Reel to Reel audio tapes to Mac

I have sme old recordings on reel-to-reel audio tapes which I want to convert via my G5 into digital sound then to put on DVD does anybody know of what way I can best do this and the hardware/software I might need to complete thi task. The computer used is Power Mac dual 2.5 GHz running on Leopard

You just need to use the appropriate adapters to plug the output of the reel-to-reel player to the audio input port of the G5 (the mini-stereo jack that has the symbol with two triangles). Most likely, this would be a red/white RCA to mini-stereo jack adapter cable, available at any Radio Shack.
Once the sound is coming in, you need software to record it in real-time. One free program is
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ <- Audacity
There are other non-free apps, such as
<a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://www.freeverse.com/apps/app/?id=5012 <- Sound Studio
and
<a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/wiretap/ < - WireTap Studio
Note: There is no built-in feature in Mac OS X that lets you hear the incoming sound using the computer's speakers. So when you connect the sound input and you don't hear anything, there is probably nothing wrong. You need to run a sound recording program and set it to play-through the audio input to the speakers. If you just want to initially hear it without running a big sound recording program, you can run this simple little app that just does the play-through function and nothing else.
<a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11333 <- LineIn

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Can someone tell me step by step how to record from audio tape to mac book with the help of xitel import deluxe

Can someone tell me step by step how to record from audio tape to mac book with the help of xitel inport deluxe system. Somebody had mentioned that we do not have to download the software - so I did not, but the computer does not recognize the connection. How can I know it is connected - can someone please tell me step by step as teaching a layman. Thanks.

It seems this question is best posed to the makers of "xitel".
I looked up A product and it is out for Windows but does not mention Mac OS X:
http://www.xitel.com/USA/prod_inportpro.htm

I would like to transfer old reel-to-reel tapes to an iMac. There are different recordings on the left and right channel of the tapes. When I connect the tape deck to the Mac, I get one recording on the left, the other on the right speaker. What to do?

I was about to transfer some music from a reel-to-reel machione to my Mac. There are different sound recordings on the left and right channels. When I connect with RCA cables and Y-connector, I hear one recording from the left speaker, another from the right side. How do I record only one side, but hear it from both speakers?
Detlef

You don't say what end, or connectors are plugged into what. I'm assuming the RCA connectors are on the reel-to-reel end. Since the tape has two different mono recordings, one on each track, you of course only want one at a time during playback. Otherwise, the Mac (or any recording setup) can only treat it as a stereo recording with the standard Left-Right tracks.
1) There are multiple ways to connect different types of cables to get a mono signal down to a stereo output at the Mac. Here's one way.
2) Plug any RCA cable (single cable or stereo) into only the right or left RCA output of the reel-to-reel.
3) On the other end of the RCA cable, plug in an adapter like this. That will feed the single RCA output into a mono 1/8" plug.
4) Then plug that adapter into this. That turns the 1/8" mono signal into a "stereo" output with the same single track audio being fed to the Mac on both the left and right channels.
5) Record either the left or right output of the reel-to-reel. Rewind the tape and switch the RCA connector on the reel-to-reel to the right channel (if you started with the left) and record that mono signal as stereo.
Or, avoid all of this hardware mumbo-jumbo in the first place and do this:
1) Record the audio just the way you have it. Two different recordings, one on each channel.
2) Copy the audio recording to a new name and open it in your editor.
3) Highlight the left track and copy/paste it into the right track. Presto! Mono recording of the left track on both channels. Save the recording.
4) Repeat, only copy/pasting the right track into the left track and save the second recording.

Recording sound from reel to reel tapes

I want to transfer lectures from some old reel-to-reel tapes, for converting to CDs (as a better archiving system) and for transcription to text. I am talking about a major project here, involving two hundred+ hours of tape.
I expect that the sound quality from these old tapes could be quite poor. (Can't check the quality at this point, as I have yet to source a reel-to-reel machine!)
Can anyone suggest...
1. How the transfer could be done, perhaps with appropriate software to clean up the dross from the old tapes and make the finished product of listenable quality? Suggestions for 3rd party mac capable software would be appreciated if this is what is needed.
2. Are there any voice-to-text software that would assist with the transcription, given that the original lecturer is no longer available to "train" a software program?
I would like to stay within the mac/apple software side of things, although I will probably upgrade to a core duo machine with Windows installed (for other reasons) before beginning the project.
Looking to keep project costs down to a reasonable sum, as this is a non-business project without the backing of a corporate budget.
All suggestions welcome.

The tape deck that you will eventually find probably will have line out jacks. Connect them to your Mac's analog line in.
You will need audio recording software. There is quite a variety available. Try visiting http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/audio/
Amadeus Pro is inexpensive and easy to use and includes basic noise removal capability. Sophisticated professional quality noise removal software is available from Bias Inc. (expensive). No doubt there are others, but these are two that I'm aware of.
Yes, it's a major job.
Even just setting the record levels will be a big job, if your tapes vary a lot from tape to tape, and within each tape. You might be able to save time in that regard if you're willing to purchase a digital recorder such as the Marantz PMD 660. With that, take the line out of the analog deck to the line in of the Marantz -- line to line should mean that your levels are preserved. The Marantz creates .wav files which can be transferred to the Mac in the same way that digital photos are transferred from a digital camera.

Reel to reel tape stop effect?

Does anyone know of a way to make an effect similar to that of a reel to reel tape recorder stopping in the middle of a track -- so that you hear the sound slowing down and stopping really fast?
MacBook Pro, 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.9)

In the case I described you'd need to use a MIDI control source (pitch wheel) as the source for modulation, and as such this isn't quite the same as directly affecting a specific EXS-24 parameter that would create the effect.
But... Let's say you recorded a pass using the pitch wheel in real time and then you wanted to tweak the shape. I think you can convert that region based pitch wheel into track automation. But even if that's possible (I'm not 100% sure) it would be a redundant procedure because you could do the same data tweaking using hyperdraw on the region itself.
Another option might be to use ENV1 to do the pitch bend for you -- all of its parameters are automatable. In this case, substitute ENV1 as your pitch bend source in the modulation matrix slots. Set all of the modulation amounts to be negative maximum. And add one more slot's worth of that modulation too (because if you're not going to use MIDI pitchbend you're going to lose an octave's worth of pitch drop).
Then, set your Attack to something that will approximate the speed of the pitch drop, Sustain=maximum, Release = long, and Decay doesn't matter at all. Now when you play a note the pitch will start to drop immediately at the rate of the Attack value. And now you can automate the value of attack if need be. The only problem with this is that you can't sustain the mix for any length of time before the pitch starts to drop. By using pitch wheel you can determine, both in real-time and by tweaking the pitch bend data afterwards, exactly how long the original unpitched audio plays before the pitch starts to drop. And, you can control the "shape" of the pitch drop by using hyperdraw.
Message was edited by: iSchwartz

1/2" 9 Track reel-to-reel tape

Hi,
Is there a 1/2" 9 track reel-to-reel tape drive that works with thecurrent range of workgroup servers - ie V880 ?You remmeber the big old tapes that operate at 1600/6250 bpi and were the bees-knees... in their day.
Thanks for any advice given.
SJE

In the case I described you'd need to use a MIDI control source (pitch wheel) as the source for modulation, and as such this isn't quite the same as directly affecting a specific EXS-24 parameter that would create the effect.
But... Let's say you recorded a pass using the pitch wheel in real time and then you wanted to tweak the shape. I think you can convert that region based pitch wheel into track automation. But even if that's possible (I'm not 100% sure) it would be a redundant procedure because you could do the same data tweaking using hyperdraw on the region itself.
Another option might be to use ENV1 to do the pitch bend for you -- all of its parameters are automatable. In this case, substitute ENV1 as your pitch bend source in the modulation matrix slots. Set all of the modulation amounts to be negative maximum. And add one more slot's worth of that modulation too (because if you're not going to use MIDI pitchbend you're going to lose an octave's worth of pitch drop).
Then, set your Attack to something that will approximate the speed of the pitch drop, Sustain=maximum, Release = long, and Decay doesn't matter at all. Now when you play a note the pitch will start to drop immediately at the rate of the Attack value. And now you can automate the value of attack if need be. The only problem with this is that you can't sustain the mix for any length of time before the pitch starts to drop. By using pitch wheel you can determine, both in real-time and by tweaking the pitch bend data afterwards, exactly how long the original unpitched audio plays before the pitch starts to drop. And, you can control the "shape" of the pitch drop by using hyperdraw.
Message was edited by: iSchwartz

HT1550 Convert music from reel to reel tapes (Analog) to MP3?

Wanting to convert music accumulated over the years on reel to reel and
cassette. Need to see if there is converting this music (Analog) and play it
on my destop(Digital).

You need Audacity, or something like it. If your iMac doesn't sport a line-in port then you'll also need a USB audio interface of some kind.
tt2

Reel to Reel tapes

I have a *TEAC X-10R* reel to reel that plays at 7.5 ips but I have two tapes master at 15 ips. Is there a way in Logic to record the 15 ips tape playing at 7.5 ips and then speed it up in Logic to the right speed.

Don't know. You can process your file and if you don't like the results, just undo. I shouldn't be too hard to do the math and just let it rip.

Can I transfer audio tapes to my Mac?

What equipment is needed to get audio tapes into my PowerBook G4 (and then burn to CDs? I have never used GarageBand. Is it used for this purpose?
Where do I find the easiest instructions to save these old tapes using my Mac?
Thanks for any tips you have!
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Here's an outline
- Find a tape deck with "line out" jacks
- Connect a cable from the line out jacks to your PB G4's audio input jack
- Get some audio recording software. Amadeus is good, and not expensive
- In Amadeus, and/or System Preferences, set the audio input to be line level (not microphone level)
- Press the "Play" button on your deck.
- Tinker with Amadeus' record level slider until it's about right.
- Start a new recording in Amadeus; press Play; when tape ends save the file
- Use Amadeus to break the single audio file into separate multiple files, each containing a single CD track as desired.
- Load the files into iTunes. Use iTunes to burn a CD
Various details omitted.
This is not the only way, but all of the steps are necessary in some form or other. That is, the details can vary, but this is the gist of it.

Is it possible to monitor audio through my mac while capturing from a tape in FCPX

Is it possible to monitor audio through my mac while capturing from a tape in FCPX?

I am sure that as you import a tape you will hear the audio as well as see the video.
Have you got FCP X?
If not, download the free 30 day trial.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/trial/

Reel-to-reel analog audio effect?

Hey everyone, I'm working on a spoof of a 1950's PSA, I've watched a few and I noticed a big characteristic of them is that old analog reel-to-reel sound. Does anyone know how to get a similar sound, that kinda stuffy, saturated effect? I'm thinking of layering some record static overtop, but is there anything (filters, etc.) I can do to distort the otherwise crisp dialogue track?
Anyone advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
-Brooks
p.s. here's an example i found on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGrfq...arch=50s%20psa
ahh and where can I find that cheesy music?

Usually 50's psa's were produced on film: recorded either double system or on film stock with a magnetic stripe (a la auricon cameras.) Several generations of magnetic transfers and mixes and then an optical track negative and finally an optical track print. Each of these stages built up a bit of floor noise and tended to dull the highs. And the optical tracks themselves popped at splices (unless blooped) and were subject to all sorts of crackle as dirt built up on a print. Thus, you are looking for more than a little muddiness that you attribute to reel to reel recording. (I've still got a Nagra 3 that makes flawless recordings.)
End of today's history lesson.

Convert audio tapes to a CD

I may be way out there on this one, but I am wondering if Garageband has the capability to convert 3 1/2" reel to reel audio tapes to CDs or DVDs. I have some old tapes with family members speaking and would like to preserve them. If Garageband has the capabilities, what would I need besides a tape player, what cords, etc.
Thanks.

Garageband or Quicktime will both work fine for what you want to do.
Before anyone can help you with the connections we would to know what outputs the real to real has and what mac you have.

Trying to learn how to copy audio tapes

I have posted this same question on the Audacity forum but have had no responses yet so I thought I might try here also. I am a brand new novice with my computer described below and had hoped to use it for amongst many other things, copying some old vintage cassette music tapes into my iTunes in mp3 format and then onto my iPod so that I could listen to the music on my old stereo system with the iPod plugged in. The music on these tapes is from the 1950's to the 1970's which I firstly put onto reel to reel tape in the 70s as LPs became obsolete and secondly onto the new modern revelation of the time, casette tape. I think that this conversion to mp3 if I ever figure it out will be the last in my lifetime. I guess I am dating myself and yes I have no problem in admitting that I am a senior citizen who needs to be carefully led by the hand to figure out how to do this project which will entail much work since the tapes (mainly Slavic music from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, etc. which originated in the old Soviet Union) number many, are obviously no longer available and there are probably about 30 - 50 hours to be copied. I think I have figured out the first step: Connect my tape deck player to my iMac using a cable with RCA plugs on one end plugged into the output of my tape deck and a mini jack plug on the other end which plugs into the back of the iMac in the Audio in/optical digital audio in port. I then read that I needed a program like Audacity. Well, I downloaded it (version 1.2.5 which was recommended since it was supposedly more "stable" than the newer beta version) and have absolutely no idea what to do with it - there appears to be no help menu of any use to me so all I am staring at is a window of a control panel with buttons for play, stop, etc. and a bunch of numbers underneath the buttons. I need very simple, clear, step by step instructions (sorry but it's a symptom of old age). I also have something called GarageBand on this computer which seems to have something to do with music and I wondered if it might be useful but of course have no knowledge regarding it's use. If anyone has the patience and time to provide me with very detailed, simple instructions (please don't presuppose I have any knowledge in this field) I would be very grateful. Thanks in advance.

You may use either Write-on effect or animate paint stroke.

Recording from Reel to Reel

I am trying to record from an old reel to reel machine to my MacBook. I have a Griffin iMic and have tried using GarageBand to record the audio.
There are 2 output connection on the Reel to Reel machine -- output to Amp and output to Speaker.
I have tried hooking the iMic to both outputs and don't see much difference at the MacBook (however, it seems the output to Speaker might give a bit more volume).
My primary problem is that the volumes in GarageBand are too low. I have every input slider on maximum (on the iMic input in Preferences and also in GarageBand), but the sound almost never reaches the 50% level in GarageBand. Is there a way to boost this output level ?
Also, is there a plug in to help with noise reduction (to reduce the popping/humming, etc...) ?
Thank you for any assistance that you can provide

mob25 wrote:
output to Amp and output to Speaker.
I have tried hooking the iMic to both outputs
don't use Speaker you may burn out the iMic.
My primary problem is that the volumes in GarageBand are too low.
try switching the iMic's switch between Line and Mic
Also, is there a plug in to help with noise reduction
you might be better off with an audio editor like Audacity, which does offer some noise reduction tools:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#audioeditors
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)

Transferring audio tape to CD

Can I play an audio tape and record it to iMovie? I would like to increase the volume of one speaker on the tape. Then, I would save it to a CD. Is this possible? If so, what kind of cable would I need to buy?Thanks, Miriam

You basically need a cable that has that same plug for the earphone on both ends.
I have one but I can't remember where I got it.
You plug it in to the Audio In port on your Mac. This is usually next to your headphone jack.
I also have a Tape Deck that has the regular stereo red and white RCA plugs out.
I have a cable that has the red and white plugs on one end and the iPod-sized
Earphone jack on the other end. This works great with Garageband.
I think I got the cable at the Apple Store, but you might also find one at Radio Shack or monoprice.com.

Reel to Reel audio tapes to Mac

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