Downloading Old Stuff ~

dnightshade · #1 03-17-2008, 09:05 AM

I need some technical advice. First let me just say I am so NOT a technical wiz of any sort so the most SIMPLE advice is best.

I came across about half a dozen CASSETTES the other night while going through some old Mac stuff. They hold alot of Live/Demo recordings that I want to save. How do I get these to the point of being able to download them?

I appreciate any input.

Betsy · #2 03-17-2008, 09:32 AM

OK...so this what my kids are promising me for Mother's Day...

Target carries some wonderful converting machine thing that has a USB connection. With this machine, (which has a turn table and a casssette player attached), I can convert records & cassettes to digital files on my computer.

They *almost* bought me one for Christmas, ...along with a Jack LaLane Juicer... (Instead I got creams from Bath & Body Works 3 for $10...)

Whether or not, this *Wonder Music Converter Machine* exists, I don't know, but I am hoping I get one for Mother's Day.

dnightshade · #3 03-17-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betsy

OK...so this what my kids are promising me for Mother's Day...

Target carries some wonderful converting machine thing that has a USB connection. With this machine, (which has a turn table and a casssette player attached), I can convert records & cassettes to digital files on my computer.

They *almost* bought me one for Christmas, ...along with a Jack LaLane Juicer... (Instead I got creams from Bath & Body Works 3 for $10...)

Whether or not, this *Wonder Music Converter Machine* exists, I don't know, but I am hoping I get one for Mother's Day.

Awesome, Betsy. Thanks for the info.!! I'll check it out and hopefully be able to post some of this rare stuff. Hope you get one for Mother's Day.

DavidMn · #4 03-17-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnightshade

I need some technical advice. First let me just say I am so NOT a technical wiz of any sort so the most SIMPLE advice is best.

I came across about half a dozen CASSETTES the other night while going through some old Mac stuff. They hold alot of Live/Demo recordings that I want to save. How do I get these to the point of being able to download them?

I appreciate any input.

I'm in the same boat you are as far as the technology whiz part goes. I have over 150 FLeetwood Mac concerts on tape, and I want to preserve them as best as I can so I am also looking for some good advice.

michelej1 · #5 03-17-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betsy

Whether or not, this *Wonder Music Converter Machine* exists, I don't know, but I am hoping I get one for Mother's Day.

Since I'm not especially good with computer software, I bought this vinyl LP converter for $299. It is a standalone, with a turntable and a built in CD writer. It costs more than something that uses a USB port, but it's simpler for me, a non-techie, to use. They also had one that does cassettes, converting them to cd. I ordered it from the Hammer Schlemmer catalog, but I betcha that Brookstone carries them too.

Michele

dnightshade · #6 03-18-2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelej1

Since I'm not especially good with computer software, I bought this vinyl LP converter for $299. It is a standalone, with a turntable and a built in CD writer. It costs more than something that uses a USB port, but it's simpler for me, a non-techie, to use. They also had one that does cassettes, converting them to cd. I ordered it from the Hammer Schlemmer catalog, but I betcha that Brookstone carries them too.

Michele

Thanks, Michele! It's def. worth looking into. Or maybe I'll just pay someone to do it for me. That's usually my MO.

michelej1 · #7 03-18-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnightshade

Thanks, Michele! It's def. worth looking into. Or maybe I'll just pay someone to do it for me. That's usually my MO.

I read that it costs about $6 per album or cassette to have it transferred for you. I did have some audio tapes transferred, but they weren't music. I had to ship them away and I got them back in 2 weeks and it cost about $20 a cassette. That was about 5 years ago. I'm sure it's easier to find someone local now, for a fraction of that amount.

Michele

Michele

David · #8 03-18-2008, 11:44 AM

I have an old cassette that I'm going to turn into MP3 by myself, using an eighth-inch connection from a tape recorder to my PC soundboard & a free program called AudioGrabber.

It's a tape of "Bridges: A Liberal/Conservative Dialogue" with host Larry Josephson & guests John Simon & Arianna Huffington. They discuss "Hollywood's America."

dnightshade · #9 03-18-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I have an old cassette that I'm going to turn into MP3 by myself, using an eighth-inch connection from a tape recorder to my PC soundboard & a free program called AudioGrabber.
It's a tape of "Bridges: A Liberal/Conservative Dialogue" with host Larry Josephson & guests John Simon & Arianna Huffington. They discuss "Hollywood's America."

I'm sorry, what language are you speaking? I have no idea what you just said but it sounds like you certainly know what you're doing! Lucky. Too bad you're not closer.

David · #10 03-18-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnightshade

I'm sorry, what language are you speaking? I have no idea what you just said but it sounds like you certainly know what you're doing! Lucky. Too bad you're not closer.

The problem with doing it at home is generally that you don't get top-notch quality (although you do have some control over quality).

If you have it done commercially, quality should be measurably better.