53 replies to this topic

[gmbdl]

My husband dug out our old reel to reel player and tapes. (HMMMMM)  Would like to convert these to CDs.  Is there a "music" converter that we can plug the tape deck into then plug into the computer and use Roxio to record and convert to digital. Preferably one that is not too expensive, as sometimes he will start a project, then put it aside for a year or so.  (sound familiar?) I have a converter that I use to convert VHS tapes to DVDs, now would like to try the old music.  The only good thing about this is that it keeps a retired man busy.  Thank you.  Mary

[cdanteek]

My husband dug out our old reel to reel player and tapes. (HMMMMM)  Would like to convert these to CDs.  Is there a "music" converter that we can plug the tape deck into then plug into the computer and use Roxio to record and convert to digital. Preferably one that is not too expensive, as sometimes he will start a project, then put it aside for a year or so.  (sound familiar?) I have a converter that I use to convert VHS tapes to DVDs, now would like to try the old music.  The only good thing about this is that it keeps a retired man busy.  Thank you.  Mary

What product is that (bold text above)?

cd

[gmbdl]

What product is that (bold text above)?

cd

It is a Plextor Convert X.  When I use the software that came with it, it will record the music, but it is a video program used to convert video, so you get a blank screen with music.  Tried to bring it into Roxio (sound recorder), but does not recognize the format.    When I use Roxio to try and record, it does not recognize the Convert X - it is not one of my choices.  I just thought we would have to get a specific converter for music only.  Thanks for all you input.  You have helped me in the past and would love to try getting the old Reel to Reel music onto CDs.  Besides which, I'm pretty stubborn and don't like to give up.   Mary

[cdanteek]

It is a Plextor Convert X.  When I use the software that came with it, it will record the music, but it is a video program used to convert video, so you get a blank screen with music.  Tried to bring it into Roxio (sound recorder), but does not recognize the format.    When I use Roxio to try and record, it does not recognize the Convert X - it is not one of my choices.  I just thought we would have to get a specific converter for music only.  Thanks for all you input.  You have helped me in the past and would love to try getting the old Reel to Reel music onto CDs.  Besides which, I'm pretty stubborn and don't like to give up.   Mary

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme...StepByStep.aspx

Your sound card or Roxio's software should work..

cd

[sknis]

I think that CD was just showing you how to set up your reel to reel and audio card in the above.  The Windows program is no longer available so don't look for that.

You should be able to just take the output of the reel to reel deck or If you can't get a signal, from your amplifier and plug it directly into your audio card and use Media Import or Capture from Sound Card or whatever EMC 9 Deluxe had to capture the audio.  No need for the Plextor or other device.  

Do you have a desk top or do you have a laptop?  How you connect and use is different.  Since you have a laptop, you will have to go into the mic jack.  WARNING start with the lowest output from the device and then increase it as needed.  If you start high, you will probably blow your audio chip on the computer.

I bet you have a lot of old classics in reel to reel.  I hope they were stored properly so they don't continue to break.  You can do some clean up of the captured audio in Sound Editor.  I don't remember if EMC 9 Deluxe came with Bias Sound Soap.  If you have it, it will do a lot to clean up your captured audio.  If not, there are others that we can suggest that aren't too expensive like Dart CD Recorder   or GoldWave..  Both of those two have free trials.   Sound Soap does not but it probably the easiest to learn.

Edited by sknis, 03 November 2009 - 04:36 AM.

[ogdens]

My husband dug out our old reel to reel player and tapes. (HMMMMM)  Would like to convert these to CDs.  Is there a "music" converter that we can plug the tape deck into then plug into the computer and use Roxio to record and convert to digital. Preferably one that is not too expensive, as sometimes he will start a project, then put it aside for a year or so.  (sound familiar?) I have a converter that I use to convert VHS tapes to DVDs, now would like to try the old music.  The only good thing about this is that it keeps a retired man busy.  Thank you.  Mary

If you have the FULL RETAIL version of EMC 9 then you can use the LP and Tape Assistant application.

[cdanteek]

I think that CD was just showing you how to set up your reel to reel and audio card in the above. The Windows program is no longer available so don't look for that.

Yes, he did...and he did read that... I think she will too...

If you have the FULL RETAIL version of EMC 9 then you can use the LP and Tape Assistant application.

I thought I told her two options to try, maybe not

Your sound card or Roxio's software should work..

cd

[gmbdl]

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme...StepByStep.aspx

Your sound card or Roxio's software should work..

cd

Thanks, I will print that out and give it a try.  One of the problems might be the fact that we have to use the speaker wires to plug into the Converter, then the USB from the converter to the computer.  Will keep plugging away (no pun intended). I have been using the Tape and LP assistant, but under my "record from", the only choice that shows up is the Realtech system on my computer - no other choices.  Doesn't recognize the converter. If anyone has any other suggestions, I will give it a try.     Thanks again.   Mary

I think that CD was just showing you how to set up your reel to reel and audio card in the above.  The Windows program is no longer available so don't look for that.

You should be able to just take the output of the reel to reel deck or If you can't get a signal, from your amplifier and plug it directly into your audio card and use Media Import or Capture from Sound Card or whatever EMC 9 Deluxe had to capture the audio.  No need for the Plextor or other device.  

Do you have a desk top or do you have a laptop?  How you connect and use is different.  Since you have a laptop, you will have to go into the mic jack.  WARNING start with the lowest output from the device and then increase it as needed.  If you start high, you will probably blow your audio chip on the computer.

I bet you have a lot of old classics in reel to reel.  I hope they were stored properly so they don't continue to break.  You can do some clean up of the captured audio in Sound Editor.  I don't remember if EMC 9 Deluxe came with Bias Sound Soap.  If you have it, it will do a lot to clean up your captured audio.  If not, there are others that we can suggest that aren't too expensive like Dart CD Recorder   or GoldWave..  Both of those two have free trials.   Sound Soap does not but it probably the easiest to learn.

Sknis:  I am not using my laptop, this is on my husband's computer - HP.  Need to connect into converter, can't plug directly into computer - afraid of blowing everything.  I do have EMC9 Deluxe and very anxious to use the Sound Editor.  And yes, there are so many classic albums on these reels, you can't imagine how great it is to listen to them.  I work with photos as a hobby and thought this would be a great hobby for him - but he doesn't have the patience Will keep trying to see if I can get Roxio to recognize the Converter.    Thanks to all.    Mary

[cdanteek]

I did this years ago (97/98) with Easy CD Creator 4.0 Deluxe. It came with the ' Y ' cord, hooked it up composite from it to my Teac 4010 and 4010SL Reel to Reel output's, plugged the 1/8 jack into the Creative Sound Blaster Sound Card Line in and away we went...

In fact the PC I bought from Dell back then to do this didn't come with a CD Burner yet! Dell sold me the Phillips Burner, but wouldn't install it or support it. I had to deal with Phillips, the good old days.. After that I figured I should build my own PC's if that was the way they were going to be...

Remember recording this way is real time, 50 minutes of Reel to Reel for a album takes 50 minutes to slap to the hard drive. I would save as a wav file ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAV ) the best uncompressed audio, to burn back to a CD...

Now buy quality CD's like Taiyo Yuden, the only media I would trust after doing all that work!
They can only be bought online in the US, two I order from and trust...

http://www.supermediastore.com/category/u/...UDEN&price=

http://www.rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc...ategory_Code=TY

Good luck...

cd

[gmbdl]

You guys are great.   Finally got the connection from the reel to reel into the computer, bypassing the converter.  Using Roxio LP and Tape recorder.  My husband recorded a few clips and is now learning Sound Editor.  He is doing OK, but is having problems getting the "hum" of the reel to reel out of the background.   Doesn't take much to entertain a senior citizen.  Any advice would be welcome.  Thanks so much again.   Mary

Edited by Brendon, 03 November 2009 - 12:13 PM.
separated Mary's message out

[sknis]

You guys are great.   Finally got the connection from the reel to reel into the computer, bypassing the converter.  Using Roxio LP and Tape recorder.  My husband recorded a few clips and is now learning Sound Editor.  He is doing OK, but is having problems getting the "hum" of the reel to reel out of the background.   Doesn't take much to entertain a senior citizen.  Any advice would be welcome.  Thanks so much again.   Mary

Make sure that the reel to reel and the computer are grounded to each other.  That may help.  You may want to download one of the two programs I suggested to get rid of the hum.  That should help keep your senior citizen keep busy.  I know it keeps this senior citizen busy !

[Wingwiper]

The Hum is being caused by a lack of shielding.

  You should be coming from the Tape OUTPUTS on the Reel to Reel, using shielded Audio patch cords. Then if you have the 1/8inch mini LINE input on the HP sound card, go to Radio Shack and get a 1/8 inch Stereo Male to two RCA female Audio patch cable (Y) and you are in business and should have no hum.

Edited by Wingwiper, 04 November 2009 - 11:16 AM.

[gmbdl]

The Hum is being caused by a lack of shielding.

  You should be coming from the Tape OUTPUTS on the Reel to Reel, using shielded Audio patch cords. Then if you have the 1/8inch mini LINE input on the HP sound card, go to Radio Shack and get a 1/8 inch Stereo Male to two RCA female Audio patch cable (Y) and you are in business and should have no hum.

He went today and got the proper cord to hook up to the computer - what a difference.  He recorded a clip and has been on the computer  "playing" in Sound Editor - has no idea what he is doing, but eventually he will figure it out.  With all the reels he has accumulated, this should keep him busy for awhile.  Also will order the "better" CDs.  Thanks once again for all the tips and help you have given us.  Now he can play on his computer with music, I can play on my computer with photos and never the twain shall meet.  What a deal!!!!!!     Mary

[myguggi]

He went today and got the proper cord to hook up to the computer - what a difference.  He recorded a clip and has been on the computer  "playing" in Sound Editor - has no idea what he is doing, but eventually he will figure it out.  With all the reels he has accumulated, this should keep him busy for awhile.  Also will order the "better" CDs.  Thanks once again for all the tips and help you have given us.  Now he can play on his computer with music, I can play on my computer with photos and never the twain shall meet.  What a deal!!!!!!     Mary

Just wait until he wants to use one of "your photos" to go along with his music or you want some of "his music" for your slideshow .... then the twain will have to meet I don't know if this forum can handle those kind of problems

[gmbdl]

Just wait until he wants to use one of "your photos" to go along with his music or you want some of "his music" for your slideshow .... then the twain will have to meet I don't know if this forum can handle those kind of problems

Can you believe, the night before I am having a house full of people, he is working on converting those tapes.  We did end up getting a second hand reel to reel that works much better.  Found it on EBay and it just arrived.  When we put the music into the proper file folder I noticed they all have the icon with a red dot and blue handle (looks like a small telephone). in the wav format. Is this in something called Jukebox?  I think this is messing us up.  When we go to burn to a CD, Roxio does not recognize any of the files.  When we are in the program where we record into Roxio, how do we have them saved in something other than this jukebox program?  I did notice he has a program called music maker jukebox, not sure if it came with computer or not, but seems to be the default.  

When the tape deck arrived here today, I gave him a quick kiss and said "see you at dinner tomorrow", little did I know...............   Thanks again, hope this is not too confusing.  Just need to figure out how to record them to the hard drive in something different.    MK

[sknis]

I know that program exists but I have never used it.  Do you know how to change file associations using Windows?  You might try doing so.  You should also be able to prevent that program from starting by editing the start up programs.  Start, run, type in msconfig, go to the start up tab, uncheck the application (there my be more than one), click apply (or OK), shut down and reboot, acknowledge and don't show again,  Do some capturing to see if you get that icon.

If you need some instructions on changing the file assocaitions, post back.

I would be surprised if that was the problem though.  Can your play the music files on your computer without a problem?

Edited by sknis, 26 November 2009 - 05:33 AM.

[gmbdl]

I know that program exists but I have never used it.  Do you know how to change file associations using Windows?  You might try doing so.  You should also be able to prevent that program from starting by editing the start up programs.  Start, run, type in msconfig, go to the start up tab, uncheck the application (there my be more than one), click apply (or OK), shut down and reboot, acknowledge and don't show again,  Do some capturing to see if you get that icon.

If you need some instructions on changing the file assocaitions, post back.

I would be surprised if that was the problem though.  Can your play the music files on your computer without a problem?

  

Just tried playing other music, and no I cannot play anything.  When I try to play anything, nothing happens.  all music files have that same icon.  I tried to capture the icon, but can't seem to do it.  I have tried to "open with" Windows Media Player, but after it gets started, it says "not responding".  Then it reaaly screws up the computer, nothing happens and I have to reboot.  I went to the startup menu and I see nothing at all related to MusicMatch Jukebox.

So I knew there was a way to change that darn default, so I right clicked a song, went to "open with", chose Windows Media Player, and clicked the box that said "open all with this media".  Now Roxio recognized it, I burned a CD and it plays both on the computer and on our CD player.  You got this old mind going once again - I hate it when I know there is a solution but can't put my finger on it.

Now my problem is - I have spent way too much time on this computer, how do I get dinner ready for a house full of guests??????  You have absolutely made our Thanksgiving a special meaning.  Thanks again.   MK

[sknis]

Just tried playing other music, and no I cannot play anything.  When I try to play anything, nothing happens.  all music files have that same icon.  I tried to capture the icon, but can't seem to do it.  I have tried to "open with" Windows Media Player, but after it gets started, it says "not responding".  Then it reaaly screws up the computer, nothing happens and I have to reboot.  I went to the startup menu and I see nothing at all related to MusicMatch Jukebox.

So I knew there was a way to change that darn default, so I right clicked a song, went to "open with", chose Windows Media Player, and clicked the box that said "open all with this media".  Now Roxio recognized it, I burned a CD and it plays both on the computer and on our CD player.  You got this old mind going once again - I hate it when I know there is a solution but can't put my finger on it.

Now my problem is - I have spent way too much time on this computer, how do I get dinner ready for a house full of guests??????  You have absolutely made our Thanksgiving a special meaning.  Thanks again.   MK

Fantastic; glad you got it going.  

Don't be home when they arrive!       Actually get your husband to explain what he is doing.  That should buy you a few extra hours.  It is too late for any other suggestions that I would have had.  

[Jim_Hardin]

Fantastic; glad you got it going.  

Don't be home when they arrive!       Actually get your husband to explain what he is doing.  That should buy you a few extra hours.  It is too late for any other suggestions that I would have had.  

Takeout from Denny's???  

[gmbdl]

Takeout from Denny's???  

Actually, showing off his reel to reel did the trick.  He looks like a Disc Jockey sitting in front of his computer. I hear less of "Mary, can you come here and answer a question".   He now has "ROXIO FEVER". Most of these tapes are over 40 years old and some have not been used in 25 - 30 years.  I am amazed at the sound quality after he cleans it up and  the automatic feature of setting tracks is a life saver.  After everyone left, and everything put away, we sat and enjoyed Sandy Nelson drums on his newy burned CD.  Anyone remember that far back?????  I cannot say enough about your help and assistance in giving him a hobby he will enjoy for a long time.    Mary Kay