Need to digitize 4 Track reels, and preserve each track.

[archivist]

Want to archive digitally (not mix) many 4-track reels originally recorded on Teac 4 track, and preserve each track as it is on the tape. Is there a way to do this?

Would I have to purchase a sound card that has 4 line-in inputs (or 2 x 2 ) that can record simultaneously?

Is there a gizmo that can do this by USB connection?

Is Audacity the right program for this task?

 

[jpmorris]

Yes, you will need a 4-input audio interface unless you want to record it in two passes and try to line the two halves of the song up. This is not as easy as it sounds because the machine will be running at slightly different speeds each time.

Audacity seems to be rather finicky about recording more than 2 inputs at once. Reaper might be a better choice for archiving.

 

[archivist]

Thanks Tape Wolf
Had a gut feeling I might need a 4 input soundcard. Tried recording tracks 1 + 2, then rewind and record 3 + 4. Heck of a job getting them in sync on the PC. Millisecond out of sync and they will "phase" as the song progresses. Nice effect, particularly on the vocals, but not when trying make a faithful copy to archive.