Recording TO a microcassette recorder (Page 1/2)
Kitskaboodle JAN 24, 01:48 PM
Hi all, amongst several vintage audio equipment hobbies/interests that I have is microcassettes. Along with my 3 microcassette recorder/players I have quite a few blank tapes. What I want to do is to record / transfer old radio shows that I have on reel to reel tape and on compact cassettes and transfer them TO the micro cassette recorder. The problem is that virtually all portable, batter powered microcassette recorders do not have a line in jack. Most have a headphone/monitor jack and microphone jack but that’s it. I don’t want to spend the money to get a transcriber or microcassette deck.
Any ideas on how I can input a signal to the micro cassette recorder so that I can start my library of old radio shows on micro cassettes?
Thanks, Kit
MidEngineManiac JAN 24, 02:15 PM
IIRC (been 10 years since I owned anything along those lines) the mic jack will work as I line in. Signal is signal wether it comes from a mic or another device to those old things.
Patrick JAN 24, 02:18 PM

quote
Originally posted by MidEngineManiac:

...the mic jack will work as I line in. Signal is signal wether it comes from a mic or another device to those old things.



Incorrect.

Kit, google "line output to mic input".

The simplest device for this purpose is an attenuator. Back when Radio Shack used to sell electronic components, I used one of their attenuator adapters. It was red, about two inches long, was the diameter of a fat pen, and had an RCA jack on one end and a 1/8" plug on the other. Cost about $3 at the time.

With a quick online search, I see that there are Attenuating Dubbing Cables currently available from various sources.

[EDIT] I've spent way too much time on this , but I found a picture Here of the RS attenuator adapter that I was referring to.



That then led to a page Here that contains a PDF of a complete 1979 Radio Shack catalog. It's a great trip down memory lane of 1970's electronic technology!

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 01-24-2021).]

williegoat JAN 24, 04:06 PM
There are two things to look at on each device: voltage and impedance.

Your reel-to-reel probably has a (relatively) high output, possibly as much as one volt. The mic input on the mic cassette probably expects a very low voltage, typically a few mV, depending on the type of mic that was intended. Too high of an input voltage can overdrive the input stages and cause distortion and even damage.

The reel-to-reel possibly has an output impedance of around 600 ohms, while what the cassette recorder expects depends (again) on the type of mic expected. An impedance mismatch can cause a degradation of audio quality that can take the form of poor frequency response or even signal reflection (echo).

If you can find the manuals for each device, the specs probably list what you need to know under output voltage/impedance (for the source) and input sensitivity (for the destination).
TheDigitalAlchemist JAN 24, 07:00 PM
Mine keep turning into small animals and robots when I eject them and then they run away.
Kitskaboodle JAN 24, 08:03 PM
Thank you all for your input.
And thank you Patrick for your research.
After seeing your pic of the attenuators, I realized I might have one in my adapter drawer. Yep, I think this it, right?

On another note, as others have suggested, input voltage through the mic jack eas something I was warned about. I’m just going to do some experimenting and we will see how it goes, heh?
I mean, that’s part of the fun...going down a road few have trodden or even cared to, for that matter.
Will update after I do a few random recordings from various reel to reel decks and cassette players. Thanks, Kit
ls3mach JAN 24, 08:39 PM
Are you trying to upgrade from crap format to less crap? Maybe I head this wrong.?
Kitskaboodle JAN 24, 08:50 PM
No, not trying to consolidate or get rid of my vintage gear or recorded media. I enjoy all of my vintage gear. Each one has its own unique properties and rather than just letting them be paperweights on a shelf collecting dust, I’m not only using them, I’m trying new ways to experiment with them and having a great time doing it. 😀 Kit

[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 01-24-2021).]

Patrick JAN 24, 09:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by Kitskaboodle:

After seeing your pic of the attenuators, I realized I might have one in my adapter drawer. Yep, I think this it, right?



No... I suspect what you have there is just an adapter (from one plug type to another). You need an attenuator... to reduce the voltage. The RS device I described and pictured is an adapter and an attenuator combined.
Kitskaboodle JAN 24, 10:09 PM
You mean an attenuator has a built in resistor or some kind of filter? Yes, you’re right, mine is just an adapter. Well, at least I’m moving in the right direction.
Kit