📼 Tape Deck/Prep/Record

📋 Requirements

Deck Profile Presets

Save complete deck configurations in JSON files and load them instantly. Deck profiles can include tape type specifications, counter calibration, and all audio settings:

Manual calibrated deck profile:

{
  "deck_model": "AIWA AD-F780",
  "tape_type": "Type II",
  "tape_duration": 45,
  "counter_mode": "manual",
  "counter_config": "counter_calibration_aiwa.json",
  "leader_gap": 10,
  "track_gap": 5,
  "normalization": "lufs",
  "target_lufs": -14.0,
  "audio_latency": 0.2,
  "ffmpeg_path": "/usr/bin/ffmpeg"
}

Static counter deck profile:

{
  "deck_model": "Pioneer CT-R305",
  "tape_type": "Type I", 
  "tape_duration": 30,
  "counter_mode": "static",
  "counter_rate": 1.35,
  "leader_gap": 8,
  "track_gap": 4,
  "normalization": "peak",
  "audio_latency": 0.1,
  "ffmpeg_path": "/usr/bin/ffmpeg"
}

Usage:

# Load complete deck profile
python3 decprec.py --deck-profile deck_profiles/aiwa_adf780.json --tracks-folder ./tracks

# Override specific settings
python3 decprec.py --deck-profile deck_profiles/aiwa_adf780.json --tape-type "Type I" --tracks-folder ./tracks

Profile Directory Structure:

deck_profiles/
├── aiwa_adf780.json          # AIWA AD-F780 (Type II optimized)
├── sony_tcwe475.json         # Sony TC-WE475 (dual-well)
├── pioneer_ctr305.json       # Pioneer CT-R305 (basic)
└── technics_rsx205.json      # Technics RS-X205 (metal capable)

Counter Mode Parameter Rules:

Manual mode: Uses counter_config (ignores counter_rate)
Static mode: Uses counter_rate (ignores counter_config)
Auto mode: Uses neither (physics-based calculation)

Any command-line argument will override the profile value, allowing flexible customization.

📼 Tape Deck/Prep/Record

A nostalgic cassette tape recording utility with. Perfect for mixtapes nerd curated playlists to physical cassette tapes with professional-quality preparation and timing control.

 ___________________________________________
|  _______________________________________  |
| / .-----------------------------------. \ |
| | | /\ :                        90 min| | |
| | |/--\:....................... NR [ ]| | |
| | `-----------------------------------' | |
| |      //-\\   |         |   //-\\      | |
| |     ||( )||  |_________|  ||( )||     | |
| |      \\-//   :....:....:   \\-//      | |
| |       _ _ ._  _ _ .__|_ _.._  _       | |
| |      (_(_)| |(_(/_|  |_(_||_)(/_      | |
| |               low noise   |           | |
| `______ ____________________ ____ ______' |
|        /    []             []    \        |
|       /  ()                   ()  \       |
!______/_____________________________\______!

✨ Features

🎨 Professional UI - Clean colors, ASCII cassette art, and authentic tape deck aesthetics
� Track Selection Save/Load - Save and load track selections for reusable mixtape configurations
�🔊 Audio Normalization - Consistent volume levels across all tracks (cached for speed)
- Supports both Peak and LUFS normalization methods
- LUFS normalization for broadcast-standard perceived loudness
- Configurable target LUFS level (default: -14.0 LUFS)
📟 Multi-Mode Tape Counter - Large 4-digit counter with three calculation modes:
- Manual Calibrated: Uses your actual tape deck measurements with checkpoint interpolation
- Auto Physics: Realistic reel simulation (non-linear rate changes)
- Static Linear: Constant rate throughout tape
📊 Real-Time VU Meters - Wide 50-character segmented block displays with actual audio waveform analysis (L/R channels)
- Persistent display with dB scale (-60 to 0 dB) always visible
- Consistent 50-character width across all screens
- Live audio level tracking during playback and recording
🎚️ Adaptive Level Scaling - 95th percentile RMS normalization prevents constant peaking
📼 Leader Gap Support - Configurable pre-roll for non-magnetic leader tape
⏱️ Duration Management - Ensures tracks fit within cassette tape limits with visual warning
🎵 Advanced Track Preview - VCR-style playback with seek, play/pause, and track switching
⏪ Seek Controls - Rewind/forward 10 seconds during playback
🎮 Smart Navigation - Browse tracks (stops at first/last, no wraparound) while music continues in background
📝 Timestamped Tracklists - Creates unique reference files with counter positions
⏸️ Configurable Track Gaps - Set silence between tracks
🎬 Large Digital Countdown - Massive 7-segment style countdown with recording reminder
📈 Visual Progress Bars - Real-time progress indicators for both tracks and total recording time
🏷️ Descriptive Labels - Clear, self-explanatory UI labels (Track Gap, Tape Leader Gap, Total Recording Time, Tape Length)
🔧 Audio Latency Compensation - Adjustable sync between VU meters and audio output for perfect timing
📂 Folder Path Display - Shows current working folder in track list header
🔴 Capacity Warning - Red blinking alert when track selection exceeds tape length
📼 Comprehensive Tape Type Support - Full Type I-IV cassette specifications with bias/EQ information (informational display only)
💾 Enhanced Deck Profile System - JSON presets for complete deck configurations
⏰ Always-Visible Configuration - Timing and setup details displayed on all screens
🏷️ Proper Tape Length Support - C60/C90/C120 cassette specifications with accurate timing

📼 Tape Types & Specifications

The script supports all four major cassette tape types with authentic technical specifications:

Type	Name	Bias	Equalization	Characteristics
Type I	Normal/Ferric	120µs	120µs	Standard ferric oxide, most compatible
Type II	Chrome/High Bias	70µs	70µs	Chromium dioxide, better high frequency
Type III	Ferrochrome	120µs	70µs	Dual-layer (rare), Type I bias + Type II EQ
Type IV	Metal	70µs	70µs	Metal particle, highest quality and headroom

Usage:

# Specify tape type for authentic deck simulation
python3 decprec.py --tape-type "Type II" --tracks-folder ./tracks

# Different tape lengths (per side)
python3 decprec.py --duration 30 --tracks-folder ./tracks  # C60 (30min/side)
python3 decprec.py --duration 45 --tracks-folder ./tracks  # C90 (45min/side) 
python3 decprec.py --duration 60 --tracks-folder ./tracks  # C120 (60min/side)

The script automatically displays the proper C-type indicator (C60/C90/C120) and shows tape type information in the configuration section.

📋 Requirements

Python 3.12+ (Python 3.13 not supported due to pydub compatibility)
FFmpeg, FFprobe, FFplay
pydub library
curses (windows-curses on Windows)

🚀 Installation

Step 0: Get the Code

First, download or clone the repository:

Option A: Clone with Git (Recommended)

# Install git if you don't have it
# Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install git
# Arch/Manjaro: sudo pacman -S git

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/deckpreprec.git
cd deckpreprec

Option B: Download ZIP

Click the green "Code" button on GitHub
Select "Download ZIP"
Extract the ZIP file
Open terminal and navigate to the extracted folder:
```
cd path/to/deckpreprec
```

Option 1: Linux (Recommended)

Arch Linux / Manjaro

# Install dependencies
sudo pacman -S python ffmpeg

# Navigate to project (if not already there)
cd deckpreprec

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

# Install Python packages
pip install pydub pyloudnorm numpy

# Run the application
python decprec.py

Ubuntu / Debian

# Install dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv ffmpeg

# Create virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

# Install Python packages
pip install pydub pyloudnorm numpy

# Run the application
python decprec.py

Option 2: Windows (WSL - Recommended)

Running in WSL provides the best experience and maintains Linux compatibility:

# First, get the code (choose one method):

# Method A: Clone in WSL
wsl
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/deckpreprec.git
cd deckpreprec

# Method B: Access downloaded files from Windows
# If you downloaded/extracted to C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\deckpreprec
wsl
cd "/mnt/c/Users/YourUsername/Downloads/deckpreprec"

# Then follow Linux installation steps above

See WSL_SETUP.md for detailed WSL instructions.

Option 3: Windows (Native - Limited Support)

⚠️ Note: Script is designed for Linux. Windows native support is limited.

# First, download the code:
# Visit GitHub repository and click "Code" > "Download ZIP"
# Extract to a folder like C:\Users\YourUsername\deckpreprec

# Open PowerShell and navigate to the folder
cd C:\Users\YourUsername\deckpreprec

# Install Python 3.12 (NOT 3.13)
# Download from: https://www.python.org/downloads/

# Install FFmpeg
winget install --id Gyan.FFmpeg -e
# OR download from: https://www.gyan.dev/ffmpeg/builds/

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv .venv
.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

# Install dependencies
pip install windows-curses pydub pyloudnorm numpy

# Run the application (must specify ffmpeg.exe location on Windows)
# Find where FFmpeg is installed (common locations):
# - C:\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe
# - C:\Program Files\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe
# - C:\Users\YourUsername\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe

python decprec.py --ffmpeg-path "C:\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe"

📖 Usage

Basic Usage

python decprec.py

Advanced Options

python decprec.py --tracks-folder ./tracks --track-gap 5 --duration 60 --counter-rate 1.0 --leader-gap 10

Arguments:

--tracks-folder PATH - Audio tracks directory (default: ./tracks)
--track-gap N - Gap between tracks in seconds (default: 5)
--duration N - Maximum tape duration in minutes (default: 30)
--counter-mode MODE - Counter calculation mode: manual, auto, or static (default: static)
--counter-rate N - Counter increments per second for static mode (default: 1.0)
--counter-config PATH - Path to counter calibration file for manual mode (default: counter_calibration.json)
--calibrate-counter - Run interactive counter calibration wizard
--leader-gap N - Leader gap before first track in seconds (default: 10)
--normalization METHOD - Normalization method: peak or lufs (default: lufs)
--target-lufs N - Target LUFS level for LUFS normalization (default: -14.0)
--audio-latency N - Audio latency compensation in seconds for VU meter sync (default: 0.0, try 0.1-0.5 if audio lags behind meters)
--ffmpeg-path PATH - Path to ffmpeg binary (default: /usr/bin/ffmpeg). Use this on Windows to point to your ffmpeg.exe location

Supported Audio Formats

MP3, WAV, FLAC, WebM, M4A, AAC, OGG

Folder Structure

deckpreprec/
├── decprec.py
├── tracks/                    # Your audio files go here
│   ├── song1.mp3
│   ├── song2.wav
│   ├── song3.flac
│   ├── normalized/            # Auto-generated normalized files
│   │   ├── song1.mp3.lufs.normalized.wav    # LUFS normalized
│   │   ├── song1.mp3.peak.normalized.wav    # Peak normalized
│   │   └── song2.wav.lufs.normalized.wav
│   ├── deck_tracklist_20241211_143022.txt  # Timestamped tracklists
│   └── deck_tracklist_20241211_151545.txt
├── venv/                      # Virtual environment
├── counter_calibration.json   # Your tape deck calibration (manual mode)
└── README.md

📟 Tape Counter Calibration

The script supports three counter modes to match your specific tape deck:

Counter Modes

1. Static Mode (Default) - Constant Rate

python decprec.py --counter-mode static --counter-rate 1.408

Counter increments at a constant rate throughout the tape
Simplest and most common counter type
Best for decks with linear/constant counters
Use --counter-rate to set your deck's rate

Measuring Your Counter Rate:

Reset deck counter to 000
Press RECORD and start stopwatch
Let it run for 15-30 minutes (longer = more accurate)
Note: counter value and time in seconds
Calculate: counter_rate = counter / time_seconds

Example: 2534 counter at 30 minutes (1800s) → rate = 1.408

2. Manual Calibrated Mode - Uses Your Deck's Actual Behavior

# Step 1: Calibrate your deck (one-time setup)
python decprec.py --calibrate-counter

# Step 2: Use calibrated counter
python decprec.py --counter-mode manual

This mode uses checkpoints you measure from your actual tape deck and interpolates between them for accuracy throughout the entire tape.

Calibration Process:

Insert blank tape (C60 or C90)
Reset deck counter to 000
Press RECORD and use stopwatch
Note counter at these checkpoints:
- 1 minute (60s)
- 5 minutes (300s)
- 20 minutes (1200s)
- 30 minutes (1800s)
- Optional: End of tape side
Enter values in the wizard
Configuration saved to profiles/counter_calibration.json

Note: Calibration files are stored in the profiles/ directory alongside your deck profiles. Track audio files are kept separate in the tracks folder (default: ./tracks).

Example Calibration Data:

{
  "tape_type": "C60",
  "deck_model": "Sony TC-D5M",
  "checkpoints": [
    {"time_seconds": 60, "counter": 85},
    {"time_seconds": 300, "counter": 422},
    {"time_seconds": 1200, "counter": 1690},
    {"time_seconds": 1800, "counter": 2534}
  ]
}

Benefits:

Most accurate for your specific deck
Handles non-linear counter behavior
One-time calibration, reusable forever
Can calibrate multiple decks with different config files

3. Auto Physics Mode - Simulates Tape Reel Mechanics

python decprec.py --counter-mode auto --counter-rate 1.408

Simulates how counter changes with reel radius
Counter runs faster at start (small radius), slower at end (large radius)
Based on cassette tape physics:
- Tape speed: 47.625 mm/s (1⅞ ips)
- Hub radius: 10mm
- Tape thickness: 0.016mm
Useful for decks with mechanically-driven counters

When to use each mode:

Static: Your deck counter runs at constant speed (most common)
Manual: You want maximum accuracy for your specific deck
Auto: Your deck's counter is mechanically connected to the reel rotation

Advanced: Multiple Deck Calibrations

Create separate calibration files for different decks:

# Calibrate deck A
python decprec.py --calibrate-counter --counter-config deck_a.json

# Calibrate deck B
python decprec.py --calibrate-counter --counter-config deck_b.json

# Use specific deck
python decprec.py --counter-mode manual --counter-config deck_a.json

🎹 Keyboard Controls

Main Menu (Track Selection)

Key	Action
`↑` / `↓` / `K` / `J`	Navigate tracks (stops at first/last, keeps current track playing)
`Space`	Select/deselect track for recording
`C`	Clear all selected tracks
`S`	Save current track selection to file
`L`	Load track selection from file
`P`	Play/Pause track (toggle playback)
`X`	Stop playback and reset position
`1`	Play 400Hz test tone (30 seconds)
`2`	Play 1kHz test tone (30 seconds)
`3`	Play 10kHz test tone (30 seconds)
`←` / `→`	Rewind/Forward 10 seconds (while playing)
`[` / `]`	Jump to previous/next track and play (stops at boundaries)
`Enter`	Start recording process
`Q`	Quit application

Normalization Preview Mode

Key	Action
`↑` / `↓` / `K` / `J`	Navigate tracks (keeps current track playing)
`P`	Play/Pause track (toggle playback)
`X`	Stop playback and reset position
`1`	Play 400Hz test tone (30 seconds)
`2`	Play 1kHz test tone (30 seconds)
`3`	Play 10kHz test tone (30 seconds)
`←` / `→`	Rewind/Forward 10 seconds (while playing)
`[` / `]`	Jump to previous/next track and play
`Enter`	Proceed to recording
`Q`	Return to main menu

Recording Mode

Key	Action
`Q`	Return to main menu

🔴 Capacity Warning System

The script provides visual alerts when your track selection exceeds tape capacity:

Warning Indicators:

Bold Red Blinking Text - Total recording time and tape length flash in red
Automatic Detection - Triggers when selected tracks exceed tape duration
Persistent Display - Warning remains visible until track selection is adjusted
All Screen Coverage - Warnings appear on main menu, preview, and configuration screens

Example Warning:

Total Recording Time: 52:34  ← Bold red blinking when > tape capacity
Tape Length: C90 (45 min per side)  ← Bold red blinking

The warning calculation includes track gaps and leader tape to give accurate capacity assessment.

📊 Enhanced Configuration Display

All screens now show comprehensive configuration information:

Always Visible Information:

Tape Counter Config: Manual (Deck Model) / Auto (Physics) / Static (Rate)
Tape Type: Type I-IV with bias/EQ specifications and characteristics
Audio Settings: Normalization method and target levels
Timing: Leader gaps, track gaps, and latency compensation
Total Recording Time: Always displayed (00:00 when no tracks selected)
Tape Length: C60/C90/C120 indicator with per-side duration
Capacity Status: Real-time warning when approaching/exceeding limits

This ensures you always have complete visibility of your deck configuration regardless of which screen you're on.

⚙️ Command-Line Arguments

Core Options

# Basic usage
python3 decprec.py --tracks-folder ~/music/mixtape

# Audio settings
--normalization {peak,lufs}        # Normalization method (default: lufs)
--target-lufs TARGET_LUFS          # Target LUFS level (default: -14.0)
--audio-latency SECONDS            # VU meter sync compensation (try 0.1-0.5)

# Tape settings
--duration MINUTES                 # Tape length per side: 30(C60), 45(C90), 60(C120)
--tape-type {Type I,Type II,Type III,Type IV}  # Cassette type (default: Type I)
--leader-gap SECONDS              # Leader tape before first track (default: 10)
--track-gap SECONDS               # Silence between tracks (default: 5)

# Counter system  
--counter-mode {manual,auto,static}    # Counter calculation mode (default: static)
--counter-rate RATE                    # Static mode: increments per second
--counter-config FILE                  # Manual mode: calibration data file
--calibrate-counter                    # Run interactive calibration wizard

# System settings
--ffmpeg-path PATH                     # Custom FFmpeg binary location
--deck-profile FILE                    # Load complete deck configuration

Complete Examples

Basic mixtape recording:

python3 decprec.py --tracks-folder ~/music/summer2024 --duration 45 --tape-type "Type II"

Professional setup with LUFS and manual counter:

python3 decprec.py --tracks-folder ~/studio/album --counter-mode manual --normalization lufs --target-lufs -16.0 --audio-latency 0.2

Using deck profile with overrides:

python3 decprec.py --deck-profile deck_profiles/sony_tcwe475.json --tracks-folder ~/music --tape-type "Type I"

Calibrate new deck:

python3 decprec.py --calibrate-counter --counter-config my_deck.json

🎯 Workflow

Launch Application
```
python decprec.py
```
Select Tracks
- Navigate with arrow keys (↑/↓)
- Preview tracks with P key (play/pause toggle)
- VU meters display at top with dB scale - always visible
- Use ←/→ to rewind/forward 10 seconds while playing
- Use [/] to quickly jump between tracks
- Press Space to select/deselect tracks for recording
- Monitor total duration and folder path in header
- Real-time playback position displayed
Start Recording Process
- Press Enter when tracks are selected
- Wait for normalization (LUFS or Peak method, cached for subsequent runs)
- Review normalized tracks with level info (LUFS/dBFS values)
- Preview with persistent VU meters showing audio levels in real-time
- Full playback controls available during preview
Deck Preparation
- Press Enter to start large digital 7-segment countdown
- Important reminder displayed: "PRESS RECORD ON YOUR DECK WHEN COUNTDOWN HITS 0"
- Prepare your cassette deck while countdown runs
- Watch the massive digital countdown numbers
- Can cancel with Q if needed
Recording
- Press RECORD on your deck when countdown hits 0
- Leader gap countdown (default 10s for non-magnetic tape)
- Large digital tape counter displayed prominently
- Counter starts incrementing from 0000 during leader gap
- First track starts after leader gap
- Monitor real-time VU meters (50-character width, L/R channels with dB scale)
- Visual progress bars for current track and total recording time
- Watch digital tape counter and track progress
- Timestamped tracklist saved automatically
Reference Your Tracklist
- Check tracks/deck_tracklist_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.txt for:
  - Session timestamp
  - Leader gap counter range
  - Track start/end times
  - Counter positions
  - Track durations

📸 Screenshots

Main Menu - Track Selection

Browse and select tracks. Preview is also available

Track Preview and Normalization summary

Preview tracks order and normalization value

Prep Countdown

10-second countdown

Leader Gap Countdown

leader gap countdown to pass the record head

Recording Mode with VU Meters

Real-time VU meters, tape counter, and track progress

Tracklist Output

Real-time VU meters, tape counter, and track progress

🎨 UI Design Details

Neon Color Scheme: Cyan, magenta, yellow, green, red, white
Clean ASCII Cassette Art: Modern, detailed tape graphics with reels and label area
Physics-Based Tape Counter: Large 4-digit display with realistic reel behavior
- 7-line tall digital 7-segment style digits for excellent visibility
- Models actual cassette tape reel physics (non-linear counter rate)
- Counter driven by take-up reel rotation simulation
- Faster counting at tape beginning (small reel), slower at end (large reel)
- Matches real-world tape deck behavior
- "[TAPE COUNTER]" label for clarity
Wide Segmented VU Meters: 50-character block displays (██) with full dB scale (-60 to 0 dB)
- Consistent width across all screens (normalization, main menu, recording)
- Always visible during playback and recording
- Real-time stereo channel monitoring (L/R)
- Color-coded zones for visual feedback
Dynamic Color Zones: White (0-85%) → Red (85-100%) peak indicators
Waveform Analysis: Pre-computed RMS levels with 50ms chunk resolution
Professional Box Drawing: Double-line borders and frames (╔═╗╚╝)
Large Digital Countdown: Massive 7-segment style numbers (7 lines tall) with blink effect
Recording Reminder: Red blinking text during countdown: "PRESS RECORD ON YOUR DECK WHEN COUNTDOWN HITS 0"
Progress Bars: Color-coded bars (█ and ░) for track and total time
Track Preview Indicator: Musical note (♪) symbol for playing tracks
Capacity Warning: Red blinking highlight when track selection exceeds tape length
Clear Labels: Descriptive text throughout (no cryptic abbreviations)
Smart Navigation: Stops at list boundaries instead of wrapping around

📝 Configuration Tips

Tape Counter Rate

The counter now uses physics-based simulation that models real cassette tape reel behavior. The counter rate changes non-linearly as tape moves from supply to take-up reel:

Beginning of tape: Smaller take-up reel = faster counter rate
Middle of tape: Medium reel size = rate matches your --counter-rate setting
End of tape: Larger take-up reel = slower counter rate

Configure the base counter rate to match your deck's behavior at the middle of the tape:

# If counter reaches ~60 at mid-tape after 1 minute
python decprec.py --counter-rate 1.0

# If counter reaches ~120 at mid-tape after 1 minute  
python decprec.py --counter-rate 2.0

# Custom rate (e.g., 1.1) - tune to match your deck
python decprec.py --counter-rate 1.1

Note: The physics simulation automatically accounts for reel diameter changes, so you only need to set the base rate. The counter will speed up and slow down naturally just like a real tape deck!

Leader Gap Configuration

Adjust leader gap for non-magnetic tape at beginning:

# Short leader (5 seconds)
python decprec.py --leader-gap 5

# Standard leader (10 seconds - default)
python decprec.py --leader-gap 10

# Long leader (15 seconds)
python decprec.py --leader-gap 15

Normalization Methods

Choose between peak and LUFS normalization:

# LUFS normalization (default) - broadcast standard, consistent perceived loudness
python decprec.py --normalization lufs --target-lufs -14.0

# Peak normalization - maximizes amplitude
python decprec.py --normalization peak

# Custom LUFS target (e.g., for louder output)
python decprec.py --normalization lufs --target-lufs -12.0

Audio Latency Compensation

Sync VU meters with audio output (useful in WSL or with audio buffering):

# No compensation (default)
python decprec.py --audio-latency 0.0

# Delay meters by 0.2 seconds to match audio lag
python decprec.py --audio-latency 0.2

# Fine-tune for perfect sync (try 0.1-0.5)
python decprec.py --audio-latency 0.3

Common Tape Lengths

# C60 cassette (30 minutes per side)
python decprec.py --duration 30

# C90 cassette (45 minutes per side)
python decprec.py --duration 45

# C120 cassette (60 minutes per side)
python decprec.py --duration 60

Complete Example

Full configuration for a C90 tape with LUFS normalization and latency compensation:

python decprec.py \
  --tracks-folder ~/tracks \
  --duration 45 \
  --track-gap 5 \
  --leader-gap 10 \
  --counter-rate 1.1 \
  --normalization lufs \
  --target-lufs -14.0 \
  --audio-latency 0.2

🐛 Troubleshooting

Python 3.13 Compatibility Error

ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'audioop'

Solution: Use Python 3.12 or earlier. Python 3.13 removed the audioop module.

FFmpeg Not Found

RuntimeWarning: Couldn't find ffmpeg or avconv

Solution: Install FFmpeg and ensure it's in your PATH.

No Audio Tracks Found

Solution: Place audio files in the tracks/ folder.

Curses Issues on Windows

Solution: Use WSL or install windows-curses:

pip install windows-curses

LUFS Normalization Not Available

ERROR: LUFS normalization requires pyloudnorm

Solution: Install pyloudnorm for LUFS support:

pip install pyloudnorm

Or use peak normalization instead:

python decprec.py --normalization peak

VU Meters Not Syncing with Audio

Symptom: VU meters appear to move before or after the actual sound

Solution: Use audio latency compensation to sync meters with output:

# If meters are ahead of audio (common in WSL)
python decprec.py --audio-latency 0.2

# Adjust value between 0.1-0.5 until perfectly synced
python decprec.py --audio-latency 0.3

📄 License

MIT License

🤝 Contributing

Contributions welcome! Feel free to submit issues or pull requests.

🙏 Acknowledgments

Inspired by classic tape deck recording workflows
Professional recording studio interface
Mixtape culture and physical media preservation

Made with 💜 for cassette tape enthusiasts

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
Latest commit History 58 Commits
images		images
COUNTER_CALIBRATION_GUIDE.md		COUNTER_CALIBRATION_GUIDE.md
README.md		README.md
decprec.py		decprec.py
decpreprec.py		decpreprec.py

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Latest commit

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Repository files navigation

📋 Requirements

Deck Profile Presets

📼 Tape Deck/Prep/Record

✨ Features

📼 Tape Types & Specifications

📋 Requirements

🚀 Installation

Step 0: Get the Code

Option 1: Linux (Recommended)

Arch Linux / Manjaro

Ubuntu / Debian

Option 2: Windows (WSL - Recommended)

Option 3: Windows (Native - Limited Support)

📖 Usage

Basic Usage

Advanced Options

Supported Audio Formats

Folder Structure

📟 Tape Counter Calibration

Counter Modes

1. Static Mode (Default) - Constant Rate

2. Manual Calibrated Mode - Uses Your Deck's Actual Behavior

3. Auto Physics Mode - Simulates Tape Reel Mechanics

Advanced: Multiple Deck Calibrations

🎹 Keyboard Controls

Main Menu (Track Selection)

Normalization Preview Mode

Recording Mode

🔴 Capacity Warning System

📊 Enhanced Configuration Display

⚙️ Command-Line Arguments

Core Options

Complete Examples

🎯 Workflow

📸 Screenshots

Main Menu - Track Selection

Track Preview and Normalization summary

Prep Countdown

Leader Gap Countdown

Recording Mode with VU Meters

Tracklist Output

🎨 UI Design Details

📝 Configuration Tips

Tape Counter Rate

Leader Gap Configuration

Normalization Methods

Audio Latency Compensation

Common Tape Lengths

Complete Example

🐛 Troubleshooting

Python 3.13 Compatibility Error

FFmpeg Not Found

No Audio Tracks Found

Curses Issues on Windows

LUFS Normalization Not Available

VU Meters Not Syncing with Audio

📄 License

🤝 Contributing

🙏 Acknowledgments

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