How to Copy Cassette Tapes to CDs or a Computer
Copying cassette tapes to a CD or computer requires a PC or laptop equipped with a soundcard for converting the analog audio on tape to a digital format that can be stored on the computer's hard drive. The computer also needs a CD burner to get the converted audio file onto a disc. Recording software can be purchased at computer stores and through online retailers, although free recording software is available for download on the Internet.
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Things You'll Need
- Cassette deck
- RCA audio cables
- Y-adapter with 3.5mm plug on one end and two RCA jacks on the other
- Computer or laptop with soundcard and CD burner
Instructions
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1
Connect the white and red plugs on a set of RCA audio cables to the left and right "Audio Out" jacks on the tape deck, and insert the other ends of the cable into a Y adapter.
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2
Attach the 3.5mm plug on the Y adapter to the computer's soundcard, typically the "AUX IN" jack on the back of the central processing unit (CPU) or back edge of a laptop.
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3
Open the recording software by double-clicking the name of the program, then click the "File" tab and choose "New" to create a new project.
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4
Insert a cassette into the tape deck and press "Play," then click the "Record" button on the computer software. The button usually has a red circle in the center.
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5
Click the "Stop" button when finished recording, and click the "File" tab to choose "Save As." Type a name for the audio recording and save it as a .WAV file, which is suitable for burning to a CD or uploading to an MP3 player. Click "OK" to save the recording on the computer.
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Open the CD burner software on the computer. This is usually iTunes or QuickTime on an Apple computer or Media Player on a Windows platform.
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Place a blank CD in the computer's media tray and close the tray.
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Click the "Burn" tab at the top of the screen, then open the folder containing the converted cassette recording file.
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Click and hold the left mouse button to grab the file and drag it to the empty list below the "Burn" tab, then release the mouse button to drop the file in the Burn list. Repeat with as many audio files as desired for burning to the CD until the disc is at full capacity for recording. A message will display in Burn field with the remaining available recording time.
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Click "Start Burn" at the bottom of the list to burn the converted cassette recordings to CD.
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Tips & Warnings
Recording individual songs on a cassette as digital files will make it easier to create a music mix CD. If the goal is to copy an entire cassette to CD, then only one file of the whole recording needs to be made.
Log off and shut down the computer while connecting the tape deck to the soundcard with the Y adapter.
