How to print/copy/dub to cassette

[music_man2002]

I need to know how to copy audio from PC onto cassettes for mass distribution. Can someone recommend a studio/professional quality "deck" or dubbing machine (whatever it is)that doesn't degrade the quality of the original audio.

Thanks in advance.

[bombastique]

truly - you're better off having a duping company do it for you. it'll save you time and money.

[Robert D]

Yep.

[music_man2002]

Thanks for all the inputs. I agree that the quality of the audio on the cassette will never sound as good as the original source, but is there anything that can nearly do justice to the original source.

My purpose is not for mass production per se; I need a master made on cassette instead of CD. This is because my clients need a cassette master (for whatever reasons)and they are not buying my arguments to have it on CD.

One more question, is there any compact CD-to-cassette duplicating machine? I heard TASCAM has something like that, but its realiabily as a pro gear is suspect. Of course we are here talking about how not to compromise the audio quality in the first place.

All suggestions are welcome.

[Sonic Valley]

No matter how small a run you're doing for duplication you should provide a CD master of some kind. I really doubt any place will take a cassette as a master....if they do all they'll do is transfer it to CD themselves and charge you for the transfer and some sort of half arse mastering fee.

I know you know this but if you're clients want to be professional...tell them how it is...

[Nashville Ed]

Originally posted by music_man2002:
I need a master made on cassette instead of CD. This is because my clients need a cassette master (for whatever reasons)and they are not buying my arguments to have it on CD.

I suspect they intend on duplicating themselves. Lots of company's/organizations have (1 to 3) or (1 to 6) cassette duplicators.
You need to know what bias master they require (if it's inhouse they'll know)and whether it should be mono or stereo. If they don't know, then use a 'normal bias' (not Cr02 or Metal) tape and make as 'hot' of a stereo (unless you are mastering mono) dub as you can without distortion. This will get used over and over..
For a good rapport with the client make 2, eventually the tape will wear out.

Here's an off the wall idea; Check with a local radio station. I'd start with smaller AM's they'd be more willing to work with you than a big FM. It's still possible to find radio production facilities with broadcast quality cassette decks. See if they will allow you to make a dub there (offer to pay them an hourly rate) That would be much cheaper than buying a good deck for one time use.

Outside of that, the deck that is pretty much the 'industry standard' for broadcast applications is this Tascam:
http://www.tascam.com/products/cassette_recorders/122mkiii/index.php

[This message has been edited by Nashville Ed (edited 11-22-2002).]