I have just got a WM D6C and I want to record from that to a MS Surface Pro with Windows 10 Home 64 bit. The Walkie just has line out and headphone outputs. Can I record to the USB port on the Surface Pro using a simple adaptor cable or do I need some sort of interface. Microsoft reckons you can configure the Windows 10 headphone output as a line in but mine aint playinb ball. Many thanks. Roger.
Do you have the Microsoft Surface Dock? Even then you will still need a DAC that can plug into the USB port on the Dock. Obviously the DAC needs to accept line in. Long winded I know, do you not have a home computer?
Have you read this and watched this? The difference in line level and mic level is, well, the signal level. My 2008 netbook has mic input, I captured audio from a walkman by simply juggling between the volume on the walkman and amplification on the laptop. I am aware of a possible frequency response distortion caused by simple attenuation, but I don't think this is critical for non-professional use. Also, the volume control on a decent walkman should strive for preserving flat frequency response both for quiet and loud sound.
If it is like the Surface RT which we have here you should have a full size USB port. If you are having problems using the built in audio port a USB external audio interface should do. Looking on Amazon I was surprised at how many only seem to have Mic inputs. Googling for one for musicians (who are obviously doing this all the time with Electric Guitars etc) found me this one designed for the job. https://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_ucontrol_uca_222.htm You could probably find something cheaper but I didn't spend much time looking. I have used a Creative Labs external card, but that was back in the days of Windows XP. You can't be sure that something older will be support Windows 10. Most devices will come will software which will probably be a copy of the Audacity freeware sound recorder / editor. p.s Don't blame me if you buy that one and it is no good. I have a unit with a switchable line phono input similar to this https://www.thomann.de/gb/fun_generation_ua_202.htm which bought in Maplins closing down sale although I haven't actually tried it yet.
Thanks for the replies. It seems the Surface Pro doesn't support line in but it has a usb port. I don't have a home computer as I have no use for one. So it looks like the Behringer ucontrol is the route to take, its recommended by Audacity which is the software I use. Roger.
That sounds like the one to get then. Behringer have a good reputation for good value musical gear like guitar pedals. I found the ucontrol completely independently without looking what Audacity recommended.
The Behringer has arrived and so far I have just done a couple of quick tests. Its very easy to use and the quality is good considering the age and condition of the tapes \i'm using. Many thanks for your help everyone. Roger.
VWestlife has just done a review of the impossible looking USB to 3.5mm cables which I have seen on sale. To his surprise it worked fine. The electronics must be embedded inside the USB plug.
It looks interesting Longman. I cannot find it at any UK suppliers. I've sent an email to ClearClick asking about availability. Watch this space! Roger.
I doubt if it does anything the Behringer doesn't. I have seen similar cables on Ebay but, like VWestlife, thought "that is never going to work".
Hi Roger, All of our products ship Internationally from either our site or our Amazon store front. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks, Tyler Support Department Lead It will probably cost an arm and several legs to get one here!!
In the comments to VWestlife's video someone was commenting that you could get the Behringer with both inputs and outputs for around the same price.
