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#198565 03/18/13 04:24 PM
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DennisD Offline OP
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I just purchased a SPT M95 cassette converter. The manual included is just not adequate information for me to use, neither is the audacity help file. This device is supposed to be able to somehow convert cassette tapes to mp3 files. I have tried googling for info with no success. Well this old war horse can't figure it out. Have any of our fellow forum readers used this device and hopefully can steer me in the direction for its use. Thanks D.


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Dennis, it looks like your Cassette Converter came with a driver/install CD. May we assume that you installed the drivers? From that point your computer will recognize it when plugged into any USB port.

I'm curious if it works because I have tons of cassettes when I still sang that I would love to recover.

May I ask, why Audacity? Shouldn't it make mp3s directly?

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Dennis, I found this instruction video. Looks straight forward.

http://cassettetousb.com/?tid=G07&

HTH

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Don, I've seen ads for other cassette and vinyl conversion products. A significant number of them ship with Audacity, so I assume that you first record to WAV and then rip to MP3, unless Audacity will do it directly.


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With Audacity program, you must have the LAME encoder installed to make mp3 files.

Then, any audio you have open in Audacity, you choose under the File menu, Export and choose Export as mp3.


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Mac #198570 03/18/13 09:51 PM
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Audacity is included with all these programs because it's free.

If you've still got a higher quality cassette player, you can just connect the audio output into your computer. Use any program (like Audacity) to record, and with LAME installed, you can convert to MP3.

The advantage of going that route is that your higher quality tape deck probably supports Dolby and other noise reduction schemes.


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Quote:

Audacity is included with all these programs because it's free.

If you've still got a higher quality cassette player, you can just connect the audio output into your computer. Use any program (like Audacity) to record, and with LAME installed, you can convert to MP3.

The advantage of going that route is that your higher quality tape deck probably supports Dolby and other noise reduction schemes.




Exactly what I was thinking, but didn't want to say out loud since the new Goodie is already purchased...

Can't imagine such a device could keep up spec-wise with a good condition but older stereo component tape deck jacked into a quality sound card or USB sound device, etc.

Not only for the Dolby, if used on the original tape, but also for things such as being able to set the deck for proper EQ playback as to tape type, likely a better dynamic range from the electronics as well as lower noise floor. This of course all depends on the brand and model and age and tape path and alignment of the stereo deck to be used. But the good news is that these days, one can often pick up a good quality and well working cassette component for pennies on the dollar at thrift shops, garage sales, etc. A bit of cleaning of the tape path and heads, a good demagnitization, perhaps some Deoxit control lube and cleaner on the switches and controls and it may just outperform.


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Mac #198572 03/19/13 09:25 AM
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Quote:

May I ask, why Audacity? Shouldn't it make mp3s directly?




Ahhh so, you suppli I spik yo rangwidge. I was educate at U C R A.

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I use a very cheap Sony walkman bought from amazon a couple of years ago. I use a line direct from the player to the tower and record into cool edit, ( now adobe audition ). This has a wonderful noise reducing plugin which is perfect for removing hiss.
I use a lot of old tapes on my programmes and find it invaluable

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