I've recently unearthed a dozen or so old cassette recordings of the band I used to play synthesizer in back in the 1980's (was it really that long ago??!!).

Anyway, before the tapes disintegrate I'd like to transfer them to my laptop with a view to making some CD copies.

Firstly, can anyone recommend some decent software (hopefully free or cheap) to enable this and,

Secondly, I need a cassette deck that has adjustable azimuth as some of the tapes are a bit variable in quality. Any recommendations? I think a Nakamichi is a bit out of my price range but seem to recall Nad did something similar.

Cheers
Mike

As regards the adjustable azimuth, I think one with a 'Play Trim' feature will be what you are thinking of. Some NAD tape decks had it, but there are plenty of Yamaha decks had this feature - I've had a KX300 and a KX580SE with it. Hope that helps

You can download Audacity free of charge from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

A lot of newer laptops don't have a line level input - if this is the case you will also need an external soundcard.

With regard to adjustable azimuth, you can adjust the azimuth on any deck with a screwdriver.

I've recently unearthed a dozen or so old cassette recordings of the band I used to play synthesizer in back in the 1980's (was it really that long ago??!!).

Anyway, before the tapes disintegrate I'd like to transfer them to my laptop with a view to making some CD copies.

Firstly, can anyone recommend some decent software (hopefully free or cheap) to enable this and,

Secondly, I need a cassette deck that has adjustable azimuth as some of the tapes are a bit variable in quality. Any recommendations? I think a Nakamichi is a bit out of my price range but seem to recall Nad did something similar.

Cheers
Mike

Mike, where are you based?

If the tapes aren't too long I might be able to do this for you. I've a very nice high-end JVC direct drive tape machine here. Wouldn't be able to do it in one session but if you aren't in a hurry...
Seems a waste to buy a decent cassette machine for just a few tapes.

I still have a decent Aiwa ADF-810 Cassette Deck. I can use this to play tape to my Yamaha CD recorder. I'm happy to do this if you can get the tapes to me. Where are you based?

Mull

Cheers guys, this is all really useful stuff.

Fortunately my laptop has line inputs so it should be ok.

Will check out the 'audacity' software.

I remember 'adjusting' the azimuth on an old tapedeck with a screwdriver but I guess I thought that some decks had a more sophisticated method. Will certainly bear this in mind.

Rob & Mullardman: That's a really kind offer. I'm in Worthing, West Sussex.

Mike

I just want to say that it is really cool that you found the old tape recordings from the band you were in. I hope you will be able to (or already have) been able to transfer the music to your laptop.

Spoke to a chap at work today about what I was planning to do and this afternoon he brought in a Fostex X-26 Multitracker for me to have play with. Oldschool 4-track cassette but after a bit of fiddling I've found that I can play normal 2-track tapes on it. Brill!

Actually it's got me thinking that I might start having a go at recording some fresh sounds. What have I got to lose?! I guess this method of recording is a bit out of date but at least I can understand how it works.