DAK to convert tapes to CD - anybody using it?

kprhok

My father spent years putting together cassette tape mixes of big band music, and has an impressive collection of tapes. I would like to help him convert those tapes to CD and found the DAK Converter online which claims to make converting from tape to CD virtually effortless.

I would like to know if anyone uses DAK, another brand, or even another possibly less expensive but simple method to convert tapes to CD.

Thanks in advance for helpful feedback!!

jimbo1421

Cheapest:
You can plug the tape output into the microphone input on your computer using an RCA to 1/8" minijack cable. Use free Audacity to edit. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Next step up would be to use a Griffin iMic USB converter which I used for years. http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic

Jim

kprhok

I have audacity but haven't gotten the hang of it. Would I let the tape run through the entire side A using Audacity, for example, and then save to a file, saving side B to another file, etc?

jimbo1421

I have used Amadeus and SoundStudio. I just recommended Audacity because it is free and others have recommended it. I don't know what the file size limit is in Audacity but it would probably be enough for two sides of a cassette tape. Amadeus and SoundStudio can cut a long tape or LP side into tracks and assign track names.

You may want to go higher up the quality ladder for your analog > digital converter. If so, check out this list: http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14599

Regards,

Jim

Bobsama

kprhok wrote: »

I have audacity but haven't gotten the hang of it. Would I let the tape run through the entire side A using Audacity, for example, and then save to a file, saving side B to another file, etc?

Yes. Just set Audacity to record from the correct input and ensure you're getting full or regular volume from it. I've used Audacity before to record radio shows. You can also splice the two sides together, though I would actually recommend against that. If you really want to go overboard, you can separate each side into individual tracks for easier selection. If you're an album-oriented guy (which I know there are a lot of, including myself, especially in audiophile circles), I'd just keep the sides whole and take it as a complete experience.

Polkersince85

I use a HK and Phillips standalone CD recorders. Tape/vinyl directly into the player, hit record. Done