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Q. How do I convert a Reel-to-Reel to Digital?

Answered By: Stephanie Brown
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2025     Views: 26

  1. Go to the Multimedia Media Lab.
  2. Locate the conversion station labeled Audio Conversion Station.
  3. Log in using your UARK credentials. (If you do not have UARK credentials, ask the desk staff for a guest login to begin your project.) 
  4. Connect AV cables (red and white) to the Roxio Media Player, and then to the “Line Out” sockets on the back of the reel-to-reel player.
  5. Set up the reel on the player. (Helpful tip: Ensure the metal bits are fully tightened over the reels. If they are not tight, the reel can come off of the player).
  6. Turn the power on, and flip the switch to “Play” and then press the —> button to start playing the reel and test the audio on the reel. (Helpful tip: If you need to fast forward or rewind the reel, flip the switch to “Fast” and hit either the —> or the <— button. To pause the reel, flip the switch to the “Pause” setting. There is also a “Stop” button which does not require the switch.)
  7. Rewind the reel to the beginning.
  8. Open Audacity and hit “Record,” then begin playing the reel. It will need to play through the entire reel.
  9. Once it has finished playing, stop recording in Audacity and then pause or stop the reel.
  10. If there is any extra time at the end of the audacity recording, highlight the blank area of the file and delete it.
  11. Using the “Effect” tab, make any other needed edits to the track, such as Amplification or Noise Reduction.
  12. Export it as a .mp3 or .wav file.
  13. Rewind the reel and remove it from the player.
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