One thing I wanted to point out about the rehousing of Microcassette
tapes into regular cassette shells and then playing them back on a
regular cassette player is that all of the Microcassetts that I have
come across have been Mono. Playing them back on a regular cassette
machine generates a stereo file. Not the optimum IMHO. And yes, I
understand that I may be splitting hair strands here but here is what I do:

For regular playback, I use a transcribing machine which (IMHO again)
has a slightly better transport than the portable recorder/players. If I
have to rehouse a Microcassette, I will use a good quality standard size
shell and play it on a Marantz Model 221 (I have two). The 221 has two
advantages: It's the same format (Mono) and will play at half speed.

So,

Although Dan Gediman appears to be headed in the right direction, He may
have been a bit unfortunate in his choice of playback decks if David
Breneman is correct. Other than that possible stumble, Dan has received
some excellent advice from the list members.

My $0.02

Corey

Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
www.baileyzone.net

On 6/20/2018 3:37 PM, Eli Bildirici wrote:
> There was a discussion about this fairly recently. IIRC the recommendation for capture was rehousing in regular sized shells and playing back with a recommended deck (e.g. Tascam 122 Mk3, various Nakamichis inc. the famed Dragon, etc)
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> From: Dan Gediman <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 05:49 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [ARSCLIST] Processing micro cassette audio using iZotope RX5
>
>> Oh great hive-mind of ARSC,
>>
>> I need your wisdom again. I had previously mentioned that I have to digitally dub some micro cassettes. Today I got a GE model from Ebay and have started messing around with these interview tapes that were recorded by a journalist colleague some years ago. I have access to IZotope RX5 and have started applying its various modules to try and make the audio more intelligible (my goal is to be able to broadcast excerpts from the results in a radio documentary). I am using it in stand-alone mode. Do you have any suggestions for which RX modules to use, in what order, and with what settings? I have so far experimented with the De-Noise and Corrective EQ modules, but there are many presets and other variables in each. I’m hardly a power user so I would appreciate any tricks of the trade any of you would be willing to impart.
>>
>> With enormous gratitude,
>> Dan
>>
>> Dan Gediman • Executive Director • This I Believe, Inc.
>> 502 259-9889 • 502 259-9890 fax
>> www.thisibelieve.org