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How do I Convert Reel to Reel Audio Tapes to Digital?

Reel-to-reel analog tape machines, while good for recording, are not very portable. Analog tape reels are also subject to environmental degradation over time. Many owners of analog tape reels have recently begun to use digitization to archive their tapes in an effort to preserve their analog material.

Things You'll Need

  • Analog reel-to-reel tape machine
  • Tape reel
  • Mixer
  • 2 XLR cables
  • 1/4-inch-to-1/8-inch adapter cable
  • Audacity recording software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Download, install, and launch the Audacity recording software on your computer.

    • 2

      Connect the left and right output channels of the tape machine to the channel 1 and 2 inputs on the mixer, using the XLR cables.

    • 3

      Connect the master output of the mixer to the line-in jack on your computer, using the 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch adapter cable.

    • 4

      Mount the analog tape reel on the tape machine.

    • 5

      Turn on the power to the mixer, and move the Master Volume, Channel 1, and Channel 2 level faders (or knobs, depending on the mixer) up to 0 dB.

    • 6

      Press the record button in the Audacity recording software on your computer.

    • 7

      Press the play button on your tape machine.

    • 8

      When the tape has finished playing, press stop on the tape machine and in the Audacity recording software.

    • 9

      Apply any audio clean or desired effects to the track in Audacity.

    • 10

      Select 'Export as WAV' from the 'File' menu at the top of the screen. The exported track can now be added to iTunes, or burned to a CD.

Digital Music

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