Recording from Line Input? [Resolved]

[DaveBo]

Any recommendations for s/w that will capture recordings into an MP3 file from the Line Input?
I want to hook up a cassette deck and xfer music from a tape.

I used to be able to do this with MusicMatch Jukebox, but the free version lately has that disabled.
Like a fool, I went and bought the MusicMatch Jukebox Plus yesterday, downloaded and installed it (took 3 hours over slow phone line) and not only is the "record from line input" still disabled, but the D**N MM is constantly trying to access the network.

FYI MusicMatch Jukebox Plus is POSSESSED!

Even after supposedly setting no internet access, it literally causes Zone Alarm to pop up with almost every click.
I haven't cursed so much since I was a drunken sailor.

[ducky]

I use GoldWave. Its been around a long time, and is a quality product, try it out....
http://www.goldwave.com/

[DaveBo]

I downloaded GoldWave (the older version, 4.26?) and the Lame MP3 encoder
and it did exactly what I needed.

It's amazing that it's less then 1 MB (~840K?), downloaded in minutes instead of hours, and it didn't try to commandeer my PC like MM and MS products like to do.

Thanks, DaveBo

[dglienna]

I used Sound Recorder, and captured FM Radio from the Line Input jacks, and saved the files as CD quality. I used to record 4 hours every Saturday morning. I have about 30 days worth of audio, that I could convert to MP3 if I ever wanted to. Why lose the quality when making the files? You cannot regain it once it is saved as MP3. There is a quality loss to think about!

[DaveBo]

The last time I played with Sound Recorder (quite a while ago) I think it was limited to about 1 minute, also, I didn't think it handled stereo.

Anyway, the sound quality seems fine to my low-quality ears, and the compression of the MP3s is very welcome.

[ducky]

IMO converting the line in recording to MP3 is not a reduction in quality. The quality loss comes from using the mini plug line in on a sound card. If your happy with the sound from the sound recorder raw format, then I could convert it to a quality mp3 and you probably wouldn't hear a difference. I don't see anything wrong with what DaveBo plans to do if he's happy with the quality. Its all personal preference. I don't like the sound of a sound card mini plug line in, so I use an audio card with RCA inputs and the mentioned GoldWave software for recording my tapes, then cleaning up with hiss reduction filters, etc before converting to CD's, but thats just me.

[dglienna]

I never use the mini-plug. I usually use the digital output going to a stereo digital input. there is quite a difference. an equalizer can make up for some of it, but I use mp3 only as a last resort. haven't bought a portable, yet. i have no immediate plans to, either.