Cassette tapes have long since become a nostalgic object of the past. Cassettes still have old memories or rare audio recorded on them. According to Andybrain.com, converting cassette audio to CD format is easy and inexpensive. Converting cassette audio to CD format is advisable as it not only records precious audio and long forgotten memories before it degrades further but also saves physical storage space.

Required Hardware and Software

The required hardware for this project is cheap and easily available at any electronic store. You need connector cables to connect the computer and the cassette player. The simplest option is to use a double-ended 3.5mm stereo cable. Other available options are a 3.5mm Stereo to RCA Dual Audio Cable or stereo hook-up cable with RCA connectors at both ends and a 3.5mm mini-connector adapter or a stereo hook-up cable with RCA connectors at both ends and RCA-to-USB audio interface. Besides cable connectors, you need a computer that has a sound card with a line-in jack. Sometimes laptops may come without a line-in jack. In this case, use either a USB interface or the microphone in port. You need a cassette player with RCA output jacks or line-out jack. Apart from this, you also need a sound recording software like Acoustica.

Converting Casstte Audio to CD

The first step is to connect the computer and the cassette player. When using the stereo hook-up cable with RCA connectors at both ends and a 3.5mm mini-connector adapter, connect the one end of the RCA connector to the cassette player's line-out jack and the other end of the adapter and connect the adapter's connector to the computer's line-in jack. When using the stereo hook-up cable with RCA connectors at both ends and RCA-to-USB audio interface, plug the RCA connector to the interface and the USB to the computer's USB port. Using any other connector will require connecting the two ends of the cable with one end plugged into the cassette player and the other end to the computer. Once the computer and the cassette player is connected, turn on the computer and cassette player. Set the cassette audio to the desired spot. Click Record on the sound recording software. Then hit play on the cassette player. Using the software, save the audio and then edit the recorded audio. Burn the final recorded audio to a CD.

Tips

Choose a sound-recording software that allows you to record audio to MP3 format directly. Use a noise reduction software to remove external noise from the recorded audio. It is better to use the line-in jack of the sound card than the microphone jack. If the audio is rare, make a back-up copy.

Source:

Andybrain.com-Convert Cassette to CD Digital

Help2go.com-Convert Cassette Tapes to CD

Acoustica.com- Cassette to CD

More Information:

Soundabout.net-Transfer Cassette to CD DIY