Help Me Start, Please!, Need advice on what to buy. :-) Options

[ibnabouna]

Hello,

I have a question for all of the professional audio buffs that hang around here.

On my not-so-spare time, I build and run the web site at http://www.coptichymns.net/ , which is dedicated to the digitization and preservation of rare hymns of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church (talk about niche market, huh).

Anyway, I currently encode all of my audio in RealAudio format via RealProducer Basic. I have a USB iMic connected to my DP G4, which, in turn, is connected to my stereo's headphone check. This is an extremely simple setup, I know.

I would like to begin doing more "hardcore" digitizing. My major concern at this point is that cable going from the stereo's headphone jack to the iMic. I think I would get better performance and quality from an RCA cable instead, right? Unfortunately, my stereo doesn't have that jack, so I guess I need to buy a completely new tape deck to play these ancient tapes and get the best possible quality for further optimization.

Now that you have my story, can anyone suggest a good quality tape deck that works well with Macs? Any other suggestions as to how I can make this endeavor more productive?

Thanks so much in advance.

[ibnabouna]

Hi,

Thanks again for your reply.

I'm working on getting a good quality tape deck (something that at least has an RCA output). So far, I've found a few "professional grade" Sony machines on eBay and hope to pick one of them up soon. That shouldn't be the problem.

As for the software, I'm going to buy Bias Peak LE for $99 to start with. That supports plug-ins, right? Do you think I need to spring for the full version?

The one thing I still don't understand is this concept of a good quality converter. Okay, so the iMic stinks :-). What do you recommend? I don't even know who makes these things!

I appreciate all of your help.