Digitizing - Revision history

Generacide: Some minor fixes (Will revisit this)

2024-11-19T21:59:50Z

Some minor fixes (Will revisit this)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 19 November 2024
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	== Digitizing ==		== Digitizing ==
	Digitizing itself is quite straightforward. ~~Simple~~ press record in audacity and play the tape on the player. If you hear nothing, you should troubleshoot your cables. If you hear a faint static, wait for a bit, as tapes usually have a bit of silence before the music starts.		Digitizing itself is quite straightforward. Simply press record in audacity and play the tape on the player. If you hear nothing, you should troubleshoot your cables. If you hear a faint static, wait for a bit, as tapes usually have a bit of silence before the music starts.

	If you hear music, then congratulations! Your setup works. All you need to do now is play the tape back in full while recording in audacity. When your tape reaches the end, don't stop recording, just pull out the tape, flip it to the other side, and resume playback. We '''do not''' recommend '''auto reverse''' if your player has it.		If you hear music, then congratulations! Your setup works. All you need to do now is play the tape back in full while recording in audacity. When your tape reaches the end, don't stop recording, just pull out the tape, flip it to the other side, and resume playback. We '''do not''' recommend '''auto reverse''' if your player has it.
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	'''Volume control'''		'''Volume control'''

	If things are too loud, it ~~will sound distorted and~~ totally ruin your recording. To control this, you can tweak the level ~~of volume~~ on your player, along with the input volume on your computer. It's best to fix this before you record, as changing the volume in post will not help fix the recording. Instead, ~~play a song off~~ the ~~tape~~ in full and make sure Audacity's volume meter never reaches max. It's fine if this happens once or twice, but if your recording is "redlined", you should adjust your volume levels. The ideal setup is to have a healthy volume level on the player, and turn your computer input volume down to compensate. You should also make sure the level on the player doesn't max out either. Sometimes the tapes themselves were recorded loud and distorted, but there's no fix for that.		If things are too loud, it can totally ruin your recording. To control this, you can tweak the volume level on your player, along with the input volume on your computer. It's best to fix this before you record, as changing the volume in post will not help fix the recording. Instead, carefully monitor one of the songs in full and make sure Audacity's volume meter never reaches max. It's fine if this happens once or twice, but if your recording is "redlined", you should adjust your volume levels. The ideal setup is to have a healthy volume level on the player, and turn your computer input volume down to compensate. You should also make sure the level on the player doesn't max out either. Sometimes the tapes themselves were recorded loud and distorted, but there's no fix for that.

	'''Pitch changes'''		'''Pitch changes'''

Generacide: Protected "Digitizing" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

2024-08-23T23:27:21Z

Protected "Digitizing" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:27, 23 August 2024
(No difference)

Generacide: Add to info pages

2024-08-16T14:44:20Z

Add to info pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 16 August 2024
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	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==
			[[Category:Info Pages]]

Randomatribute20k: Formatting

2024-05-29T19:58:35Z

Formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 29 May 2024
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	Digitizing tapes is fairly straight forward, and doesn't require any specialized equipment. Before starting you should '''inspect your tape for mold, sticky shed and any other issues''' that could lead to the tape being damaged during playback. A detailed inspection process can be found [[I Found A Tape#Inspecting the tape\|here]].		Digitizing tapes is fairly straight forward, and doesn't require any specialized equipment. Before starting you should '''inspect your tape for mold, sticky shed and any other issues''' that could lead to the tape being damaged during playback. A detailed inspection process can be found [[I Found A Tape#Inspecting the tape\|here]].

	In addition, you should inspect the condition of your ''player'' before playing any tapes of value. Check the inside of your player (where the tape goes) and make sure it's free of dust and make sure all the belts in the player are tight, not sticky and ~~not~~ degraded. Also make sure the [[wikipedia:Tape_transport\|tape transport]] mechanism is intact and the pinch roller is not sticky, cracked or chipped.		In addition, you should inspect the condition of your ''player'' before playing any tapes of value. Check the inside of your player (where the tape goes) and make sure it's free of dust and make sure all the belts in the player are tight, not sticky and degraded. Also make sure the [[wikipedia:Tape_transport\|tape transport]] mechanism is intact and the pinch roller is not sticky, cracked or chipped.

	Even if everything looks good, it's worth doing a test run with a blank (or worthless) cassette, just to make sure it doesn't get '''chewed''' or mangled because of faulty tape transport. You don't need to do this before every digitization, but you definitely should for your first time using the player.		Even if everything looks good, it's worth doing a test run with a blank (or worthless) cassette, just to make sure it doesn't get '''chewed''' or mangled because of faulty tape transport. You don't need to do this before every digitization, but you definitely should for your first time using the player.
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	==== RCA connectors ====		==== RCA connectors ====
	[[File:RCAcables.svg.png~~\|left~~\|thumb\|183x183px\|Illustration of Male and Female RCA connectors.]]		[[File:RCAcables.svg.png\|thumb\|183x183px\|Illustration of Male and Female RCA connectors.]]
	RCA connectors are those old, red and white connectors seen on the back of old tech appliances such as CRTs, VCRs, and gaming consoles. They are usually paired with a yellow connector, but decks do not have this since the yellow connector is solely for video output. This is the outlet you will see the most as all cassette decks new and old have these on the back of the unit. The only players that do not have this option are portable players (i.e. Walkmans, Nikola Tesla KC-18, Crosley boomboxes) and some combo units. On some decks, the female connectors aren't color-coded so just keep in mind that white corresponds to the left channel and red corresponds to the right channel.		RCA connectors are those old, red and white connectors seen on the back of old tech appliances such as CRTs, VCRs, and gaming consoles. They are usually paired with a yellow connector, but decks do not have this since the yellow connector is solely for video output. This is the outlet you will see the most as all cassette decks new and old have these on the back of the unit. The only players that do not have this option are portable players (i.e. Walkmans, Nikola Tesla KC-18, Crosley boomboxes) and some combo units. On some decks, the female connectors aren't color-coded so just keep in mind that white corresponds to the left channel and red corresponds to the right channel.[[File:TS+TRSCables.png\|thumb\|Different types of phone connectors.\|left\|349x349px]]

	==== Phone connectors ====		==== Phone connectors ====
	~~[[File:TS+TRSCables.png\|center\|thumb\|Different types of phone connectors.]]~~
	Other than RCA output, a cassette deck also has another output method: '''Phone connectors'''.		Other than RCA output, a cassette deck also has another output method: '''Phone connectors'''.

	Ever wondered what those abnormally large headphone ports are for? Those are for a special phone connectors, TRS and/or TS. These connectors are about a quarter-inch thick and are older than the RCA connectors. In a time before the 3.5mm format, these were used for headphones.		Ever wondered what those abnormally large headphone ports are for? Those are for a special phone connectors: TRS and/or TS. These connectors are about a quarter-inch thick and are older than the RCA connectors. In a time before the 3.5mm format, these were used for headphones.

	===== TS (Tip, Sleeve) =====		===== TS (Tip, Sleeve) =====
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	==== 3.5mm connector (1⁄8 in. TRS) ====		==== 3.5mm connector (1⁄8 in. TRS) ====
	These are the most common form of a TRS cable. While these need an adapter in order to be used on a deck, these are used on computers, phones, tablets, and all sorts of modern tech. We use this format in order to record audio on a computer.		These are the most common form of a TRS cable and what most people are familiar with. While these need an adapter in order to be used on a deck, these are used on computers, phones, tablets, and all sorts of modern tech. We will use this format in order to record audio on a computer. It is ideally the most convenient option as the only things you would need for digitizing by this method are a long distance auxiliary cable (a.k.a. an aux cable) and a quarter-inch adapter. TRRS variants of this connector exist, but is not used for the digitizing process as the extra ring is for a headset microphone.

	'''BEWARE:''' '''Most microphone jacks''' on computers '''will record in mono''', especially if they're combo jacks (that carry mic and headphone over one cable). To record '''proper stereo''', you'll need to use the '''LINE IN''' jack (usually on the back of your PC) or buy a small '''USB soundcard''' with stereo recording if you only have a laptop. Another option is to use an '''audio interface''' for recording, but they're more expensive and more advanced.		'''BEWARE:''' '''Most microphone jacks''' on computers '''will record in mono''', especially if they're combo jacks (that carry mic and headphone over one cable). To record '''proper stereo''', you'll need to use the '''LINE IN''' jack (usually on the back of your PC) or buy a small '''USB soundcard''' with stereo recording if you only have a laptop. Another option is to use an '''audio interface''' for recording, but they're more expensive and more advanced.

Randomatribute20k: integration

2024-05-29T10:23:13Z

integration

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:23, 29 May 2024
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	== Hardware setup ==		== Hardware setup ==
	Your tape player will have one or more ways of outputting sound, and to digitize a tape, we need to take the '''output''' of the player and feed it into the '''input''' of ~~your~~ computer. This will likely involve ''adapting'' the connector on your player's output to the 3.5mm audio jack on your computer or laptop.		Your tape player will have one or more ways of outputting sound, and to digitize a tape, we need to take the '''output''' of the player and feed it into the '''input''' of the computer. This will likely involve ''adapting'' the connector on your player's output to the 3.5mm audio jack on your computer or laptop.

	The most common output connectors are: RCA, Quarter inch (TRS) and Quarter inch (TS).		The most common output connectors are: RCA, Quarter inch (TRS) and Quarter inch (TS).

	~~'''~~RCA connectors~~'''~~ are ~~the~~ old, red and white connectors seen on old ~~TVs~~. ~~Those old TVs also had~~ a yellow ~~cable~~, but ~~we don't need it~~ since ~~it's~~ for video.		==== RCA connectors ====
			[[File:RCAcables.svg.png\|left\|thumb\|183x183px\|Illustration of Male and Female RCA connectors.]]
			RCA connectors are those old, red and white connectors seen on the back of old tech appliances such as CRTs, VCRs, and gaming consoles. They are usually paired with a yellow connector, but decks do not have this since the yellow connector is solely for video output. This is the outlet you will see the most as all cassette decks new and old have these on the back of the unit. The only players that do not have this option are portable players (i.e. Walkmans, Nikola Tesla KC-18, Crosley boomboxes) and some combo units. On some decks, the female connectors aren't color-coded so just keep in mind that white corresponds to the left channel and red corresponds to the right channel.

	~~Next there are two different~~ types of ~~quarter inch setups~~: '''~~TRS''' and '''TS~~'''.		==== Phone connectors ====
			[[File:TS+TRSCables.png\|center\|thumb\|Different types of phone connectors.]]
			Other than RCA output, a cassette deck also has another output method: '''Phone connectors'''.

	~~'''~~TRS ~~(Tip, Ring, Sleeve)'''~~ connectors are ~~basically~~ 3.5mm ~~audio jacks but bigger. They carry '''stereo''' audio over one cable~~, ~~and that's usually what the ''phones'' port on your player uses~~.		Ever wondered what those abnormally large headphone ports are for? Those are for a special phone connectors, TRS and/or TS. These connectors are about a quarter-inch thick and are older than the RCA connectors. In a time before the 3.5mm format, these were used for headphones.

	~~'''~~TS (Tip, Sleeve)''' connectors will usually be found as quarter inch plugs on the back of the player, and each of them carries a '''mono''' signal.		===== TS (Tip, Sleeve) =====
			TS connectors are basically 3.5mm audio jacks that you see on wired headphones or aux cables but bigger. You may recognize these plugs as they're most commonly used for electronic instruments like electric guitars, amps and microphones. TS connectors will usually be found as quarter inch plugs on the back of the player, and each of them carries a '''mono''' signal.

	Neither of these connectors have better output ''quality'' than the other, but if you have humming or extra noise coming from the player when not playing tapes, it may be wise to test the other outputs to see if the result is cleaner.		===== TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) =====
			TRS connectors carry '''stereo''' audio over one cable, and that's usually what the ''phones'' port on your player uses. This is because before 3.5mm was a thing, these connectors were used. While it isn't widely used anymore, headphones made for studio sessions and audiophiles will still include a quarter-inch adapter. Neither of these connectors have better output ''quality'' than the other, but if you have humming or extra noise coming from the player when not playing tapes, it may be wise to test the other outputs to see if the result is cleaner.

	The main difference between ~~those~~ connectors is how they handle '''stereo'''. Players that have '''RCA''' or '''TS''' plugs will always have '''two''', labeled '''left''' and '''right (L & R)'''. This means your adapter cable will look like a normal 3.5mm cable on one end, but then split into two RCA or TS jacks to get a proper stereo signal.		The main difference between these connectors is how they handle '''stereo'''. Players that have '''RCA''' or '''TS''' plugs will always have '''two''', labeled '''left''' and '''right (L & R)'''. This means your adapter cable will look like a normal 3.5mm cable on one end, but then split into two RCA or TS jacks to get a proper stereo signal.

	'''BEWARE:''' '''~~most~~ microphone jacks''' on computers '''will record in mono''', especially if they're combo jacks (that carry mic and headphone over one cable). To record '''proper stereo''', you'll need to use the '''LINE IN''' jack (usually on the back of your PC) or buy a small '''USB soundcard''' with stereo recording if you only have a laptop. Another option is to use an '''audio interface''' for recording, but they're more expensive and more advanced.		==== 3.5mm connector (1⁄8 in. TRS) ====
			These are the most common form of a TRS cable. While these need an adapter in order to be used on a deck, these are used on computers, phones, tablets, and all sorts of modern tech. We use this format in order to record audio on a computer.

			'''BEWARE:''' '''Most microphone jacks''' on computers '''will record in mono''', especially if they're combo jacks (that carry mic and headphone over one cable). To record '''proper stereo''', you'll need to use the '''LINE IN''' jack (usually on the back of your PC) or buy a small '''USB soundcard''' with stereo recording if you only have a laptop. Another option is to use an '''audio interface''' for recording, but they're more expensive and more advanced.

	== Software setup ==		== Software setup ==

Generacide: Add more playback problems

2024-05-10T20:57:10Z

Add more playback problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 10 May 2024
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	'''Volume control'''		'''Volume control'''

	If things are too loud, it will sound distorted and totally ruin your recording. To control this, you can tweak the level of volume on your player, along with the input volume on your computer. It's best to fix this before you record, as changing the volume in post will not help fix the recording. Instead, play a song off the tape in full and make sure Audacity's volume meter never reaches max. It's fine if this happens once or twice, but if your recording is "redlined", you should adjust your volume levels. The ideal setup is to have a healthy volume level on the player, and turn your computer input volume down to compensate. You should also make sure the level on the player doesn't max out either.		If things are too loud, it will sound distorted and totally ruin your recording. To control this, you can tweak the level of volume on your player, along with the input volume on your computer. It's best to fix this before you record, as changing the volume in post will not help fix the recording. Instead, play a song off the tape in full and make sure Audacity's volume meter never reaches max. It's fine if this happens once or twice, but if your recording is "redlined", you should adjust your volume levels. The ideal setup is to have a healthy volume level on the player, and turn your computer input volume down to compensate. You should also make sure the level on the player doesn't max out either. Sometimes the tapes themselves were recorded loud and distorted, but there's no fix for that.

	'''Pitch changes'''		'''Pitch changes'''

	If the tape audio feels like it's "wowing" up and down, or "fluttering" with squeaky, watery instruments, this could be a sign that your tape has sticky shed (SSS) or your player has a mechanical issue. Try playing a different tape, and if it sounds good, the tape itself is likely the issue. If the problem persists across all tapes, it's likely there's a problem with the tape transport mechanism on your player.		If the tape audio feels like it's "wowing" up and down, or "fluttering" with squeaky, watery instruments, this could be a sign that your tape has sticky shed (SSS) or your player has a mechanical issue. Try playing a different tape, and if that sounds good, the tape itself is likely the issue. If the problem persists across all tapes, it's likely there's a problem with the tape transport mechanism on your player. This is an issue we recommend stopping playback for.

	'''Ringing or squealing'''		'''Ringing or squealing'''

			This kind of distortion is much more noticeable because it can be very loud on the recording, but it also makes a high pitched ringing noise from the player itself. This is an other issue caused by sticky shed, where the tacky tape sticks to the play head and gets pulled along in a series of sticky steps, as opposed to a smooth, constant stream. This is almost certainly an issue with your ''tape'', and not your player. If this is happening to you during playback, it's advised you stop playing the tape and treat the sticky shed first.

			'''Song quality gets worse over time'''

			Sometimes tapes are dirty, and other times, this can be a sign of sticky shed. If you've noticed the end of a track sounds more muffled than the beginning, stop playback, eject the tape, and look at the play head for any gunk that's collected on it. You should wipe this away periodically, with a cotton swab soaked lightly in alcohol, and make sure it's perfectly dry before putting the tape back in. As you play more tracks, it's possible for more gunk to collect, so you'll probably end up having to play the whole tape twice. If the gunk has a reddish-brown color, or matches the color of the tape, it's likely the tape has extreme sticky shed, and we recommend not playing it.

			'''Extreme dropouts and stuttering audio'''

			Take out the tape and inspect it. It's possible your tape has been crinkled or mangled by another player. You can still play it, depending on how bad the damage is, but you will experience dropouts and stutters. However, we've seen war tapes that were very poorly recorded, and the left or right audio channel will drop out completely, even on a totally intact tape.

			'''Audio abruptly stops'''

			If your wiring is fine, and the tape hasn't been ripped and chewed by the player, it's possible this segment of tape has been improperly recorded or erased.

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Generacide: More progress on this

2024-05-09T21:00:14Z

More progress on this

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:00, 9 May 2024
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	Cassette players can still be commonly found in thrift stores or on eBay. Try to find a cassette player that looks new or is still in the original box. Avoid buying cheap players that were made in the modern day, as they usually lack the quality of older players. The best players were manufactured in the late 90's or early 2000's. Do NOT use any player that has a '''USB output''', or claims to do '''automatic digitization'''. Most of them are cheap and output low quality MP3 files.		Cassette players can still be commonly found in thrift stores or on eBay. Try to find a cassette player that looks new or is still in the original box. Avoid buying cheap players that were made in the modern day, as they usually lack the quality of older players. The best players were manufactured in the late 90's or early 2000's. Do NOT use any player that has a '''USB output''', or claims to do '''automatic digitization'''. Most of them are cheap and output low quality MP3 files.

	The audio cable you need will depend on what connectors your player has. Cassette players Usually output audio using one or more different connectors. These connectors are: RCA~~, Quarter~~ inch~~, and bare wire terminals~~. You'll need to adapt one of those connectors to the 3.5mm audio jack found on your computer. On a laptop, there should be separate microphone and headphone jacks, while desktops usually have pink "Line-in" jacks at the back. Line-in jacks are preferred for digitizing. If your computer or laptop does not have a separate microphone input, then you'll need to purchase a USB Soundcard, or use an audio interface (if you're more advanced). 3.5mm combo jacks (ones that carry headphone and mic over one connector) should not be used for digitization, because they cannot record in stereo.		The audio cable you need will depend on what connectors your player has. Cassette players Usually output audio using one or more different connectors. These connectors are usually RCA and quarter-inch. You'll need to adapt one of those connectors to the 3.5mm audio jack found on your computer. On a laptop, there should be separate microphone and headphone jacks, while desktops usually have pink "Line-in" jacks at the back. Line-in jacks are preferred for digitizing. If your computer or laptop does not have a separate microphone input, then you'll need to purchase a USB Soundcard, or use an audio interface (if you're more advanced). 3.5mm combo jacks (ones that carry headphone and mic over one connector) should not be used for digitization, because they cannot record in stereo.

	Audacity can be downloaded on Linux and Mac, but this article will focus on digitization with a computer running windows.		Audacity can be downloaded on Linux and Mac, but this article will focus on digitization with a computer running windows.
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	'''RCA connectors''' are the old, red and white connectors seen on old TVs. Those old TVs also had a yellow cable, but we don't need it since it's for video.		'''RCA connectors''' are the old, red and white connectors seen on old TVs. Those old TVs also had a yellow cable, but we don't need it since it's for video.

	Next there are two different types of quarter inch setups: TRS and TS.		Next there are two different types of quarter inch setups: '''TRS''' and '''TS'''.

	'''TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve)''' connectors are basically 3.5mm audio jacks but bigger. They carry '''stereo''' audio over one cable, and that's usually what the ''phones'' port on your player uses.		'''TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve)''' connectors are basically 3.5mm audio jacks but bigger. They carry '''stereo''' audio over one cable, and that's usually what the ''phones'' port on your player uses.

	'''TS (Tip, Sleeve)''' connectors will usually be found as quarter inch plugs on the back of the player, and each of them carries a '''mono''' signal. ~~You need two mono~~ outputs to ~~make a proper~~ stereo ~~output~~, and th cable ~~you buy~~ will ~~likely include~~ two ~~quarter inch~~ jacks on one ~~end and a single 3~~.~~5mm or quarter inch~~ jack on the ~~other~~.		'''TS (Tip, Sleeve)''' connectors will usually be found as quarter inch plugs on the back of the player, and each of them carries a '''mono''' signal.

			Neither of these connectors have better output ''quality'' than the other, but if you have humming or extra noise coming from the player when not playing tapes, it may be wise to test the other outputs to see if the result is cleaner.

			The main difference between those connectors is how they handle '''stereo'''. Players that have '''RCA''' or '''TS''' plugs will always have '''two''', labeled '''left''' and '''right (L & R)'''. This means your adapter cable will look like a normal 3.5mm cable on one end, but then split into two RCA or TS jacks to get a proper stereo signal.

			'''BEWARE:''' '''most microphone jacks''' on computers '''will record in mono''', especially if they're combo jacks (that carry mic and headphone over one cable). To record '''proper stereo''', you'll need to use the '''LINE IN''' jack (usually on the back of your PC) or buy a small '''USB soundcard''' with stereo recording if you only have a laptop. Another option is to use an '''audio interface''' for recording, but they're more expensive and more advanced.

	== Software setup ==		== Software setup ==

	== Digitizing ==		== Digitizing ==
			Digitizing itself is quite straightforward. Simple press record in audacity and play the tape on the player. If you hear nothing, you should troubleshoot your cables. If you hear a faint static, wait for a bit, as tapes usually have a bit of silence before the music starts.

			If you hear music, then congratulations! Your setup works. All you need to do now is play the tape back in full while recording in audacity. When your tape reaches the end, don't stop recording, just pull out the tape, flip it to the other side, and resume playback. We '''do not''' recommend '''auto reverse''' if your player has it.

			There are however, some simple things you should look out for when digitizing.

			'''Volume control'''

			If things are too loud, it will sound distorted and totally ruin your recording. To control this, you can tweak the level of volume on your player, along with the input volume on your computer. It's best to fix this before you record, as changing the volume in post will not help fix the recording. Instead, play a song off the tape in full and make sure Audacity's volume meter never reaches max. It's fine if this happens once or twice, but if your recording is "redlined", you should adjust your volume levels. The ideal setup is to have a healthy volume level on the player, and turn your computer input volume down to compensate. You should also make sure the level on the player doesn't max out either.

			'''Pitch changes'''

			If the tape audio feels like it's "wowing" up and down, or "fluttering" with squeaky, watery instruments, this could be a sign that your tape has sticky shed (SSS) or your player has a mechanical issue. Try playing a different tape, and if it sounds good, the tape itself is likely the issue. If the problem persists across all tapes, it's likely there's a problem with the tape transport mechanism on your player.

			'''Ringing or squealing'''

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Generacide: Getting started on this again

2024-05-04T19:25:41Z

Getting started on this again

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 4 May 2024
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	== Hardware setup ==		== Hardware setup ==
	~~Examine your equipment and pick~~ one of ~~the following setups~~, ~~according~~ to ~~what~~'s ~~easiest for you~~.		Your tape player will have one or more ways of outputting sound, and to digitize a tape, we need to take the '''output''' of the player and feed it into the '''input''' of your computer. This will likely involve ''adapting'' the connector on your player's output to the 3.5mm audio jack on your computer or laptop.

	~~===~~ RCA ~~setup ===~~		The most common output connectors are: RCA, Quarter inch (TRS) and Quarter inch (TS).

	~~=== Quarter~~ inch (phones) ~~setup ===~~		'''RCA connectors''' are the old, red and white connectors seen on old TVs. Those old TVs also had a yellow cable, but we don't need it since it's for video.

			Next there are two different types of quarter inch setups: TRS and TS.

			'''TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve)''' connectors are basically 3.5mm audio jacks but bigger. They carry '''stereo''' audio over one cable, and that's usually what the ''phones'' port on your player uses.

			'''TS (Tip, Sleeve)''' connectors will usually be found as quarter inch plugs on the back of the player, and each of them carries a '''mono''' signal. You need two mono outputs to make a proper stereo output, and th cable you buy will likely include two quarter inch jacks on one end and a single 3.5mm or quarter inch jack on the other.

	== Software setup ==		== Software setup ==

Generacide: Add stuff

2023-05-24T20:53:28Z

Add stuff

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 24 May 2023
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	Cassette players can still be commonly found in thrift stores or on eBay. Try to find a cassette player that looks new or is still in the original box. Avoid buying cheap players that were made in the modern day, as they usually lack the quality of older players. The best players were manufactured in the late 90's or early 2000's. Do NOT use any player that has a '''USB output''', or claims to do '''automatic digitization'''. Most of them are cheap and output low quality MP3 files.		Cassette players can still be commonly found in thrift stores or on eBay. Try to find a cassette player that looks new or is still in the original box. Avoid buying cheap players that were made in the modern day, as they usually lack the quality of older players. The best players were manufactured in the late 90's or early 2000's. Do NOT use any player that has a '''USB output''', or claims to do '''automatic digitization'''. Most of them are cheap and output low quality MP3 files.

	The audio cable you need will depend on ~~how~~ your player~~'s outputs~~. ~~Since your pc will likely take a 3~~.~~5mm cable for the mic input~~, ~~you will~~ need to ~~convert either Quarter-Inch or RCA~~ connectors to ~~that~~ 3.5mm ~~connector~~, ~~so it can go~~ in ~~your computer~~. If your computer or laptop does not have a separate microphone input, then you'll need to purchase a USB Soundcard, or use an audio interface (if you're more advanced). 3.5mm combo jacks (ones that carry headphone and mic over one ~~jack~~) should not be used for digitization.		The audio cable you need will depend on what connectors your player has. Cassette players Usually output audio using one or more different connectors. These connectors are: RCA, Quarter inch, and bare wire terminals. You'll need to adapt one of those connectors to the 3.5mm audio jack found on your computer. On a laptop, there should be separate microphone and headphone jacks, while desktops usually have pink "Line-in" jacks at the back. Line-in jacks are preferred for digitizing. If your computer or laptop does not have a separate microphone input, then you'll need to purchase a USB Soundcard, or use an audio interface (if you're more advanced). 3.5mm combo jacks (ones that carry headphone and mic over one connector) should not be used for digitization, because they cannot record in stereo.

	Audacity can be downloaded on Linux and Mac, but this article will focus on digitization with a computer running windows.		Audacity can be downloaded on Linux and Mac, but this article will focus on digitization with a computer running windows.

	== Hardware setup ==		== Hardware setup ==
			Examine your equipment and pick one of the following setups, according to what's easiest for you.

			=== RCA setup ===

			=== Quarter inch (phones) setup ===

	== Software setup ==		== Software setup ==

Generacide: Wording

2023-05-09T19:31:24Z

Wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 9 May 2023
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	Digitizing tapes is fairly straight forward, and doesn't require any specialized equipment. Before starting you should '''inspect your tape for mold, sticky shed and any other issues''' that could lead to the tape being damaged during playback. A detailed inspection process can be found [[I Found A Tape#Inspecting the tape\|here]].		Digitizing tapes is fairly straight forward, and doesn't require any specialized equipment. Before starting you should '''inspect your tape for mold, sticky shed and any other issues''' that could lead to the tape being damaged during playback. A detailed inspection process can be found [[I Found A Tape#Inspecting the tape\|here]].

	In addition, you should inspect the condition of your ''player'' before playing any tapes of value. Check the inside of your player (where the tape goes) and make sure it's free of dust and make sure all the belts in the player tight, not sticky and not degraded. Also make sure the [[wikipedia:Tape_transport\|tape transport]] mechanism is intact and the pinch roller is not sticky, cracked or chipped.		In addition, you should inspect the condition of your ''player'' before playing any tapes of value. Check the inside of your player (where the tape goes) and make sure it's free of dust and make sure all the belts in the player are tight, not sticky and not degraded. Also make sure the [[wikipedia:Tape_transport\|tape transport]] mechanism is intact and the pinch roller is not sticky, cracked or chipped.

	Even if everything looks good, it's worth doing a test run with a blank (or worthless) cassette, just to make sure it doesn't get '''chewed''' or mangled because of faulty tape transport. You don't need to do this before every digitization, but you definitely should for your first time using the player.		Even if everything looks good, it's worth doing a test run with a blank (or worthless) cassette, just to make sure it doesn't get '''chewed''' or mangled because of faulty tape transport. You don't need to do this before every digitization, but you definitely should for your first time using the player.