How to Convert Tapes to MP3 Recorders on a USB

A cassette collection can be converted to MP3 files with the use of a USB-cassette archiver.

With the convenience and storage capacity of MP3's, older music media may begin to seem obsolete. For the long-term music fan, however, the notion of selling off hundreds of cassettes, CD's and records isn't a very pleasant option. CDs can easily be ripped onto a computer as MP3's, and several options exist on the market for ripping high-quality versions of vinyl records to a home computer. Listeners can now use a simple USB device to rip their audio-cassette collections as well.

Things You'll Need

• Ion Tape2PC USB Cassette Archiver
• EZ Converter software

Instructions

Windows 7/Vista

1. Insert a cassette into Deck B. Connect the Tape2PC cassette player to your computer's USB port and turn on the power. Rewind the cassette to the beginning of the first side.

2. Open the Hardware and Sound menu in the Windows Control Panel. Double-click "Sound" and select the "Recording" tab. Click "Microphone - USB Audio Codec" and click "Set Default." Now your computer's recording input is taken exclusively from the USB-cassette archiver. Leave this window open.

3. Click the "Properties" button in the Recording window. Select the "Advanced" tab and change the Default Format setting to "2-channel, 16-bit 44100 Hz (CD Quality)." Uncheck both boxes under the "Exclusive Mode" heading. Click "Apply," but do not close the window yet.

4. Click the "Levels" tab and adjust the level slider to 4. Click "Apply" and close all of the Control Panel windows.

5. Open the EZ Converter software. When the program opens, it will provide you with a series of specific instructions. Follow the on-screen guide to record your cassettes using the USB converter.

Macintosh OS X

1. Insert the cassette into Deck B. Plug your Tape2PC cassette player into a working USB port on your computer.

2. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and open the "Preferences" menu. Click "Sound" and select the "Input" tab.

3. Highlight and select "USB Audio Codec." Close the System Preferences window.

4. Open the EZ Converter software and follow the on-screen guide to record the cassette from your USB cassette archiver.

Tips & Warnings

• Use direct USB ports. Avoid USB hubs and splitters.

References

• Ion: TAPE2PC - QuickStart Guide
• Ion: TAPE2PC: Documents & Downloads
• Ion: Mixmeister EZ Converter