record cassette tape to computer: Looking for input how to record some cassette tapes of my aunts and uncles to a computer. I have Mac and Windows available. thanks...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

General Chit-Chat (non-photography talk)

record cassette tape to computer

Page 1 of 2 next>

Mar 22, 2022 23:15:00 #

farwest Loc: Utah

Looking for input how to record some cassette tapes of my aunts and uncles to a computer. I have Mac and Windows available.

thanks

Mar 23, 2022 02:47:59 #

Laramie Loc: Tempe

I did it once, with a cassette deck, an amplifier, and a headphone jack. Results were unimpressive, to be generous. Can't find a CD version?

Mar 23, 2022 05:22:15 #

Nikonman2014

https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Capture-Grabber-Cassette-Converter/dp/B079CBGDST/ref=pd_ybh_a_30?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KWZNB0J9BSZ1D05H8C9N

Mar 23, 2022 07:18:47 #

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

farwest wrote:

Looking for input how to record some cassette tapes of my aunts and uncles to a computer. I have Mac and Windows available.

thanks

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=record+cassette+tape+to+computer

Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

Mar 23, 2022 08:29:02 #

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

I have a low cost turntable that I got from Amazon. It also came with a cassette player. Both are connected to a computer via USB. The quality is not great but neither is the quality of the tapes and records. Also, I have a copy of Audacity , a free audio enhancer similar to Adobe Audition, but not nearly as complicated. From there, I can provide fairly good sound to make a thumb drive or a CD.

Mar 23, 2022 08:38:41 #

bw79st Loc: New York City

farwest wrote:

Looking for input how to record some cassette tapes of my aunts and uncles to a computer. I have Mac and Windows available.

thanks

You need a USB audio interface. I have a Cakewalk UA-1G that I bought years ago and it is still in use as my interface in the opposite direction from my music collection on an older laptop to my audio system. It functions in the other direction also when I wanted to dub tapes into the computer.

Mar 23, 2022 09:02:24 #

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Or you can just use the line out of a cassette deck connected to the line (or mic) input on your computer.

Mar 23, 2022 09:44:05 #

BebuLamar

I don't have a Mac, I use Windows PC but I guess you can use the same hardware and software.
I use Audacity software which is free and I believe it's available for both Mac and Windows.
I use Tascam US-4x4 Audio Interface
I use Nakamichi CR-7a to play the tape.
Results are very good.

Mar 23, 2022 09:53:56 #

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

BebuLamar wrote:

I’ll bet they are - Nak makes excellent decks, I still have mine and hundreds of dbx encoded cassettes. Also, another vote for audacity.

Mar 23, 2022 10:11:19 #

Tote1940 Loc: Dallas

Bought at DAK a dongle that takes RCA stereo out from cassette player to USB in MAC using Quicktime to convert to MP3 great results over 300 cassettes converted

Mar 23, 2022 11:10:48 #

Tote1940 Loc: Dallas

OK Dongle I use is from DAK.com "USB Audio Capture"
Input 2 RCA plugs Output USB; software Quicktime player on MAC
Only problem is automatic level control, do not know if other software permits level adjustment
Use an old cassette changer.
My tapes are between 30 and 50 years old; quite a few leader unglued from tape; had to do some surgery : open cassette; scotch tape leader back ; reassemble.
Clean capstans very often; old tapes shed and if sticky you wind up with tape rolled on drive mechanism
I need to open changer and use Q tips and alcohol to clean mess
Good luck; hope your player works well; out of 4 only one of mine works; belts usually rot.

Mar 23, 2022 11:11:52 #

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I have an device called an EZCAP230 that converts tape to MP3. Small battery operated. No idea where to get one though.

Mar 23, 2022 11:20:23 #

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

farwest wrote:

Looking for input how to record some cassette tapes of my aunts and uncles to a computer. I have Mac and Windows available.

thanks

On Macs, unless they are OLD (2012), you have no analog audio input. You will need an Analog to Digital (A/D) interface.

$15 and up… WAY up.

GarageBand is included with every Mac and works with any A/D interface.

Line out from cassette to line in on the interface. Use whatever good quality cable gets it done. For lowest noise, use a battery powered cassette player in a room with no LED or fluorescent lights.

Mar 23, 2022 12:08:16 #

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

A simple search on Amazon Cassette to Pc will bring up many choices. I personally bought AGPtek brand and converted over 300 tapes to digital. Make sure the pressure pads are still on your cassette. Also older iron oxide tapes (red colored tape) will tend to buuild up on tape player head, just keep alcohol and qtips on hand to clean player head.

Mar 23, 2022 16:26:38 #

BebuLamar

burkphoto wrote:

Line out from cassette to line in on the interface. Use whatever good quality cable gets it done. For lowest noise, use a battery powered cassette player in a room with no LED or fluorescent lights.

Really? My Nakamichi CR-7a has quite a bright VU meter (don't know what kind of light they use) and it run on AC power yet it's quieter than any battery powered cassette player I know.

Page 1 of 2 next>

If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.

General Chit-Chat (non-photography talk)

Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections

UglyHedgehog.com - Forum