Re: [ARSCLIST] Microcassettes

[Susan Stinson <Ststinso@xxxxxxx>]

We have dealt with microcassettes on occasion and use a portable Sears
(!) machine that came with one collection - as Brenda says, not for
recording but just for playback when needed, and with a headphone jack
and a small internal speaker.  We did find that there are at least two
sizes of cassette housing - only very slightly different, but one has an
additional ridge along one side that prevents it from fitting the
machine we have.  Fortunately, we do not have to deal with this format
too often and have not sought different equipment.

Sue



Susan T Stinson, Curator
Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive
Syracuse University Library
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
315-443-3477 / fax 443-4866


>>> richard.warren@xxxxxxxx 1/11/2007 11:11 AM >>>
Hi Brenda and ARSC folks,

At HSR we have a Panasonic RR-830 STANDARD audiocassette machine with 
VSC, and I remember when buying it that there was a similar model for 
microcassettes. These models have VSC standard and are stand-alone 
with amp, speaker, and headphone out, handy and small for reviewing. 
I think there may also have been footpedal controls available but am 
not certain. I have no idea about current availability, but there 
could be used units around.

Best wishes, Richard

At 10:46 AM 1/11/2007, you wrote:
>We've begun to receive some interviews on microcassettes, so I'm
looking
>for advice on playback machines. Our immediate goal is to review the
>material on the microcassettes for content and sound quality and make
a
>serviceable reference copy.  As far as I can tell, most machines do
not
>have an output, other than a headphone jack. We do not foresee using
the
>playback machine for either recording or transcribing; however, if
the
>transcription machines offer better quality sound and have an output,
>then perhaps that is what we should consider.
>
>
>
>Just as an FYI, I've already spoken to Richard Hess about his process
>for transferring microcassettes, and certainly for long term
>preservation we will consider other options. But at the moment, we
just
>need to be able to evaluate the content.
>
>
>
>Thanks-
>
>Brenda
>
>
>
>Brenda Nelson-Strauss
>
>Head of Collections
>
>Archives of African American Music and Culture
>
>Indiana University
>
>Smith Research Center, Suite 180
>
>Bloomington, IN 47408
>
>812-855-7530
>
>bnelsons@xxxxxxxxxxx 
>
>www.indiana.edu/~aaamc 
>
>www.blackgrooves.org 
>
>
>
>