Loud buzzing when transferring from standalone cassette recorder [CLOSED]

Hi there,

I’m in the middle of a project where I have to transfer about a dozen tapes to mp3 by this weekend for a friend. My old Sony deck bit the dust and I can’t find anyplace that has cassette decks in stock (Grrr), so for now I’m using an el cheapo Onn cassette recorder. Because it doesn’t have aux output, I have to use the “Ear” output to plug in a cable to the PC (Windows 10). I tried to hook it up to the aux/Line In input and I got loud buzzing. Tried to hook it up to the mic and same thing. I’m using Audacity 3.0 and have it set to Windows WASAPI, Microphone.
I have a replacement deck on order but it won’t get here until Saturday or so. Any help is welcomed :slight_smile:

Thanx for reading and replying to my stupid questions

Can you share a screen capture of your devices tool bar?

Is it possible the buzz is on tapes? Are they homemade tapes? Does the buzz continue when the tape is paused?

I have to use the “Ear” output to plug in a cable to the PC (Windows 10). I tried to hook it up to the aux/Line In input and I got loud buzzing. Tried to hook it up to the mic and same thing.

A headphone output is OK into a line/Aux input (usually blue on a soundcard). A microphone input is way too sensitive, and they are often low-quality (noisy, etc.).

I’m using an el cheapo Onn cassette recorder.

If the tapes are stereo, of course you’d want a stereo tape player/deck.

My old Sony deck bit the dust

I have a couple of tape decks in the closet… The belts & pulleys are probably shot… :smiley:

and I can’t find anyplace that has cassette decks in stock.

They are easier to find than VHS machines! :smiley:

Nothing wrong with the headphone output. That’s how I record my Yamaha music keyboard.

el cheapo Onn cassette recorder

Does it plug into the wall? Can you reverse the plug?

Can you touch the player and the computer at the same time? Find metal parts. Sometimes the shields aren’t all that good and your body can complete the circuit.

I’m kicking myself that I put a terrific cassette player in the trash because the transport stopped working (belts??) I put my faith on a Walkman which promptly stopped working…@#$%^&

Koz

I was going to post a screen shot, but I found a temporary replacement deck on FB Marketplace for $45.
You can consider this thread closed :slight_smile:

Thanks for the update.
Topic closed