Export VHS audio to Powerbook G4?

February 1, 2006 10:14 AM

Can I export VHS audio to Pro Tools via my Mbox 2 or Powerbook G4?

Wow: Pro Tools is pretty involved, huh? I'm new to it (and generally new to audio). Lots still to learn. But for now...

I need to grab some audio from VHS. I've tried the idiot's first guess -- plugging my VCR into the audio input on my laptop, but I get a lot of noise. (One track OKish audio, the other track just noise. Course, this is a cheap, old VCR with only one audio output...) Is there some super-wonderful high tech solution I'm just not seeing? Like trying to plug the VCR into the Mbox?

Sorry for such a simple question from such a simpleton. But you guys know all. I marvel at your brilliance. Thanks!

posted by rough to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

Yeah, you can take RCA from your VCR to a quarter inch or XLR input on your M-Box. With the right cable. Expect to pay about fifteen for it.

Of course, the sound quality is related to how well your VCR outputs audio. If you plug it into a TV and it sucks, it's not much likely to get better. Maybe a head cleaning?

If you only have one audio output, make sure you record onto a mono track on ProTools. Don't buy a splitter cable and try to make it stereo or anything.
posted by jon_kill at 10:37 AM on February 1, 2006

The noise you're hearing is actually the video signal (usually the yellow plug). Don't plug that one in! Just plug the audio signal in (usually white or black) into left. You can then tell whatever program you're using to capture as mono.

Also, if you can try to get ahold of a stereo VCR. They have a lot better noise reduction so whatever audio you capture will sound a lot better, and be in stereo, too!
posted by zsazsa at 10:47 AM on February 1, 2006