--- Forwarded Message from Margo Burns <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: A<[log in to unmask]>
>References: A<[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 16:02:19 -0400
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"    <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Margo Burns <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6727 Recording from cassette into computer

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On 6/27/02, Jim Millard ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
>We have faculty who would like to record from cassette directly into our
>Language Lab computers using LINE IN.
>
>While it does record, the audio quality is very poor, unacceptable for their
>use. Has anyone dealt with this problem before? Is it because we are
>bringing analog sound into a digital source? If we invest in higher quality
>sound cards will this help?

I recommend getting a device called an iMic from Griffin software. 
You plug in a mic or patch cord from a CD player into it, and then it 
plugs into any available USB port on your computer.  I had to get 
them for my lab because the model of Mac G4 that we purchased last 
year (surprisingly!) did not have an audio-in port!   From their 
website (http://www.griffintechnology.com/audio/imic_main.html):

"The iMicTM universal audio adapter is a USB device that adds a stereo 
input and output to your Mac or PC. This allows the connection of 
virtually any microphone or sound input device to the iBook, Titanium 
PowerBook, PowerMac or any other Mac or PC with a USB port. Currently 
shipping, the iMic supports both line and Mic level input as well as 
line level output for any USB capable computer.

"By using USB, the iMic provides significantly superior audio input 
and output performance over built in audio. The iMic is a must have 
product for people who are serious about getting high quality audio 
in or out of their computers. The iMic not only provides amazingly 
high quality performance but is remarkably inexpensive at a suggested 
retail price of $35. "

Cheers,
Margo

-- 

Margo Burns       603-229-4666     [log in to unmask]      http://www.sps.edu
      Director of The Language Center, St. Paul's School, Concord, NH