Recording From Cassettes.

[Khandro]

Several years ago I recorded on to audio cassettes 10, half hour programmes on BBC Radio 3, called 'Bluebird blues', containing lots of very rare 1930's records on the Bluebird label.
The sound is still excellent, but before they start to deteriorate I want to transfer them. What would be the best option for 5 hours? (I haven't done anything like this before). I once bought, and have never used, a Wharfedale 2Gb MP3 player (still in its box), would that be better than CD? Would 5 hours fit on a CD anyway? This is probably the stuff a modern 12 year old could do!
I have a PC and a CD/Cassette system. Thanks.

[Khandro]

et voila tout !

[jomifl]

I think you should be able to listen on 'phones plugged into your computer but you will have to specify the output device eg.'phones. Otherwise a stereo splitter suitable size and gender so that you can hear exactly what is being fed to audacity. something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-Male-to-2-x-3-5mm-Female-1-to-2-Slim-Stereo-Y-Splitter-Cable-UK-/171327201012?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item27e3e59ef4
if your socket is 3.5mm :o)

[Khandro]

Thanks, I've just sorted the listening to playback problem; a little over halfway along by the speaker icon is a drop-down menu giving the choice of playback, either using speakers or headphones, - simple really :-)
I'll look into the links you have given.

[Khandro]

jomifl; I going off to buy a splitter and then will try recording. As the Bluebird tracks are all early 78's I guess I should record in the 'mono' option would you think that best? K.

[jomifl]

Mono should share the recording between left and right tracks. If the output from the deck is via a single channel your recording might be to only one track in stereo so when you play it you might only get sound from one speaker, just depends on how it is wired up.

[Khandro]

jomifl; The learning curve is steep and the road is hard; a 15 km round trip and what I thought was a male/2 female splitter - and looked just that in its bubble package- is in fact a male /and 2 hermaphrodites, designed to be penetrated by jacks which have both a male and female organs. Ahh well, if at first ...... :-)

[jomifl]

Khandro, my favourite is to find the correct item, find the packet has been opened, take the one behind it, then having got home discover it is the wrong one 'cos some silly pr@t has mixed them up. Still the German equivalents of B&Q do carry a very comprehensive range perhaps they have adaptors for adaptors ...good luck :o)

[Khandro]

jomifl; Thanks for your help, I have got everything now sorted, if you are so minded you can contact me at; [email protected] and I hope one day soon, that I can arrange somehow for the 'Bluebird' to come winging your way.