In Part I we learned how to get the audio into the computer. Now we will expand upon that using Audacity, an Open Source audio editor. We will examine four different situations and how to correct them – Silence or unwanted noise at the beginning and end of a song, Multiple songs in one large audio file, and Continuous DJ style mixes where there is no clear beginning or end. (more…)
To AppleCare or Not to AppleCare
AppleCare – The extended warranty that salespeople will try to sell you when you buy a nice new Apple computer. I know, its Apple so you want to think its actually good and worthwhile but lets face it, AppleCare is just an extended warranty. Like any other warranty that a salesperson at any electronics store, car dealership, or department store will try to sell you, its a numbers game and if it didn’t work in Apple’s favor, they wouldn’t offer it. (more…)
The Easiest and Cheapest Way to Convert Your Records, Tapes, 8-Tracks and More into CDs or .MP3s – Part I
Just a few years ago, before it was easy and cheap to record onto a CD, we used cassettes for recordings, mix tapes, band practice, and tons of other purposes. Before cassettes, it was 8-Tracks, Reel to Reel and Vinyl. Now that old collection of cassettes, records, and other media is gathering dust in the basement, closet or attic.
For quality and durability reasons, I’d never advocate throwing out vinyl although it can take up a ton of space. As a former DJ, I know how much fun it is to lug around crates upon crates of records from place to place. For tapes and other magnetic media, they will deteriorate over time. A common question that I’m asked is “How do you transfer these tapes / records onto the computer?”
Its actually easy but it does take time. OS X comes equipped with all the software you need to do this on a basic level. (more…)