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Re: DAT to new iMac

Subject: Re: DAT to new iMac
From: Walter Knapp <>
Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 12:08:56 -0500
JohnG  wrote:
> I need to download tapes from a DAT PCM-M1 to a new 17" flat 
> screen iMac.  The iMac does not have an analog audio in-port, 
> only firewire and USB ports.  Can any group members help me 
> with: 
> 
> 1. How do I transfer sound from the DAT  to the new iMac?  What 
> ports do I use; what hardware do I need?

You will need to get a USB or Firewire input device. I use the Roland 
UA-30 with my G4, which is a USB Sound I/O. This was the first such 
device for which Apple built in the drivers. The current version of this 
is the Edirol UA-3. They appear to have dropped the coax I/O, so if you 
need that you will have to look at other models.

Minidisco at  http://www.minidisco.com/  lists a number of models. Read 
the specs carefully. You want something that will handle what you have 
now and into the future.

I believe there are some firewire devices. Don't know much about them.

I prefer not to call the process downloading. It's no different than 
transferring from analog tape. You play the sound on the DAT while 
recording it in the iMac. At realtime (1X). It's just another form of 
sound recording.

> 2. What software do I need (what is easy to use and affordable in Apple OSX 
> format) for importing and editing?

I recommend Bias' Peak  http://www.bias-inc.com/  For your main I/O and 
sound editor. There is a native OSX version. If short of funds, you can 
start with Peak LE.

For burning audio CDs Roxio's Jam is the specialist, lots of special 
features not found in general purpose burning software.

> 3.  Can I import into an audio file on the iMac using iMovie, and if so, how? 
>  
> 
> I would like to be able to use the imported sound in two ways: 
> 
> a. to edit the sound and then burn an audio CD; 
> 
> b. to edit and import on audio track of iMovie to serve as soundtrack.
> 
> Does anyone with same hardware know how to do this?

We have G4 desktops.

Yes, iMovie will record from the sound input. But it's not the way to go.

Peak plus Jam is the route for audio CDs, don't use iMovie for that. 
Your best bet is to bring the sound in as uncompressed 16bit 44k aiff 
files with Peak, save those as your masters. Then convert to whatever 
you want from there. Most all mac software will use aiffs.

> Your help is greatly appreciated; seems likely it will take me 
> awhile to figure this one out.

It's easy to do the basics, but there is all kinds of ramification to 
having sound in your computer. Lots of filtering and so on possible. 
Lots of expensive software available.

Walt




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