How to Copy a Tape to a CD
Copying a cassette tape to a compact disc requires the intermediate step of converting the analog audio signal on the tape into a digital format. This requires a computer with recording software and a CD burner. The connection between the computer and a tape deck takes only seconds. Once hooked up, the deck can be used for audio playback to the computer. The digital copy can then be burned to a blank CD.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape deck
- Standard audio cables
- Y-adapter with RCA jacks on one end and a 3.5mm mini-plug on the other
- Computer with recording software and CD burner
- Blank CDs
Instructions
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Connect the audio cables to the playback jacks on the back of the tape deck. The white plug connects to the left audio channel and the red plug goes to the right.
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2
Insert the plugs on the other end into the Y-adapter jacks, then insert the mini-plug on the Y-adapter into the computer's "Line IN" jack.
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3
Open the recording software on the computer by double-clicking the name of the program.
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4
Insert a tape in the tape deck and press the "Play" button.
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Click the "Record" button on the recording software. Click "Stop" when finished recording.
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Click the "File" tab on the recording software, choose "Save" and type a name for the recording. Click "Save."
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Insert a blank CD in the computer's media tray, close the tray and open the software that manages the CD burner, such as Media Player on a Windows PC or iTunes on a Mac.
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Click the "Burn" tab on the software, then select "File" or "My Music" to explore the audio files on the computer.
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Click and hold the mouse button on the selected audio file, then drag it under the "Burn" tab and release the button. Repeat with as many audio files as desired until the CD is full. The remaining available time for recording to the disc should be displayed at the bottom of the "Burn" list.
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Click "Start Burn" or "Burn CD" to begin copying the audio files to the disc.
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Tips & Warnings
Record and save tracks on a tape individually on the computer to make it easier to create a mix CD or rearrange audio tracks.
Connect the audio cables while the tape deck is unplugged from the electricity.
References
- Photo Credit messed up cassette image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
