Question Converting audio cassettes

[cazt]

I hope this is the correct forum for this query. I have a cassette converter - an ezcap USB cassette capture (no model no. on the box or instruction sheet), bought a few years ago but hardly used. I'm trying to convert some tapes but it doesn't seem to be compatible with Windows 10 - I can hear a tape through the earpiece but can't get it to be audible on the laptop. Any advice welcome.

 

[Ralston18]

Which model ezcap USB cassette converter?

Likely the cassette converter is using 1/8 " (3.5mm) audio plugs or ports - mono/stereo?

Make and model laptop?

What audio ports (if any) does the laptop have?

What earpiece? What does the plug end look like?

(Being able to hear music via the cassette is a good sign.)

Cassette < 3.5mm plug (Male) ? ----- audio cable -----> Ear piece.

Corrrect?

FYI:

https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/

The laptop's audio capabilities must allow you to configure the appropriate laptop port for audio input.

And you must have the correct physical connections (TS, TRS, TRRS) throughout the audio path as well.

Lastly, the laptop will need software to play and/or record the incoming audio.

One requirement might be some audio adapter going from 3.5 mm plug (Male) to USB.

With matching pinouts (TS, TRS, TRRS).

For example:

Cassette < 3.5mm plug (Male) ----- audio cable -----3.5 mm plug (Male) ---->USB adapter ====> Laptop USB port.

Feel free to edit and correct my diagrams as necessary.

 

[cazt]

I hope this is the correct forum for this query. I have a cassette converter - an ezcap USB cassette capture (no model no. on the box or instruction sheet), bought a few years ago but hardly used. I'm trying to convert some tapes but it doesn't seem to be compatible with Windows 10 - I can hear a tape through the earpiece but can't get it to be audible on the laptop. Any advice welcome.

Which model ezcap USB cassette converter?

Likely the cassette converter is using 1/8 " (3.5mm) audio plugs or ports - mono/stereo?

Make and model laptop?

What audio ports (if any) does the laptop have?

What earpiece? What does the plug end look like?

(Being able to hear music via the cassette is a good sign.)

Cassette < 3.5mm plug (Male) ? ----- audio cable -----> Ear piece.

Corrrect?

FYI:

https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/

The laptop's audio capabilities must allow you to configure the appropriate laptop port for audio input.

And you must have the correct physical connections (TS, TRS, TRRS) throughout the audio path as well.

Lastly, the laptop will need software to play and/or record the incoming audio.

One requirement might be some audio adapter going from 3.5 mm plug (Male) to USB.

With matching pinouts (TS, TRS, TRRS).

For example:

Cassette < 3.5mm plug (Male) ----- audio cable -----3.5 mm plug (Male) ---->USB adapter ====> Laptop USB port.

Feel free to edit and correct my diagrams as necessary.

Thanks very much for the detailed response. I have fixed it now. I knew that I had used it before, in 2019, and realised that perhaps the Audacity software on the laptop had been updated. I therefore uninstalled it and installed the old version provided with the converter and that seems to have done the trick. Many thanks for taking the time to help.

 

[Ralston18]

You are welcome. Glad it worked out.

 

[cazt]

🙂