How to Convert Audio Tapes to Digital Files

Audacity program window

Before the rise of compact discs and digital recordings, a popular way of storing sound recordings was through audio cassettes. Not only was this media relatively inexpensive, durable and portable, tape players were similarly convenient. However, with each playing of this analog storage medium, sound quality degraded. To preserve sound quality and to allow software editing, you can convert your audio tapes to digital files.

Things You'll Need

• Audio tape
• Tape player
• Cable with connectors to match the player and computer
• Computer with audio input
• Audio capture and editing program, such as Audacity

Instructions

1. Insert the audio tape into your tape player. Play the tape so you can adjust the volume to a mid-range level. Rewind the tape back to the beginning and then stop it.

2. Connect the player to your PC using an appropriate cable. Though the jacks and ports will depend on the type of tape player and computer, you typically need to connect the Line Out jack from your player to the Line In port of your PC. If this connection doesn't transfer any sound, try connecting the Earphone jack from your player to the Microphone port of your PC.

3. Download, install and run a free sound recording program like Audacity. (The link is under Resources.) The program window appears.

4. Choose the correct input source from the center right menu dropdown. This will typically be Analog Mix or Microphone.

5. Adjust the recording rate in the Project Rate dropdown in the lower left. The higher the rate, the better the sound quality and the bigger the file. Start with the default rate of 44,100 Hertz.

6. Press the red Record button at the top of the program window to begin recording and then press the Play button on your tape player to play the audio. A blue sound graph appears in the software to show the status of the recording. Note how the cursor as well as the scroll bar continually moves right as the sound progresses. When the blue sonograph minimizes to a straight line, your tape is finished playing.

7. Stop the player and then press the yellow Stop button in the program to finish recording.

8. Go to the beginning of the sound capture by moving the scroll bar to the far left and then clicking the cursor into the flat line at the beginning of the graph.

9. Press the green Play button to listen to your recording. You can edit the recording as needed using the program tools. For example, if the flat lines at the beginning and end of the graph produce an unacceptable hiss, you can select and delete them.

10. Export the recording as a digital file by choosing the File menu and then Export. The Edit Metadata dialogue appears. Enter any relevant information, such as the title and year, and then click the OK button. The Export File dialogue appears.

11. Browse to the folder in which you want to store the new file. Then choose the file type from the Save As Type dropdown. For the best sound quality, use WAV. For a more compact format, use MP3. Enter a file title and click the Save button to save your recording as a digital file.

12. Save the current project in case you want to edit the recording later. From the File menu, choose Save Project and enter a project title in the dialogue. Click the Save button.

13. Play the newly created digital file to test the sound. If it's not acceptable, you can return to the saved project for further editing.

Tips & Warnings

• Many business computers may not have sound input or output features. However, home computers typically do, so you may have to conduct this process at home.

References

• Transfers
• Audacity Home Page

Resources

• Download Audacity