How to Convert Audio Cassette to CD
Converting an audio cassette tape to a CD is a great way to preserve the music you own and listen to it in a more convenient format. To do this, you'll need to connect your cassette deck to your computer, record the deck's output with software, and convert it into files to burn on a CD.
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Things You'll Need
- audio cassette player
- RCA to 1/8 inch stereo cable
- computer with audio card and CD burner
- recording software
Instructions
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Cassette audio output
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You will need to get the audio signal out of your cassette deck. Most common cassette decks have at least RCA stereo outputs (red and white jacks.) These will allow us to output our analog audio signal out of the deck and into our computer.
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You will need to connect your cassette deck to your computer using the the RCA to 1/8 inch cable.
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Connect the RCA stereo jacks to the RCA outputs on your cassette deck. Just match white to white and red to red.
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Connect the 1/8 inch stereo jack to the computer audio input. Look for a small port with a microphone symbol or label. You'll find it on the front or back of your computer, perhaps on the side if you are using a laptop. You are now connected and ready to capture your cassette player's signal.
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The signal you are sending to your computer is an analog signal, which will be converted to a digital signal. This is the job of the audio card in your computer. To control this process, you will need software. Try the resources below or use software that is already installed on your computer. A quick search for software on the internet can provide quite a few free and low-cost options.
No matter what software you choose, you at least need a program that will capture the audio and save your recorded file to the proper CD format.
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If you are using Audacity or Digitope's Media Digitalizer (See Resources below), all the tools you need are available to record tracks, edit them, and convert them to the proper CD format. You can record each track separately, or record one entire side of the tape. The editing tools will allow you to create individual tracks and rearrange them if you like. Look through any available effects tools. A noise removal tool is useful in cleaning up the hiss from low-end or dirty tape heads.
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If your software only records the audio, you'll have to do the rest manually. Save the recorded files as a WAVE file (.wav - 16-bit PCM with a 44,100 Hz sample rate.) You should see these settings when you save the file. They are what you will need to create the CD audio files, and 16/44.1kHz is the proper CD required setting.
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After you have each song recorded and saved in the proper .wav format, you are ready to burn them onto a CD. Once again, software is needed, but fortunately most operating systems provide basic CD burning software standard. PC users have Windows Media Player and Mac users can create a burn folder or use iTunes, for example.
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Tips & Warnings
Cassette-to-CD recording hardware is available, with no computer required. This a more expensive option, but is less labor intensive and computer skills are not required. (See Resources) The easiest way to convert your audio cassettes to CD is to have a duplication shop handle the work. If you have a huge collection or would rather not spend the time doing it yourself, a reputable duplicator will be happy to do it for you. Shop around for the best rate, and you may find it fits within your budget. (See References for sample rates)
References
Resources
- Photo Credit All Images Credited to Michael B. Smith
