 08:46:09 AM

There's way too many to list here and it really depends on your budget...try poking around the Pre's, A/D's and Processors forum here: http://taperssection.com/index.php?board=4.0