trying to record sound from in-line cassette connection, some distortion...

[Mizugori]

I have one of those small handheld tape recorders, and I have connected it to the blue line-in port on a computer. then i tried using a couple of different programs, such as goldwave and blaze mp, to record a sound file from the tape. it works reasonably well but the file sounds a bit different than the tape, it almost sounds like the person speaking is standing in a stairwell.

i tried using the highest quality settings but it makes no difference.

any suggestions? is there any way I can improve this?

thanks!!!

 

[C1]

Presumably you are connecting the headphone output of the cassette to a LINE IN (not a microphone in) jack on the computer.
Ensure that the cassette output does not overdrive the line-in circuit. Normally the cassette volume control should be about 30% off the minimum setting. Adjust the record level to 0 db max peak in the computer recording software.

The stairwell effect could be caused by the sound card using spatial enhancement processing. Be sure to disable this capability. It is usually a check box that needs to be unchecked. Look in the advanced properties of Sounds & Audio Devices (Recording and Playback) located in the Control Panel. Then inspect the audio properties of any sound card software that has been installed that you may be using. Very often the sound card manufacturer adds special effects capabilities with their software that is intended for use with the sound card.

PS: If forced to use the microphone input (as often that's all that is available on notebooks) then disable the microphone boost (usually located in the advanced property of the microphone control in the volume control panel).