Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?

Subject: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: artbrooks
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 08:42 AM

I have been generally successful in using a software program called "Magix Audio Cleaning Lab" to copy old vinyl onto CD-Rs. It does an excellent job of filtering out the snap, crackle and pop on old records. I have been unsuccessful in doing the same with old cassette tapes...there is apparently insufficient gain (I get a "volume too low to record" message) even though I'm using the same connection setup (a line from the "record-out" on my receiver/amp to the headphone jack on the laptop).

Has anyone used this software to successfully record cassettes? Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: GUEST,Briansquire
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 09:08 AM

Yes I had a similsr problem and ende up buying a small pre amp for about £8 I think to boost the signal it all worked fine after that

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 09:47 PM

I've used Magix Audio Cleaning Lab only for LP's. The biggest problem I had whas getting it to recvognize the first track when burining onto a CD. I had to manually set the first track marker.

I also had some problems getting signal strength on the input, because I didn't understand that I had to adjust my input with the not-too-obvious "recording" function of the Windows Volume Control. On the volume control, go to Options, and then to Properties. Click the button for "Recording," then "OK." THEN fiddle with the controls until you get the right level. You'll probably want everything muted except "Line In."

I think that the Magix program has a pre-amp emulator that may boost your signal, but I couldn't find it just now.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 04:52 PM

No luck with that, Joe. I may have to resort to Briansquire's hardware solution.

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: Lighter
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 07:33 PM

If "Magix" is less than ideal, is there anything better available (preferably downloadable immediately)?

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 08:08 PM

I found it!! Seems that there is enough gain if you bypass the receiver/amp entirely, and run the cord directly from the tape player's line-out to the computer. Of course, then you need a splitter so you can listen at the same time, but that is a simple parts box issue. Now that I know the answer, I can find it referred to (obliquely) in the instructions.

Thanks, all.

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 08:30 PM

You should be able to listen to it on your computer's sound output, Art - which is a good way to be sure you're recording what you want to be recording.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Copying Tapes: Anyone Use 'Magix'?
From: robomatic
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 11:53 AM

Typically (actual physical) preamps are necessary for LP turntables, not for tape decks. If you have one of the old style amplifiers into which you plug everything, the amplifier has LP inputs which take care of the pre-amp for you, you can take your output off of the headphone jack and adjust it for balance and gain with the amplifier controls. This of course is before you do any computer modifications to the signal, which should be fed into the 'line-in' port of the soundcard. Also make sure your patch cord is 'stereo' as those mini-jacks are often mono.

As artbrooks said above, a feed directly from a tape deck to the 'line-in' should work. Listen to the music off the computer speakers.