How to Convert Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders From Analog to Digital

Audio tape was once recorded using reel-to-reel recorders.

For years reel-to-reel audio tape players were the standard that master recording tapes were recorded on. They had a long recording time based on the amount of tape contained on the reel. And the quality of the recording was very good. The downside to these machines is they are big, and not portable at all. With digital technology you can now download a free cross-platform audio editor like "Power Sound Editor" or "Audacity" or "Wavosaur" to your computer. Once it's installed, you can convert those tapes to digital files.

Things You'll Need

• Audio cable to connect your reel-to-reel tape player to your computer

Instructions

1. Download and install the program of your choice to your computer's hard drive. Open the program on your computer.

2. Connect the audio cables from your reel-to-reel tape machine to your computer.

3. Press the record button on the audio editor on you computer.

4. Press the play button on your reel-to-reel tape player.

5. Save the recording to your computer, or export it to a CD or an MP3 player.

References

• Free Sound Editor: Free Sound Editor Software for Windows
• Audacity: Download
• Wavosaur: Free Audio Editor

Resources

• Covington Innovations: How to Digitize Audio Tapes