Hey AndyT,

The answer depends on the computer and whether you are using the built-in soundcard (which typically provide only analog inputs) or an accessory card that provides digital input as well.

If the former then you could just connect the 'Line Out' on the DAT player to the 'Line In' (not 'Microphone In') of the PC - although in that case you might as well use the output of your phono stage if you have one (or the 'Record Out' of your amp if not) and cut the DAT player out of the loop altogether. Alternatively you could use a USB-to-S/PDIF converter, although that would of course involve an additional purchase.

If the latter then you just connect the 'Digital Out' of the DAT Player to the 'Digital In' of the soundcard.

Hope this helps.

Struts,

Thanks for the reply.

The computer's a laptop. No fancy sound card. No unique digital inputs on it.

A picture in my head of how I could get the DAT files into my computer is to be able to hook the digital outs of DAT recorder up to the computer via USB. I've never seen a cable to connect 2 such devices or read of anyone doing it though.

Andy

Hi AndyT,

Check out the M-Audio Transit: "Digital I/O lets you transfer pristine audio between your computer and other devices such as MiniDisc and DAT." It should have you off to the races for under $80.

Good luck!

I had a similar situation. I use a Mac but this gave me a further problem: the core audio could not handle the 32kHz recordings I had made using my Sony DAT machine's long-play mode (DTC-55ES). My solution was to buy an Edirol UA-1EX USB audio interface(<$80 new) which can handle up to 24/96 and has an ADC for analogue inputs.
David