--- Forwarded Message from Lee Ramsdell <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Tue, 02 Jul 2002 10:22:39 -0600
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Lee Ramsdell <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6727 Recording from cassette into computer
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>

------------------
The first step is to make sure that the quality of the analog recordings is
acceptable.  If the original recordings are of sufficient quality, then
most likely the source of the problem is the signal that is being imported
is too hot (i.e. to strong) or the levels of the sound card is set
incorrectly.  If properly set up most sound cards will give a reasonable
result.  Regardless of how much money is invested, if the system is not
properly set up and used, the result will not be acceptable.  The old adage
that "Garbage in equals garbage out" is true for the most part, however
there is much that can be done to obtain good recordings from sources that
are marginal.

By using a good sound card and good software program the end product of
converting analog audio is impressive.  We employ a sound card manufactured
by M Audio: Audiophile 2496 and is well worth the money.  The second
component is a software package from Steinberg called Clean! As we have a
number of phonograph records, we purchased Clean!plus that comes with a
Phono Preamp.  The software has restoration that removes clicks, crackles,
rumbling, and background noise in real time.




At 04:07 PM 6/27/2002 EDT, you wrote:
>--- Forwarded Message from [log in to unmask] ---
>
>>From: [log in to unmask]
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: Recording from cassette into computer
>>Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 08:20:31 -0400
>
>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'm not worried about formats or compression, etc at this time. Once I get
>higher quality .wav files I can deal with converting them later.
>
>Any insight you can provide would be much appreciated.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Jim Millard
>Senior Technology Support Specialist
>Instructional Technology Center
>Saint Michael's College
>DL337, Box L
>Colchester, VT 05439
>
>(802) 654-2983
>
Lee Ramsdell
Language Resource Centre
Technical Supervisor
142 B Arts Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2E6
Tel:   780-492-2142 (work)
         780-450-3959 (home)
Fax: 780-492-9112