[schut]

I have been tasked with converting some old cassette tapes to Digital Audio Files. I have a decent Cassette player that i was hoping I could use with my receiver (HK AVR-247) to send the audio via optical audio to my computer and record it there.


Is this doable? I have it all set up, but when I record my digital in on the computer all I get is complete silence. Is there something i need to configure on the Receiver?

 

[EC]

many receivers do not convert the analog inputs into digital for output. The easiest thing to do is hook up your tape deck using its outputs directly to the line level inputs of your sound card.

 

[Ratman]

And... digital audio interfaces (optical/coax) on A/V receivers are typically "inputs", not "outputs". Thus... the silence.

 

[Will2007]

I agree with EC. Just connect your tape deck directly to your sound card's RCA inputs, assuming it has them. If not, you may need an RCA to mini plug adapter or cable, both of which should be easy to find.


You didn't specify whether you are using a PC or a Mac, but assuming it's a PC running Windows, you'll need to go into your settings for "Sound and audio devices" using the Control Panel, and from there select the "Volume" tab. Under "Device volume" click the "Advanced" button. It should pull up a box labeled "Volume Control." In that box, in the upper left corner choose "Options," then "Properties." A new box for "Properties" should appear. In that box, under the heading "Adjust volume for," select "Recording" and hit the "OK" button at the bottom. A new box called "Recording Control" should appear. From there, simply check the box labeled "Select" beneath the "Line In" column and close the box. If you do not see an option for "Line In," then you may have to go back to "Options" in the "Recording Control" box and select "Properties," then "Show the following volume controls" and check the box to show the "Line In" control. You then have to go back and ensure that of the recording volume controls shown, only "Line In" is selected.


The "Line In" setting on the Recording Control should be the red and white RCA inputs on your sound card, or if you don't have RCA inputs, a mini plug input (for which you will need an RCA to mini plug adapter or cable). Once you have your tape deck outputs connected to the Line In, the sound recorder in your computer should record the tape deck's output. You'll need to start up whatever software you have for recording, even if it is as simple as Windows' own rudimentary recorder, and control the computer's recorder from there.


Good luck.

 

[Mr. Audio]

Just to add to Will2007s post, I can recommend a totally free and fantastic recording program. It's called Audacity . You can record from any source on your computer and edit the wave files in just about any way imaginable. I've removed big parts of songs that I never liked to make it a perfect song and did it seamlessly. Not that you'll wanna do that but it's a fun program, super easy to use and you get professional results.