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Hi Dan: Before you start experimenting with audio plugin's, etc, to enhance the audio to make it more intelligible, I'd recommend experimenting with the azimuth adjustment on the playback head of the used micro cassette player you just bought. You'll get a much better end result if you start with a properly adjusted playback head and most of the time, it's well worth the short time it takes. Micro cassette players were banged around a lot, most were cheaply made and not well calibrated from the factory. For these reasons there can be quite a difference between the original record head azimuth that laid down the recording on your tape and the playback head azimuth on the used unit you just acquired. The difference between dialing in on that original record head azimuth and not, can sometimes be substantial and you can really open up the higher mid-ranges and treble by making the adjustment. Most micro cassette recorders - even the cheep ones, have a small hole through the plastic case near the playback head. When the head is engaged into the tape, you can get to the screw that adjusts the azimuth with a small jewelers type screwdriver - better yet an electronics screwdriver. Make sure the screwdriver is not magnetized. Slowly turn the screw 2 revolutions or so in one direction. If you don't hear a difference, go back to null and try the other way. Don't push down as you make the adjustment, as the screw/head assembly can be on a pressure spring and pressure will effect the azimuth as well. Keep adjusting until you hear the mids/highs open up. Hopefully you'll hear quite a difference between being dialed into the original record head azimuth and not. If you have a hardware phase scope or software phase scope with your capture software, watch the visual representation of the audio as you make the adjustment. The audio pattern on the scope will tighten up as you "come into" azimuth. This in many cases, will make a bigger difference than any digital post processing you can apply later. A lot of people are scared to make this adjustment. If you don't plan to record using your micro cassette unit, there's no harm in doing this (unless you turn the screw in too many times and strip it or screw it out from the threads in the base). I don't have a single tape deck in any format here that is properly calibrated for "factory" azimuth because I don't record on tape here - I'm just getting content off tape - which means I'm always changing the azimuth adjustment no-matter the format, to match the original record head. I still kick myself for spending all that money on MRL alignment tapes when I first started out - I've never used a one! All this said, be sure to inspect the payback head, make sure it does not have too much wear (most don't) and that the heads and tape path is nice and clean. There will be posters on this list recommending to rehouse the tape in standard sized cassette shells and transfer with a matching standard cassette deck. Even still, azimuth adjustment will be important with either method. I'd try using the player you have first and judge from the results if its worth taking the next step. Kind Regards, John Schroth MTS -- Media Transfer Service, LLC High Quality Conversion Of: Video - Audio - Motion Picture - Still Image Phone: 585-248-4908 Web: www.mediatransferservice.com Find out what's new at MTS: http://www.mediatransferservice.com/whats%20new.htm On 6/20/2018 5:49 PM, Dan Gediman wrote: > 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 > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > https://www.avg.com > >