How to Convert an Audio Cassette to CD Freeware

Cassettes can be coverted to CDs through a computer.

Cassette tapes were phased out of the audio music industry in the 1990s but it's still possible and easy to transfer the content to a CD through freeware. The process involves an audio cable and an audio recording program. Most computers have such a program built into it. Freeware products are also available via download that can accomplish the same task.

Things You'll Need

• Cassette player
• Cassette tape
• RCA to 3.5mm audio cable
• Computer

Instructions

Recording the Audio

1. Plug the red and white ends of the RCA cable into the "Audio Out" port on the cassette deck. Insert the opposite 3.5mm cable into the "Line-In" jack on the computer.

2. Launch the audio recording program you have installed on the computer. Windows comes with such a program already placed on the system. Select "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "Entertainment" and finally "Audio Recorder." Set the audio recording program to record from "Line-In," then press "Play" on the cassette tape and "Record" on the program. The software begins to record. Click "Stop" to stop the recording and choose "File," "Save" and the audio file saves as either a .wav or mp3.

3. Download and install the Recording Audio into MP3 software (if you do not like the recording program available in windows). There is a full link available in "Resources." Press "Play" on the cassette deck, then select "Record" on the program and it records into an MP3. Click "Stop," then "File," "Save" and the MP3 audio file saves.

4. Download and install Audacity (full link in "Resources"). Select "Line-In" as the recording option, then press "Play" and click "Record." Select "Stop" to stop recording, then click "File," "Save as Wav" to save the imported audio file.

Record audio

1. Insert the blank CD into the CD burner and close out any AutoPlay windows that appear.

2. Click "Start," (My) "Computer" and double-click the CD icon. Once the window appears click-and-drag the audio files you created into the open window.

3. Close out the window once you have finished copying the audio into the CD. Right-click the CD icon and choose "Properties."

4. Click "Recording" from the top and click "OK." The audio files are now placed onto the CD.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Burning Secrets

Resources

• PistonSoft: Record Audio into MP3
• Audacity