Digitizing audio

All Audio

• Some steps are shared no matter what type of object you are digitizing. Currently, all audio is digitized in 340H, which is the office space in the far corner of the department.
• The following need to be powered on: the Audiolab iMac Pro, the Sparrow MKII (Analog to Digital Converter), the Genelec speakers, and the RME Fireface UFX+. In addition, whatever hardware needed to playback the object will need to be powered on, and often, this will require the rack surge protector to be powered on first.

• We currently use Wavelab to capture audio. For a more in-depth discussion of the software, see the Wavelab page. To capture audio, you need only open the software, open a project (does not need to be anything specific), and click the record icon on the toolbar along the bottom. This will open a new recording window. Here you want to make sure of several things:
  • "File to Create" should be set to Named File.
  • "Name" should be the unique ID of the item being digitized. For more information on naming tracks, different sides, etc., see Naming Conventions.
  • Right above "Input," the unnamed dropdown should be set to Create New Audio File Window. "Input" should always be the Main Recording Bus.
  • Lastly, the "Audio Monitoring" checkbox at the bottom left should always be checked. This is the only way you will hear the audio live.
  • When you're ready to record, you will click the "Record" button in the bottom right. "Split Now" can also be used to switch over to a new file and continue recording (useful after rewinding after changing levels, etc.).

• Aim for levels to peak around -6 dB. The counters on the right will keep track of the highest recorded peaks. You will adjust this by adjusting both input level knobs (they should always be the same) on the Sparrow MKII.
• We do not have an audio switcher, so inputs have to be manually swapped on the rear face of the Sparrow MKII. All cables are labeled and paired based upon the device they come from. Green is always Left/Channel 1, which will be the outside port on the rear face of the Sparrow MKII. Always check to make sure the right cable pair is connected before a transfer.

Digitizing 1/4" Audio (Open-reel)

Digitizing Audio CDs

Digitizing Cassettes

1. Rewind the cassette using the Pentagon Rewinder. Place up to three tapes in (with the side up that you want to begin transferring first), and then flip the switch. Tapes will rewind fully and then the axles will stop. Flip the switch back and remove the tape.
2. Start up Wavelab using the steps above and power on a cassette deck (in the rack).
3. Load the cassette tape with the side you wish to capture facing out (if the label on one side reads "Part One," when this side is facing you, "Part One" will be the side that plays.
4. Play some of the tape to find good input level settings.
5. Once satisfied, rewind the tape to the start (in the deck is fine this time).
6. Start the recording in Wavelab and hit play on the deck.
7. Always let each side play completely, even if there is no labeling to indicate anything was recorded on the side. Cassette tapes can notoriously have content anywhere. Capture one file for each side.
8. After capture, leave the tape wound as it is.

Digitizing DAT

Digitizing Transcription Discs