I get distorted sound when recording from tapedeck to my computer. How can I fix this?

Question

I think I should be able record through my receiver but I have not been able to figure it out. The sound meter shoots to red when I connect from the tape deck to the mic port on my computer. I have tried adjust the mic levels to no avail. Please help!

DA

Answer 1

Clean the heads on the tape deck. Probably gotten dirty, if that doesnt help, Maybe something is frayed and causing ground static. hope that helps.

Answer 2

If Kevin P's answer doesn't help, check your output volume, on your deck as well -- if it's too high it will cause the music to distort, too.

Answer 3

You may have a mismatch of levels.  Not sure about the mic input on a laptop but there is a difference between mic livel input and line level input.  It sound as if you have a line level output overdriving a mic level input.  Try getting a USB box for your computer or a card with a line input.

Answer 4

Matt S is correct. The tape deck is much to powerful for the mic line in. You need to have USB audio spacific line in so that the tape deck doesn't over power the input levels on your computer. You can get one with the program to clean it up for around $79 at Best Buy.