Convert Audio Cassettes to CD Or MP3 Digital Files Using Household Electronics
by Chris Papciak
 

I'm often asked how to transfer old audio cassettes to CD or other digital media files. What many people fail to realize, is that it's much easier than you think to perform this same type of audio conversion from your own home!

The primary step of the process is to get your hands on an audio cassette player or recorder. Most audio cassette players are fine for this job, as long as it either has a headphone jack or a red/white RCA outputs. If you're worried about the quality of your transfers, I'd recommend obtaining a high quality deck made by a name brand such as Panasonic or Sony. For the next steps, you'll need access to either a Mac or PC computer running Windows. If you already have access to an audio cassette player, and a home computer, you'll have just about everything you need to get started.

Once you get your hands on an audio cassette player, you'll want to check it out in order to find out which type of audio output it is supporting, whether it be RCA or 3.5mm headphone jack. This is very easy to tell, as it will either be red/white outlets, or a headphone jack, or both. If you have the RCA red/white outputs, you'll need a converter to combine the two lines into one with what is called an RCA to 3.5mm converter, which you can easily get at any local electronics store. If you plan on using a Walkman or other similar portable cassette player, chances are that you're only going to have a 3.5mm headphone jack as your audio output. In this case, all you'd need is a 3.5mm audio cable which is the exact same cord used to hook an iPod up to your car stereo. The next step involves simply connecting one end of the 3.5mm jack to the cassette player. Connect the other end of the wire to the back of your computer in the line-in slot. This slot is usually located next to your line-in and is typically colored blue on most newer models.

The next step of the process is to obtain the software necessary to record the audio. There is really fantastic free open-source audio editing software called Audacity which can be installed on both Mac and PCs. Once the program is installed, check to make sure that the audio settings are correct (verify the line-in is set as default, and not the microphone or other, consult Audacity help files on this if you're having problems), and then press play on your recorder, and immediately press "record" on Audacity, and your recording should be underway. Once the recording is finished, all you'll need to do is hit stop, and then save the .wav file to whatever you choose. I hope this guide will help to steer you in the right direction to transferring all your old tapes!

Chris Papciak has been working with computers and media for over 15 years. He has extensive knowledge in the field of media transfers, more specifically video tapes. He currently works as as a video transfer technician at a Southern California based company called DVD Your Memories, which specializes in converting VHS to DVD and other old media formats to digital.

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