644 Midistudio generate computer output

[tng123]

I have lots a great recordings on cassette tape, both from my 644 & regular stereo cassette player. I want to convert them to some type of computer file, .mid or whatever. And cataloge my songs on CDs.

I think this is doable but might be missing something...Can I use my Midistudio 644 and connect to my computer somehow? What would be the best & most economical do this this?

I need your techno-music-cal-expertise on this, or to point me in the right direction. Thanks.

 

[A Reel Person]

I'll take a shot!

From your standard cassette's line-outs, Stereo-L/R, plug an RCA-to-1/8" stereo Y-cable adapter to the Line-in on your standard soundcard & record to stereo wav files at 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution using recording software.

Same on the 644, but use the Buss-1/2 as Main-Out (Stereo-L/R) outputs and record the same as above,... (while developing your stereo mixdown entirely on the 644).

It's a pretty simple and practical solution!

 

[tng123]

Hey this is great.
Would you be more specific re: use the Buss-1/2 as Main-Out?
Also what half-way decent recording software would you recommend, Reel?
Appreciate your help!

 

[A Reel Person]

644

Select "Tape" on channels 1-4. Assign channels 1-4 to Group 1 and 2. Use the pan and faders to make a stereo mix from tape to Groups 1 and 2. Output Groups 1 and 2 to the stereo Y-cable, & to the 'puter.

Recording software? There's free stuff you can download, but I don't have specifics. I use MAGIX Music Studio or the wave recorder that came bundled on my HP, (Media Rack).

 

[tng123]

OK Reel - will give it a go and Rock on...
Thanks!

 

[tng123]

At the drawing board

Hey Reel or who ever might be all knowing...
OK I've got Magix Music Studio loaded - starting simple with trying to get a decent recording of one of my songs from a stereo cassette tape. Hookup as described in previous thread.
Hit record in Magix & it is way distorted. The Peak is at 0 and seems it's coming in way too high. Trying to play with all these settings, but it could take quite a while I look to you for any simple guidance regarding some basic settings in Magix to lick a sort a close recording. Is this request attainable? Getting psyched to hear any one of my tunes via my PC...on the edge...ahhhhhhhhhh.........Thanks

 

[A Reel Person]

Sure!

Usually, when that happens it's the "record" side of the Windows Sound Volume Control, under "advanced".

I'd usually set the "Line In" to about "3" on the "record" side of the settings, and that's about max setting I can get on input without distortion from an otherwise moderate line level mix from one of my mixers or Porta's.

It's usually the Windows' settings, not MAGIX, but sometimes you have to play with it to get it sounding right.

Good luck!

PS: Make sure you're plugged into a LINE in and not a MIC in. Plugging a line level mix from a Portastudio to a MIC input will sound like ass, irrevocably, from end to end!

 

[tng123]

Ahh haaaa

Hey - not bad - getting the hang of it! This technology is amazing. Thanks reel & Rock On.

 

[altitude909]

one thing I would add is that dont worry about getting a signal as hot as possible. Digital convertors are designed for a signal which is about -18 to -12 dBFS which is equivalent to about 0 dBVu on an analog board. So if your meter is pegging out at 0, then you are recording WAY too hot (would you record +12 on a analog board?)

 

[segomil]

Hi !
I sold my tascam 644 many years ago but i still have my compositions on K7 4 (track) ... but i cannot listen what i have done, because of the speed pitch & the K7 have been recorded on the 2 sides !
So i need something for listen my composition correctly but to the lesser cost !
Do you have any idea ?
Thanks