How to Record Into a Computer From a Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
- 1). Connect the two plugs on one end of the stereo cable to the left and right audio output jacks on the reel-to-reel deck. The white plug connects to the left jack.
- 2). Hook up the plugs on the opposite end of the stereo cable to the jacks in the Y-adapter, then insert the Y-adapter plug into the computer's Line IN (record) jack, either on the back of the tower on a desktop or the edge of a laptop.
- 3). Set up the reel with the tape to be dubbed on the left spindle of the reel-to-reel deck, thread the end of the tape through the tape heads in the lower center of the component and onto the take-up spool on the right spindle. The edge of the tape slips into a notch at the center of the reel.
- 4). Click on the name or icon of the recording software to open the program on the computer.
- 5). Turn the reel-to-reel control knob to "Play" or press the "Play" key if the deck uses piano-type key controls.
- 6). Adjust the sound output control on the tape deck and check the level meters. The meter needles or LED lights should register a sound level around the middle range. This control can also be adjusted while recording to ensure the sound level is consistent.
- 7). Stop the tape, rewind to the desired starting position, then play back the tape.
- 8). Click the "Record" button on the computer software to begin copying the tape. Monitor the sound level and adjust if necessary while recording. Click the "Stop" button when finished.
- 9). Click the "File" button on the software to open a drop-down menu. Select "Save As" from the menu, then type a name for the audio recording in the box that appears. Click the "Save" button to place the recording on the computer hard drive.
Source...