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Convert Cassette Tape to Digital

Grey GhostGrey Ghost Registered User regular
in Moe's Stupid Technology Tavern
Hey all. I find myself in need of recording some tracks from a cassette into my laptop so I can convert them to mp3. I've already found some good walkthroughs for using Audacity, but what I really need to know is the best input method. I keep seeing a tape deck being recommended, but could a Walkman suffice? I think I can dig one up in the house somewhere. As far as connections go, I just have a standard 1/8" mic input on my laptop. Will a simple stereo plug cable from Radio Shack do the job with the Walkman?

Bluesky|Cohost

Posts

  • EshEsh Tending bar. FFXIV. Motorcycles. Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    They actually make USB cassette deck/Walkmans for just this purpose.

  • Donovan PuppyfuckerDonovan Puppyfucker A dagger in the dark is worth a thousand swords in the morningRegistered User regular
    Your method (the 1/8 male to male stereo cable) will work fine.

    The sound quality will be about on par with FM radio transmissions, no matter what bitrate you sample the output at. If they're commercially available songs I'd just buy the MP3s online.

  • UselesswarriorUselesswarrior Registered User regular
    If buying everything on iTunes sounds expensive just consider how long it will take to convert tapes over, you basically have to play the entire tape to convert it.

    Hey I made a game, check it out @ http://ifallingrobot.com/. (Or don't, your call)
  • Grey GhostGrey Ghost Registered User regular
    It's just one tape, a limited-release cassette-only single by some friends of mine
    Thanks for the input, guys

    Bluesky|Cohost
  • redfield85redfield85 Registered User regular
    Uselesswarrior wrote: »
    If buying everything on iTunes sounds expensive just consider how long it will take to convert tapes over, you basically have to play the entire tape to convert it.

    Was JUST saying this to my mom. She thinks my uncle will feel like converting a ton of cassettes for her. Not worth the time when you can re-buy things easily.

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