A detailed guide on digitising analog recordings (tape, lp). Discusses hardware and software for PC and Mac. Also talks about editing the recordings.

[link]

This is news to me:

If a tape is in really bad shape (say you left it under a heat lamp for several years), you may hear a mechanical squealing sound when you play it. This happens when the glue that holds the magnetic particles to the tape moves to the surface, sticking to the tape deck’s heads. If the tape contains priceless audio, try baking it for about 10 minutes at 125 to 150 degrees in an oven (convection or electric—a gas oven produces too much moisture.) When the tape has completely cooled, replay it. If the squeal is gone, digitize it right away.

Yeah, the thing with baking is that you get to play the tape exactly once after you remove it from the oven. So make sure your 'puter is rock solid stable.

I've never tried it though.

Pretty good guide, tommy. The one thing I would add, especially if using an older computer: While recording, stop all processes not related to audio. Turn off all virus checking, spyware scanning, automatic updating, etc. Disconnect or disable any wired or wireless connection to the internet. This will greatly increase the likelihood of glitch-free recordings.

I've heard that a lot of labels releasing remastered CDs of older music are having to bake the master tapes as the article describes. Apparently Ampex tape from the 1970s is notorious for that.

hat's a lot more drive than I need, Rob, but thanks. I'm looking to replace an internal drive.

The reason I mentioned the mechanism is so that you could buy one to install internally.

So, if that's the only problem, get the ND-3520A. Or you could get the drive Apple uses in the Macs, which is the Pioneer DVR-109. I've never used that model, but all the previous Pioneer DVD burners I've had have worked fine.

I tried checking a couple sites for the 6500A, but no joy. I didn't realise it was the same one as the 3520A.

Thanks! I'll check Fryes this weekend.

Man, can anyone explain Apple's reasoning behind the Tiger Media Exchange program?

You can only buy Tiger on an installation DVD. Even if you know that your computer does not support DVDs, and needs install CDs. So, if you're one of those unlucky schmoes (or, at least, your work computer is), this is what you have to do: (1) order Tiger from Apple/buy it from an Apple store; (2) immediately send it back to Apple, because it's an install DVD and you cannot use it; (3) give Apple $10 more; (4) wait for Apple to send you install CDs that you knew you needed in the first place and would have ordered back in step #1, if only that had been a viable option in the first place.

And oh yes, I already called 1-800-MY-APPLE, as well as my local Apple store, to make sure I understood the exchange program.

How does that make ANY sense?!?!?

They're punishing you for not having the latest hardware?

eta: They think that most people who think they only have a CD drive are stupid and wrong and/or confused as to what a DVD drive is?

Some of the materials for the course I just took were on floppy. I was way too loud when I said "Floppy? I don't know where my drive is." I don't have a working floppy drive between three computers at home, and it's infrequently a problem.

But it made me wonder. Those slot drives like the Powerbook has -- can you use mini CDs in them?

Those slot drives like the Powerbook has -- can you use mini CDs in them?

I'm pretty sure you can't - I think you need the tray kind for that.

I'm pretty sure you can't - I think you need the tray kind for that.

That's what I thought! How annoying. I have a few I've never burnt, and now I need to consider more carefully what goes on them.

They're so damned cute. And a great floppy substitute. I hate seeing all that wasted space on the full sized one.