how do i convert cassette tapes to c.d?

Question

i wish to convert music cassette to c.d

Answer 1

Plug in an audio cable from the headphones jack of your tape player to the line in jack on your PC.

Then record the tape (in real time) to your computer using a program like Music Match Jukebox. There are probably better programs than that though.

Then burn the new music files to a CD.

I know, it takes a long time. I did this with vinyl and it works well.

Answer 2

I presume you already have a cassette deck.

All you need now is the right cables (See the tutorial links below. It's stuff readily available at most good electronics stores.)

The basic process is the same: you play the tape, and your PC converts it (in real time) into an AIFF or WAV file (a pretty big file). Then you drag this into e.g. iTunes, and convert it into an mp3 (if you're an iPod person) OR burn the AIFF/WAV straight to disc with, e.g. Toast or Nero, to make a playable CD. (See the links below for more details on this process.)

And you need the right software, of course.

There are many software options for Windows or Mac - at least 6-7 acceptable programs out there. I have given you some links below for the free stuff. There are also modestly-priced alternatives at zdnet.com or download.com under 'mp3 utilities'.


TIPS FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

a. Your first few attempts may be disappointing. There may be audible hissing in the background; or the recording, even after being EQed, may still sound 'tinny'. Just play around with various threshold settings in the software - the more you experiment, the better the results get.

b. If there is significant warping to the tape, it's almost a lost cause to generate 'clear' mp3s. Save yourself the hassle and just buy the album on CD. The software filters can reduce the problem, but they can do only so much. However, I once rescued a tape that was 21 years old, without a hitch. If they've been well-stored, you should have no problems.

I'm not sure where you live. If you don't want the hassle of doing it yourself, do some Google work with key words: 'cassette conversion to digital', 'old cassettes to mp3', etc. This will turn up a lot of commercial services (if you are UK / US-based) which will do this for you, for a small fee.

I think, however, for just a handful of tapes, it's not worth it - have a go at doing it yourself; the most you need to buy is the cable and the jack, and download the software.

Best of luck!

The basic process is explained at:

http://www.blazeaudio.com/howto/lp-overview.html

A variety of software options for the job are discussed at:

http://www.soundabout.net/transfer_tape_to_cd_diy.htm