Converting audio cassette tapes into CDs is a simple and low-cost procedure that will allow you to preserve your old audio files for years and years to come.
The Benefits of Converting Cassettes to CDs
Either you or your parents probably still have many audio cassette tapes stored up somewhere in the house. They may contain anything from old, favorite songs that are no longer being reproduced, personal recordings with sentimental value, or even professional research performed long ago.
If you happen to have the good fortune of having these tapes functional, then it’s time for you to convert them to electronic audio files as soon as possible. There’s no telling how much longer your tapes will maintain their integrity, since cassette tapes are much more vulnerable to wear and tear, magnetic disruption, deformation due to temperature, and many other environmental factors.
Tools You’ll Be Needing
To get started, first make sure you have all the necessary tools (which aren’t many): just a cassette player with a headphone jack (or “socket”), a computer with a soundcard, Tape To CD Recording Software, and a 3.5mm (1/8in) male-male stereo audio cable. (A “male” cable end is one that is like a plug, which will plug into the cassette player’s 3.5mm jack.) 3.5mm is a standard jack and plug size for cassette players as well as today’s computers, but if for any reason you need another size, then just get a 3.5mm-to-something adaptor at your local electronics store.
The Manual Conversion Process
Check the quality of your audio cassette tape. There’s no point converting a tape that has such a degraded sound quality that it is useless to you.
Setup the tape. It may have been a while since you’ve handled cassette tapes, so don’t forget the two cardinal rules: make sure you’re playing the correct side (A or B), and make sure that the tape is properly rewound.
Make the connection. Plug one end of the stereo audio cable into the cassette player, and the other end into your computer’s “Line in” jack. Although you could also use your computer’s “Microphone” jack, using the Line in jack will protect your sound card from possible damage while recording.
Prepare the software. Open your recording-capable software and make sure that all the settings and preferences are set just the way you want them.
Start recording. Press the big red dot (Record) on your recording program first, and then press the Play button on the cassette player. Wait until the entire side has played through, then stop the recorder and player.
Save the audio file onto your computer. Make sure you know the file name and where it’s being stored.
Do the other side. Flip the tape (no need to rewind) and do the entire process again.
Edit your sound files into CD tracks. Using audio editing software, divide your two big sound files into more manageable tracks, which will go into your CD.
Burn your CD.
That’s it. It is very easy to convert audio cassette tapes to CD with the right software.
About the Author
There are programs that specialize in converting audio cassette tapes to CDs, and include all the functions that you will need. I personally use and recommend Spin It Again for recording your tapes to CDs. Please read this Spin It Again Review to find out more about its features and capabilities.
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