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
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.
...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).]
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).
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
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).]
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.
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
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
You mean an attenuator has a built in resistor or some kind of filter?
Attenuator - An attenuator is an electronic device that reduces the power of a signal without appreciably distorting its waveform. An attenuator is effectively the opposite of an amplifier, though the two work by different methods. While an amplifier provides gain, an attenuator provides loss, or gain less than 1.
Thanks for the info on attenuators. Amazon should have some. I had a little extra time tonight so I decided to throw caution to the wind and try experiment number one. Here she is..
Yes, the microcassette recorder speed was set at 2.4 cm and yes, the recording was less than stellar. Volume level was critical for a good recording by the way. Experiment #1 was a humble undertaking but hey, you gotta start somewhere. . Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 01-24-2021).]
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.
I know you're having fun trying to do the transfers, but if it's old radio shows you like. make sure to read what I posted Here in Mr Bond's thread.
quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
I used to love listening to a local radio station years ago that would re-broadcast old radio dramas in the evening from the 1940's to the early 1960's. I enjoyed the detective shows like Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, and also the Sci-Fi shows like X Minus One. All of these shows can be found at the My Tuner site.
Already way ahead of you my fine feathered friend. Been listening to Ed Walker on the Big Broadcast on my Stones for years. Creative Labs made one heck of an MP3 player in the Zen Stone! Nice feature is the built in speaker and belt clip. Here is a pic of two of my Stones... Kit
Also, we too had an AM station in the Bay Area that used to play old radio shows weekend nights. (560 KSFO) In fact, it is ironic that some of my reel to reel tapes came from local sources here in the Bay Area and so a lot of them were old radio show recording from KSFO. Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 01-25-2021).]
We use to just stick the external mic and speakers in a drawer and push the buttons. adjusting the size of the drawer and the amount of underwear to get the desired sound.
We use to just stick the external mic and speakers in a drawer and push the buttons. adjusting the size of the drawer and the amount of underwear to get the desired sound.
Some people spend a lot of money to accomplish that very same thing.
Sounds like you need a line out converter. Auto stores should sell them. It converts the amplified signal down to RCA output and is adjustable via potentiometer. You just have to make sure and get one that does not require 12 volts to operate.....unless you have a little 12 volt power supply.
, but I found a picture 
