Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 01:22 PM

Never thought of the Zoom - got one of them
Thanks a million
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 01:07 PM

I've used the Zoom H2 solution described above, and it works very well. I plug the Zoom's SD card into my computer to transfer files.

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: GUEST,different Guest
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 12:39 PM

crossed with punfolkrocker

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: GUEST,different Guest
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 12:38 PM

Or record straight onto SD card with a Zoom, or similar?

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 12:37 PM

Agree with guest...

I forgot, not woken up properly... the stereo line in of a decent digital recorder is ideal.
Then you can import the files to your computer.

For my purposes, USB interfaces with Laptop are handy for direct recording to multitrack software..

But I bought Zoom & Olympus with the primary intention of easily transferring cassettes and LPs to digital files.

Good USB interfaces should have better quality components than the Zoom [and other brands]
but the sound difference might be negligible to most ears.

The only problem I find with portable recorders is the screens are too small for my poor close up eyesight
to properly see the input meter readings...

Have to take my glasses off and hold the recorder right up in front of my nose...

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 12:25 PM

Some of the Zoom Recorders might do you. I don't know the H2 but H4(n) can act as a sound card and has 3.5mm line in (plus combined 6mm/XLR jacks).

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 11:19 AM

Jim - seriously, for your archival purposes you need a proper USB audio interface
with decent quality preamps and analog to digital converters.

A basic 2 track stereo interface shouldn't be more than 100 quid, but worth it.

Focusrite are one of the accepted good brands to check out.

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: DaveRo
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 09:35 AM

Some small laptops have a 'combo audio jack' as here:
https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/ht103046

You can get adapters that break out the connectors, as it shows.

Mind you, you then only get a microphone jack, with all that implies for sensitivity and equalisation . If you want a proper line-in socket you probably need a USB 'sound card'.

FWIW I have an 'Terratec Aureon 5.1 USB' - which I bought on eBay and works with Linux. When I bought that there were cheap ones, e.g. from Soundblaster, that work with Windows.

Subject: Tech: Importing Sound into Laptop
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 27 Jul 17 - 08:43 AM

Help very much appreciated
I usually use a PC - in for repair - so I'm using a Lenovo laptop
I am digitising old cassettes and reel-to-reel soundfiles and wish to import sound from Cassette/tape/amplifier setup onto my installed Adobe Audition Programme   
It doesn't seem possible as I only get the sound from the laptop's microphone - can't seem to get a direct feed in
Works OK on the PC
Is it possible or do I need something else
Many thanks
Jim Carroll