Cassette audio recording to computer

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bja5150

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I am currently doing some cassette audio to computer digitalizing. I have a Optimus deck, cleaned at start to be safe, works fine, has tape bias options and have been experimenting with it. I got a simple Digitnow USB audio capture that works, got the audio captured, but it is only recording to one channel. The input list as USB Microphone and I read that mics record to one channel only but will play back in stereo. I also tried the red/white to a single line in input and got the same. Should the record input show in stereo or am I overthinking things? I am using Audacity for software btw. I am just trying to get the best product I can with my simple setup. One thing that has been bugging me too is the playback output. The audio is being captured, but I cannot hear the audio as it is being recorded. Had a feeling that may be a setting I am missing somewhere but could not figure that out. Any help or tips would be appreciated. Not an expert by any means. Been a while since I messed audio recording and brushing off the dust. Thanks
 

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If it's showing up as a USB microphone, then it's being misidentified. Are you using Win 10 or 11? Configurations are in different places.

Are there any other choices? Amazon ad says to record to "Microphone/Line In/Auxiliary Input/mixer". Check your Sound Devices / Input and Device Properties.
 
bja5150 said:
I am currently doing some cassette audio to computer digitalizing. I have a Optimus deck, cleaned at start to be safe, works fine, has tape bias options and have been experimenting with it. I got a simple Digitnow USB audio capture that works, got the audio captured, but it is only recording to one channel. The input list as USB Microphone and I read that mics record to one channel only but will play back in stereo. I also tried the red/white to a single line in input and got the same. Should the record input show in stereo or am I overthinking things? I am using Audacity for software btw. I am just trying to get the best product I can with my simple setup. One thing that has been bugging me too is the playback output. The audio is being captured, but I cannot hear the audio as it is being recorded. Had a feeling that may be a setting I am missing somewhere but could not figure that out. Any help or tips would be appreciated. Not an expert by any means. Been a while since I messed audio recording and brushing off the dust. Thanks
Click to expand...
In Audacity for all platforms: Choose Audible input monitoring in Recording Preferences or under the Transport > Transport Options menu - then you'll hear it as it records.
As for your Digitnow USB - it shouldn't be showing as a Microphone - are you using the two RCAs or the 3.5mm Stereo for your recordings? - you should use the Two RCAs and Audacity should be armed for two tracks - with the Digitow L and R on the tracks.
 
Thanks for the help. The USB Audio Capture device's book shows the device listed as "USB Microphone". That is what shows on my device list. In truth, I tried a simple device and hook up device to see what I could get and hear some music I haven't heard in literally decades. It was great to hear again, but after my first test run, there is still room for improvement on my part to help the recordings sound better.
 
TalismanRich said:
If it's showing up as a USB microphone, then it's being misidentified. Are you using Win 10 or 11? Configurations are in different places.

Are there any other choices? Amazon ad says to record to "Microphone/Line In/Auxiliary Input/mixer". Check your Sound Devices / Input and Device Properties.
Click to expand...
Windows 10 and I noted more below. Thanks for the input
 
The reason it’s important is that if your computer identifies it as a mic, then there is a good chance it only expects one input. It’s a good indication the device might be lower quality than you expect. First thing before you even consider buying anything is to listen really carefully to what you did manage to record? What do you think? If it sounds horrible, no point sticking with it. Buy something better.
 
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