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recording from an audio tape to my mac
- Thread starter andych
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andych said:
Yes. If your Mac has a Line-in jack then all you need is some software on the Mac to do the recording and a lead to connect your walkman to your Mac. I personally use Audio Hijack Pro which works well for me but you could probably use Garageband if you have it.
Connect the headphone jack from your Walkman to the Line-in on your Mac, set up the software to record, adjust the volume and record levels to suit, set the format to save the recording in (MP3, AIFF, etc) and record away. Once you have the tracks recorded you can burn a CD from there.
I have used garageband for this. The downside to using garageband is that I have to capture each track separately and export it to iTunes before moving on to the next one. As far as I know there is no way in Garageband to capture the whole tape (or at least a side) and then go in and export each section individually.
If your mac doesn't have a line-in, you'll have to use a usb audio interface. Griffin iMic is a popular one I believe, but I haven't used it. Behringer also makes one that will do the trick.
If your mac doesn't have a line-in, you'll have to use a usb audio interface. Griffin iMic is a popular one I believe, but I haven't used it. Behringer also makes one that will do the trick.
Clean the play head with some isopropanol alcohol and a Q-Tip first. It will dissolve the iron oxide that builds up on the head.
You will need a 1/8th inch stereo cable, both sides male.
Find a loud part of the tape. Turn the volume down to zero, and then press play. Do a sample recording and bring the audio up to where it is almost about to clip.
There are a number of recorders of OS X.
Here is a GIANT list of them
If you don't want to read the list provided above, then here are some options.
Audacity is my favorite (as far as freeware goes), but it is slow. It's benefits are that it is cross platform ,and there are lots of plug-ins available. It even supports a limited form of NYQUIST plug-ins. If you have a text-editor you can write NYQUIST plug-ins. It can decode MP3s and many other audio formats. The only way it, and many other applications can encode into MP3 format is by using a LAME encoder (More LAME encoders. The reason for this cost, decoding the format is set, and free. The primary encoders are all pricey, with licences starting at 30k (if I remember correctly). You can also find OrgVorb and other encoders that will plug into Audacity via the Library folder. Audacity is also opensource.
Similar to Windows audio recorder is Audio Recorder.app Simple and free.
WireTap is a routing and recording program similar to Audio Hijack. You can rip and record from streams, DVDs, speakers, jacks, and the microphone. Both are good programs, and the limited version of WireTap is free.
If you have specific questions about any of the Mac audio apps, post them, and I am sure you will find at least one user.
I work as an audio-monkey(enginer), using mostly PC and software at work and my Mac at home.
Note: Some of this post is recycled text
You will need a 1/8th inch stereo cable, both sides male.
Find a loud part of the tape. Turn the volume down to zero, and then press play. Do a sample recording and bring the audio up to where it is almost about to clip.
There are a number of recorders of OS X.
Here is a GIANT list of them
If you don't want to read the list provided above, then here are some options.
Audacity is my favorite (as far as freeware goes), but it is slow. It's benefits are that it is cross platform ,and there are lots of plug-ins available. It even supports a limited form of NYQUIST plug-ins. If you have a text-editor you can write NYQUIST plug-ins. It can decode MP3s and many other audio formats. The only way it, and many other applications can encode into MP3 format is by using a LAME encoder (More LAME encoders. The reason for this cost, decoding the format is set, and free. The primary encoders are all pricey, with licences starting at 30k (if I remember correctly). You can also find OrgVorb and other encoders that will plug into Audacity via the Library folder. Audacity is also opensource.
Similar to Windows audio recorder is Audio Recorder.app Simple and free.
WireTap is a routing and recording program similar to Audio Hijack. You can rip and record from streams, DVDs, speakers, jacks, and the microphone. Both are good programs, and the limited version of WireTap is free.
If you have specific questions about any of the Mac audio apps, post them, and I am sure you will find at least one user.
I work as an audio-monkey(enginer), using mostly PC and software at work and my Mac at home.
Note: Some of this post is recycled text