Archiving DATs to computer or server HD

Thanks RW for telling me about Google. I thought that it was something that Popeye used for a sore throat. Thanks Dtc for a very comprehensive answer. My DAT deck has XLR and RCA digital outputs. I can also convert to toslink. I still need to know exactly how to get the digital info into a laptop. Do I need to buy a computer that has digital audio inputs ? -- I haven't been able to find one. Or, do I need an audio interface -- and, if so, exactly what ? I do know that I will have to install software, and that there are several choices. I appreciate your time and trouble in answering. Thanks again. JTV

Buy a used m audio micro tracker......100 bucks. Then transfer to your hard drive. If you don't get what I've posted above......which is as simple as can be.....then leave it to someone else.

This is as about a difficult as sharpening a pencil.

What's with the insults? The OP clearly is not experienced in this area and is asking for help. When he does not know what he is looking for, just throwing out a bunch of manufactures names is not very useful. The Micro Track suggestion is a good one.

The Micro Track is a hand held device that has a digital input and then writes a digital file on a SD card. It is a good option, but not available new as far as I can tell. It is available used on ebay and Amazon. Most of the small handhelds do not have a digital input.

Their are also usb options like the Tascam US-1800 which has a S/PDIF input and outputs to a PC via usb. If you have long play 32KHz files the Tascam will handle them, I believe. Not sure if the Micro Track does or not.

If you have a PC with a S/PDIF input, you might be able to use that directly, as long as the digital input is visible to programs like Audacity or Vinyl Studio.

The usb or S/PDIF option is probably quicker as long as it works correctly. They usually do, but there can be timing issues when recording. The SD card option is relatively straightforward, although you have to manually transfer the card to your PC.

Whichever way you go you end end up with either a large wav or flac file or with indivual tracks. But to get record individual tracks you have to stand by the equipment and indicate when a new track begins, which is kind of a pain. I would suggest recording the whole thing and then use Vinyl Studio to pull them apart into separate tracks and to name the tracks.

Forget the insults and keep asking any questions you have.

Any software program will allow you to add track flags.....cost 75 bucks. You don't have to stand over any machine and press a button in real time. Tasman and Fostex make new handheld devices that have digital ins for in and around 200 new.

It seems the same question gets asked and answered over and over again. If someone's ego is fragile and can't withstand a statement like it is as easy as sharpening a pencil.......my apologies.....but really it is that easy.

Usb is for transferring the file after it has been written from your digital recording device to your computer. .spdif is for sending the digital signal to your recording device from your dat machine in real time.