Bummer Update On Recording Project

[ProfessorGAC]

I've got 4 songs done, and 1 in progress. I'm very pleased with those that are done, but...
I just found out that the company that makes the analog to digital converter I need to make music files & CDs, was hit so hard by COVID that these things are backordered until May!
The outfit I bought it from (so to speak) is looking at shipping the end of the 1st week in May or early 2nd week.
I'm bummed, because my test master is on cassette and it lack sparkle & bite.
I looked into alternatives, but those were between 6 and 100 times more expensive!
So, I wait.

[PJMcK]

1. Your rig sounds a little aged

Did you really master your recordings in analog? Did you actually put your "test master" on a cassette at 1-7/8's IPS? I'm really not surprised if it lacks "sparkle & bite" since the frequency and dynamic ranges are so limited in that ancient format.

I've got a couple of A/D converters that I haven't used in years. If you want, I'll gift you one.

Alternatively, ProfessorGAC, are you pulling our legs? If so, well done, sir.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. You Misunderstand

I'm completely aware of the issues with analog, especially cassette.
I wasn't expecting anything other than what I got.
My masters were so I could listen to the product on things other than my reference monitors or headphones. (Both very good!)
I simply can't get a master that sounds like the desk.
My system isn't brand new, but it's 24 bit, 48.4k digital with 2 on board 24 bit effects units, and on off-board TC unit, also 24 bit.
What I ordered is a simple box with RCA inputs & a USB out to the laptop. The unit I ordered came with an editing software for trimming openings and such. It's a great deal, but useless until I have it.
I had a CD recorder, but it was Phillips, which were notoriously unreliable. Thing wouldn't turn on, except for the disk drawer. Fuse was fine.
So, I junked it.
The cassette was a last resort so I could play through my stereo, in the car, or on a old boombox to see if tweaking was needed.
My intent, the whole time, was to digitally master, but I'll be waiting for at least 6 more weeks.
For sure, the 5th song will be done!
I certainly don't intend to master to cassette, ultimately. It's just all I've got right now.

[ZZenith]

3. You could get an inexpensive two-channel interface used off of Craigslist

if you’re so inclined. Plenty of free audio editors available as well.

Just spit-balling here. I would digitize them for you if you have copies you don’t mind sending in the mail. I have some gear back-ordered and they have no idea when it will arrive. Probably stuck in a container in the Suez Canal.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. That's The Problem!

Appreciate the offer, but until I get this interface, I've got no way to make anything digital, other than the console itself.
If I could make a CD, I would. I've got software on my laptop to rip from a CD to make an MP3/4.
My original plan was to master to CD then make music files. But, when I found the CD recorder (which was sitiing on a shelf in the storeroom for about 10 years) no longer worked, I needed plan B.
Now plan B includes a 10 week delay. Oh well!

[ZZenith]

5. Understood. Which audio interface did you order, if you don't mind my asking?

It’s such a simple task for an interface I am surprised one isn’t available to you locally and inexpensively.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Behringer UFO202

I'm told (and confirmed with a convoluted web search) that the company was hammered by COVID and were closed twice, for 4 to six weeks each.
Apparently, everything they make is backordered.
There's a Guitar Center near me, but they don't have anything even close to this price range. They had one that was $450. That 10x what I'm paying for this one.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. I Found One In Stock, Overseas

I'm supposed to see it Monday.
Might turn out fine.

[Eko]

8. You could use pretty much any interface.

Just use RCA to 1/4 cables coming from your tape deck to it. A focusrite 2I2 would have done great for you, more expensive but better conversion and preamps. As for me I love recording on tape, especially 2 inch tape.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Don't Have The Room

The big 2" machines are cool, for sure!
But, all 13 guitars, my mandolin, the piano, 2 amps, all my recording gear, and the bass (in a case) are in the den.
Obviously, my wife does very little decorating in there! LOL!
There's literally no room for a full size recording machine.
I have a 24 channel mixer, but only has 4 busses. So, not sure I have the desk that would warrant 24 track tape.
I've done some session work, so I've seen that gear. But, it's overkill for what I'm doing.
As to the interface, I'm not sure I need the preamp functions. I've got preamp for an ancient Neumann U47. I don't have the mic, sadly.
And a preamp/phantom power supply for my AKG 414.
I don't need extra, and the low cost of this one was very attractive.
Not that I need it, but this was has a switch to take phono inputs from a magnetic cartridge, if I wanted to convert vinyl to digital. May never use it, but we never know.