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Bring that cassette collection into the digital age
Elsewhere in this section, we look at a device that can help convert video tapes to a form that can be viewed on a computer or copied to a DVD.
Similar devices, such as the Ion USB Turntable, exist for copying old LPs. The Plusdeck 2c, on the other hand, is the first device we've ever seen specifically for copying old audio tapes to a computer.
It's certainly possible to do this manually, by hooking up a hi-fi system or a cassette player to the line-in connection on the back of the computer, and running some software to record the music as it is being played. However, the Plusdeck simplifies matters, including as it does the cassette player, software and all the cables required.
The device sits inside one of the 5.25in drive bays on the front of the computer (it would be possible to install it inside an external drive caddy if you have no free bays, but this would be hard work). It takes a power connection from the PC's main power supply, and connects using a cable to a small insert that screws into a spare PCI slot in the PC's case.
If installation sounds complicated on paper, it's actually not too taxing in practice, and the instructions in the manual are clear and helpful. All the screws and cables are in the box.
The software installed quickly and worked well - the tape player can be controlled in the program or using the buttons on the front. There are several options for quality control, and the program can automatically split tracks (although there needs to be a gap between tracks on the tape for this). It can be left to run through a cassette, automatically copying both sides with no need to turn it over.
Sound quality is generally excellent, although results will depend on the state of the cassette tapes. One minor irritation is that the device needs to be connected both to the sound card (or PC sound input) and the serial port, which will count out anyone whose computer is without such a port. It would have been nice to have seen a USB version that made all the connections automatically, but for now, this edition works well enough.
Vista compatible: Yes
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Our verdict
Good points Great-quality recordings Easy to use software Can be left to copy a tape on its own Good value Bad points Needs serial port and sound card connections Requires a spare drive bay Overall By far the easiest way we've ever found to copy old cassettes to a computer.
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outdated and overpriced
This product has been out since 2003 and has not changed much since. In this day and age, the sale price is really frightening excessive. Although they have tried to market the product as a genuine novelty item rather than Hi-tech and target more affluent group instead of the hardware geeks or modders. However, I understand that they are about to release a newer version finally after some years called PlusDeck EX, with expected price of approx $340 , quite ridiculous. When in real terms PlusDeck adds no value as there are better ways of tape conversion with other systems, with greater digital quality. Keeping in view on how expensive this item is, they clearly need to review their strategy and try to focus on a price efficient and more technically advanced version available for all. It might even increase sales and development long term, even though the end users age group will soon hit the end of shelf life or even for the sake of nostalgia.
Posted by Amar, 13 Sep 2007
Outdated and not having Windows Vista driver as well
I agree this is an out dated over priced product yet not having drivers for Windows Vista.
Posted by Badarinarayan, 02 Jan 2010
plusdeck2c and windows 7
I need help. I recently had my plusdeck2c installed into my new computer which has windows 7. It looks like it is working properly and creates a file but it is not useable. I emailed plus deck but have gotten no responce. Any suggesstions?
Posted by Doreen Bullock, 11 Aug 2011
Re: plusdeck2c and windows 7
I have the same problem, if anyone could help, it would be most appreciated.
Posted by Grant Frost, 20 Sep 2011