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How to convert a mic input to a line input?

kerolorenzo Posted messages 169 Status Member -  
kerolorenzo Posted messages 169 Status Member -
Hello,
I have a bunch of old tape cassettes that I can't find in digital format.
I'm planning to digitize my tapes. I have some knowledge and I know how to manage from start to finish.
However, my laptop only has a "micro" input and not a "line" one. And you probably know that the "micro input" is reserved for microphones, and connecting a "deck player" to it results in a very unpleasant sound.
I would like to know how to create this "line input."
P.S.: I don't know why, but desktop PCs have both inputs. Micro in red and line in blue.
Some people might tell me that there's a digitizing device...I know, but I'm currently moving slowly, so...

Configuration: Windows 7 / Firefox 28.0

3 answers

  1. Mutumbo
     
    Hello.

    On my machine, line and mic are the same input.
    http://www.botecomm.com/bote/radio/images/mac_line_in.jpg
    With a bit of luck, it's the same on your PC.

    I've already digitized cassettes and minidiscs without having a crappy quality by setting the mic input level low, then gradually increasing it.

    If that doesn't work, we might need to consider a small external sound card.
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    1. kerolorenzo Posted messages 169 Status Member 6
       
      Hi! I've already tried, but I have that disgusting quality! Hissing and other distortions even at the lowest volume.
      I'm currently looking online and someone said to put a 200k ohm resistor in series. I'm going to try it, but it won't be right away!
      Thank you
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    2. Mutumbo
       
      And when you plug in a microphone, no problem?
      Because if it's also crappy with a microphone, then the input is faulty.
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    3. kerolorenzo Posted messages 169 Status Member 6
       
      No, when I plug in a microphone, it's perfect! The input is made solely for microphones in my opinion!
      What's weird is that online, I see a bunch of adapters (boxes, one end like USB and the other end two 3.5 mm jack plugs) which unfortunately only have the two standard plugs, namely the "headphone" plug and the "microphone" plug! But still no third plug, the "line"...
      As if it were complicated to include it!
      Ugh... it's disgusting!!!!
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    4. Mutumbo
       
      You have this kind of article:

      http://www.amazon.fr/Behringer-UFO202-U-phono-Interface-audio/dp/B002GHBYZ0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_MI_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BACCER8M0ZM8DW045VT

      The inputs/outputs are RCA. If your player doesn't have them, you'll need to add a jack/RCA cable.

      I don't know this equipment, but apparently you have a line/phono selector (the phono being for preamplifying the very low output of a vinyl turntable).

      Of course, when going from analog (RCA) to digital (USB), the quality of the converter depends on the price. (But Behringer is known for its reputation).
      But still, the quality of a cassette being rather mediocre, I don't think it significantly alters the result.

      The link is just an example. It's up to you to search further.
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  3. kerolorenzo Posted messages 169 Status Member 6
     
    Good God!!! This is exactly what I need, but I'm sure that where I am (Ouagadougou), it's not certain to find it! I'd rather try to tinker with resistance, in order to weaken the signal coming from the deck (a player that doesn't have a volume control, in other words, without a volume).
    Also, someone told me to intercept the signal leaving the playback head that was supposed to go to the deck's circuits to be amplified. He says this signal is very weak and could yield an acceptable result.
    I also plan to try that. Even if after recording I end up with a low gain, I could boost it as I wish with "audacity" or other software that does it very well!
    Thanks for your various contributions!

    I almost forgot! Is there any software solution! plugins or other possibilities?
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