Dumb audio q: input from casette deck

[GaryF]

This is sort of a dumb question about audio connections, but I've never been into serious audio.

I need to convert some personal casettes into CDs. I can handle all the software mechanics, but I just want to make sure there aren't any gotchas with regard to connecting the casette deck to the audio input. In particular, do I connect the output from the deck directly to the audio input (with appropriate plug adapters)? Or do I need to go through the external preamp or amp first?

For what it's worth, my computer audio is the onboard C-media audio on an IWill KK266 motherboard; nothing fancy (and average quality is all I really need).

Many thanks,

Gary

 

[Workin']

<< do I connect the output from the deck directly to the audio input (with appropriate plug adapters)? >>

If you have a standard cassette deck with line-level outputs (i.e., not a unit that you can attach speakers directly to) then you can connect it directly to the audio input. Or you can use the line outputs from a preamp/receiver/etc.

 

[Bglad]

Workin is correct.

Except... Most inexpensive sound cards don't have a wide enough dynamic range to be driven by audio equipment without distortion. You won't know until you try. My experience has been that I can't find an output level that works. It is either too low or too high and driven into distortion. Difficult to find the right levels.

 

[GaryF]

Thanks for the responses.

I look forward (not) to working on getting the levels adjusted reasonably. I don't need great quality, so I ought to get by. If necessary, I'll spend time with SoundStream and/or SpinDoctor to do what I can with it.

Gary